Condor Professional Gilet

The Condor Professional Gilet is aimed at racers and those who like to ride at a high effort, thanks to its minimalistic design and its ability to let as much heat as possible escape. You'll need to check the fit, though. I don't normally have a problem with clothing, but this was oddly restricting in places.

There is virtually nothing to the Professional Gilet: you get a windproof membrane at the front and upper back, with the rest being a large mesh panel for breathability.

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This means the Condor is one of the lightest we've tested at just 78g, making it barely noticeable scrunched up in your back pocket. This is where it is likely to find itself most of the time, as it's one of those garments you'll get out for a chilly descent or a section riding into an icy headwind. It doesn't give much more protection from the elements other than that.

As far as windproofing goes, it's pretty impressive. The parts of your body protected by the front of the gilet do feel noticeably warmer, especially when you are travelling at speed, and the high neck stops any draughts whipping in over the top.

This windproof fabric travels over the shoulders and covers your upper back too, as these parts can still be in the line of fire from windchill.

If you are smashing it along or happen to hit a hill and overheat, the rear mesh allows a huge amount of body heat to escape. The Condor never made me feel clammy, even when really working hard on some off-road ascents.

You don't actually get any pockets, but to allow you access to those on the rear of your jersey there are two openings, one either side, for you to get your hands in. They are positioned well, although with a close fit when you're on the bike it can be a struggle to get a gloved hand in.

The cut isn't quite as racy as I expected, with the sizing around the chest and arms coming up a bit small. At 96.5cm I am right at the bottom end of this medium's size range, but it felt quite restrictive across the chest and the arm holes were tight. Going up a size would have made the already generous lower half too big and flappy in the wind.

I also found the tail wasn't very dropped compared to the front, which seems odd for such a race-intended garment where you find yourself very stretched out on the bike.

> Buyer's Guide: The best cycling gilets

In terms of value, the Condor is pretty good, matching up well against the same priced BTwin and a tenner cheaper than the very similarly styled but heavier dhb Aeron, but the Professional Gilet is let down by that sizing oddity.

If it fits you, though, it's a great emergency or race day gilet.

Verdict

Ideal gilet for those iffy weather days, but check the fit