In the past, professional cyclists used to tuck a newspaper under the front of their jerseys before long mountain passes to protect themselves from the cold wind. The paper served its purpose, but by the next descent it was already torn.
The manufacturers Q36.5 from Italy and Albion from England have now taken up the idea - in the form of a rectangular piece of functional material that can be rolled up and carried in the jersey pocket and slipped under the jersey when required. Both models reliably keep the wind out, but the Italian "Burner" is even more heavily lined than the English "Wind Shell" - which is pleasant on the downhill, but quickly becomes too warm on the flat and in temperatures above 15 degrees.
Wind protection from Q36.5 and Albion
- Prices: 55 Euro (Q36.5) | 32 Euro (Albioncycling)
- Sizes: unisize
Plus: Wind protection
Minus: not very vapour permeable
Matthias Borchers
Editor
