I love a full-length contrast zip, so the dhb Women’s Verve XC MTB Jacket immediately grabbed my attention: the  bold pink/dark grey colour combination is bang on trend. I also love the high, close fitting collar, designed to keep the wind out and stylish at the same time.  First impressions? I think this jacket would be quite at home on the rails in Sweaty Betty (though possibly with a heftier price tag attached).

But what’s it like to ride in? As well as being ultra light, windproof and shower resistant, I really like that this jacket is designed with XC mountain biking in mind.  Adjustable cuffs and lengthy sleeves allow your gloves to fit beneath and cuts out drafts. Elasticated panels and a silicone gripper help stop the waistband from riding up. The dhb Women’s Verve XC MTB Jacket sleeves are cut to allow for lots of flexibility so you can move freely whilst riding, and there are mesh-lined air vents and perforated panels to help keep you cool.

I tried this jacket on a cool evening in August and, whilst being comfortable most of the time I did start to overheat on the climbs. However come autumn time, or on flatter rides, it would be a real asset: slip it on over a merino top and you’d be sorted. It’s also very light and rolls down small so you can always stuff it into your backpack should you want to tackle a very big hill!

The dhb Women’s Verve XC MTB Jacket comes replete with three pockets – a zip Napoleon breast pocket with a media port (there’s also a small elastic loop on the internal collar seam to feed your earphone cable through), a contrast zip horizontal pocket at the rear and a hidden and very small zip pocket on the inside of the front panel which will carry a key and a bit of cash. This pocket is so secret that it isn’t even mentioned on the product details. So don’t tell anyone.

I’ve not had the opportunity to test its durability vs a branch, bramble or smack on the ground as, on this particular ride, I managed to steer clear of bushes and stay upright all the way round.

The jacket looks fantastic when you’re riding, and my only real criticism is that it creases very easily. This isn’t a problem as you speed past the squirrels in a blur, but might make you think twice about wearing it to the shops.

For: The contrast zip, easy to move in when riding, affordable.

Against: Creases easily.

Conclusion: This and a merino top will see you through autumn in style.

Price: £37.99, available from Wiggle.

By Adele Mitchell.

By Adele Mitchell.