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So I need a new waterproof jacket, and want something that's a pretty slim fit for road riding in. Currently liking the look of the Endura Helium. Equivalent Mavic/Gore etc seem a lot more pricey.
However the last few bits of Endura clothing I've had have not been great quality, but I've not bought any of their kit for a year or two as a result.
Have they improved at all recently?
(still got some of their proper old stuff and that was great)
Alternatively - recommend me a slim fitting jacket that doesn't cost the earth and is available in a bright colour (and doesn't have a black back)
Thanks!
I have some humvee shorts that I've ridden maybe 60miles in, the threading and material on the bum is wearing very badly, it won't be long until they are falling apart at the seams.
I have the Helium jacket, used occasionally for a couple of years now. It's been really good, apart from one end of the elastic draw-cord around the neck came away - required a few stitches to fix. No biggy.
In general terms, it packs down small, it's cut really well for me, not quite as neat fitting as Assos stuff, but much better than most. I'm not blown away by its breathability, but it's not shocking either.
If I lost it tomorrow - I'd replace it with the same thing.
Edit: And the red is really RED!
Recently: very good indeed.
Older stuff (like >2 years) was a bit hit and miss sometimes with sizing and quality and I had an issue with the velcro tabs on my waterproof peeling off (which they took ages to fix). Having said that, my old Singletrack shorts are still going strong after 4 years use.
However the newer stuff is excellent, it's my "go to" brand of choice for decent price and proper function. Now if anyone can find me the Endura Windchill or Stealth jacket in Red, that'd be great. Every shop I've tried only has the black version. Nice for style but less good for commuting...
Been using endura stuff for afew years now with no problems as yet .
Seems about the same to me, still pretty poor. Shame as its nicely designed, just let down by poor build quality.
Had Endura shorts, trousers and gloves in the last couple of years. Gloves fell to bits in about 6 months (vs others that lasted for years). Trousers also fell to bits. Bought shorts around the start of August to replace Race Face ones that lasted 3 years. Already they're starting to wear through in the crotch area. Reckon I've got a month or two left. Thankfully I've kept the receipt for them so they'll be going back as soon as they fall to bits.
I've bought a fair amount of Endura stuff and the only couple of items I've had trouble with recently were a pair of gloves (same prob as Boardinbob) and a leaky pair of MT500 spray baggies. I've recently sold a MT500 jacket which seemed very tough & well made (only sold it because it was black, & I wanted something Dayglo bright for commuting)
I bought the Gore ALP-X jacket a few months ago and well it is awesome 🙂
Yes it is expensive but it is very light and as the gore material says 'paclite' it is, fits easily into any bag and follows the high quality waterproof membrane of Gore-tex. Living in Cumbria i am no stranger to good waterproofs and I have never been wet, yes you do get a bit sweaty but not too much and it keeps the wind off so you never get too cool.
A great great jacket really smart as well, wear it with a shirt and tie and it still looks mint.
If you can bring your self around the price then its perfect, also try the slightly cheaper but pretty much features wise Gore Path, even has a great yellow colour 😛
Hope this has helped!
Gore stuff for me, every time. IMO the best that money can buy in terms of quality, waterproofing, durability, fit.
Great kit.
I always buy Endura as first choice, I currently have a pair of 2 year old singletrack shorts that have done over 100 rides and are still going strong. They are replacements for some that only lasted 3 rides - but Endura changed them no problem.
I'm afraid I'll not be buying any more Endura kit - the Stealth gloves are maybe the worst design and quality product I have ever purchased. The softshell jacket needed a new zip in less than a year and those Humvee shorts are like huge flapping sails, they stay in the cupboard. I do have two pairs of cheap Altura shorts that are nigh on ten years old and both still going strong. I just can't understand why people rate Endura at all; guess they have good adds and sponsor a few journo's nights out.
I've had hit and miss quality on nearly all the cycle clothing brands I've tried.
For me its more about the product than that brand.
I've had a few pairs of baggies over the years and the best were Endura zymes and you can get them pretty cheap.
On the downside the zip puller on my little used (Approx) 5 year old 'tights' came off in my hand. But then they were good enough to replace both leg zips and return within the week all free of charge. Great service (although not the quickest with emails). I'll continue buying their stuff knowing they are honest about warranty returns (it would of been easy to fob me off after so many years!)
got some 3/4 hummvees that are getting on for 4 years old had to repair the stiching around the crotch but no biggy still going strong
Loads of Endura (and Gore) gear, no problems with any of it, except I took back a heavily (+3 years) used Stealth Jacket to see if they could 'stick' the seams back on, they just replaced it with a new one 🙂