Average Rating: 4 out of 5 No. of Reviews: 14 RRP: £49.99 Year: 2004
Description: This simple jacket is fantastic value as it provides the core properties of being waterproof, windproof and breathable. It has enhanced features included taped seams which seal the vunerable areas of the jacket from the elements. Fit is provided through a drawstring waist and adjustable cuffs. The reflective trim ensures visibility in dim conditions.
REVIEWS
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Strengths: Bright yellow, waterproof, good fit, pockets
Weaknesses: Not breathable, expensive considering it's not breathable
Overall: I'm always a bit sceptical when I see the words 'breathable' on waterproofs. I usually rely on a certain trade name which I have used and relied on in the past to guarantee that - Goretex. I should have listened to my doubts and saved my £50 and put it towards a goretex top. Any slight amout of exertion and I'm sweating a lot in this, and like someone else said, if you wear a rucksack the rear ventdoesn't work. I think I'll see how this top compares with my army goretex - just as a comparison. Yeah, I know the DPM material isn't exactly stand out bold, but it does breathe.
Strengths: Light but tough, good cut for cycling, well ventilated but easily adaptable for varied conditions.
Weaknesses: Not as waterproof as some bulkier jackets when it's p***ing down!!
Overall: I bought this jacket in October last year as my pertex was too flimsy and my waterproof jacket too bulky and warm, especially when using the Camelbak. I though it would be a good 'in between' jacket for spring/autumn but since buying it, it's the only jacket I've used.
The construction is simple with no useless features such as chest pockets/hoods etc. and is perfect for anyone who, like me, stores everything in the Camelbak anyway. There are no pockets but the jacket is lined and construction is of a high standard.
The jacket is waterproof/windproof and very comfortable but does not insulate well as there is no insulation or padding. I do tend to generate a lot of heat when cycling anyway and find that by using a layering system, this jacket is the ideal shell.
The pit zips are of a good size and easy to use and the jacket features a fleece lined collar and elasticated cuffs for when you want to keep draughts out.
I would recommend this jacket to anyone, especially the hot & sweaty variety (like me!)
Strengths: Strong and waterproof and windproof and vents are okay.
Weaknesses: Do any real climbs and you'll sweat, sweat and sweat and then you'll need to ring out the jacket!! Breathability is bad. Zips on the side vents are tricky at times and the main one has bust too.
Overall: Get what you pay for. I would only use this for really really freezing cold, wet windy days where the trails are mainly flattish. Very annoying how hot you get in this jacket. I would suggest you use this for commuting. It isn't a perfomrance jacket and at nearly £50 you can't really expect much more. Not bad for the cash but if you do alot of mountain biking go for something else.
Strengths: Price, quite light, simplicity, it works! The red colour looks a lot better than the Day-Glo yellow!
Weaknesses: Needs slightly better ventilation: its only really good for October to March as you can overheat but for winter its excellent. Needs velcro cuffs though. Dont use it with a ruckasck as the rear vent gets covered over, this is not such a problem with a camelbak. I would like to have more reflective material on it.
Overall: Really good value, simple light jacket that is good for both road commuting and off-road. Great if you cant stand the idea of spending £150 on a GoreTex jacket that gets worn for 2 hours a week.
Strengths: Breathability, pit zips, breathable holes in the back, range of sizes, colours (Blue or Slime yellow!), fleece-lined neck collar, adjustable neck collar and waist, velcro wrist adjusters, semi waterproof i.e. stand a reasonable shower but no good for scuba diving in!
Weaknesses: colours, drop-down flap can't be folded away, lack of pockets.
Overall: Bought this jacket at the weekend and tested it last night. I wore a thermal and lycra top under it and was kept warm all evening. The jacket fits very well and only had very slight bumfling* whilst riding.
There was a very small shower and it kept the rain away from my body.
I did notice that if I over tightened the waist cords i.e. got a nice flush fit, that the bottom zipper started working its way up. Not a huge problem, just undo the pressure on the drawcords.
Overall I'm impressed with this jacket, I'm sorry to say that my 8-year old Pace ultrafleece has now been relegated to extreme winter condition when another fleece top will have to be worn.
The only thing this jacket is missing for the price is some sort of adjustability in the chest/stomach area - I've only seen this on an Endura jacket but think it's a cracking idea as it would prevent bumfling*.
*bumfling - my term for the front of the jacket riding up and making you look like you have a huge beer belly.
Overall: I can't say much more about its weaknesses and strenghts. This is just to give testimony of its waterproofing: EXCELLENT. It has kept me dry (in and outside) for hours in several rainstorms (when even the gear shifters refused to work properly)
Strengths: Waterproofing seems pretty good. Reflective piping all the way round the jacket and down the back of the arms. Good fit that doesn't restrict. Drop down tail. Good value.
Weaknesses: The fabric isn't that breathable, and moderate exertion can make you feel a little damp - the vent flap and pit zips are definitely needed.
Overall: The redesigned 2004 Nevis is better looking than last years thanks to black side panels. Refectivity has been increased making it quite a visible jacket(although an extra row of piping on the front of the arms or around the cuff would be nice for oncoming traffic). It keeps you dry in cold weather providing you don't exert yourself too much. It packs up fairly well into an OS map sized rear pocket. If it was just a little more breathable it would be superb, as it is it's pretty good for the money.
Strengths: Waterproofing seems pretty good. Reflective piping all the way round the jacket and down the back of the arms. Good fit that doesn't restrict. Drop down tail. Good value.
Weaknesses: The fabric isn't that breathable, and moderate exertion can make you feel a little damp - the vent flap and pit zips are definitely needed.
Overall: The redesigned 2004 Nevis is better looking than last years thanks to black side panels. Refectivity has been increased making it quite a visible jacket(although an extra row of piping on the front of the arms or around the cuff would be nice for oncoming traffic). It keeps you dry in cold weather providing you don't exert yourself too much. It packs up fairly well into an OS map sized rear pocket. If it was just a little more breathable it would be superb, as it is it's pretty good for the money.
Strengths: Price, features, wind/waterproof, I find it breathable - despite some of the other comments posted -
Weaknesses: Being picky, it's aimed at commuters so I'd prefer wider reflective trim, but that would affect the price
Overall: This winter I have used an Altura Nevis and an Endura Commuter jacket, which got best in test in Cycling Plus while cycling to work. The Altura is the same price and spec, but just seems to do everything better - it's lighter, feels better, folds better, the colour seems brighter, the fit is better, the refelctive trim is better placed, the pit zips are excellent at this price point, it's had no quality issues and you can wear it for weekend training rides without looking like a lost commuter! In case you hadn't guessed, I really like this jacket
Performance
80%
Reliability
80%
Value
100%
Overall Rating
87%
MY REVIEW
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Average Rating: 4 out of 5
