Sportful Bodyfit Pro WS Jacket

The the Sportful Bodyfit Pro WS Jacket is an extremely good-fitting jacket with excellent insulation and breathability.

Good enough for the pros and good enough for us, Sportful's BodyFit Pro collection is based on the clothing worn by the Saxo-Tinkoff professional cycling team. That means you get the same race fit, features and fabrics as is normally reserved for the pros, but without looking like an advertising hoarding. The Bodyfit Pro WS Jacket here is warm winter jacket designed to provide insulation on the coldest days.

The first thing you notice as a result of that pro connection is the fit; it really is very good. I tested a size medium. I'm reasonably slim and sometimes have trouble getting jackets that fit well. I had no problems with the Bodyfit Pro WS jacket. It's well proportioned and shaped, snug around the torso, generous in the shoulders and arms, and the back doesn't sag low when you load up the pockets. A large elasticated waist band around the back ensures the jacket stays in place. That all makes for a jacket that is extremely comfortable on all rides, and if you're a racier performance minded cyclist you'll really appreciate this.

The internal ThermoDryTexPlus cuffs have a small section of elasticated material attached to the inside of the sleeves. This forms a very snug fitting around the wrist and stops cold air seeping up the sleeves without resorting to Velcro closures. Nice and comfortable too. Gloves slip over the top easily. The arms also are a good length so they don't ride up and leave your wrists exposed, with good glove overlap too, another sign that the shape and fit of the jacket is just right.

The Bodyfit Pro WS is constructed from Gore Windstopper 4 Way Warm fabric. It's fully windproof and highly water-resistant. Head out into prolonged rain and you'll want to don a waterproof jacket, but very light rain or occasional showers don't penetrate. The inside of the jacket is soft and comfortable next to the skin, ideal when you're just wearing it over a short sleeve base layer.

The jacket provides impressive insulation with a good level of breathability. Keeping warm while avoiding overheating is the tricky challenge with cycle clothing at this time of year, and this jacket balances both demands nicely. I've been wearing it over a short sleeve base layer, adjusting the weight of the base layer depending on how cold it is, and it's been impressive, keeping my toasty but never tripping over into excessively warm.

There aren't any vents, but the main full-length zipper is an easy way to dump any excess heat that might be building up between you and the jacket. As its gets colder you can switch to a long sleeve base layer and even add a mid-layer to boost the insulation. This is a jacket that will see you through the winter without doubt.

It's available in three colours, black, white and yellow/black. The latter is a stylish option for those who want to boost their visibility on the roads. If I could change one thing on this jacket it would be a few more reflective details around the back and on the arms. Yellow is clearly a colour that shows up mud and dirt but it has so far been an easy jacket to keep clean with a standard 30 degree machine wash.

As winter looms into view, a decent jacket is an essential investment, and this is a top-notch jacket with the fit, features and functionality that the most demanding cyclists will appreciate, and be prepared to pay for. The price tag may put you off, but it's a serious investment in your cycling wardrobe and if a decent jacket can help you pluck up the motivation to get outdoors when it's it's cold and damp out, it can only be a good thing.

Verdict

Fantastic top quality windproof and water-resistant winter jacket that benefits from pro team partnership.