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review
Jerseys - casual
Surface Snugflex HoodieSurface Snugflex Hoodie

Surface Snugflex Hoodie

8
by Max_Leonard
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jan 4, 2012

0
£59.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Lightweight, casual hoodie with some useful technical features
Weight: 
470g
Contact: 
www.surface-clothing.com
How we test

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Sitting somewhere between an outer and a mid layer, the Surface Snugflex Hoodie is a useful, unobtrusive bit of kit for city riding.

At first look, there's not too much to distinguish it from a normal full-zip hooded top, and in many ways that's the point. It doesn't scream 'cyclist' at you, but has some useful features that make it suitable for riding. Number one, the material: the outer is a thin, fairly stretchy, synthetic fabric, which feels a bit odd at first touch. However, wear it in a shower and you soon see the point: rather than penetrating through, rain beads up and sits on the surface. There's a storm flap on the zip (ie, a piece of material inside that stops water hitting the zip running straight through), and most of the important seams are taped - so it's right to say that this is a pretty showerproof jacket. Inside, it's fleecy and welcoming, and the material, though lightweight, seems to keep a bit of the wind out. I wore it as an outer layer on warmer, more autumnal days, and with another layer - usually a waterproof - over it when it was colder, and it worked well. Sweat-wise, it isn't the wickiest material ever, but the front zip provided all the ventilation I needed if things were getting too cosy.

The rest of the Snugflex Hoodie's cycle-specific features are understated. There's a small drop at the back hem, for a bit of rear protection, and drawstrings to keep it snug. The double 'draught excluding' cuffs are, to be honest, cosmetic more than anything, but the sleeves are cut long enough not to ride up when you're on the bike, so cold winds up the arms weren't a problem. Oh, and then there's the hood. A neat single-sided elasicated drawstring very effectively pulls the hood close to the head, so that it doesn't flap about, and keeps your head nice and warm.

Fit-wise, the Snugflex Hoodie is very good. My medium was exactly as I thought it should be, and, though not voluminous, it's definitely a casual cut. I liked the bright blue detailing too.

Verdict

A great bit of casual riding kit, with some good technical features, for only a bit more cash than a normal hoodie might cost.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Surface Snugflex Hoodie

Size tested: Black - M

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Says the site:

"A slim cut, pedal friendly, fully zipped hooded top.

The double woven, four way stretch Snugflex jacket is the softest, cosiest technical hoodie around. The sweat wicking, showerproof fabric will keep you dry and warm and details like its taped seams, internal storm flap, armpit eyelet vents and fitted hooded collar make the Snugflex the best casual riding hoodie out there."

That all makes sense to me.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Again, from the Surface site:

"Peachy inner, tuff outer faced

Double woven, 4-way stretch

Sweat wicking management

Quick drying, shower proof Snugflex material

Armpit eyelet vents

Internal draft excluder cuffs

Slim fit, fitted hooded collar

Internal storm flap

All taped seams

Zipped pockets."

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Lightweight but seemed robust - no problems during test period.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Did everything it said.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

Cosy inside.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

£60 or so - and in many places less - seems like good value to me.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The hood, the looks, the comfort.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing in particular.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 1.78m  Weight: 65kg

I usually ride: Cinelli Strato road or fixed commuter hack.  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

 

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