As the clocks change and autumn marches into winter, cycle commuters face a choice: make a modest investment in the right kit to maintain the good habits and hard-won fitness of riding to work; or abandon these amazing benefits in favour of a stuffy bus, crowded train or traffic jam. The cost of commuting, whether in fuel and parking or a season ticket, soon exceeds the price of lights and a new jacket, so the choice really boils down to whether you want to keep up the mind-clearing, leg-toning, weight loss advantages of commuting by bike, or not.
To help you make the right decision, Altura has created three jackets designed not simply for cycle commuting, but also for walking into your workplace. So forget the hi-viz jackets worn for a laugh in bad sit oms or the figure-hugging jackets worn by bearded hipsters with racing snake physiques in coffee ads. The designs and colours of these Altura jackets could just as easily and comfortably be worn for a stroll down the high street, a trip to the pub or a country walk on a Sunday. The science bit, however, means they have reflective details in all the right places to boost your visibility on the road in low-light conditions.
What’s more, they are each available in men’s and women’s versions, crossing over their fabrics and technical features, but designed specifically for the male and female forms.
Altura Nightvision Electron (£190)
The brilliant Nightvision Electron is a sober black waterproof jacket with an ingenious lighting system. Called Scilif Sunfibre, the lights run in two lines up the back and over the shoulders for exceptional on-the-bike visibility, but turn off to become discrete seams when you don’t need them. The lights are powered by a rechargeable powerpack, which you can detach for washing, so it’s easy to keep the jacket looking as good as new.
Reflective panels on the sleeves and sides further enhance your visibility in traffic, while a fleece-lined front keeps your torso warm as Jack Frost starts to nip. The waterproof, breathable Nightvision Electron also has a wide vent across the back, so if your commute involves a hill or headwind, you won’t arrive at work covered in sweat. Handy zipped chest and hand pockets let you keep your keys, cash, cards and phone safe, while the hood rolls away when you don’t need it.
Check out the clever design features of the men’s and women’s Altura Nightvision Electron.
Altura Twister (£120)
You don’t have to look hard on the high street to see that insulated jackets, originally worn by high altitude mountaineers, are very much the fashion item of the 2020s. The stylish new Altura Twister takes this design and technology and applies it to a cycling jacket. Look carefully and you’ll spot the reflective details subtly placed on the sleeves and sides, the articulated stitching for ease of movement, and the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish to fend off rain and showers.
The men’s Twister has a slightly longer back than front to keep the small of your back covered when riding, while the women’s Twister is a longer, thigh-length design, with a two-way zip to ensure complete freedom of movement when pedalling. Both versions are filled with insulation made from recycled plastic bottles with a toasty warm tog rating of 9.95, making the Twister your sure-fire go-to autumn, winter and spring jacket, whatever you’re doing and wherever you’re going.
Altura Nightvision Zephyr (£120)
The sporty-looking Nightvision Zephyr jacket combines a relaxed fit with a high performance softshell fabric to deliver a robust waterproof, breathable cycling jacket that’s tailor-made for daily commutes. Taped seams keep out the rain, while back panel vents let sweat escape, keeping you cool and dry.
The Zephyr (available in both men's and women’s versions) comes in a variety of attractive two-colour combinations, with its low-light visibility enhanced by generously-sized reflective panels. Two zipped handpockets are useful for carrying keys, cards and phone, while the fixed hood fits over a helmet. The women’s Nightvision Zephyr has a longer mid-thigh silhouette, mirroring modern styles, with a two-way zip to ensure complete freedom of movement when cycling.
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