Warning: take one glance at the website of Norwegian sportswear brand Odlo and you could easily be overcome by an attack of the  ‘I want that one… And that one…. And that one’ urge to splurge.

Founded in 1946 (they originally made training tights for ice-skaters), the brand has gone on to develop their own sports fabrics and some seriously good looking kit for winter sports, running and cycling.

The Odlo Bike Jacket Logic Zip Off is a head-turning case in point. I love the pink and turquoise colour combination, contrast zip and female specific cut, as well as the quality and generous sizing (size S plenty big for my 5’ 10” size 10 frame!).

Take a quick look of the jacket in action here before reading on:

Odlo Video from Paul Mitchell on Vimeo.

It’s made in extremely comfortable, windproof and water-repellent breathable soft shell with stretch, and has mesh inserts for ventilation and a large rear pocket with a weather flap to keep the contents sheltered, as well as reflective details.  It also has a cycling-specific drop back, and sleeves that are long enough to completely cover your wrists in riding position (huge kudos for this).

The Odlo Bike Jacket Logic Zip Off is also super-practical as the zip-off sleeves can be removed once you have warmed up and stored in the back pocket. It’s easy to take the sleeves off whilst still wearing the jacket – you just open the shoulder zips and undo the popper at the back, then stuff them into the roomy back pocket. I didn’t find it quite so easy to get the sleeves back on again: the zips are pretty tiny and I had to take the jacket off to get it back together (ie. it’s a job to be done before you leave the nice warm mid-ride café!).

Although the back pocket is pretty secure, I would love this jacket even more if it had a little zip pocket for valuables, and the rather hefty price tag of £130 did provoke a spontaneous  ‘Wow!’ reaction. However as it doubles as both a full sleeved and sleeveless shell, you are – sort of – getting two jackets for the price.

Verdict: This good looking jacket is extremely light weight and practical to wear, and will be a useful addition to your cycling kit all year round.

For: Stylish, generous cut, adaptable, quality.

Against: Zips are a bit fiddly, no secure zip pocket!

Price: £130.00, available from Odlo.

Photo/video Paul Mitchell Photography.