Bike jacket Black Friday: discounts for rain and cold
The bike jacket for Black Friday is chosen based on what it needs to block: the wind, the cold or the rain. The discounts on the road selection include windbreakers and vests that can be tucked into a pocket, thermal softshells for dry winter days, and waterproof jackets with a membrane, in both men's and women's fits. Check the protection stated, then the fit, whether designed for cycling position or not.
Windbreaker, softshell or waterproof: what jacket to look for?
- The windbreaker and gilet: lightweight, they protect the torso during descents and cool mornings, and can be tucked away in a jersey pocket; at Northwave, the Breeze 3 gilet even folds into its own pocket.
- The thermal jacket: brushed fabric and windproof panels for dry winter conditions. The Reload SP from Northwave places its membrane at the front, sleeves, and upper back, and has breathable stretchy sides; the brand targets it for temperatures around 0 to 15 degrees.
- The membrane waterproof jacket: taped seams and a stated water column for heavy rain. The WPM jackets from Löffler and the Save Essential from Gonso fall into this category.
What to read on the label before buying
A jacket labelled waterproof combines a membrane and taped seams; a water-repellent jacket only sheds light rain due to a surface treatment. Then look at the fit: a road jacket has an extended back, sleeves that cover the wrist when arms are extended, and often has rear pockets, while a city or hiking jacket favours hoods and front pockets. Reflective strips help you be seen at dusk.
Comparing two discounts on the same jacket
The same jacket often comes in men's and women's versions, with or without sleeves, like the CF WPM from Löffler, which is also available as a gilet. Before comparing the crossed-out price, check the identical version, then look at the membrane and water column. The selection also includes sweatshirts, tracksuits, down jackets, and ponchos: useful before or after the ride, they don’t replace a road bike jacket.
Cycling jacket brands for Black Friday
Gonso offers softshells in standard or light versions and the Save Essential, a rain jacket with a membrane and taped seams, equipped with a hood, for daily commutes.
Northwave places its Reload SP in thermal jackets with selective protection and complements it with the Breeze 3, the Extreme 2 for women, and gilets.
Löffler uses ultrasonic welding on certain seams with its hotBOND technique, featured here on the thermal jacket PL60, and equips its WPM jackets with a waterproof membrane.
VAUDE, based in Tettnang near Lake Constance, applies its Green Shape label to a large part of its collection, which frames materials and production; its Kuro, Yaras, and Posta are available in men's and women's versions here.
Jersey, gloves and other road textile pages
All year round, road cycling jackets are available in the road textile section. During the event, a jacket can be worn over one of the promotional long-sleeve jerseys, along with winter gloves from Black Friday and shoe covers from the selection. In mountain biking, MTB jackets from Black Friday prioritise durability. Clearance items at clearance, new models at new arrivals.
Frequently asked questions
Will a jacket bought on Black Friday last all winter?
Yes: the event takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving, at the start of the cold season, and its discounts on jackets continue throughout November. Just choose the protection that matches your rides.
Waterproof or water-repellent: what’s the difference?
Water-repellent causes water to bead on the surface of the fabric and is sufficient under a light shower. Waterproof adds a membrane and taped seams, the only durable protection under continuous rain.
What does the stated water column correspond to?
Measured in millimetres, it indicates the water pressure the fabric can withstand before it lets water through. It is about 10,000 mm on the Save Essential from Gonso and 20,000 mm on the WPM Pocket jackets from Löffler.
How to know if a jacket deal is worth it?
Compare the same jacket in the same version, then its actual protection: membrane or not, taped seams or not. A water-repellent jacket and a membrane jacket may look similar without offering the same level of protection.
Gilet or jacket?
The gilet cuts the wind on the torso while leaving the arms free, ideal for mid-season and descents; it folds into a pocket. When it’s cold or raining, only a long-sleeve jacket also protects the arms.
