Van Rysel Men's Long-Sleeved Road Cycling Winter Jacket Racer Extreme

Tell us what the jacket is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

From Decathlon: "A warm jacket with a detachable neck warmer and liner. This aerodynamic jacket will keep you warm when riding in temperatures as low as -5°C. Windproof, breathable and water-repellent! The latest cycling jacket in our Van Rysel Racer line. Stay warm on your winter rides in the harshest conditions."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the jacket?

From Decathlon:

AN EXTREMELY VERSATILE JACKET

We designed this jacket for your winter rides in truly cold and windy conditions, those conditions where even the smallest breakdown can be a nightmare.

This jacket, to be worn over a technical base layer, will keep you warm in temps as low as -5°C. Nirta Rice is a windproof, warm and water-repellent material used for the jacket's outer layer.

Made with a Matrix inner liner that can be removed for added versatility. We recommend only wearing the inner liner when riding in temps below +5°C.

"LONG TAIL" DESIGN

As you can see in these photos, we decided to make the jacket longer in the back. The reason is simple: to protect your cycling tights and your backside from road spray.

Another advantage is that we were able to position the pockets lower so that you don't have to twist your arm to put something in or take something out while cycling.

What is the Pro Fit design?

Pro Fit is a cycling garment design from Van Rysel. It's a design made for high-performance cyclists who want cycling clothes that are close-fitting without being constricting.

This jacket is designed to be worn over a technical base layer. If you plan on wearing it over two layers, we recommend buying one size larger than your usual.

Our Pro Fit design is for those cycling regularly. If you think you might need a jacket with a bit more space, buy one size larger than your usual.

POCKETS

This jacket is made with 7 pockets.

Two small side pockets that can also serve for rubbish.

A set of 5 back pockets that include:

- 2 pockets for snacks or small items - 1 zip pocket for phone/key/card - 1 net pocket for gloves, hat or other accessories.

DETAILS THAT MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

This jacket stands out with the attention we've given to every detail.

- A flap for the lower zip so that it doesn't damage your cycling tights.

- A flap for the top zip so that it doesn't irritate your neck

- A detachable neck warmer with a breathable area

- Soft sleeves with elasticated cuffs

- A few reflective patches, for those who like to get out early or come back late!

- Zip tabs so that it's easier to pull on them with gloves on

TECHNICAL SPECS

100% Polyester

RET < 20, and an air permeability rating of 5/5

Main component: 245 g/sqm

The primary material is water-repellent but not waterproof. So this jacket will protect you from light rain or drizzle but is not designed for riding in heavy rain or for long periods.

The seams and zips are all secure-feeling.

Really adaptable on the fly thanks to the removable internal layers. Super warm when it needs to be and the water repellency is decent. The tight fit made me feel really aero and there was no flapping whatsoever.

No problems so far, apart from road spray discolouring the lower back.

This is a potentially very warm jacket, but - thanks to the removable layer and neck snood - can be worn in lots of ways, which affects the breathability. If the inner layer is unzipped and removed, heat escapes reasonably well. I wore it up to 16 degrees and still wasn't overly stuffy.

I am 188cm and the Large was snug, especially with the inner layer hooked in. The extra long lower back panel creates a slightly odd profile, but it is practical.

Pretty much just right for me, though I would consider going up a size for a more relaxed fit.

At 680g it is much heavier than many competitors, and double the 340g of the non-extreme Van Rysel Winter Jacket. For comparison, The Galibier GrandTour is also only 360g.

How easy is the jacket to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

No issues here except for the light easily picking up marks, particularly on the soft cuffs and the tail.

Tell us how the jacket performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Well – it is a really snug garment that can combat even the nippiest winds, and provides a nicely tailored race fit.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the jacket

Its versatility. Lose the inner layer and snood and it becomes less stuffy and more of a mild-weather jersey/jacket hybrid. The fit is quite racy and are seemingly infinite pockets, including a zip pocket that fits my phone.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the jacket

The buttons connecting the snood are quite fiddy and almost impossible with cold hands or gloves, and while I appreciate the practicality of the bum-covering flap it doesn't add to the looks.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's certainly good value against the competition, which is often well into three figures. You can even opt for the non-extreme Van Rysel edition and save yourself £40.

The Galibier GrandTour Jacket is a phenomenally good deal at £82.34 and Josh Price couldn't really find fault with it. The credentials are similar to the Van Rysel but it is only recommended down to 6°C with a long-sleeve base.

Use this box to explain your overall score

This provides performance and construction that compares favourably with far more expensive brands. Perhaps the breathability could be improved in places, but the insulation and windproofing is excellent – as is its feeling of durability.