Anyone who rides with me will know that I have yet to find the perfect waterproof jacket, or even just one that keeps me dry. I spent a lot of time moaning about my top branded, highly overpriced waterproof mountain bike jacket…. that didn’t do any of what it said on the tin.
So have I found it? The Madison Flo Jacket certainly looks the business, the striking blue colour makes it look feminine; yet not too girly! The taped seams, hard wearing 1200mm waterproof, 15,000gms breathable three layer fabric ensures you stay dry whilst not feeling like you are cooking like boil In the bag rice!!! The 3 layers comprise of the outer membrane which protects the 2nd waterproof layer and then an inner layer.
The Madison Flow Jacket is bursting with so many cool features that are simple ideas but make the jacket superior. Take for example the hood, previous jackets I have used have not had hoods and I always thought of them as pretty useless; but this one has been designed specifically to fit over a peaked mtb helmet; and even fits over my Urge one which is rather bulky.The silicone print on the shoulders; just a styling addition? No, these are to stop your hydration pack sliding around!
The storm flap on the neck behind the main jacket zip is soft and velvety against your skin so as not to chafe your already cold wet face and features a laser cut breathing panel so you don’t steam up your goggles/glasses. Plastic press studs also keep this securely in place.
Vents are fairly well placed and have taped waterproof zips; the one on the sides is out of the main splash areas from upwards trail rain and will certainly give a good flow of air through and is backed with mesh; but may be hard to get to if it’s under the waist straps of your hydration pack.
The Madison Flow Jacket arm vents although providing a great cool stream of air just where u need it do feel a bit odd when you first wear the jacket; especially if it’s just over a T-shirt. They finish just below the elbow making the arms feel a little restrictive until you get used to them being there.
It’s well cut and the size 12 is perfect on me and will easily fit a base layer or 2 underneath, I would usually go up a size for a waterproof but don’t seem to need to with this.
The fact we have not had any decent rain as to speak of has made my boyfriend very happy: he has been the rain maker for the photos; cue hosepipe…. at first a gentle rain shower saw the jacket working well down as it should; water droplets beading nicely on the surface.
The ‘rain’ got stronger and stronger and lasted for a good 5 minutes,
as the pressure increased, there was less beading, but I was still nice and dry underneath.
Verdict: a stylish riding jacket that performs well and doesn’t break the bank, and has all the girls asking where you got it from!
Pros
M:tec waterproof fabric is breathable washable waterproof and windproof
Lifetime guarantee
Taped seams
Hood that fits over even a large helmet
Mid range price tag
Lots of small added details
Cons
Colour may be difficult to keep clean
Main zip isn’t taped or waterproof
Price: £139.99, available from Madison.
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