Cycling Jackets; The Ins and Outs of These Essential Outer Layers (+ Sugoi Jacket GIVEAWAY)
02. Dec, 2011 
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So it’s official, winter is upon us. The snow is flying and the temperature is consistently chilly. What does this mean for us and our bikes? Time to hang up the towel until next year? NO; the answer to year round biking can be found in the perfect cycling JACKET. But of course, it can be difficult to find the perfect jacket because there are so many options to choose from. Lightweight, breathable, packable, waterproof, windproof, heavy duty, etc… What do all of these descriptions mean and what are they actually going to do for us? Get some answers about the world of jackets in this buying guide, hopefully it helps you match your needs so you can exactly what you want.
Buying Guide
What are you going to be using the jacket for? This should be the first thing you ask yourself when you decide you want to make a purchase. I have found a great way to answer this question is to think about it when you are riding. It may sound basic but if you are consistently riding canyons, for example, you may find you feel great on the way up with just a long sleeved jersey, but are chilled to the bone on the decent. This would suggest that you need something that is easy to put in the back pocket of your jersey for the accent (packable), and able to break the wind for the decent (windproof). So before you do anything think about what you want this jacket for.
There IS a difference between a cycling jacket and regular jacket. The attention to details that biking companies put into jackets make your life much easier, and more comfortable. Here are some of the differences to keep in mind as you look at cycling jackets:
- Longer in the back than the front (aka drop tail hemline). This cut is designed for the way our bodies are positioned on the bike; bent at the waist, leaning forward. If you hopped on the bike with a regular jacket you would soon find the small of your back freezing and exposed!
SUGOI's Hot Shot Jersey is a well-fitting winter softshell with dense warmth.
- Reflective piping. This is the metallic looking strips that are usually stitched into the seams of cycling jackets. You will notice that as soon as the surrounding area becomes dark, if light is directed at these strips they actually put off a surprising glow that is attention grabbing. Reflective piping can help keep you safe when riding on the road at night.
- Pockets. Cycling jackets should definitely have pockets, but don’t be alarmed if you find them in different places than your typical ski jacket. Back pockets are great for road and commuting storage (either top access or side access with a zipper). A breast pocket is a plus, you might find they are good for smaller items such as keys and cell phones. And regular front pockets are great for hands when off the bike (be careful not to put anything in them if they do not have zippers, things might go bouncing out!)
- Waist cord and wrist cuffs. Make sure there is some way of tightening the jacket around the waist and at the sleeves to prevent, minimize the airflow under the jacket while on your ride. Of course there are many different options for this; velcro, elastic or zippers. Choose what you like, but make sure this is a feature; you will be grateful for it when temperatures drop suddenly. Conversely, the loosening of the waist cord or wrist cuffs can help cool you, if you are too warm.
Novara Headwind Bike Jacket: this soft-shell bike jacket blocks wind and resists water, making it ideal for a mixed bag of riding weather
So what does all the jacket ‘jargon’ mean? After you understand the basic fit of a cycling jacket, you then move on to the catch words of certain jackets…
- Waterproof vs. Water Resistent: Plan and simply, waterproof means the jacket should be able to withstand a downpour, keeping you dry. Water resistant means the jacket can withstand the effects of rain, snow or sleet, but is not going to keep you dry in these conditions for an extended period of time.
- Windproof: Impervious to wind.
- Packable: The ability for the jacket to fold or bunch into a very small size so that you may ‘pack’ it along where ever you go. Usually jackets are labeled ‘packable’ of they have a small pocket that they can actually be packed into.
- Breathable: The way the jacket transfers your body heat away from you. This is seen in a couple of different ways; zippered vents, sleeves of the jackets actually zipping off, and certain materials that are actually designed to let your body out while still keeping the elements out. Breathability is very important! If you don’t find something that is breathable you will feel like you are wrapped in plastic wrap and will be dripping with sweat by the end of your ride.
The water-resistant Novara Conversion bike jacket converts to a vest in a flash, handling with ease everything from foggy mornings to sunny afternoons.
Review of Novara Jackets
With all of this new information about jackets under our belt lets take a look at some new 2012 Novara (REI brand) women’s specific jackets. (All the pictures throughout this article are the Novara women’s jackets).
The Novara Headwind Bike Jacket (as seen above). This jacket has forever changed the way I think about comfortable commuting. It is cozy warm, stretchy, and breathable (yeah jargon!). The front panels are windproof up to 35 miles per hour which is is hugely important for everyone who commutes. The back and side panels are made from a fabric that wicks moisture away, which is key to staying warm. It also has easily accessible pockets both on the front and on the back, my one complaint would be that the front pockets don’t zip, meaning you can’t put anything in them. The Headwind is finished off with a detachable hood that can fit under or over your helmet. This jacket is great for those who commute or road ride in chilly weather and want a mid layer or an outer layer! (MSRP: $99.50)
The Novara Express 2.0 (as seen above). This is your handy waterproof, lightweight, zip venting companion. You will be happy you had it when you find yourself in an unexpected rain shower or on a foggy morning. Novara does not cut any corners with this waterproof jacket, all the zippers are water sealed and all the vents are protected so you don’t get wet when you are trying to cool off. The drop tail hemline and tight fitting cuffs prevent the weather from getting between you and your ride. Don’t get caught on potentially wet days without the Express 2.0! (MSRP: $89.50)
The Novara Conversion (as seen above). This just might be one of the best ‘everything-in-one’ jackets! It is water resistant, very lightweight and can convert into a vest with a quick zip of a zipper. The cuffs and the hem bunch with elastic and the mesh lined back keeps you cool and sweat free. There is also reflective piping along the back to help with visibility, of course the bright yellow also helps with being seen! (MSRP: $79.50)
Note: Although REI provides jackets for review, they do not reimburse or give product to keep in exchange for product reviews.
Sugoi Versa Jacket GIVEAWAY!
SUGOI Women's Versa Jacket in Cherry color.
Sugoi a British Columbia based company has worked within the running, biking and triathlon industry for over twenty years and has been mastering the art of quality, performing clothing that is designed to make your sports enjoyable no matter the weather. They are offering to give away one of their outer layers, the Sugoi Versa jacket. (MSRP: $120). It’s a great convertible jacket with easily removable magnet attached sleeves and 3M Reflective piping on front, side and back for added visibility.
Other features of SUGOI’s Versa Jacket:
- Mesh ventilation for maximum airflow
- Removable sleeves with magnetic attachments
- Reverse coil separating zip with guard
- 2 comfortable front zip pockets
- 1 zip back pocket
- Dual adjustable shockcord
- Contrast elastic bound armhole
SUGOI Versa Jacket GIVEAWAY Rules:
Comments must be submitted by Thursday Dec. 15th. Please be sure to include a first name AND a valid email address. Cycle & Style will choose the winner randomly from the best comments on this post! This prize can be mailed to an address within the US or Canada. We’ll contact the winner and get the appropriate address–so please use a valid email address so we can reach you in a timely manner.
SUGOI will send the appropriately sized Versa Jacket to the winner!
Good luck!
As I have said before I love the website and all the blogs, I have shared it many times with my FB friends!!. I would love to win this jacket!
Riding in winter in Colorado can either mean 50 degrees one day or snow and 30 degrees the next. I would love a jacket that allows you to adjust for all the temperatures inbetween. I love Sugoi’s sizing and women’s specific fits–not just made smaller for a woman. Thanks Cycle and Style!
I have always thought that folks who hate the winter just don’t have the right gear. This jacket looks like it would make us all want to head out for a ride regardless of the temperature. The color will make sure we are seen – which will undoubtably will inspire others to join us. Bravo, Cycle and Style, by not only making us well informed and chic, but by motivating us to get out there and ride!
Genius! Very innovative jacket that would work in at least three seasons of Minnesota weather.
As an urban cyclist in the middle of Brooklyn NY , getting to Manhattan for work on my bicycle can be a pretty harrowing event –especially while trying to keep my clothes presentable on the way to the office ( who says cycling has to mean mean leaving my cute clothes buried in my backpack
…this jacket is adorable ! Pick me , pick me 
This jacket is pure genius. Waterproof, and packable, virtually unheard of in most jackets, plus removable sleeves! As a randonneur, equipment that does double duty if really important, as we have to carry everything with us from 200 – 1200k. The versa jacket makes it easy to switch the sleeves off and on,which would save time, as the clock is always ticking on these rides!! If I won this jacket I’m pretty sure it would soon be the most important item I would pack for my ride!!
This is a great looking and a really functional jacket. I cycle with a road group, they would soooo envious if I were to win such a cool jacket. I just know that soon after, the whole pack would be ordering one! Your sales would skyrocket as then the whole Club (Horizon 100 Cycle Club) would then order one!
I’m just now realizing that even though I CAN wear street clothes to ride, I’ll be more comfortable in something that’s intended for me to be on my bike.
What a brilliant jacket! I would love to have this jacket here in the Pacific Northwest, my new home, where I’m riding a few times a week. It looks perfect for the changing weather we have here. I would love the sleeves right now, and would be able to ride sleeveless when it warms up. The extra pockets would be very handy for keys, snack, hat. Thanks for this opportunity!
I’m a huge sucker for a nice cycling jacket. These jackets look awesome! Perfect for riding in Utah. I love that you guys have so many great reviews and giveaways! Keep up the good work!
There once was a woman in Seattle,
through the elements, daily, she’d battle.
Be it wind, rain, or gray,
on her bike she would stay.
Nothing can keep this chick off her saddle!
Yet in spite of her obstinate nature,
truth is, she’d be far the safer,
with a jacket from Sugoi,
such great features, oh boy!
and the best to keep dry as rains chase her!
Must admit that the magnetic attachments on the sleeves have me curious. I feel like that would be much easier to remove mid-ride than zippered sleeves are!
And, in case this shows up twice, I apologize for the double submission. The page didn’t reload after the first click. Cheers!
Great looking jacket. I have been searching for a “real” cycling jacket, but haven’t found one for a price that I felt woud best fit my needs. Thanks for the info. and the chance to win this one.
Thanks for the primer on all the technical jargon–it can be overwhelming to start reading labels. (That’s partly why I still don’t own an actual cycling jacket).
I agree with Ruth that people who hate winter riding just don’t have the right gear. I certainly hated it until I loaded up on wool. Now I’m loving my winter commute!
I love all your great posts–I’ve been a lurker here for a while. Thanks!
This cherry-colored jacket would match my red and black bike perfectly!! Also, living in the desert like I do, a jacket with removable sleeves is a must-have for the cycling wardrobe. I’ve been on the lookout for just such an item, and have yet to make a purchase… even if I don’t win, this may be the one I ask Santa for!
Thanks for the information/jargon on the jackets. It is so nice to have a trusted source from which to learn before making a bike/clothing/accessories purchase. I’ve been gearing up for some cold Utah winter biking, so the jacket information is needed.
Those magnet sleves are genius!
This would be an awesome belated birthday gift to me (12/14 is my big day)! I would love to add this to my biking wardrobe, which is sadly very limited. Now that I have learned to ride no-handed, I might actually be able to handle removing these sleeves mid-ride.
And this sounds perfect for the evening Iowa rides I go on.
This looks like a great first cycling jacket for me! Having trouble figuring out how to dress appropriately for chilly rides in Kentucky this time of year!
Beautiful, beautiful jackets. A great jacket keeps me warm when it’s cold but not so warm that I overheat. Nice sleak designs too – My old jacket, although well loved needs to retire, so I would be very grateful for a new one. Happy Biking!
I would wear this. I would flaunt this! I would enjoy this jacket! Awesome detail and perfect for the cyclist who wants to stay warm when it is cold and still ride! Pick me!!!!!
What a gorgeous and functional cycling jacket! I cycle with a group of wounded veterans as part of their rehabilitation and the weather conditions are always changing. This jacket is exactly what I need to keep me warm, comfortable, and safe! I LOVE it!
I like companies that consider not only form, but function when designing sports clothing. Sugoi’s magnetic sleeves are a great example……And the jacket is cute.
Love my Sugoi cycling clothing. The magnetic sleeves…awesome idea. I have the hardest time trying to unzip my sleeves and then if I need them back on, impossible. This is a must add for my cycling wardrobe!!!
I have to have this jacket!! I do a fair bit of winter riding, and this looks just perfect…and I can use it in all 4 seasons with the removable sleeves. Sugoi make fantastic, well thought-out products that keep us active and doing what we love, comfortably!
I love my sugoi tri clothes, can’t wait to see what the winter line is like! Got to love the reflective wear for those early morning commutes. Removable sleeves are great in Texas because you never know what the weather is going to be like.