As suggested by the name ‘Double Century’, there is a roadie leaning to this jacket, but it still works well on the mountain bike. The front comes up very short, which keeps it out of the way when pedalling, and the drop tail affords more protection for exposed (hopefully not literally) bums. A simple elastic drawcord pulls things snug. A high neck has velcro patches to add a (not included) hood.
The back has a large slash vent running horizontally across the shoulders, and pit zips running a long way down each side. Testing in an unseasonably warm early autumn confirmed that these do a good job of helping keep sweat and moisture levels down inside the jacket. Unsurprisingly, the vent is less effective once a pack is slung on, pinning down the fabric. The Cocona waterproof material (with fully taped seams) has a softer feel to it than the usual high-end suspects, and its performance was just as good.
The remainder of the jacket is minimal – a single chest pocket has a waterproof zip, and headphone port. There are no other bells or whistles. This means that it packs down nice and small for those ‘will it, won’t it?’ days. Personally, on big mountain days in bad weather, I wouldn’t be without a hood, and would prefer more protection in general. However, for fast blasts where I’m not planning on stopping (or if I do, it will be in the comfort of a warm café), then those potential weaknesses become benefits.
Overall: Designed for comfort on the bike, rather than out and out protection from the elements. Worth considering.
Tom Hill.
Review Info
| Brand: | Showers Pass |
| Product: | Double Century EX |
| From: | Showers Pass, showerspass.com/showers-pass-uk |
| Price: | £119.00 |
| Tested: | by Tom Hill for |