Club Ride Cross Wind Women's Jacket

The Club Ride Cross Wind jacket is a good looking, lightweight windproof shell that will easily stuff into a rear jersey pocket. It's perfect for those days when it's sunny but there's a wee nip in the air, and it keeps the wind from chilling you whether you're cruising or barrelling along. The relaxed styling means it can be worn off the bike without looking out of place, in fact it looks less like a cycling jacket than a smart casual one.

It's constructed from 'Wind20' ripstop polyester with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, which is described as being water-resistant as well as wind-resistant. However, the technical blurb doesn't specify exactly how water-resistant. My jacket could cope when it was spitting, but commuting one day in light rain it soaked through the sleeves in about 10 minutes. So, I'd treat the Cross Wind in accordance with its name, as a windproof. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how breathable it is.

Read more: Buyer's guide to windproof jackets

The woven fabric also has UV protection factor 30 built in, which could come in handy if you're cycling abroad.

As for the cut, it's labelled as 'sport fit' but I would disagree. It was a very loose fit on me with lots of excess material in both the body and the arms and no discernible waist. To be blunt, it is better suited to 'horizontally challenged' women. I would have gone for the XS size but for the sleeve and body length being too short. The sleeves could be a couple of inches longer. They're okay if you're on the tops but not on the drops, though comfortable elasticated cuffs keep them in place.

I would also have preferred the body to be longer at the back so it covers your bottom. The hem was quite loose and has no elastic so it tends to ride up. Finally, my third niggle is the low-cut and loose fitting collar. It only reaches the base of your throat when zipped up into the zip garage and there is no adjustment to draw it in snugly. I much prefer a collar that does up snugly under my chin to keep draughts out.

On a more positive note, the hood is well designed and fits neatly under your helmet, with drawstring and toggles to adjust it. There are two small chest pockets, one zipped and on top of it a denim jacket style one with flap and stud. For night-time visibility there are two strips of reflective piping on the back's side seams, so pretty minimal.

All in all, this would make a good windproof for the larger lady who wants a smart-looking jacket that is as at home around town as on the bike.

Verdict

Stylish, very light windproof jacket for keeping the chill off on summer rides