Jacket recommendations

General cycling advice ( NOT technical ! )
tinribs
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Jacket recommendations

Post by tinribs »

My paramo Quito finally needs replacing. Any recommendations for an all round cycle jacket (that would be fine off the bike/hiking too?)? Use it for acommunting all year and touring.
iandusud
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by iandusud »

I was looking for such a jacket last to replace my 30 year old Gortex and I got this one https://www.blacks.co.uk/16036271/monta ... lsrc=aw.ds
Couldn't be happier with it. I've cycled for hours at a time in the rain and it has kept me perfectly dry. The hood rolls up in the collar and the arms are suitably long for cycling. It is slim fitting though so fine for a fit cyclists build but it wouldn't work for someone a bit on the large side. I'm 6'1" and have a Medium.
in4time
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by in4time »

Quite often there are Paramo ‘seconds’ on a well known auction site.

I’m a very happy Quito user too and wondered whether getting yours refreshed by Paramo is worth considering.
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andrew_s
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by andrew_s »

If you've been happily using the Quito for long enough to consider it worn out, your main options seem to be...
a) Get Paramo to give your Quito a going over as @in4time suggested (i.e. industrial clean and reproof, plus any necessary repairs).
b) An alternative Paramo jacket, such as a Velez.

Personally speaking, I prefer that my waterproofs are less warm than whatever else I may have taken off before putting them on, bearing in mind the added windproofing of something that keeps the rain out, so I go for Goretex Shakedry.
philsknees
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by philsknees »

I'm still happy with both my Quito and Ciclo Paramo jackets but I've seen feedback from long-term hard users in the hill walking sector suggesting that eventually they will become irretrievably leaky.
This:-
https://hilltrek.co.uk/shop-by-activity/cyclists/

-may be worth a look? A step up price-wise, from Paramo, though should last a lifetime.
bikepacker
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by bikepacker »

I have a Quito primarily for walking as I have never taken to it for cycling. Tried it a few times but it felt bulky on the bike and for some reason it leaked more. I much prefer my GoreTex Paclite for cycling.
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geomannie
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by geomannie »

geomannie
tinribs
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by tinribs »

Great thanks for all the suggestions. Quito is quite worn on back, a couple of rips and one hole where it's worn away. Been checking out all the suggestions. Almost too many choices with jackets!
slowster
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by slowster »

I have a Paramo Helki, which I suspect may be the closest in style to the Quito (https://www.paramo-clothing.com/en-gb/e ... ki-jacket/). However, I think the Quito used the lighter version of the Paramo Analogy fabric, which might be important to you since you use it all year round. I would not wear or take the Helki with me in the summer half of the year: it is too warm and too bulky to carry in a bag or pannier in case it rains.

Because Paramo jackets rely just on the close weave of the nylon shell for windproofing, they are vastly more breathable than any membrane jacket (whether softshell or fully waterproof hardshell). I've not tried Goretex Shakedry, but from what I have read it might be very close to the breathability of unproofed nylon. However, Shakedry is very lightweight and vulnerable to tears, and would not withstand the wear and tear that your Quito has had judging by your comments.

If the particular qualities of the Quito matter a great deal to you, I suggest you look around for remaining stock, e.g.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/354044490416? - test model in XL

https://themountaineershop.co.uk/produc ... to-jacket/ - Medium and XL

Alternatively I suggest you look at the Helki and/or whatever lightweight Analogy fabric jackets Paramo curently make.

If you want/would be happy with a membrane jacket, there is so much choice that it would help if you refined your criteria, i.e. price and features.
tinribs
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by tinribs »

Thanks for that. Yes the Quito was just about light enough to to wear on a mild summer day. I had a Velez smock before that, far too bulky for summer (and often winter too). Been looking at membrane jackets, for something only for the bike I'm looking at £100 max. Then maybe look to get a separate jacket for walking/hiking.
deeferdonk
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by deeferdonk »

i like Alpkits jackets.

I have the gravitas jacket in case of rain - although quite expensive, packable and lightweight:

https://alpkit.com/products/gravitas-mens

But usually just wear the arro windproof - which is fine in light rain, offers some protection and dries quickly. Not too expensive either. Also packs up small into its own pocket and easily stowed.

https://alpkit.com/products/arro-mens
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Cowsham
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by Cowsham »

:shock: I've bought good bikes cheaper than some of those jackets.
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deeferdonk
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by deeferdonk »

Cowsham wrote: 27 May 2022, 11:57am :shock: I've bought good bikes cheaper than some of those jackets.
I keep looking at new bike prices and thinking I've bought decent cars cheaper!
Stevek76
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by Stevek76 »

Just don't look at current car prices then!
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Bmblbzzz
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Re: Jacket recommendations

Post by Bmblbzzz »

philsknees wrote: 26 May 2022, 10:26am I'm still happy with both my Quito and Ciclo Paramo jackets but I've seen feedback from long-term hard users in the hill walking sector suggesting that eventually they will become irretrievably leaky.
This:-
https://hilltrek.co.uk/shop-by-activity/cyclists/

-may be worth a look? A step up price-wise, from Paramo, though should last a lifetime.
Totally different in style though. Not really suitable for all-year wear – too warm for most spring and summer use. Not sure it will last a lifetime either; mine (which I think is single Ventile – the label doesn't specify and I don't remember which) is maybe six years old and already fraying on the cuffs. I know a couple who had some custom-made to their own dimensions and own choice of colour – they're also not too satisfied. The dye faded very quickly and the 'custom fitting' seems to be very similar to standard. Also note that the fabric becomes very stiff when wet and takes some time to dry. However, the pockets are great!
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