Monton Men’s PRO Joes 3-in-1 Thermal Winter Jacket

The Monton Men's PRO Joes 3-in-1 Jacket has the versatility to give a good three seasons worth of use, thanks to it actually being an outer softshell style jacket with a removable, quilted gilet tucked away inside. The windproof material with its durable water repellent coating (DWR) can keep you warm and relatively dry in changeable weather, while the gilet on its own keeps the chill off on those early-morning spring/autumn rides. The PRO Joes could do with a bit more reflective stuff if you ask me, though.

While not cheap even at its reduced price of £120 (down from £200) on Monton's website, the PRO Joes design does mean you're getting a decent amount of kit for your money. As I mentioned, it includes both a jacket and gilet, which you can wear either together or independently.

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At the start of the test period, back at the end of September, the weather was relatively mild (as it was throughout most of October too). This meant I spent a lot of time just wearing the outer jacket, which I found comfortable from around 12°C down to 5°C with just a baselayer beneath.

Below 12° I add the quilted gilet, and in the early morning frosts I've ridden so far, I've felt perfectly toasty.

The jacket's windproofing is impressive, with it blocking some quite strong winds, even those coming from the north with their icy chill. The outer doesn't have a huge amount of bulk to it either, something I was surprised about considering the warmth.

Most of the fabric has a kind of softshell feel to it, while under the arms and on the back it's thinner, presumably for breathability (you also get some vent holes under the arms). It's all fleece lined to keep you warm.

Considering its warmth the breathability is decent, even when riding hard on long climbs. The full-length zip runs smoothly and is easy to operate with gloves, so if you do need to let some heat out it's easy.

Monton has gone for a DWR coating which works well in light rain and drizzle, and it copes well with road spray too, either from passing traffic or when you're following a ride buddy's wheel.

It's by no means a waterproof though, and steady to heavy rain will soak through quite quickly. I didn't find the PRO Joes that quick at drying either. You do at least remain warm when wet, though.

When it comes to the design Monton have focused on the details well. It's well cut for bike use, with plenty of length in the arms and extended cuffs which close the gap between the jacket and your gloves.

You also get a dropped tail for decent coverage in a race position, and a good tall neck.

You also get pockets thrown in, if indeed you can throw a pocket. There's one zipped offering on the chest, and two more zipped 'hand' pockets like you'd find on a normal coat. I didn't really find much use for these if I'm honest, as any weight you put in them just makes the front of the jacket feel a bit heavy.

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Monton says its sizing is aligned with the Asian market, which is one or two sizes smaller than US/EUR. Inside this jacket the label shows two sizes: China – XL and US – L. I wear medium in most brands, but Monton's size guide does indeed show the Chinese XL is recommended for my 70-80kg build. Stick with the Monton guide and you should be fine.

The overall quality is high, which it needs to be given the price. The finish is neat and tidy, and the low-profile seams are comfortable.

The gilet part is attached by a small loop at the top of the neck, which allows it to sit independently of the jacket when you're wearing both. Consequently you don't feel restricted, as they still move like two separate garments.

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The black-only 'choice' isn't ideal for a winter jacket in my eyes, and it would be nice to see some brighter offerings for dreary day rides. The reflectives are lacking a bit too. There's a band on the left arm underneath the Monton logo, but with us in the UK riding on the left-hand side of the road, it's not exactly ideal.

There's also a little reflective logo on the rear, bottom right. It's tiny though.

Value

The Monton is quite well-priced at its (officially) discounted £120, and not exactly outrageous at the full RRP of £200 when you consider you're getting a quality gilet too.

Steve was impressed with the Specialized's RBX Softshell jacket a couple of weeks back. He rated its warmth, breathability and windproofing, and it has a decent level of water resistance too. It'll set you back £150.

Rapha's Pro Winter Jacket is £180 and looks to be of a similar design to the Monton, including a DWR coating.

Both of these are cheaper than the Monton's full RRP which is what we always base value on, even if the kit will rarely cost that. Even at £200 though, the Monton isn't overpriced – especially if we get a very cold winter.

Conclusion

Some other colours and more reflectives would be nice for riding at night or on gloomy days, but when it comes to performance the Monton really delivers. Good weather protection, the addition of the gilet and the fact it is very well made all help to justify its chunky full price.

Verdict

Good quality 'system' that copes with any temperature winter can throw at you, and gives some water resistance too