It's the home straight, people - we've got through the shortest day (up here in the Northern Hemisphere), and here's to more time for after-work cycle shenanigans.
Only, it takes so long to get ready. Thick gloves, base layers, jerseys, long bibs, over-trousers, waterproof/windproof/Hi-Viz all over the place. It's no wonder many of us choose to turbo until the daisies appear at the roadside where we mend our punctures.
Like most, I check the weather app on my phone, and on the TV, and on the radio, and on another app on my phone to help me decide whether to brave the ordeal of trying to warm up when the chill factor is responsible for the temperature's negative equity. Will the rain stop, and if it does, will it freeze? Everything shouts 'eat more pies' rather than stuffing your hands down your trousers to return some feeling to either area of contact.
However, lately, I've been looking out with hope that the outlook isn't bright as I've found one of the best winter jackets I've ever had.
Back when I started cycling seriously, I decided to invest in very good apparel: a Castelli Mortirolo with Gore Windstopper (now known as Infinium) which was one size larger than usual so I could pack more lard in between me and the elements. I couldn't justify buying a new one, as I didn't work in the cycling industry at the time so couldn't feed on the delicious staff discount, and had instead scoured eBay. I still have it, a decade later, and I still love it.
Things have moved on, except that the Mortirolo is still unaffordable. Luckily for me, some excellent alternatives have appeared on the market but until now, not one has exceeded the love I have held these many years for my Castelli.
That has now changed, thanks to the heralded rebrand of Decathlon's premium cycling equipment. The rather stuffily named 'Winter Road Cycling Jacket Endurance' - yes, it's a 'Jacket Endurance' - has joined my wardrobe and it's the reason I'm looking out of the window, hoping for inclemency.
The outer polyurethane layer is designed to keep out the nasty wind and rain but there's more to this than just the shell. Next to the body, there are two kinds of thermal layers, one of them being waffle weave over the shoulders, arms, and upper body to keep the chill from the areas you want kept cosy, cosy.
I've found it more than just adequate for keeping out the cold with only a long-sleeved base layer. The regular fit also lets me wear a normal shirt beneath so that I can use it to commute every day.
I firmly believe in having pockets and the Endurance Jacket delivers - my Mortirolo has three, but the Endurance has more pockets than a snooker hall. I keep finding pockets and I'm running out of things to put in them.
While looking for something I'd put in a pocket and couldn't readily find I also discovered the extra storm flap at the back, which can be dropped down to banish a squelchy bot if you have one of those Savers for your Ass - this flap actually works far better than the eponymous plastic puddle flange.
If the day is disappointingly temperate, any cycling fug is conveniently wicked away through non-shell panels at the sides, so you don't get home drenched from your internal tropical rainstorms.
All colourways (I have the brown - no, really. It's lovely) have nice reflective details so that you can seem cool while being seen. This jacket is much less gaudy than a TOWIE nail bar but shines in other, more important ways. You wouldn't look out of place in a pub or at the shops and you definitely won't be mistaken for a traffic warden.
If you're going out in sub-zero temperatures then I would suggest a bit more layering, but this is stretchy enough for me to do the rides I do and I was toasty warm on a recent gravel ride, with my Ass Saved from mud-streaked moisture attacking me from behind. It didn't start out rainy but was drizzling quite heavily by the time I'd returned and collected moisture was rolling off the surface of the jacket without soaking in, and without me soaking inside.
Coming in at just under £70, the Endurance Jacket is superb value for money. It's reasonably lightweight, super warm, and more than just showerproof.
Add to that the material is made from 79% recycled polyester which reduces the CO2 emissions linked to the material by 16% you can feel smug as well as warm and toasty.
Van Rysel Men's Winter Road Cycling Jacket Endurance - £69.99 from www.decathlon.co.uk
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