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

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

RockShox Pike 26

Waaaay back in 2002, RockShox revolutionized the suspension world with the release of its Psylo range of forks. The forks came with 30mm stanchions, a lockout/compression adjustment, the travel was adjustable from 80-120mm, and......wait for it, they came with a quick release 20mm through axle.

Sam Reynolds' Polygon Collosus N9

WHO IS SAM REYNOLDS? Hailing from South East England, Sam Reynolds is one of the UK's top freeriders, specialising in dirt jumping and slopestyle. But with mates like World Cup downhiller Brendan Fairclough, he also likes to get up to speed in the hills, where he's been introducing the Collosus to some colossal jumps, gaps and drops.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

SURLY INSTIGATOR 2.0

Ever fancied a fat bike but were worried about its lack of agility, flickability and general playfulness? Surly’s “26+”   wheeled bike could well be the answer, combining wide 26in hoops with huge 2.75in tyres. We hit the trails to find out just what the Instigator 2.0 is all about.