When you choose to cycle through the British winter you need to get your kit right. The key to this is layering, as it allows you to add layers when you're too cold or ditch them when you're too hot. Opt for an insulated and waterproof option combined and you'll likely overheat and end up damp from sweat. But given the high volume of rain we're faced with on these shores, a decent, lightweight waterproof is a must for wet days, with lightweight but warm options ready to be worn underneath.
On test here is a range of waterproof jackets, softshell jackets (which should offer warmth and some protection from the elements without being too stuffy), long-sleeve jerseys and bib tights. Working in combination with each other, they should form the basis of your winter bike clothing, though the addition of a base layer is useful in particularly chilly weather.
With layering in mind, we're testing based on a garment's versatility, how it fits into a layering system and, of course, on its general performance. Naturally, accessories such as headgear, gloves and arm warmers also come into play, and you'll find reviews of these in Kit Zone over the next few issues. For now though, here's to a winter of (hopefully) warm and comfortable riding.
WATERPROOF JACKETS
GORE TORRENT
Like the Le Col jacket also on test here, this is far from cheap, but you do get very good performance for your money. The Torrent kept us dry in even heavy, sustained downpours, with the threelayer Gore-Tex Active certainly doing its job. On the odd occasion that anyin use, the Torrent packs down small, fits in a jersey pocket and weighs just 204g.
