Water and wind proof. I like the vents. It's kind of heavy, one would like to see front pockets in a jacket that is less race and more a tour jacket. I also don't like how small the zippers are on all the jackets now.
I live on the Olympic Peninsula of WA state where we get plenty of rain showers. I am in a ride group of cyclists who bike three to four times a week year round rain or shine. About half of the 16-20 riders have this Jacket. I just had to have one also. It keeps me dry, is breatheable, fits well ( 5' 2 120 female) size M, room enough for wool base layer and light fleece.
The only downside is that it does not have an attached rain hood, and the hood is extra. It is a spendy jacket but worth it right now as it is new and I really baby it. Time will tell if it holds up in the long run. I do extended bike touring so will see how it holds up being taken in and out of paineers. I carefully roll it and put it in a cloth bag to prevent wear shoving it into a pack.
Would like to hear from other users about how often they wash theirs. Solution used, and any spray used afterwards?
The jacket accompanied me on a bike ride of the Natchez Trace from Tennessee to Mississippi. We went through some rough storms but through all the rain I stayed dry and comfortable inside. There was great ventilation while peddling. Riders in nylon rain jackets were as wet inside as the rain was outside. The only thing I felt should have come with the jacket was a detachable hood.
I bought this hoping for three major things staying dry, being visable and durability. I got that and more! I love this jacket and plan on buying the hood to take it camping. It packs nicely and I wear it at night even if it's not raining. It fits me 5'1, lady 125 lbs. Bought a size small and the only thing that doesn't fit perfectly is to be expected as I have a giant headneck so zipping up the collar is comfortable albeit snug.
This is my road cycling shell from the mid-30's thru the upper 40's. Love the pit vent and long back to keep me dry.
I live on the Olympic Pennisula of Washington State, and I cycle year round. This jacket has been the perfect addition to my cycling gear. Encountering cold weather, rain, and wind, this jacket has made my rides more bearable, and comfortable. Have not found anything yet I don't like.
Believe it to be a well made jacket. Best surface treatment I've experienced. Even with the heavy Portland rain the surface stays dry and permits breathability. Yet I can't seem to drive my own vapor through this breathable Event garment completely and find the inside of the jacket sleeves very damp even though I ride fully vented. Still I'm dryer than any other garment I've tried so far.
Vents provides breathability.
Superior craftsmanship.
Very light.
I bought this based on reviews and it is the best cold and rain cycling jacket I own. I usually ride in groups 2-3 times a week and commute 22 miles one way about once a week all year round with a solo ride now and then. The real test came one rainy day at 38F, the jacket and hood were great for a 35 mile ride. I also used it on a group ride one Sat. morning with a starting temp at 12F for 40 miles. Both of these rides were brisk and I was able to adjust the venting easily with lobster gloves while riding. I would not wear it as a windbreaker above 30 on a dry day because I need more venting than it can provide. But in the rain and really cold it ROCKS!!!! Spend the money for a great jacket.
I no longer own a car, and I use this in combination with a pair of Showers pass club convertible pants as my raingear. I've ridden in downpours on the way to work, and it has kept me completely dry each time. I use it as an outer shell in the winter time, and combined with a fleece from the local department store and a simple T-shirt underneath that, I stay plenty warm in temperatures as low as 15 degrees. I also purchased the hood, but it does not fit over my bell citi helmet correctly, the velcro tears loose at the neck, so I cannot reccomend it. This jacket, as well as the pants, are absolutely superior products.
I use this jacket in rain or when it is on the chiily side (which happens rarely here in Hawaii). I have the hood also and leave it on the jacket (except I remove it when riding my roadbike because it inpedes view to the rear somewhat). I have tried a number of breathable rainjacketsraincoats and was disappointed in them all. This jacket is not perfect (it still gets sweaty in there when temperatures are warmer and relative humidity is high). These are the most difficult conditions for any breathable jacket (including the Elite 2.0), but this jacket does much better than anything else I've tried. Not only does it breathwick very well, it also has an EXCELLENT venting system consisting of a front zipper, pit zips, a vent across the shoulders in the back, and large cuffs which will let a lot of air into the jacket if they are open wide and the wrists are in a favorable posiion. (The cuff openings are a little stiff-which is good-but it would be even better if there was a built-in device of some sort for holding the cuffs fully open in a circular shape if the rider so desired.
It rains a lot around here during the fall, winter, and spring. When not raining, it tends to be chilly and damp. I have been pleased with this jacket. I also have a GoreTex jacket constructed of slightly lighter fabric. The e-vent coating definitely breathes better, but 100 times better in real-world use would be a bit of an exaggeration. I've worn this jacket while riding in the mid-50s with the front half unzipped and the pit zips unzipped. It allows enough air circulation and breathes well enough to keep from getting steamed up inside. Zip it up when colder and the e-vent really does breath better than other coatings. The construction is real solid - a well-made jacket. If you just need a little protection from a shower once in a while, you might not get your money's worth out of it. But if you go for weeks without a bright, sunny day in the winter, it's a good choice. Good rain protection, room for some layers underneath.
Pros The Elite 2.0 is my 'go' to' rain wear for all-day soakers, long training rides and commuting. I rate it 5-stars all the way around, in spite of the price. With a long sleeve jersey or arm warmers it makes a pretty decent windbreaker. The pit zips and back vent make it easy to regulate temperature.
Cons It's a little heavy to carry all day just for afternoon storms in the summer. Although I can fit it in a jersey pocket it's a little heavy. Maybe if I had a bag to last it to?
Bottom Line Find the tool for the job. I didn't expect this to be my summer jacket. I also didn't expect to enjoy riding in the rain so much when I have this on. A quality product made in Portland, OR.
