Altura Peloton Windproof Jacket

Altura says that its Peloton Windproof jacket is engineered to be that 'must-have' riding partner. It certainly performs well in cool, dry conditions, but you'll need another partner when it's raining.

This all-black version is a good looking piece of kit, but it's available in blue and red if you prefer something brighter. The 'sport fit' is flattering and the fluorescent yellow zips look very smart combined with low-key logos and subtle but strategically placed reflective trim.

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The slightly shiny Altura Shield fabric provides a good level of windproofing, but it's restricted to the front, shoulders and outer arms. The rest of the jacket is made of Altura Thermo fabric – it's thicker with a soft fleece backing. The collar is fleece-lined, too, and there's a storm flap behind the front zip. The cuffs are nice and thick, helping the sleeves stay in position under gloves, leaving no wrist flesh exposed to the elements.

There's a stretchiness to the fabric that makes the jacket very comfortable, and this stretchiness also means it still fits well with a couple of extra layers underneath.

On cold days, combined with a baselayer and jersey, the Peloton provides a decent level of warmth but although the windproofing of the Shield fabric is good, cold draughts do get into areas where this fabric isn’t used. When added to the impressive breathability of the jacket this helps prevent overheating when working hard on wintry training rides – which, given the name, is the kind of riding it’s designed for – but did mean I was a bit chilled on shorter commutes.

When the rain comes, the Shield fabric provides some protection but the rest of the jacket leaks fairly quickly. In showers this was okay, with the thickness of the Thermo fabric retaining some warmth. This isn't a jacket for persistent rain, though, and to be fair Altura doesn't claim this.

> Check out our guide to the best winter cycling jackets here

There's silicone gripper on the lower hem to keep it in place, but the tail isn't very long. This keeps it looking smart when worn off the bike but leaves your rear end a little exposed to road spray.

For carrying your ride essentials, the jacket has five easily accessible pockets: three large ones at the rear and two zipped – one on the front and one on the central rear pocket. Both of these have a port for a headphones cable.

Verdict

A well made, stylish jacket for faster riding on cooler days with good frontal windproofing