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This article was taken from the March 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
How we tested
Five riders from the Wired office, who commute a combined 100km a day, wore the jackets on their daily routes. They recorded their findings, awarding scores for comfort, breathability, style, waterproofing and durability. We assessed water resistance by submerging the jackets in liquid and measuring the damp patches left on blotting-paper placed inside each one.
Rapha Hardshell
For this design, Rapha has chosen a weighty, laminated fabric that shrugs off rain and wind. Smart touches include a high fleece-lined collar, offset zip and discreet tone-on-tone reflective detailing. The chartreuse colour (between yellow and green) is highly visible but avoids the construction-worker hi-vis comparisons. The cut (like many of the jackets here) is slim to reduce fabric-flapping while you're riding.
Wired: Fit and style
Tired: Expensive
Score: 9/10
Price: £240
DHB EQ 2.5
DHB's EQ 2.5 in bright red is a great compromise between the hi-vis yellow of the Montane and Madison jackets, and the "could miss it" grey-blue of the Endura. With armpit zips, chest vents for temperature regulation and rubber Velcro cuff-fastenings, there's a lot to admire in the specs of the DHB. The cut is slightly on the casual side and the dropped tail adds to the relaxed but sporty feel. The tail flap has a silicone gripper to keep it on your posterior as you ride, and a Teflon coating helps keep the colour clean and bright. The overall finish is not as polished as that of the Montane or Rapha products, but this is reflected in the price.
Wired: <span class="s2">High collar; clever detailing
Tired: Mesh lining makes it hot to wear
Score: 7/10
Price: £48.99
Endura Urban Shell
Endura's Urban Shell could easily pass for a stylish street jacket. Fully taped seams on a fine houndstooth weave fabric give the jacket a no-nonsense water resistance, and it also has a rubber headphone-cable router and a built in helmet-sized hood - though the safety of either of these in an urban environment is questionable. The jacket isn't available in hi-vis, but the black Scotchlite detailing on the back and cuffs helps with visibility, adding some much-needed highlights.
Wired: Hidden glasses-wipe
Tired: Flappy hood
Score: 8/10
Price: £79.99
Madison Stellar II
Madison's jacket has the traditional look and feel that many riders expect from hi-vis commute-wear. With an oversized fit, in-your-face fluoro and plenty of Scotchlite, the Stellar II would suit those who aren't whippet-thin riders and just want bright, functional protection. The large chest-pocket is perfect for keys and phones, and a zippered rear pocket can take an OS map.
Wired: Highly visible
Tired: Unflattering
Score: 6/10
Price: £69.99
madison.co.uk**<span class="s2">
Montane Velocity
Montane are highly regarded specialists in lightweight running and riding gear, and the Velocity is a perfect example of its smart, stripped-down design. The fully taped Pertex makes light work of the wet, but is still breathable enough when your commute turns uphill (or gets competitive). The fit is middling-slim and has very long arms compared to the other mediums we tested. Riders who feel the fluoro yellow is too bright can opt for a graphic electric-blue version.
Wired: Simple design
Tired: Cuffs require fastening every ride
Score: 7/10
Price: £110
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
