dhb Sync Waterproof Jacket

The dhb Sync cycling jacket is an impressive piece of kit; a full-on waterproof and windproof outer layer, giving excellent protection against the elements. In design, it's more like a jacket for hiking or hill-walking, so may well appeal to people looking for versatility - although it has a bit of an urban flava as well, so may be useful for commuters. It also looks similar to the understated jackets from brands such as Rohan aimed at stylish world travellers.

So the Sync is an all-rounder, but how does it perform on a bike? It's undeniably tough and keeps bad weather at bay, but it's a thick and relatively heavy garment too, so it's not ideal for training rides - let alone sportives or other events where you're likely to be spinning along at a fair old pace.

Where it will be more useful is for commuting, but only for the more relaxed rider that doesn't build up a sweat on the way to work, rather than the courier-wannabe that always track-stands then sprints away from the lights.

In the bike world, perhaps where this jacket really comes into its own is for steady cycle-touring in cold conditions. And should you start to perspire more than the breathable fabric can deal with, additional ventilation is provided by zipped openings under each armpit.

In both commuting and touring situations, as well as providing excellent protection, the Sync jacket looks pretty 'normal' so can be worn equally well on or off the bike. Its savvy-travel style would make it especially ideal for long-distance tours; again, its normal looks mean you could wear it with equal comfort crossing Alpine cols or strolling the streets of Berlin.

Looking at the features in more detail starting at the top, there's a peaked hood with elasticated draw-cord and adjusters - meaning you can pull it tight enough so it moves with your head - but it doesn't fold away into the collar, so if you're not using the hood it just flaps in the wind when you're cycling.

There are large pockets on each side at the lower part of the front of the jacket. These are useful for putting your hands in during that stroll around Berlin, but anything kept in these pockets when cycling bangs on the tops of your legs as you pedal.

There's no rear pocket but there is a small chest pocket with a vertical zip that's big enough to carry a wallet or phone, but that is too low (it's more of a stomach pocket than a chest pocket) to be not much use on a bike.

The jacket's main zip has flaps in front and behind for extra waterproofing, while the cuffs on the sleeves can be closed with Velcro on flexible plastic tabs that are easy to grip with gloves on. The hem is scalloped only very slightly, so you don't get the covering over the rear-end that you get with most cycling jackets.

The Sync is available in black and dark grey-green. Some riders may be disappointed that it's not available in brighter colours, especailly as it'll be used in bad weather (when the sky and surroundings also tend to be black or grey-green), but as this jacket is intended for use as much off the bike as on it, maybe these colour options are understandable.

This jacket retails at £79.99 on the Wiggle website (dhb is Wiggle's in-house brand) which is a good price compared to similar multi-purpose travel/activity garments from other manufacturers. But despite the price and quality, at the end of the day this isn't really a jacket that's suitable for most road riders.

Verdict

Good quality, heavy-duty waterproof and windproof jacket. May appeal for expedition cycling or gentle commuting - as well as travel or general outdoor activities - but various features make it unsuitable for many road riders