jacket

"Idris" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Looking for a waterproof cycling jacket to wear whilst cycling on

mountains.

Quoted message said:

Must be very weatherproof.

Any recommendations?

For genuine mountain use I'd pick a lightweight jacket more designed for
walkers with a good hood rather than a cycling specific one. I like
Berghaus's Paclite Smock.

"Idris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Looking for a waterproof cycling jacket to wear whilst cycling on

mountains.

Quoted message said:

Must be very weatherproof.

Any recommendations?

Gerald

Not really a mountain jacket I don't suspect but, I've been looking at the
Altura Nevis for £50 or the Nevis Light for a little more. The Nevis seems
to be a popular choice according to what I've read. I would be interested in
people's opinions on these jackets and on the Altura brand in general.
Thanks,

--
Regards, Paul (R)
My Lake District walking site:
www.lakelandwalker.co.uk

Paul Rose said:

"Idris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Looking for a waterproof cycling jacket to wear whilst cycling on
mountains. Must be very weatherproof.

Any recommendations?

Gerald

Not really a mountain jacket I don't suspect but, I've been looking
at the Altura Nevis for £50 or the Nevis Light for a little more. The
Nevis seems to be a popular choice according to what I've read. I
would be interested in people's opinions on these jackets and on the
Altura brand in general. Thanks,

I got this jacket as an xmas present and so far i'd say it's an excellent
jacket. Also got a pair of their waterproof trousers, so I'd say it's a
very good brand.

On Tue, 18 Jan 2005 20:11:01 -0000, "Idris" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Looking for a waterproof cycling jacket to wear whilst cycling on mountains.
Must be very weatherproof.

Any recommendations?

Dustbin bag. Or did you want something breatheable?

I'm not familiar with current options, but I can perhaps offer a few
pointers:

1) Breatheable jackets do not breathe rapidly enough to completely
prevent build up of sweat/vapour when you are cycling. They are of
course better than having something non-breatheable.

2) Taped seams are a must if you want absolute weather-proofing.

3) Elasticated cuffs and/or fastenings help to seal off drafts around
gloves.

I'm sure there are other good tips, but I can't think of anymore 'cos
I've had 2 pints.

--
Amazon: "If you are interested in 'Asimov's I-Robot',
you may also be interested in 'Garfield - The Movie'.
... erm, how do they figure that one out?

Idris said:

Looking for a waterproof cycling jacket to wear whilst cycling on mountains.
Must be very weatherproof.

Any recommendations?

Gerald

I can thoroughly recommend the Race Face ones and Chain Reaction usually
have last years models at a good discount.

Tony

Quoted message said:

Not really a mountain jacket I don't suspect but, I've been looking at the
Altura Nevis for £50 or the Nevis Light for a little more. The Nevis seems
to be a popular choice according to what I've read. I would be interested

in

Quoted message said:

people's opinions on these jackets and on the Altura brand in general.
Thanks,

I am very pleased with mine. I bought one about 4 years ago and it's still
waterproof. I bought a yellow one for road riding 2 months ago - if anything
the design has improved - it's more voluminous.

John

"Richard Bates" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Tue, 18 Jan 2005 20:11:01 -0000, "Idris" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Looking for a waterproof cycling jacket to wear whilst cycling on

mountains.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Must be very weatherproof.

Any recommendations?

Dustbin bag. Or did you want something breatheable?

I'm not familiar with current options, but I can perhaps offer a few
pointers:

1) Breatheable jackets do not breathe rapidly enough to completely
prevent build up of sweat/vapour when you are cycling. They are of
course better than having something non-breatheable.

2) Taped seams are a must if you want absolute weather-proofing.

3) Elasticated cuffs and/or fastenings help to seal off drafts around
gloves.

I'm sure there are other good tips, but I can't think of anymore 'cos
I've had 2 pints.

--
Amazon: "If you are interested in 'Asimov's I-Robot',
you may also be interested in 'Garfield - The Movie'.
... erm, how do they figure that one out?

Must be breathable and preferably gortex.

Have looked at the Altura ones and they just aren't technical enough, they
dont look as if they would keep you dry for long in a storm on a mountain..

Gerald

In message <[email hidden]>, Tony Raven
<[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

Idris said:

Looking for a waterproof cycling jacket to wear whilst cycling on mountains.
Must be very weatherproof.
Any recommendations?
Gerald

I can thoroughly recommend the Race Face ones and Chain Reaction
usually have last years models at a good discount.

Tony

I'll second that. Just got a Raceface Aquanot from Chain Reaction.
A very tough, well designed cycling jacket for the depths of Winter.
--
steve

in message <[email hidden]>, Idris

(') said:

Looking for a waterproof cycling jacket to wear whilst cycling on
mountains. Must be very weatherproof.

Any recommendations?

Three brands from countries with mountains where it rains a lot:

Altura (Scotland) (I wear one of theirs and it's brilliant)
Endura (Scotland)
Ground Control (New Zealand) (My partner wears one of theirs and it's
pretty good)

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

;; making jokes about dyslexia isn't big, it isn't clever and
;; it isn't furry.

Paul Rose said:

"Idris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Looking for a waterproof cycling jacket to wear whilst cycling on

mountains.

Quoted message said:

Must be very weatherproof.

Any recommendations?

Gerald

Not really a mountain jacket I don't suspect but, I've been looking at the
Altura Nevis for £50 or the Nevis Light for a little more. The Nevis seems
to be a popular choice according to what I've read. I would be interested in
people's opinions on these jackets and on the Altura brand in general.
Thanks,

The nevis is an excellent jacket apart from the zip which can be a bit
fussy.
A chunkier zip would have been a better thing to put in as the current
one (for the 2004 model) is a bit wimpy and can be difficult to get
together with numb fingers and can start to spread from teh bottom.

Otherwise a great jacket.

...d

Paul Rose said:

"Idris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Looking for a waterproof cycling jacket to wear whilst cycling on

mountains.

Quoted message said:

Must be very weatherproof.

Any recommendations?

Gerald

Not really a mountain jacket I don't suspect but, I've been looking at the
Altura Nevis for £50 or the Nevis Light for a little more. The Nevis seems
to be a popular choice according to what I've read. I would be interested in
people's opinions on these jackets and on the Altura brand in general.
Thanks,

The nevis is an excellent jacket apart from the zip which can be a bit
fussy.
A chunkier zip would have been a better thing to put in as the current
one (for the 2004 model) is a bit wimpy and can be difficult to get
together with numb fingers and can start to spread from teh bottom.

Otherwise a great jacket.

...d

in message <[email hidden]>, Idris

(') said:

"Richard Bates" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Tue, 18 Jan 2005 20:11:01 -0000, "Idris" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Looking for a waterproof cycling jacket to wear whilst cycling on

mountains.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Must be very weatherproof.

Any recommendations?

Dustbin bag. Or did you want something breatheable?

I'm not familiar with current options, but I can perhaps offer a few
pointers:

1) Breatheable jackets do not breathe rapidly enough to completely
prevent build up of sweat/vapour when you are cycling. They are of
course better than having something non-breatheable.

2) Taped seams are a must if you want absolute weather-proofing.

3) Elasticated cuffs and/or fastenings help to seal off drafts around
gloves.

I'm sure there are other good tips, but I can't think of anymore 'cos
I've had 2 pints.

Must be breathable and preferably gortex.

Have looked at the Altura ones and they just aren't technical enough,
they dont look as if they would keep you dry for long in a storm on a
mountain..

Try one. It will.

You are using a *lot* more energy mountain biking than walking or even
climbing. Breathability is a big premium, so is weight. You are not
going to close your pit zips except on long downhills. An Altura Nevis
with the pit zips open will keep you comfortable and adequately dry
even in the most appalling weather (modulo problems around the neck,
which it's pretty difficult to avoid particularly when wearing a
helmet), provided you're moving.

I'd agree it's not clothing to be stationary in on a mountain in winter.

As an aside, sitting around the house with the central heating on, I'm
wearing a cotton base layer, a silk shirt and a heavy woolen jersey.
Out on my bike in this weather I'd be wearing one layer of 'roubaix'
Lycra, and a light jersey or gilet with a windproof front. When you're
pumping out three or four hundred watts you don't need much clothing to
stay warm (although you do need to get into the warm pretty quickly
when you stop).

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/
;; If Python is executable pseudocode,
;; then Perl is executable line noise
-- seen on Slashdot.

Simon Brooke said:

Try one. It will.

I learned a long time ago that nothing keeps you dry on mountains. The
trick is to be able to be warm and damp, rather than have cold running
water on you.
And I have worn full mountaineering jackets in the hills in temperatures
that are significantly colder (ex windchill) than one can normally
find in UK outside of a commercial freezer.

Quoted message said:

You are using a *lot* more energy mountain biking than walking or even
climbing. Breathability is a big premium, so is weight. You are not
going to close your pit zips except on long downhills.

I got my jacket. I opened the pit zips. They have not been closed, even
at -5. The key to a good jacket is not breathable fabric, it is good
design and venting. Pit zips and shoulder vents are good, then modify
the base layer.

If you don't like running water on your neck, get a buff or similar scarf.

It works.

...d

Following on from Simon Brooke's message. . .

Quoted message said:

You are using a *lot* more energy mountain biking than walking or even
climbing. Breathability is a big premium, so is weight. You are not
going to close your pit zips except on long downhills. An Altura Nevis
with the pit zips open will keep you comfortable and adequately dry
even in the most appalling weather (modulo problems around the neck,
which it's pretty difficult to avoid particularly when wearing a
helmet), provided you're moving.

I'd agree it's not clothing to be stationary in on a mountain in winter.

As an aside, sitting around the house with the central heating on, I'm
wearing a cotton base layer, a silk shirt and a heavy woolen jersey.
Out on my bike in this weather I'd be wearing one layer of 'roubaix'
Lycra, and a light jersey or gilet with a windproof front. When you're
pumping out three or four hundred watts you don't need much clothing to
stay warm (although you do need to get into the warm pretty quickly
when you stop).

My personal circumstances are:
1 - I get cold VERY VERY quickly. 5 seconds in the fish pond or 1
minute in 3 degrees C. (And it takes at least 45+ minutes to warm up..-
Hands are obvious but same with chest and cheeks after cycling home with
my fleece a bit undone at circa 8-11 degrees C.)
2 - I REALLY want to cycle 10 miles each way to the pub and back in the
winter but wet and cold make it _impossible_.

SO
Bit by bit I'm learning....
(a) Take your glasses off - you're [censored] anyway.
(b) Put our balaclava on - Even rolled down as a 'scarf

BUT
This 'ain't athletic cycling. Mountains don't come into it! An average
of 13mph in Essex isn't equivalent to Sizewell B in energy output. So
my request is: (And I think this might be impossible ''cos I've been
worrying at this a while) How can I get out at night when T<6 and/or
precipitation=Likely?

---------------------------------
A couple of years ago I was AMAZED that 10 degrees C at night was
'shirt sleeve' cycling. The idea that you could go out in this
temperature was astonishing. 6 degrees is my current minimum with 2
layers all over and balaclava with hat. But to get back to the original
subject what about if there's precipitation on the cards?

--
PETER FOX Not the same since the deckchair business folded
[email hidden]
www.eminent.demon.co.uk/wcc.htm Witham Cycling Campaign
www.eminent.demon.co.uk/rides East Anglian Pub cycle rides

"Adrian Boliston" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Paul Rose said:

"Idris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Looking for a waterproof cycling jacket to wear whilst cycling on
mountains. Must be very weatherproof.

Any recommendations?

Gerald

Not really a mountain jacket I don't suspect but, I've been looking
at the Altura Nevis for £50 or the Nevis Light for a little more. The
Nevis seems to be a popular choice according to what I've read. I
would be interested in people's opinions on these jackets and on the
Altura brand in general. Thanks,

I got this jacket as an xmas present and so far i'd say it's an excellent
jacket. Also got a pair of their waterproof trousers, so I'd say it's a
very good brand.

Thanks to all for the replies re: the Altura jacket. I had a drive through
to my local bike shop(s) today, with the intent of purchasing the Altura.
However, one shop was closed and the other didn't have the size I wanted, or
the colour! While I was there though, I was seduced by the Gore Bike Wear
Countdown jacket. Very nice, well made and very light (Gore-Tex Paclite).
Slightly more expensive at £125 as opposed to £50 but I didn't get that one
either because they didn't have my size, or colour, again! They are
expecting another delivery from Germany soon so I suppose I better use the
time to decide which to go for. Decisions, decisions ;o)

--
Regards, Paul (R)
My Lake District walking site:
www.lakelandwalker.co.uk

Paul Rose said:

Not really a mountain jacket I don't suspect but, I've been looking at the
Altura Nevis for £50 or the Nevis Light for a little more. The Nevis seems
to be a popular choice according to what I've read. I would be interested in
people's opinions on these jackets and on the Altura brand in general.

I have a NevisLite - a couple of times I've ended up with
boil-in-the-bag syndrome, but now I've learnt my lesson and I only wear
it if it is /really/ cold and/or wet, and/or I'm not planning on riding
too hard.

Of course, there have been other occasions when I have been extremely
grateful for its wind/waterproofing qualities.

Overall, an excellent jacket, but not for every set of circumstances.

d.

Peter Fox <[email hidden]> wrote:

: My personal circumstances are:
: 1 - I get cold VERY VERY quickly. 5 seconds in the fish pond or 1
: 2 - I REALLY want to cycle 10 miles each way to the pub and back in the
: winter but wet and cold make it _impossible_.

OK. What I'd do if I was you then (in no great order). This is what I'd
wear for hillwalking in winter in Scotland. Actually, it's a little more
than I'd wear, but still, it'll give you some ideas.

1) Big boots, thick walking socks + flat pedals not light weight cycling shoes
2) Top half:
* Warm base layer (try M+S for a cheap + good wollen one)
* Fleece
* Jacket. One of these http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product.php?pid=2091
(on offer for £60) or similar (ie a heavy weight jacket)
* Balaclava again, or maybe better a windproof fleece hat and a scarf

Hat wise, one of these

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/extremities/headgear3.shtml#munrocap

will be the warmest option. Or, from this page

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/extremities/headgear2.shtml

the "Windy Balaclava" or "Windy took"

Buy the jacket large so that you can fit another jumper under if needed

Any of the windproof hats will be waterproof enough for 10 miles in all
but the more heavy of downpours.

3) Bottom half. Little more tricky since you want to look vaguely normal down
the pub I guess?

Two options: Some basic thermals + some light weight walking trousers +
waterproof trousers over the top (to look more normal down the pub) or
some heavyweight cycling tights, maybe with waterproof trousers over the
top if needed.

http://www.endura.co.uk/tights-weather.html (waterproofs)
http://www.endura.co.uk/tights-thermastat.html (tights)

You could make do with a cheap pair of £15 waterproof trousers though
if it's only 10 miles. Mainly you want to keep the wind off.

I'd suggest the first option for you. It'll be a less good for cycling
in (less freedom of movement) but warmer.

Arthur

--
Arthur Clune PGP/GPG Key: http://www.clune.org/pubkey.txt
It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness

Simon Brooke <[email hidden]> wrote:

: When you're
: pumping out three or four hundred watts you don't need much clothing to
: stay warm

When you're putting out four hundred watts for any period of time, you're
a lot fitter than I am!

--
Arthur Clune PGP/GPG Key: http://www.clune.org/pubkey.txt
It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness

Arthur Clune said:

* Balaclava again, or maybe better a windproof fleece hat and a scarf

Hat wise, one of these

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/extremities/headgear3.shtml#munrocap

will be the warmest option. Or, from this page

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/extremities/headgear2.shtml

the "Windy Balaclava" or "Windy took"

Further note that Mountain Caps and balaclavas are /not/ mutually
exclusive! A balaclava will keep your neck warm and cut out the
tendency fro drafts to cut behind the ear flaps on a Mountain Cap. A
Buff can take the place of a balaclava, and also doubles as a scarf.
The Polar model gives you more options for warmth.

If you prefer to wear a helmet then the polystyrene is quite a good
insulator, but it may be worth covering the vents if you've lots.
Gaffer tape or a shower cap are the cheap options, a Goretex or similar
helmet cover if you want to throw money at it for a minor improvement.
Thin balaclavas and buffs work well under helmets, and keep your ears warm.

Lowe's Mountain Cap (and probably some others too, a lot of different
manufacturers make them and you're spoiled for choice) has an option for
raising the peak with a popper button, which can be handy in lower light
levels if you're not keeping out rain. Some have a peak like a baseball
cap while others have a single stiffening wire. The latter are IMHO
better on the bike as they don't get caught in the wind and can be
shaped according to preference.

Quoted message said:

Any of the windproof hats will be waterproof enough for 10 miles in all
but the more heavy of downpours.

But windstopper fleeces are shocking when they /do/ soak through, taking
forever to dry and being cold when they're wet. The Mountain Caps will
be better for downpours in this respect.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/