Just had a first ride in my hardshell one (courtesy of 18bikes)
Wasn’t actually raining, but kept me dry from a splash round Macc Forest, and once I’d got past the initial overdressed stage, I was warm without being sweaty all day. Material feels pretty tough
Its not perfect though. I suffer from PDS* so at 5’10″/36″ chest/30″ waist went for a small (a med. fitted like a potato sack) and it’s a hair short in the sleeves. The hood is a PITA – no stowage for it, so it flaps like mad, and whilst it’s removable you have to take the coat off to do so. All the pockets and vents get covered by assorted pack straps, although the 2 big vents do have double ended zips, so can be unzipped up to my pack chest strap whilst riding.
*Pie Deficiency Syndrome