Description The Airjack 851 is specifically designed for temperatures ranging from 32-47 degrees. It's made to provide superb thermal protection down to freezing conditions. The Airjack 851 apart, though, is its ...
Summary: This is a detailed review for the much touted Rapha soft shell. STOP reading if you are 1. Not extremely picky about your cycling clothing; 2. Do not have great difficulty finding cycling jackets that fit you; 3. Not willing to spend lots of money on quality clothing; 4. Do not have a wonderful wife who allows you to spend part of your tax return on "anything you want."
With that out of the way, this is the finest piece of cycling clothing I have ever worn. I am a slight 5'5", 125 lbs and have GREAT DIFFICULTY finding the perfect fit. With 300 dollars to spend on a new cycling jacket, I had lots of choices: Assos (can't say the name in front of the kids), Castelli (do not wish to look like a motocross rider), Giordana (too flashy), and umpteen others. After doing some research, I chose the Rapha because it 1. Was very likely to fit my body shape (it does perfectly); 2. It is understated and lacks words like "radiation" and "rosso corsa" and "Assoshole"; 3. Uses a very good synthetic known to be breathable and stretchy (Hytrel); 4. Has good pockets (needs a chest pocket though; 5. Has thumb loops (don't knock it till you've tried it, you'll never go back); 6. Has an offset zipper (same as 5.)
The Rapha has supreme build quality, a perfect fit, very supple soft shell material, and very nice styling. I hate fashion hype and blah, blah, blah. But, all the hype about wearing the Rapha soft shell off the bike is true. It actually is quite practical in the end. I routinely ride then go straight to work or meetings. I slip a pair of pants over my tights and leave the Rapha on...bam, presentable. Hair gets washed and dried in the sink, but that's another matter.
But, what really matters is performance. The jacket fits perfectly on the bicycle, is completely windproof, reasonably breathable, and has two critical strong points: 1. A PERFECT collar fit with soft fleece lining; 2. Nice long arms with thumb loops. These two features make the jacket for me. It is very hard to find the perfect collar for me, and the Rapha fits perfectly. I hate when arms are not long enough when extended in the cycling position. The thumb loops are comfortable and functional.
The rear pockets are huge and well positioned. Rapha needs to sew in an internal or external chest pocket though. Just do it and move on. 86 the little pocket at the waist, although this does fit keys and change perfectly.
The Rapha is not insulated. This means layers are required in extreme cold, something I ride in routinely. But it extends the range of use to higher temps. With an insulating layer, I am comfy down to the teens Fahrenheit. It is completely windproof! Don't you hate when expensive cycling jackets mix and match materials to provide "venting" and moisture management?! This is best achieved using great materials, proper fit, and pit zips. The latter are barely visible in the Rapha but they are there if you need them. I love pit zips.
I have not used the drop down butt cover.
Lastly, the bite guard. Pure hype Rapha! Since the collar fits so perfectly, I can't reach it with my teeth. It is not necessary anyway, since the zipper slides easily without counterpull.
Strengths: Material quality, fit, perfect collar, great pockets, great understated styling, windproof and breathable, pit zips, offset front zipper, exclusivity (this is key to bolstering ego and making people ooh and aah at you at work or at the park with the kids)
Weaknesses: needs a chest pocket, consider adding a little insulation for added warmth, expensive (love the tax cuts George)
Similar Products Used: Showers Pass, Adidas climawarm, Cannondale LE jacket, borrowed Assos airjack (hated that one but it was too big)
Bike Setup: Titanium, ultegra, kysrium elite, look keo etc.
Summary: Disappointing product considering the brand and price. I'm an avid user of Assos gear, it is expensive but the fit and quality are extremely high, such that you look forward to riding in it.
While this jacket is very well made and has very nice materials there are two main problems: 1) the wind block material only covers the front area of your arms, so on a cold day the back of your arms get cold. This basically necessitates the use of long sleeve underwear. The wind block material at the front also needs to be a bit lower, otherwise if you're in a fairly upright position (say on a climb) then the lower part of your stomach can feel a bit exposed.
2) The design of the flap could be better. It is difficult to fasten while in motion. Velcro would probably be better.
The jacket itself fits very well, the zip is extremely functional and useful. This jacket could be excellent, but I think Assos need to extend the coverage of the windblock material.
Summary: Have been using this jacket for about 5 years now - it is simply amazing.
Yes, it is expensive but it is the finest piece of craftmanship you'll find in a jacket, holds up very well (another 5 yrs of use, no problem), great fit, doesn't flap in the wind, high tight-wrap collar really keeps the wind out (I keep mine snapped and simply regulate temperature with the zipper. THis really is a great jacket and if you can find it on sale at the nd o the winter season, grab one.
Strengths: Fit, quality of fabric, quality of mfg, 5 pockets, high snap collar, overall quality
Simply the best and I've gone thru lots of jackets
Weaknesses: Price, but you get what you pay for. I'm looking at a 10yr lifespan, min, so cost really does not seem that unreasonable
Similar Products Used: Bell, Pearl, Castelli, Descente, Giordano
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Summary: I have been using the Assos 851 this winter, and really like it. It fits very well, once you figure out the right size. Assos is variable in sizing in my opinion. For example, I wear large in Assos bibs, XL in their top line jersey, and L in the 851. In most other companies' products I wear mediums. It is worth the trouble to get the right fit, and I find I can wear this in weather from about 25 deg. F to 45 deg. F.
Strengths: Form fitting, blocks wind in front, breaths in the rear, looks great and fits great in the cycling position.
Weaknesses: Cost, but that is the way it is for Assos and other top quality products.
Similar Products Used: Nike and Hincapie cycling jackets.
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Summary: I was looking for a jacket that would keep me warm during the winter months with temps in the upper 20's to 40's. Well this jacket fits the bill perfectly. With a good long sleeve base layer this jacket keeps me warm even when the temps dip down to the low 30's and upper 20's. Without a base layer it works good with temps in the 40's. Any warmer than that and this jacket would probably be too much. This jacket is one of those types of cycling attire that work great while you're riding and creating some internal heat, but once you stop you'll get chilled quick. I like to start my rides feeling a little chilly then warm up. That way I don't have to peel a bunch of outer layers off after warming up. This jacket works perfectly for what I need. Also, this jacket is extremely form fitting. It fits my slimish torso perfectly, but maybe too tight for some people.
Strengths: Windproof, form fitting and comfortable on the bike.
Weaknesses: You'll get chilled at the post ride coffee stop.
Similar Products Used: Pearl Izumi.
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