Skip to main content

Bontrager RXL Convertible 180 jacket


THE FIRST IMPRESSION of the Bontrager softshell is that it’s cut for movement – it’s longer at the back, with a gripper to keep it all in place, and the generously long sleeves ensure that when you shift back, the jacket doesn’t shift up.

Off the bike the front looks short, but ignore this, because once riding the cut is perfect and, combined with the other features, underlines the long-ride comfort of the RXL. Soft inner cuffs feel that bit nicer against your skin and if you’re a thumb loops fan it has those too.

The real bonus, though, is sleeves that zip off, giving you a gilet too. These are easily stuffed into one of the three back pockets. These are open, not zipped, so splash warnings apply, but we’d live with that for the versatility of this jacket.

Price 180$

Popular posts from this blog

Alpinestars Stratus gloves

The Stratus gloves from Alpinestars offer a decent amount of protection from the cold and wet without compromising control at the bars.

Gusset Magnum stem

SO GOOD Gusset’s 50mm stem is nicely CNC machined from 7075 alloy and the faceplate and internal steerer clamp are available in a range of five anodised colours to complement the black body. The hidden steerer clamp keeps sharp edges to a minimum and removes stress from the body of the stem. Out on the bike, the stem proved flex free and bombproof.

iXS Asper BC shorts

THEY AREN’T CHEAP, but these well made and feature packed shorts are the epitome of classic mountainbike-specific functionality, and on the bike they don’t disappoint.

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.