Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket review
The Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket is winter cycling jacket perfection, providing great fit, waterproofing and visibility
The Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex is a stylish, comfortable and practical waterproof cycling jacket. It’s great for those long rides that you can’t afford to miss when the weather conditions are less than favourable.
Noticeably light (about 150g), the Gorewear Spinshift (£225 / $270) easily folds up to slide effortlessly into any back pocket, even smaller jersey ones.
The bright yellow (violet and black are also available in this women’s version) provides excellent visibility. The numerous reflective strips found on the front, back and arms enhance this. Top marks for winter riding!
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Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket fit
Buy now from Sigma Sports (£224.99)
Gorewear are proud of their Kinetic Garment Design. They say it gives the jacket an ergonomic fit designed specifically for cycling. Initially it did feel like it may have been too small across the chest. But as soon as I was on the bike I could feel the attention to detail in its design.
The cut of the panels allow for comfortable riding both on the hoods and in the drops. It really does sit like a second skin without any bagging or flapping in the wind whilst allowing for all my movements.
The sleeves are a great length. The excellent cut and shaping of the cuffs over the back of the hand (with extra length) encourages the rain running the jacket to easily drop off. It doesn’t pool around the wrist and sneak inside.
The elastic soft panel on the inside of the wrist provides a comfortable water-tight seal.
The front zip has a simple design mounted on the front of the jacket making it easy to zip up with no nearby fabric to catch on. It stops just shy of the top of the jacket, ensuring no chafing under the neck or catching in the helmet straps.
The interesting scalloped shaping of the collar made for a super-comfortable fit around the neck. The handy reflective loop on the back can be used to hang it up to dry post-ride.
Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket breathability
The jacket remained waterproof throughout testing in moderate UK wet and windy conditions with the rain forming those satisfying beads that run effortlessly off.
Despite feeling warm after climbing in wet conditions, I was pleasantly surprised to find no sweat build-up inside the jacket.
In fact, it is comfortable enough to leave on even once the rain has stopped. The tail, with the partial elasticated edge, provided added protection from rear-wheel splash which continued long after the rain eased up.
A single pocket and waterproof zip
The Spinshift features a single pocket on the rear of the jacket which is handy for a key, phone or more importantly some snacks.
The zip is watertight but this does make it a little tricky to zip up with one hand if you have gloves on.
You can fold the jacket into this pocket for storage but I found it easier to just roll it up.
Overall, the Spinshift is one of the best cycling jackets and a great investment for wet-weather cycling.
220 Triathlon verdict
Light jacket that packs a waterproof punch, with superb visibility, comfort and features. Score: 93%
Pros
- Class-leading waterproofing
- Keeps you cool too
- Good visibility
- Solid fit
- Light and stowable
Cons
- Nothing really
Price: | £225 / $270 |
Material: | 100% Recyled Nylon |
Waterproofing: | Gore-Tex ePE membrane, taped seams, waterproof zip |
Features: | Zipped rear pocket |
Weight: | 147g |