Quite like the look of it as a ‘do-it-all’ winter jersey. Pretty spenny at £125 though so it would be good to see what the STW clan think of it...
Yes, just went out in my brand new Orkan t shirt today for a 40 mile 4000ft ride. A bit warmer than my usual Alpkit merino cycling top and much better in the cold foggy damp conditions in the FofD today. Comfy if a little tight on the arms. I’m a fat bastard and I order the xxxl.
I might order another.
Had one a few years. Some winters I use it loads, some I barely touch it. It’s very dependent on what/how I’m riding. If you’re mostly riding on your own, at a good consistent rate with no hanging about and value the ‘warmth of a jacket in a jersey’ feel it’s great.
If you’re riding in groups that might stop, or end up stuck at a level of effort that doesn’t keep you warm enough, or expect it to deal with ‘rain’ rather than ‘showers’ it’s not the right thing.
I like it. I wear it loads if I’m doing ‘nip out in the morning’ rides both road and Mtb. Really like it on the singlespeed. If you’re not doing the right sort of riding with it though it might just hang in the cupboard!
Have just bought a short sleeve, like it a lot already but as Swanny says, I only bought it for quite a specific purpose, in my case short sharp muddy CX rides where I'll probably be running quite warm and ABSOLUTELY would not want to be wearing my Gore 'bramble magnet' Shakedry.
For longer road rides I'll still opt for the versatility of layering and a packable waterproof
I've used mine loads (long sleeve) - just after I got it we did a holiday to the top end of patagonia and had 2 weeks of unseasonal rain and very unseasonal snow. I used a hardshell rain jacket when it was properly cold but the orkaan was great in the normal grimness. Since then it's been a regular autumn/winter commuting jersey - I find it OK on its own down to about 6 then start layering up when it's colder. It's not totally windproof but as above if you're riding at a decent pace it's warm and comfy. After 5 or 6 years I'm not sure the water resistance is anything like it was.
Would I buy another? I'm intrigued to try a Perfetto to see how that compares but the orkaan is holding up just fine. And stolen goat are only an hours ride from me so I'd be tempted to support a local business.
I’ve a short sleeve too. I don’t think I’d buy a long sleeve. Firstly, it works so perfectly to pair with different grades of arm warmer (or not) depending on the conditions it would be wrong to lose the option. Secondly, if it’s the sort of conditions where I’d want the long sleeves over arm warmers, I’ll probably want a proper jacket or some layering.
13thfloormonk makes an interesting point. I expected it to be versatile. I’m not sure it is, really- you can’t really layer with it, mine at least is a bit warm to layer over and a bit tight to layer under. It’s extremely good at being what it is and if that aligns with what you want it’s fantastic. If it doesn’t, it probably isn’t.
Commuting is a good point actually. If I was still commuting by bike I suspect I’d use it a lot- one hour rides where you want something to keep the chill off to start, but wouldn’t want to stop and de-layer halfway. Waterproof enough o get you home in all but the worst and min8mal faff of dealing with multiple layers.
I have the short sleeve and the matching arm warmers.
I interestingly the jersey is a medium and the arm warmers large. If anything the arm warmers are tighter than the jersey.
Worth noting if you’re buying.
Nice kit though, slightly warmer than a Gabba. Bit like the others on here, I tend to wear it for the evening 1-2 hour blast.
I have an Orkaan long sleeve that I use for mountain biking and riding on the road. On the road bike I'll wear a short sleeve base layer and usually a long sleeve base layer for mountain biking as there tends to be more stopping for faffing and chatting.
They are very breathable tops and if you live somewhere with long fast descents I would think about a windproof base layer for those colder rides. I find temperature regulation is good due to the front zip and I did a couple of hours mountain biking yesterday at around 6C in the mist with occasional showers and it performed really well. They also have three decent pockets that are reflective so there's plenty of space to carry stuff.
I interestingly the jersey is a medium and the arm warmers large. If anything the arm warmers are tighter than the jersey.
Rats, have just requested some Grizzler arm warmers for Christmas, was a bit offended that I was only a 'medium' according to their size chart, will be good for my ego at least if they're too small...
Edit: FFS, I need to stop looking at that website, the Orkaan leg warmers look great as well, massive reflective patch on the back of the calf for bonus visibility points.