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review

Liv Cefira Superlight Wind Jacket

6
£64.99

VERDICT:

6
10
Blocks the wind very well and being so thin it's tiny when packed away, but the fit could be an issue
Brilliant windblocking
Lightweight
Compact
Integrated stuff sack
Inflexible fabric
Cut won't suit all
Weight: 
108g

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Liv's Cefira Superlight Wind Jacket does a fantastic job of blocking out the wind and it can be packed away into a tiny integrated stuff sack so it takes up very little space in your jersey pocket. It's really useful to have at the ready for when you get caught out and need an extra defence layer from wind chill. But its fabric has no stretch to it, which meant for me its poor fit in places was an issue.

Made from the lightweight Pro Textura fabric, this is incredibly thin – to the extent that it is slightly see-through. It does an impeccable job of blocking the wind, while also being highly breathable. It certainly took off the chill when going down hills and I didn't overheat when digging up the other side.

> Find your nearest dealer here

Its water-repellent qualities hold off drizzle and light rain for short periods, but, as expected, it's not what you'd choose to wear when setting off on a proper rainy adventure.

The hem of the jacket is securely elasticated and sticks to your underneath layer and so I had no issues with it riding up.

2021 Liv Womens Cefira Wind Jacket - gripper.jpg

At the end of the sleeves is a stretchier cuff which helps it play nicely with gloves, and also effectively stops any wind entering into the jacket this way.

2021 Liv Womens Cefira Wind Jacket - cuff.jpg

There are two rear pockets, which feature entrance covers to provide protection to the contents inside from the elements. These are a little on the narrow side but still a decent size to store snacks. It looks as though there is a third tiny centre pocket but this is actually the jacket's built-in stash-away sleeve that can only be accessed from the inside.

2021 Liv Womens Cefira Wind Jacket - pockets.jpg

Impressively, it packs away to just 6.5cm wide, 13.5cm long and 6cm deep, into its integrated stuff sack. It does take some time stashing it away like this, and if I was in a rush it worked better to compact it down into one of the standard sized rear pockets. This isn't as neat and tidy, but is still small enough to shove easily back into a jersey pocket.

2021 Liv Womens Cefira Wind Jacket - pouch.jpg

At just 108g for a size small, it can be tucked away and you don't even realise it is there because it is so light and compact.

For me, though, the jacket is let down by the cut. In Liv's 'club' fit, this is said to be not too loose or too tight, 'providing a comfortable and performance-minded apparel option'. I tested a size small, and while the length of the sleeves and the main body down to my hips is what I'd expect, I found the cut around the high neck collar, top of the shoulders and top end of my forearm was incredibly tight and restrictive when riding. There's also no stretch to the main body of this fabric, so where it's tight there is no give at all. Although the material feels strong and durable, when trying to move, with it being so tight, I was constantly worried it would tear. It didn't, but that's the impression wearing it gave.

2021 Liv Womens Cefira Wind Jacket - chest.jpg

I wouldn't want to size up, as then it would be too baggy in the rest of the fit, and it would be too long, although for casual outings this would do.

2021 Liv Womens Cefira Wind Jacket - back.jpg

Reflective details in a stylish pattern can be found across this jacket: on both of the rear pockets and on the top of each sleeve. There is also a useful hook on the top of the jacket on the back, which is reflective and also can be used to hang the jacket up to dry after a rainy ride.

2021 Liv Womens Cefira Wind Jacket - shoulder.jpg

Most of the seams feel robust, but there a fair few loose threads peeling off around the zip which gives a slightly scruffy finish.

For £64.99, this is at the cheaper end of wind jackets, though it is not as cheap as the Galibier Gino Pro Wind Jacket at £53 which is an effective wind block and has great breathability – although the Galibier is heavier at 212g. The Cefira is also lighter than the 10/10-rated Showers Pass Ultralight Wind Jacket (137g), which also costs £65, but can't compete with the Showers Pass jacket's snug, flexible fit.

> Buyer’s Guide: 12 of the best packable windproof jackets

Overall, given how lightweight it is and how small it packs away for the price, this Liv wind jacket could be the perfect accessory that lives in your pocket when you go out. But, with its restrictive fit and inflexible fabric, you might have to size up for something you can ride in comfortably, which would lead to bagginess elsewhere and you'd lose any sort of performance fit.

Verdict

Blocks the wind very well and being so thin it's tiny when packed away, but the fit could be an issue

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Liv Cefira Superlight Wind Jacket

Size tested: Small

Tell us what the jacket is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Liv says: 'Cycling isn't about waiting for perfect conditions, the right mood or the ideal route. It is about getting on the bike and moving forward, no matter the weather conditions. With the super lightweight, windproof ProTextura™ fabric, and highly reflective graphics will keep you more visible in low-light conditions such as fog, dawn or dusk. A full-length zipper gives you adjustable ventilation so you can mash pedals without overheating. Ideal for layering and designed with lightweight, windproof ProTextura fabric, the Liv Cefira Wind Jacket can be quickly stashed in a jersey pocket using the jacket's built-in stuff sack. A fitted, form-flattering shape is a great choice for those who love to go places fast."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the jacket?

Liv lists:

Liv club fit

Full zipper

ProTextura fabric

Reflective details

Two rear pockets

Self fabric stuff sack

High collar

Lightweight

Rate the jacket for quality of construction:
 
6/10
Rate the jacket for performance:
 
6/10
Rate the jacket for waterproofing based on the manufacturer's rating:
 
7/10

It's water repellent not waterproof, and fends off light rain and drizzle.

Rate the jacket for breathability based on the manufacturer's rating:
 
8/10
Rate the jacket for fit:
 
2/10

I found it almost unusable on the bike because of the restrictive cut around the high collar, top of the shoulders and top end of my forearm. Sizing up would make it baggy elsewhere.

Rate the jacket for sizing:
 
5/10
Rate the jacket for weight:
 
9/10
Rate the jacket for comfort:
 
5/10
Rate the jacket for value:
 
5/10

How easy is the jacket to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Can only be hand washed at max 30 degrees.

Tell us how the jacket performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Does well at blocking out the wind but I felt very restricted when riding.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the jacket

How tiny it packs away, and that it has an integrated stuff sack for stashing away.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the jacket

The cut and inflexible fabric.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It isn't as cheap as the Galibier Gino Pro Wind Jacket at £53, and is the same price as the Showers Pass Ultralight Wind Jacket.

Did you enjoy using the jacket? No

Would you consider buying the jacket? No

Would you recommend the jacket to a friend? No

Use this box to explain your overall score

This jacket definitely delivers on being windproof and compact for stashing away, and if it fits your body shape it's a good choice; for me, though, the cut and lack of stretch make it almost unusable on the bike, and sizing up would see bagginess where it's not wanted.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 23  Height: 177cm  Weight: 63kg

I usually ride: Road bike  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, Gravel riding, indoor turbo and rollers, track

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1 comments

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NZ Vegan Rider | 3 years ago
0 likes

Grey / silver c.f. bright safe colours. 

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