Aldi Men’s Softshell Cycling Jacket

The Aldi men's soft shell cycling jacket is a convertible design that transforms from middle-weight jersey-cum-jacket to gilet courtesy of removable, zippered sleeves. It's also highly water-resistant and offers pretty good defence against windchill too.

At £17 there are some compromises and minor niggles, but overall performance sets a new standard for bargain kit, wheel-sucking several established brands' £50 fare. In fact, I mistook it for a popular brand's jacket when I first opened the packaging.

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Available in two colours – ubiquitous fluoro, or this infinitely more alluring blue – it's made from a rugged, easy to care for polyester/elastane mix with impressive detailing. Round the back, we have a huge cargo pocket perfect for dumping pump, banana(s), spare tubes, keys and quite a lot more besides. Some segregation would be welcome – it does feel like you've two playful Labrador puppies fighting in there – and being picky, I'd like an LED tab too.

Classy looking and well-conceived Scotchlite detailing brings it to life, and an elasticated, silicone hem anchors it nicely. Round the font, we've a full length zipper to regulate temperature and generous collar to keep draughts out, coupled with an equally generous Nelson pocket – perfect for big zoom compact cameras, medium sized smartphones, wallets or similar valuables. This is also sealed from the elements and given a Scotchlite border for nocturnal presence.

Fit is surprisingly good – snug with sufficient room for base and mid layers – although the cuffs were a little baggier and the sleeves a little shorter than I've come to expect. Not a problem with long-cuff winter weight gloves, and they've never fluttered like a builder's tarp, even on some seriously blustery descents, but enough to allow a little breeze inside. Otherwise, climate control has exceeded my expectations.

An uncharacteristically chill May saw temperatures stagger between 12 and 17 degrees in my locale, and the fibres have certainly kept pace. Like most polyesters, it takes about 20 minutes before the wicking magic starts. After that, paired with more sophisticated synthetic/merino baselayers and at a steady 17-20mph, things remain temperate, with only trace dampness around the lower back after two-hour outings.

Waterproofing is very good in the everyday sense and I've remained perfectly dry during some very intense downpours, although sustained close range blasts from the garden hose eventually crept inside. On the subject of water, so long as you stick to 30-degree cycles and gently agitate grimy patinas with cleaners first, it washes very well too.

> Read our guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets

Using it as a gilet has been my preferred mode on chill mornings and dry, breezy evenings, keeping chest, neck and back protected, even when hunkered low on the drops for long periods. The sleeves detach and fold very small, and are easily parked in that cavernous rear pocket. The whole garment packs small enough to join with tube, tools, lock, snacks and other essentials in a 14 litre commuter pannier.

Bottom line, comparisons with more sophisticated garments are unfair. However, paired with better quality baselayers, performance wasn't far behind some established brands' entry-level models.

Verdict

Remarkably capable convertible jacket-cum-jersey for general riding, slightly let down by baggy cuffs and short sleeves