Road Cycling Clothing

Review: Madison Sportive Softshell Jacket

Hannah gets rather toasty on her commute in the Madison Softshell Jacket.

There’s nothing worse than arriving to work and having to spend the first hour of the day defrosting at your desk after a rather chilly ride in. If you are planning on riding all year round, investing in some good kit will make your time in the saddle far more enjoyable. The Madison Sportive Softshell jacket is one such product. A super cosy winter cycling jacket that will keep you cosy on the coldest winter days.

The Madison Sportive Softshell jacket has been a real hit with me. Straight off the mark, I couldn’t actually believe how warm the jacket is. Its snug fleecy lining and thermal panelling envelops your body heat while the outer material jacket ensures that not a wisp of wind will make it to your torso.

Elsewhere silicone grippers on the base of the jackets and tight elasticated cuffs also help to keep the elements at bay.

The Madison Sportive Softshell is really for winter riding but pit zips do help to regulate your temperatures on those deceptively warm winter days! A full length zip also helps in this department. Although I have found the zip slightly sticky at times, making the on-bike whip off a little trickier than I would ideally like!

Style wise I thought this jacket stepped up to the mark. Its sleek and flattering fit looks at home with both lycra and everyday commuter clothes. I’ve even started wearing it on days when I’m not cycling, as I can rely on it to keep me incredibly warm.

Being a medium in cycling clothing, I tested a size 12 which fit me well, the baggier cut means I can fit a baselayer and a thick jersey underneath with no problems!

Storage is ample on the Madison Softshell with three main back pockets and an additional zipped pocket on the hip which is perfect for stashing your phone and credit card.

Price wise it is not the worst at £79.99 but remember as a softshell it is not waterproof. There are some water resistant panels on the front which do help when caught in a light drizzle, but you certainly wouldn’t want to get caught in a heavy shower in this one.