Weather-resistant jerseys in the BIKE test: 11 models for trail riding, touring and the in-between seasons

The transition period presents mountain bikers and gravel bikers alike with a recurring question: which layer will keep you protected in the morning when it’s five degrees and the air is damp, without making you too hot on the first climb? A rain jacket reliably keeps the wet out, but is often too waterproof for high-intensity riding. A standard long-sleeved jersey remains breathable, but often offers too little protection against wind, mist and spray.

​This is where weather-resistant jerseys come into their own. Modern designs combine windproof front panels with water-repellent materials and breathable back panels. The result is a category of clothing that is particularly well suited to trail rides, touring and everyday use during the transitional seasons.

These are our eleven test candidates

• ​Alé Defence 2.0 >> e.g. available here
• ​Bioracer Speedwear Concept Tempest Protect Jersey >> e.g. available here
• ​Castelli Do.Di.Ci. Jacket >> e.g. available here
• ​Gobik Element >> e.g. available here
• ​Gonso Stivio Jersey Therm M >> e.g. available here
• ​GripGrab Pacr Thermal Long-Sleeve Jersey >> e.g. available here
• ​Maap Pro Race Jacket >> e.g. available here
• ​Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Thermal Long-Sleeve Jersey 2.0 >> e.g. available here
• ​Q 36.5 Rain Shell Aero Jersey >> e.g. available here
• ​Santini Redux Power Wool Thermo Jacket >> e.g. available here
• ​Sportful Fiandre Shift Jacket >> e.g. available here

Castelli came up with it

Castelli pioneered this category with the Gabba range; today, many manufacturers use a similar design: a windproof front, a water-repellent outer layer and a breathable back. Unlike a classic softshell jacket, these tops fit snugly against the body and are designed for the athletic riding position on a gravel bike or mountain bike. At the front, the fabric should not bunch up around the stomach; at the back, the jersey must be long enough to keep the back and bottom covered and prevent the pockets from riding up.

We weighed eleven models in size L, tested their water-repellency in a spray test and assessed their wind protection in real-world conditions. We also evaluated the fit, feel of the fabric, zips, collars, cuffs, pockets and reflective details. The overall mark is made up of weather protection, fit and comfort (30 per cent each), weight and pack size (20 per cent), and features and functionality (a further 20 per cent).

Wind protection and water-repellency make all the difference

A weather-resistant jersey doesn’t need to be waterproof. If you’re cycling for two hours in continuous rain, you’ll still need a rain jacket. For a typical training ride in temperatures of between five and 15 degrees, what matters more is how well the top blocks the wind, how long it takes for raindrops to roll off, and whether the fabric wicks moisture away effectively.

In the spray test, Bioracer, Castelli, Gobik, Maap and Sportful achieved top marks for weather protection. Water beads off these jackets most reliably, and their front panels remain watertight even on fast descents. This makes a noticeable difference, particularly on wet roads, in damp fog and during short showers: the jerseys stay dry for longer, absorb less water and thus provide better protection against getting chilled.

​Test winner: MAAP Pro Race Jacket

This compromise is most successfully achieved by the Maap Pro Race Jacket. It offers excellent protection against wind and rain without feeling like a stiff jacket. The lined collar fits snugly, whilst the double zip makes it easy to regulate your temperature on the mountain. If you want to let some heat out, you can open it from the bottom without the jersey gaping at the neck. A zipped pocket and highly visible reflective details round off the comprehensive features. Weighing 255 grams, the Maap is no lightweight, but the balance between weather protection, fit and functionality is excellent. An overall score of 1.3 means it’s the test winner. At 285 euros, however, it’s also the most expensive model in the field.

​2nd place: Sportful Fiandre Shift Jacket

Sportful follows with the Fiandre Shift Jacket Just behind it. This model also offers very good protection against wind and light showers, but at 225 grams it is significantly lighter than the Maap. The two-way zip works well in practice and makes ventilation easier. The standard, sporty fit appeals to cyclists who do not want an extremely tight race cut. Points are deducted for the lack of reflective details. Nevertheless, Sportful takes second place with an overall score of 1.4.

​3rd place: Castelli Do.Di.Ci. Jacket

Castelli proves with the Do.Di.Ci. Jacket Just behind in third place. Weighing in at 240 grams, this model combines good weather protection with a sporty yet not overly tight fit. The covered zip effectively keeps draughts out, whilst the back remains breathable enough for intense training sessions. More reflective material would round off this otherwise very well-balanced design.

With the Speedwear Concept Tempest Protect, Bioracer offers the best weather protection at the lowest price. At 130 euros, this model is the most affordable option in the test. It provides impressive protection against wind, cold and drizzle, but it runs small and has a close-fitting cut. Anyone who falls between two sizes or wants to wear a thicker base layer underneath should try it on before buying.

Fit and features are key to practical use

The way you sit on the bike is crucial. When you’re hunched over, your back stretches out, your shoulders roll forwards, and your bags are loaded with tools, food or your smartphone. If the jersey is too short at the back, it rides up. If it’s too long at the front, the fabric bunches up around your stomach. Both of these issues can significantly reduce comfort in cold and wet conditions.

In our test, the Maap Pro Race Jacket performed best in this regard. It fits snugly around the torso and rear, shows hardly any flapping and stays in place even with full pockets. The collar fits snugly without feeling tight, and the sleeves extend far enough over the wrists. Castelli and Sportful come very close to this standard. Both models are suitable for riders who set off wearing a thin technical base layer and do not want to have to put on or take off an extra layer every time the temperature changes.

​Best value for money: GripGrab Pacr Thermal Long Sleeve

GripGrab really stands out for its features. The Pacr Thermal Long-Sleeve Jersey costs 140 euros and has been recognised for its value for money. The collar is lined, the zip is covered and features a zip garage. It also has a zipped pocket and plenty of reflective material. When it comes to weather protection, GripGrab doesn’t quite match the top performers such as Maap, Sportful or Castelli, but for normal autumn days and changeable training conditions, it offers plenty of practical features at a comparatively low price.

The Alé impresses with its sporty fit and a wide range of sizes from 2XS to 4XL. The Defence 2.0 has a regular fit, making it ideal for cyclists who aren’t keen on extremely tight race-cut designs. The collar, cuffs and covered zip reliably prevent cold air from getting in. The weather protection and features are solid, but it lacks the extra protection of a rain jacket for prolonged rain.

​For minimum weight

Q36.5 takes a different approach with the Rain Shell Aero Jersey. This short-sleeved top is worn with arm warmers and weighs just 205 grams in total. This makes it the lightest model in the test. The design enhances flexibility but requires careful consideration when choosing layers. For long, cold or rainy rides, full-length long-sleeved jerseys are the more suitable option.

There’s a suitable model for every type of journey

For the best balance of fit, weather protection and features, the Maap Pro Race Jacket is the top choice. It is expensive, but offers the most comprehensive package of all those tested. Sportful stands out as a lighter alternative, offering excellent protection and a comfortable fit. Castelli also remains a well-balanced choice for ambitious cyclists who want to train intensively in windy conditions and during short showers.

GripGrab offers the best features at a comparatively low price. Bioracer is even cheaper and offers particularly good protection against wind and drizzle, but its slim fit means you need to choose your size carefully. With its lightweight design and combination of a short-sleeved jersey and arm warmers, Q36.5 is aimed at performance-oriented cyclists who want flexibility when layering.

Gonso and Santini occupy the drier, warmer end of the test range. The Gonso Stivio Jersey Therm M is soft and comfortable to wear, but without a membrane it offers only limited protection against wind and wet conditions. It is therefore best suited to cool, dry days or as a warm layer under a gilet. The Santini Redux Power Wool Thermo Jacket impresses with its soft merino fabric and excellent comfort, but at 380 grams it is the heaviest model in the test. The all-black design also compromises visibility in low light.

​Conclusion: The right solution for every weather condition

Weather-resistant jerseys are among the most versatile items of clothing for mountain bikers and gravel bikers. Whilst they are no substitute for a proper rain jacket, they offer exactly the protection that many riders need in temperatures between 5 and 15 degrees. If you’re looking for the most balanced all-round solution, go for the MAAP Pro Race Jacket. The Sportful Fiandre Shift Jacket stands out as a lightweight alternative, whilst GripGrab offers the best value for money.

Ultimately, it comes down to the intended use, the desired fit and your personal sensitivity to the cold. The good news is that, among the range currently on test, practically everyone will find the right weather jersey for the transitional season.