Skip to main content

Alpinestars Mid Layer jacket


The ‘tennis heart-throb circa 1970’ vibe of this jacket has a certain appeal, but it delivers more than just style. Essentially a fleece with strategically-placed windproof panels, it’s an amped-up jersey, and one that works well.We didn’t overheat, even when riding hard, and the protective front keeps the cold off on long descents. The cut is relaxed, and silicone gripper keeps the long back hem firmly in place. It fits well on the bike and looks good off it too, making it a versatile item.We liked the Alpinestars jacket much more than we thought we would – it’s much warmer than we anticipated and, although we’d layer a waterproof over the top on days that are both cold and wet, on dry rides it works just fine on its own. It also has a useful zipped side pocket for essentials.

Weight 365g

Price $165


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.

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.

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'.

COMMENCAL EL CAMINO 3

Commencal are going from strength to strength at the moment and they’ve taken their tough trail hardtail bang up to date with 650b wheels. With its skinny rims, crankset and fork, the El Camino certainly isn’t perfect and it’s the least hardcore bike here. The handling, smoothness, speed and all-round agility of the basic bike still make it a real blast for technical trail riding though, and it’s a great base for upgrading over time.

Scott Scale 950

The Scale 950 uses the now traditional-for-cross-country 29er wheels to excellent effect, with a fast but fun character that's happy racing or railing.