Mavic Inferno Jacket

Mavic's Inferno jacket is intended for those days when you're probably just better off staying in bed with the heating on. If you have to get out on the bike though you'll be toasty warm but it's a try before you buy as the proportions are a little odd.

The thermal properties of this softshell jacket are provided by Primaloft Sport insulation, which has varying diameter fibres intertwined with each other. This creates loads of tiny air pockets that trap body heat. It's also treated for water resistance which not only stops water from getting in but also stops it getting wet from sweat vapour from the inside. Insulation needs to be dry to be at its most effective.

It certainly works as the Inferno is very warm. We haven't had any freezing temperatures yet, but on a couple of rides at 6°C with just a summer mesh baselayer underneath I was sweating, admittedly with the vents closed.

Mavic haven't gone crazy with it though as you'll only find it under the softshell material on the shoulders and front panels, the ones that are going to be taking the wind chill as you're riding.

Breathability is provided by thin Lycra panels under the arms and rather cool reflective-edged spinal sections. Along with the zipped vents on the forearms and just in front of the armpits, these allow a cooling breeze through the jacket.

A lot of thought has gone in to the cut and finish of the Inferno and that goes a long way to justifying the £180 price tag. The zip is offset for a start, something we've seen on the likes of Rapha's jackets for a long time. It does make a lot of difference on jackets with high close fitting necks to not have a zip digging into the tender skin under your chin.

The front of the jacket is cut at waist height to avoid bunching when on the bike while the rear is dropped deep enough to cover the majority of your backside, all kept in place with a silicone gripper. Ideal for you non-mudguard users out there. The tailoring of the Inferno is slim-fitting without being tight, the test sample is UK sized small and fits me perfectly which highlights the fact that their sizing chart is spot on.

The only issue is the arms, off the bike they feel too long which I understand as when stretched out on the hoods things are about right. The inner lycra cuff fits snugly around the wrist while the outer softshell one is cut longer on the top to fit over a glove.

The width of the sleeves is totally at odds with the rest of the jacket, though: they're massive. While I wouldn't exactly class myself as muscular I'm not one of these whippet thin racing cyclists either; having all of this material flapping around in the wind just feels odd.

For those properly freezing days the Inferno comes with its own balaclava which poppers inside the jacket at shoulder height, far enough down that it stops any drafts from entering. It's a neat idea and can be left hanging inside when it's not needed.

For storage there is a zipped pocket on the chest and a deep one at the rear in the usual place. It's deep enough to keep things secure even when it's unzipped as leaving it open allows it to be used as another vent .

Overall the Inferno is a great jacket for when the weather turns icy, offering some of the best thermal properties I've found in a softshell. The price is acceptable as you can see it's going to last for years and there are some neat design features. The only thing stopping me getting my cash out though is those arms, they just feel at odds with the rest of the slim fit jacket and look kind of silly.

Verdict

Deep winter insulation and intelligent design, but those with 'cyclists' arms' might find it a little roomy