Water off a Ducks Back Livia Cycle Coat

A coat strictly for those who don't want to look like they are wearing cycling kit, this Water off a Ducks Back Livia Cycle Coat isn't a standard short cut waterproof shell or hi viz zip up affair, it's a long, belted Macintosh style coat.

As such, our photos don't really do it justice, since I didn't dress as I would have to wear such a coat in real life, not was I actually photographed on a laid back café cruiser pedaling in a relaxed and stylish manner. So, please bear in mind it probably doesn't look 'at home' on me!

Water Off A Duck's Back specialize in high end designer ladies waterproof coats, made for functionality and style combined. The Livia is primarily a winter coat, waterproof and warm, but could easily handle spring and autumn wear too. Available in a vibrant red (with beautiful royal blue lining) that won't float everyone's boat (I liked it), it also comes in basic black and is designed to give all the added extras a cyclist could need, while still looking like the kind of coat you could wear a dress underneath or a business suit.

Neat features the Livia has include a reflective backing to the generous collar, a reflective backed belt (flip it over and it's reflective- simple) and optional reflective tabs on the cuffs. It's also designed to not catch in the wheels and it's machine washable to keep it fresh from the inevitable road grot and smelling sweet.

The sizing was a little on the tricky side, with even the size small being quite generous, so definitely a try before you buy situation. On the bike, it was extremely comfortable, with the no-rustle waterproof fabric pleasant to wear and very protective, without being overwarm or sweat-inducing.

It didn't catch on the bike, but you'd really only want to ride on a sit-up-and-beg style, if only because the style of the coat doesn't really suit a sportier ride. You'd look pretty daft riding a narrow barred fixie in this (although the website does claim it's road bike friendly in design).

Warmth levels were good, although at speed the front did flap open slightly, but again, this is not a coat aimed at headlong dashes so much as more sedate cycling. The collar was nicely shaped, and fitted comfortably, as well as looking good. The sleeves with fold back cuffs were a little on the overlong side when not on the bike (even folded up) but protected the hands nicely when on the bike.

The cycling specific reflective features are well considered and easy to use, and translate just as well into use as a pedestrian, giving extra low light safety there too. All in all, it's a good looking coat, best suited to those who dress well when out riding, rather than being a coat you'd mix with standard riding gear. It's a definitely niche market, but it's one that certainly exists.

Verdict

Well made and stylish coat with nice cycling specific features. Strictly for women who dress up to ride on an upright.