Endura FS260-Pro SL Thermal Windproof Jacket

Windproof garments have changed a lot of people's ideas about winter riding, my own included. Endura's FS260 Pro Thermal Windproof jacket is likely to win a lot more converts. Endura calls this a jacket rather than a jersey, which in weight and feel is probably right, but the cut is definitely jersey-like.

Different manufacturers have different approaches on how to keep the wind off while avoiding you overheating on your winter training rides. Some use pit or chest zips to help with airflow. Endura has gone for micro-mesh panels, lined with fleece, on the back and the backs of the arms.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy this online here

I certainly noticed this each time I set off, with just a hint of coolness around the backs of the arms particularly; but they do say you should start a bit cold and once I was up to operating temperature I was comfortingly cosy. Having said that, if I didn't keep up the pace, for example on a long, easy descent, I did find the cooling a little too effective – but I freely admit to being utterly wet and a weed. On the other hand, if you tend to push hard on your winter training rides, or you naturally have a hot running engine, you might find this on the warm side.

The chunky front zip is easy to do up with gloved hands and I really liked the baffle behind it which, when zipped all the way up, cleverly tucked into the equivalent baffle inside the collar to create a draught-proof seal. This was achieved without throttling the rider.

The sleeve length really pleased me too, as I hate getting cold wrists. Endura has extended the micro-mesh fabric from the backs of the arms to the cuffs, which are gratifyingly long and stay firmly in place over a long-cuffed glove. Similarly, the body of the jacket has plenty of length and is kept firmly in place with a generous amount of silicone gripper.

There are three elasticated back pockets which hold plenty of stuff securely, but the sloped zip on the fourth security pocket meant this was smaller than it needed to be and I couldn't fit my favourite waterproof wallet-and-phone cover in.

What you wear under this top will, of course, affect its performance. I tried pairing it with either a winter-weight synthetic baselayer and a merino wool jersey and found the synthetic best for both warmth and humidity control.

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

In a relentless January gale, cold enough to carry snow, the windproofing worked perfectly and the jacket shrugged off the stinging snow pellets. On milder, overcast and blowy days I found the windproofing welcome but I never overheated.

Endura makes no claims about waterproofing, and on really wet days I managed to stay dry by the simple expedient of staying indoors and watching telly. Seriously, though, I always take a waterproof shell on winter rides, even in a jacket like this. Hypothermia is for losers.

Verdict

Mid price but max performance from this windproof jacket, particularly for those inclined to feel the chill on winter training rides