Foska Training Jacket...

[Mortiroloboy]

At £80...well £78.36 with Mr Darlings generous -2.5% discount Are they worth it? Anyone got one? when they say fit is sporty but not too snug, what do they mean?

 

[HeartAttack]

I have one and now wear it more than my Assos 851 airblock, its not as they say a tight fit but it doesn't flap around either, its wind proof, fairly waterproof even in heavy rain (most of the water ingress is from the cuffs) and warm, though I'd almost say its too warm and wind proof as I sweat buckets in it, but I'd rather be too hot than cold.

Worth the price?? well I'll be ordering another soon, so yes great value for money in my mind.

 

[Mortiroloboy]

Rapid response...Thanks, so If I was to wear it over a base layer and a jersey with a 41"chest which size would you think, 40 or 42? hard to know if they come up small or large in their sizing.

 

[John the Monkey]

I have the "Bones" jacket, and it's superb - great quality - very, very warm though - I'd be surprised if you can stand to wear a base layer and jersey under it.

I take a 42" chest (but mostly because I'm broad across the shoulders) I found the "L" a good fit.

Dimensions of mine (jacket laid flat)
Chest, pit to pit; 54cm
Front, bottom of collar to hem; 59cm
Back, bottom of collar to hem; 74.5cm

Compare that against a jersey/jacket you like the fit of, and it should give you some idea, hopefully...

 

[Mortiroloboy]

Cheers JtM, so I thought that they were a jacket, as in heavy weight, substantial jacketty type garment rather than a fullzipped jersey, aren't they a fleece/roubaix lined garment then? can I not wear it over a jersey? I pretty much always wear a base layer under my jersey, whatever the weather, do you think a base layer+ jersey + jacket is going to be too much?

 

[HeartAttack]

Mine is a medium, don't ask me what my chest size is as I'm a typical bloke who knows if it fits but not what size though my assos is a large if that helps.

The jacket is from what I remember triple layered, outer layer, middle is wind/water block inner is fleeced for warmth, I wear mine with a long sleeved base layer and nothing else, I did once try a long sleeved jersey as well, but luckily I only had to do 10 miles as by the time I got there I was a pool of sweat, I was too hot.

As with everything don't go out warm/hot or you'll be too hot once you have ridden a little way and built up your own body heat.

 

[John the Monkey]

MB, I've only ever been able to stand jersey (short sleeved) only under my jacket - they're really that warm. (That said, I don't ride much in sub zero temperatures). Personally I find the Bones a bit too warm much above 5 or 6°C. HeartAttack's description of the construction is about right.

 

[BentMikey]

They are very warm jackets indeed. I have two, but I mostly don't wear them whilst cycling, only once I'm stopped and teaching.

 

[yello]

I have read what others here are saying - that they are very warm. That's always put me off of them to be honest. For £80, I'd want something a little more, um, intelligent (if that's the word) in its heat regulation; something more breathable I guess I'm saying.

 

[BentMikey]

They are probably about perfect in the current weather - just with only a s/sleeve summer top underneath. I do like mine a lot - that's why I have two.

 

[yello]

I have one of these for winter rides...

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=C8247

...wore it this morning (3C) with a base layer and short sleeve shirt and was very comfortable. The fit is excellent.

 

[Mortiroloboy]

Thanks for all the feedback, following advice here regarding the Foska jacket, inn particular its less technical material issues, I have decided to support my LBS, so, I went in and tried on a couple of different Spesh winter jackets and have ordered one that fits me and is of a good technical type, offering a good mixture of warmth, wind and rain proof(ness), with club discount it'll cost me a tad over £70.

Not as 'different' as the Foska offering, but I know it fits, and it has the tech. features I was looking for. Happy days!

 

[HeartAttack]

I have read what others here are saying - that they are very warm. That's always put me off of them to be honest. For £80, I'd want something a little more, um, intelligent (if that's the word) in its heat regulation; something more breathable I guess I'm saying.

I agree more breathable would be nice but there again in the heavy rain its dry inside, so thats a plus over things like the Assos 851 jacket. As for temp control I use the zip £80 is a lot cheaper than the £160 Assos rip off price tag

Thanks for all the feedback, following advice here regarding the Foska jacket, inn particular its less technical material issues, I have decided to support my LBS, so, I went in and tried on a couple of different Spesh winter jackets and have ordered one that fits me and is of a good technical type, offering a good mixture of warmth, wind and rain proof(ness), with club discount it'll cost me a tad over £70.

Not as 'different' as the Foska offering, but I know it fits, and it has the tech. features I was looking for. Happy days!

I heard the spesh tops are very good, would be interested to hear a feedback when you have it and have tried it, never have too many options especially at the right price

 

[yello]

As for temp control I use the zip £80 is a lot cheaper than the £160 Assos rip off price tag

Two things;

- £15 Aldi winter jackets have zips too
- Assos stuff is expensive but it is also quality kit

Makes your choice and pays your money!

Not knocking the Foska stuff, not at all. I reckon their designs, especially the bones, are excellent. If that floats your boat then go for it, no problems with that.

I'm just not convinced of their suitability for an energetic cyclist. £80 is a lot to spend on a jacket that will sit in the wardrobe when you go out training.

 

[HeartAttack]

Two things;

- £15 Aldi winter jackets have zips too
- Assos stuff is expensive but it is also quality kit

Makes your choice and pays your money!

Not knocking the Foska stuff, not at all. I reckon their designs, especially the bones, are excellent. If that floats your boat then go for it, no problems with that.

I'm just not convinced of their suitability for an energetic cyclist. £80 is a lot to spend on a jacket that will sit in the wardrobe when you go out training.

Wearing mine daily, so not in the wardrobe, £80 well spent in my mind.

Assos expensive and quality, nope don't agree, expensive yes, quality well had their winter glove, they fell apart within one winter, 851 jacket pocket zip broke on first day's use, assos said I was heavy handed thats crap as zip should last, they never replaced it nor did LBS, 3 pairs of assos bibs gripper pulled away, logos fall off and always the same reply from them, so nope quality sucks, a total waste of money, buy Pearl, Giordina etc and save a fortune and get better gear, unless you are into buying a name for the names sake.