Christmas Gift Guide: Road Cycling Gifts for Women
This is a wind-resistant, water-repellent and featherlight jacket that you can wear at the start of your ride before you’ve warmed up, or slip on if you encounter inclement conditions or are just sitting around at a cafe and want to keep the chill off. Then, when you don’t need it, you can fold it away and store it in your jersey pocket.
It is made with Protextura ™, a water-repellent finish that provides breathability so you don’t get a ‘boil in the bag’ effect. However if you’re riding in full-on rain, you will need a waterproof jacket instead.
This Liv Windbreaker is really well designed and ticks so many boxes that only a cyclist would know about.
For instance, I love the stretch cuffs that prevent drafts from chilling your arms as you cycle along, as well as the high collar to keep your neck draft-free. I also love the fact that it folds into its own back pocket and becomes a zip-pack that is barely bigger than a purse (and there’s a little extra room in the pack for keys and cash too).
A full-length zipper fasten is a must-have on any cycling garment as it enables you to take it off without the need to remove your helmet (for that reason I’d never buy a half-zip top for cycling). The Liv Windbreaker is also finished with reflective details, and has a stretch hem that is lower at the rear to keep your back covered when you’re cycling.
Two zipped side pockets are a nice touch, though personally I never end up using them as I store everything in my jersey pockets (there comes a point when you can have too many pockets when cycling, and end up forgetting where you’ve put everything!).
Liv describe the jacket as ‘club fit’ (they also do skinnier-fitting ‘race fit’ and more generous ‘relaxed fit’ in their women’s range) and it is available in sizes S – XL. The lightness of the fabric means it has a tendency to crease and I’d describe the cut as comfortable rather than stylish. However, like most good cycling gear, it looks better when you’re on the bike than when you’re standing around in it. I love the colour too: can’t have enough ‘berry’ shades at this time of year!
This Liv Windbreaker is perfect for autumn days when you’re wearing a long sleeve jersey and its too warm to wear a jacket as well, but too cool to venture outdoors in just one layer. Twenty minutes into the ride – or at the top of your first climb – you’ll probably want to take it off, which is fine because it’s so convenient to pack away.
For: Draft-free, water-repellent, and really easy to carry.
Against: Fabric creases easily.
How much? £49.99, available from Giant.
Liked Review: Liv Windbreaker Jacket? We think you will also love these:
Cycling as a First Date: Dos and Donts
