Our verdict on the Northwave collection
The Northwave collection for cycling in inclement weather focuses less on a single, all-purpose item and more on a clearly structured system. The Extreme range brings together the more sophisticated materials and features for persistent rain, long distances and gravel riding. Core offers a range of lower-priced options for typical winter and transitional weather. The Extreme Rock Jacket is particularly striking: a 20,000 mm three-layer membrane, packable design, handlebar attachment and helmet-compatible hood go beyond the features of a classic cycling rain jacket.
Northwave divides its new winter clothing range into two clearly defined lines. The Extreme collection is aimed at ambitious cyclists who stay in the saddle for long periods, even under intense exertion and in bad weather. The Core range, on the other hand, caters for more common scenarios: cool training rides, changeable weather during the transition between seasons, and rain that doesn’t last all day.
The most technically striking item in the collection is the Extreme Rock Jacket. Its three-layer main fabric is designed to protect against rain with a water column rating of 20,000 mm. Northwave has enhanced the design with a waterproof two-way zip, ventilation panels under the arms and at the back, and an extended back panel. The jacket can be stowed away in an inside pocket and secured to the bike using hooks and a drawstring. The hood is designed to be worn under a helmet.
The range of long trousers is also clearly specialised. The Extreme Pro Bibtight combines a water-repellent Blizzard Power Acquazero fabric with the Paris HP chamois and is said to be particularly suitable for long road rides. In contrast, the Extreme Rock MS Bibtight uses a heavier Thermoroubaix fabric weighing 300 g/m² and features an X-Treme Gel pad, making it particularly appealing to gravel and off-road riders. For female cyclists, there are the Extreme MS Wmn Bibtights, featuring a dedicated chamois and a quick-release fastening.
Within this range, Northwave positions the Core line as a more everyday-friendly modular system. The Blade Jacket offers a 10,000 mm water column, whilst the lighter Blade Light Jacket offers 5,000 mm. The Fahrenheit Jersey and the Force 2 Long-Sleeved Jersey complement the jackets for different temperature ranges. With the Fast MS Bibtight and Active Acqua Bibtight, there are also two pairs of long tights with a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish to choose from. For road cyclists, this range makes sense: not every ride calls for maximum weather protection.
The Northwave Extreme range
- Extreme Rock Jacket, 182.99 euros: Three-layer membrane with a water column rating of 20,000 mm, PFC-free DWR finish, packable and with handlebar attachment.
- Extreme Pro Bibtights, 182.99 euros: Water-repellent fabric and Paris HP seat padding for long journeys.
- Extreme Rock MS Bib Tights, 162.66 euros: Thermoroubaix with 300 g/m² and X-Treme Gel padding for gravel and off-road riding.
- Extreme MS Women’s Bib Tights, 142.32 euros: Women’s model with Paris HP seat pad and quick-release fastening.
- Extreme Thermal Jersey, 132.16 euros: A warm mid-season jersey made from 85 per cent polyamide.
- Extreme Light Vest, 66.07 euros: Packable wind vest with a windproof front, breathable stretch mesh on the back and a double zip with a Camlock fastener.
- Extreme Rock MS Bib Tights, 162.66 euros: Long-sleeved thermal Roubaix tights with a weight of 300 g/m², PFC-free DWR finish, side pockets and an X-Treme Gel chamois for gravel and off-road riding.
- Extreme Light Wind Jacket, 76.24 euros: A lightweight windbreaker that can be packed away into its own inner pocket, featuring a water-repellent main fabric, mesh panels and a double YKK zip.
The Northwave Core range
- Blade Jacket, 152.49 euros: Rain jacket with a water column rating of 10,000 mm.
- Blade Light Jacket, 137.24 euros: Lightweight rain jacket with a water column rating of 5,000 mm.
- Fahrenheit Jersey, 91.49 euros: Long-sleeved jersey for cool days in between seasons.
- Force 2 Long-Sleeved Jersey, 67.09 euros: Long-sleeved jersey for milder conditions.
- Fast MS Bibtight, 132.16 euros: Vuelta DWR fabric and Explorer seat pad.
- Active Acqua Bibtight, 101.66 euros: Long-sleeved trousers with a PFC-free DWR finish.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief