Kit Review: 2XU Sub Zero Cycle Jacket

Hayley: very pleased with her new jacket

Now that winter is well on its way, we hit the roads this week to test the 2XU Sub Zero Cycle Jacket. This jacket is 2XU’s winter warrior; designed to withstand all that the UK climate can throw at it.

Riding conditions - Lowest temperature: 3 degrees. Highest temperature: 12 degrees. Showers.

How did it fare?

Good. In cold, crisp conditions, down to freezing, this is a premium jacket that rates alongside niche brands such as Assos, but at a fraction of the price. Most importantly, it will keep you warm, which is the best thing a winter jacket can do!

It is shower-proof and whilst not completely waterproof, it has the ability to repel a lot of water, and should the jacket get damp, you’ll still struggle to get cold. A key advantage of it not being completely waterproof is the breathability factor. It wicks sweat away pretty well for a winter jacket, and the wicking effect can be further enhanced when coupled with a base layer, such as 2XU’s compression long-sleeved top.

We are in agreement that if you are riding hard in temperatures greater than 10-11 degrees, you will get too hot. This is strictly a winter warmer.

Reflective detailing and extended collar 

The features in the jacket are really well thought-out to maximise convenience. For people such as myself with long bodies, cycle jackets often come up small, whereas the Sub Zero is long enough to provide coverage (and spray-resistance) for your whole back and bum when you’re leaning forwards on the bike, and has a grippy seam at the base to stop it riding up. The extended collar is a great addition and means there is no longer a need for a buff or scarf to keep the elements out. The arm length is ample, and the cut still slim, so it doesn’t feel bulky. This jacket provides ultimate coverage without excess.

Reflective zip, eyewear docking system and secure chest pocket

Other features include 3 large rear pockets, allowing for plenty of storage and easy access to food and tools. Reflective accents keep you visible. The eyewear dock at the front allows for easy storage of sunglasses, should the rain set in, and a zipped pocket on the chest allows for secure storage of valuables such as phone/credit card.

To summarise, the 2XU Sub Zero Cycle Jacket is a top performer, in its element in cold, dry conditions (from 3-10 degrees). That said, with some basic layering we think the jacket could easily keep you warm down to -5/-10 degrees, but thankfully, we’re yet to have to test that!

Cost?

RRP: £140
B2P members: £112