Product Review: Spiro Crosslite Trail & Track Jacket

Keep the effects of rain and sweat to a minimum with Spiro’s answer to the ‘wet weather blues,’ the Crosslite Trail Jacket

If we were going to make a song and dance about the weather it would definitely be on the slow-hand side of our creative juices. 

Winter blues and hard training don’t often make good bed fellows so there are a number of ways you can approach the cold and wet. You could spend an absolute fortune on waterproof clothing, train till your heart refuses to go any further, catch a cold, end up in bed and hibernate till spring – is one option.

Another might be to be a little wiser with your pennies and don’t try to train like your life depends on every turn of the pedal. Spiro’s nifty little Crosslite Jacket is an unpretentious garment that neatly folds away into its own pocket for ease of stashing. It’s also pretty light; the belt buckle feels like the heaviest part of the set up. 

So, we’re off to a good start already. We’ve saved loads of money and its there in my pack if I need it – and of course, I need it almost straight away. As soon as the bike comes out of the shed, the rain falls like stair rods. Still, I’ve come this far, time to get a few miles in.

The trails are mucky to the extreme so it’s a case of a mix of road and trail on the cross bike. Having slipped on the Crosslite Jacket over my base layer and cycle top I feel the effects of its windproof qualities immediately. Rain and cold are one thing (ok, two really) but the wind is the real killer, wind tears through your body with no respect for health or fitness. 

 Thankfully though, Spiro’s Crosslite Jacket cuts out the wind in an instant, making me feel warmer as I sling a leg over the saddle. Layering up is important, shell garments like the Crosslite Jacket are great at keeping the rain and wind at bay, but they’re not thermal. Always have at least one baselayer of clothing between you and your jacket; it helps in the all-important process of wicking sweat away from the skin and keeps you dry and comfortable from the inside.

The Crosslite Jacket has a decent enough drop-tail to help keep the spray off my shorts, and there’s a really handy zip up rear pocket that stores my keys and Mars bars. 

Adjustment at the cuffs and waist are a cinch thanks to the easy Velcro strips and elastic cord; both of which remained secure throughout the ride. This can’t always be said of some more famous brands, no names - no pack drill, but you’d be surprised where some companies will find ways to scrimp.

The reflective piping is stylish and understated but works well at getting you noticed on the roads. I really liked the high collar, zip it up to its highest point to totally deny the elements their fun. The arm length was just about right for my long limbs although a bit longer would have kept the cuffs over my gloves a little better, but I’m just being picky.

All in all, Spiro’s Crosslite Jacket is perfect for those who are sensible in their approach to winter training and prefer their wallets dry. In practice, the Crosslite Jacket is extremely comfortable and does the job of keeping the wind and rain out just as well as some jackets that cost twice the price.

For the best deal in Spiro Clothing and to order your Crosslite Trail Jacket, head to:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Max-Sports-direct