Rohan Windrider Jacket

We tested the Rohan Elite Stormer jacket some time ago, and while we liked the performance of the fabric, we had our reservations about the slightly upright commuter cut. It's a similar story with this lightweight Windrider jacket, but the fit doesn't seem to matter so much here. Anyway, it's a pricey but well-conceived windproof with some standout features, most notably its performance in the rain.

This isn't a waterproof: the fabric is described as 'advanced Polyamide' which means it's similar to most other windproofs out there. It's light at 215g, and easily stowable in a jersey; it also packs into its own rear pocket and there's a velcro loop to attach it to stuff. Like the Elite Stormer the collar and tail are drawstring-adjustable, and it also features the same reflective piping that's red at the back, silver at the front – a nice touch. The cuffs are elasticated and there are two mesh-lined front pockets.

Despite not being a waterproof it's pretty waterproof. Okay - you might not get from one end of the Western Isles to the other with a dry t-shirt, but I've worn this jacket in some pretty heavy downpours and stayed virtually dry. Mostly that's down to the water-repellent treatment, which is as good as any I've come across. Water can't get in the (non-taped) seams if it beads up and rolls off the minute it hits the fabric, and Rohan seem to have really nailed that. They rate the treatment as good for 20 washes, and even then it'll stil be 80% efficient, we're told. That would be years of normal use but I've lobbed the Windrider in with a few washes and can confirm that a quick tumble dry seems to leave it as good as new.

Because the surface treatment is doing the job of keeping water out the fabric can be thin and breathable without compromising the performance too much, and on long uphill schleps in the rain you don't cook in the Windrider like you might in a standard rain cape. And despite being thin, the ripstop material seems hardy.

The cut is almost identical to the Elite Stormer jacket: a bit dropped at the back but more of an MTB/leisure cut than a road one, and very roomy for any given size. A medium was a snuggish fit on me (1.90m, 100kg) and the large comes up a bit baggy on me. Try before you buy if you can.

This is a jacket that will appeal more to casual riders and commuters as well as performance cyclists, so the relaxed cut makes more sense than it does with the £195 waterproof. You'll have to be a well-heeled casual rider or commuter though, as £110 is a lot of dosh for a windproof.

Rohan gear has a reputation for lasting well and this jacket is well thought-out and very nicely made for what it is; maybe five years down the line it won't seem like such a bad deal.

Verdict

High quality windproof that's breathable and shrugs off even heavy showers with ease, but you pay for the build and performance.