Nothing can spoil a cyclist's mood more than cold wind and wet conditions on a ride. The antidote is around 100 grams light, crumpled up the size of a fist and hopefully in your jersey pocket: the wind waistcoat. Especially in spring and autumn, it helps against sudden bad weather, the chill of the mornings and evenings or the icy wind on fast descents - and of course against bad moods. We wanted to know what waistcoat manufacturers have to offer for the transitional periods with changeable weather. 14 companies from A for Assos to X for X-Bionic sent 14 men's and 6 women's models into the race. The prices ranged from 45 euros (Protective and Vaude) to 260 euros for the women's "Symframe" waistcoat from X-Bionic.
What can the 20 West really do? Or rather: What should they be able to do? Their most important function is to protect against wind and water. At the same time, hot air should not build up inside. The waistcoats should therefore be impermeable to air at the front, but permeable enough at the back to let off steam - and still keep splash water away from your bum and back. The cut should be adapted to the racing bike position - short at the front, long at the back - and hug the body as closely as possible without being too tight. The waistband plays a crucial role, as it has to keep the waistcoat in position while pedalling without it slipping upwards. Nothing is more unpleasant on a descent than a cold wind on your back, which is soaked with sweat from the ascent. A padded collar is pleasant. Sensibly placed jersey pockets or pockets in the back and smooth-running zips make life easier for racing cyclists. In addition, the waistcoat should make the cyclist clearly visible to other road users: either through reflective piping or signal colours.
SHORT & SHORT
The price range in our test of autumn waistcoats extends from a reasonable 45 euros for the models from Protective and Vaude to 260 euros for the women's waistcoat from X-Bionic. The quality of workmanship is surprisingly good, but the functionality varies enormously. The best waistcoats come from Craft, Gore, Löffler and X-Bionic, while the most striking model is from Mavic.
You can find the test results of these models in the PDF download below:
- MEN:
Assos ClimaJet Vest
Castelli Fusione Vest
Craft Elite Wind Vest
Gore Xenon AS
Löffler WS Active
Mavic Vision Vest
Protective Neil
Redvil Basic Vest
Scott Limited Windstopper Vest
Shimano wind waistcoat Originals
Sportful Hot Pack Vest
Sugoi Zap Vest
Vaude Air VEst
X-Bionic Wind Vest Biking
- LADIES:
Löffler WS Active
Protective Odile
Scott Vest W's Windstopper
Sugoi Zap Vest Women
Vaude Women's Air Vest
X-Bionic Symframe
Downloads:
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