Short Sleeve Option

One of the advantages of this jacket is the ability to unzip the long sleeves for hot weather. I’ve found this particularly useful for longer rides this Spring.

Although the jacket isn’t specifically sold as being waterproof, I have found that it stands up well in wet weather—keeping me dry on my work commute.

It is of a very high quality in terms of the materials, fit and comfort

However, I would recommend putting a lightweight waterproof jacket in your bag for long rides, as this jacket isn’t guaranteed to keep you dry in heavy rain.

The Gore Phantom jacket uses Gore Windstopper material which makes a huge difference on a bicycle. In the cold Winter, I found I could ride with only a shirt underneath the jacket—without getting bitterly cold.

The jacket does an excellent job of keeping the wind out. As I mentioned earlier, the fit of the jacket is very good. An elasticated hem keeps the jacket fitted around your waist whilst riding—thus helping to disperse the wind around your body rather than flowing straight into the jacket.

Three Back Pockets

The jacket has three back pockets—quite common on cycling jerseys—making storage quite easy.

Although the jacket comes in a variety of colours—some of which are more visible than others—the jacket has highly reflective strips down the arms and in important sections of the jacket. I found this quite reassuring when riding on dark evenings through the Autumn and Winter seasons.

Where can you get it?

You can buy the jacket at Amazon or Wiggle. It’s available in Red, White, Yellow, Blue, Black and Grey.

The trousers also have a comfortable mesh lining, as well as anti–wear material on the seat and lower inside of each leg. This was one of the features that impressed me the most, as these trousers are clearly built to last.

Converts into shorts

The cycling trousers are designed with an active fit, but are certainly not skin tight. However, these trousers are not designed to be worn as over–trousers. As the trousers are significantly more expensive than standard over–trousers I was keen to find a pair that converts into shorts—and these do just that!

In the winter these trousers are ideal for even very cold weather, and I gave them a thorough test during the cold winter of 2009 in the UK. However, in the warmer weather or for longer rides these trousers easily convert into shorts.

Another important consideration is that these trousers are not sold as being waterproof. However, I have found that they keep me completely dry even in heavy rain.

I have not tested them in heavy rain for a prolonged period, but for a daily commute they have stood up to some very heavy showers without leaving me soaking wet.

It’s worth noting that these trousers are not only suitable for commuting but are perfectly comfortable for longer rides. I have done several 25–30 mile rides with the trousers and have found them very comfortable.

Another advantage of these trousers is the Velcro section on the lower leg section. By simply adjusting two Velcro strips you can tighten the trousers around the lower leg meaning you don’t need clips to keep the trousers away from your crank.

Air–vent zip section

Although it’s difficult to see in the picture—the trousers have air–vent zip sections near the upper thigh which really helps to keep you cool. If you start a ride when it’s cold, and it warms up, there’s nothing worse than feeling too hot. Just unzip these sections and you get an instant breeze to cool you down—a really great design feature that has proven useful on numerous occasions.

Final Thoughts

Overall I’ve been extremely happy with these cycling trousers. I have worn them as trousers and shorts on numerous occasions and have found both formats to be functional and comfortable.

My initial concern was feeling the zip joining the upper and lower part of the trousers whilst cycling. Although you can feel the zip when riding, the mesh lining means that it is almost unnoticeable, and certainly isn’t uncomfortable on longer rides.

Another issue was the price. At around £85–100 ($120–160), these trousers aren’t cheap. However, they are well–made, and are built to last with reinforced panels in the most important areas.

If you want tight fitting trousers these definitely aren’t for you. But if you want trousers that keep you warm in the winter, can cope with heavy rain during a commute, and convert into shorts for warmer weather—then I would strongly recommend these trousers.

Where Can You Get Them?

You can pick up a pair of these trousers at Amazon, Wiggle or Google Products.