When it comes to riding in the colder months, keeping yourself warm enough without overheating is key to an enjoyable bike ride. To that end, one of the most important pieces of attire to own is one of the best winter cycling jackets.
However, with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to work out how to decide on what to choose.
While promising protection and breathability simultaneously is standard fair when it comes to cycling jackets, what makes the Santini RTR Winter Jacket stand out from the crowd is its unique approach to sustainability.
Construction
Santini says the 'primary goal of the Ready To Ride [RTR] line is to offer customers a broad variety of colours to choose from.' However, the brand is keen to press that while this extensive colour range allows all riders to reflect their personalities and style it also meets sustainability and environmental values.
This is delivered by constructing the entire RTR range in white fabric, which is then dyed to the desired colour.
Speaking with Paola Santini, Santini Cycling Marketing Manager, she confirmed that the technique allows the brand to save energy and water while minimising waste.
"Instead of dyeing each component of a garment separately (such as fabric, zippers, elastics, and threads)," Santini explained, "we dye all the components together in a single process after the garment is fully assembled.
"Additionally, Santini only dyes the colours that are actually sold, avoiding waste and overproduction."
The theory makes sense, with colourways meeting demand and no over-stocking, but when I asked for more information on the true impact of textile dyes on water systems, Santini told me that the brand "is currently collaborating with the dyeing partner to finalise a report detailing the energy and water savings achieved through this method."
It is expected that the report will be published on Santini's website in the spring.
Moving on to the fit and function, Santini say that the jacket has been designed for temperatures ranging between -5 to +5°C/ 23 to 41 F.
Made from a wind-resistant stretch woven fabric, Santini has again kept sustainability in mind by opting for a 'classic' cut. This allows the RTR Winter Jacket to be worn season after season.
A slim-fitting torso keeps the core protected, while a high collar should prevent the wind from going down the neck, and at the rear sits a triple pocket.
I was testing the women's version, in a size small, but both male and female versions are available in eight colours in sizes XS to 3XL.
The ride
With manufacturing advances, winter cycling jackets have become so technical, that I had forgotten how useful having a regular thermal cycling jacket can be.
The fit of the Santini RTR Winter Jacket was indeed 'classic', neither overly tight nor wind-flappingly baggy. I could layer up or down underneath according to the outside temperature.
The jacket's inner is reminiscent of Roubaix thermal fabric with its soft lofty fleece capturing warm air, and acting as a natural insulator. Its wind-blocking capabilities performed well, protecting me from the chilled air when descending the exposed hills of the Peak District in North West England. Even at the 5°C/ 41F temperatures, I was fine teaming with just a thermal base layer.
On the flip side, climbing back up the hills, I found that the jacket was adequately breathable, preventing me from becoming a sweaty, soggy mess by the top of the assent.
When winter conditions bit harder, or when a ride required less than usual exertion, I simply teamed the RTR Winter Jacket with the Santini Alpha Pack Vest for an extra snug setup, and again found myself warm and protected from the cold air.
It really was a 'ready-to-ride' piece of winter kit, as long as it wasn't wet. With lots of cycling rain jackets now slimmer in fit, pairing the jacket with a waterproof layer will require some consideration. Although it's far from bulky, it's still significantly thicker than a long-sleeved jersey. This meant I wasn't able to fit the Santini Guard Neos or Castelli Idro 3 rain jacket over the top.
I'm either going to have to raid my other half's cycling kit for a slightly bigger rain cape, especially if I'm hoping to carry anything in the rear pockets of the RTR Winter Jacket, or accept it's for cold dry days on the bike only.
On the topic of pockets, the three rear ones on the RTR Winter Jacket are all a decent depth, so there's no worry of anything inadvertently bouncing out mid-ride. However, this means that they also sit high, and I found the access points slightly too small, especially when wearing bulky winter gloves. Even if I managed to shove my hand in to retrieve an item, I'd be worried I wouldn't be so lucky in getting it out.
My only other request is for reflective detailing. I appreciate that I could have selected a brighter colour to improve my visibility to other road users, but a few strips or dots of reflective fabric at the rear wouldn't go amiss.
Value and Conclusion
While I'm unable to verify the environmentally friendly features of the Santini RTR Winter Jacket, I've often found that these tend to add a premium to a price tag. Discovering a modest price of £140/ $119 is refreshing. I believe that consumers need much more evidence to back up the brand's claim, or it risks being accused of greenwashing.
Even without environmentally beneficial features, I'm aware that some winter cycling jackets cost a fortune, making this feel like great value. However, you do need to consider that you aren't getting loads of technical features and probably need to factor in an additional waterproof layer.
There are a couple of improvements I would like to see in the pocket shape and the addition of reflective details, but if you're in the market for a warm and breathable jacket to keep out the winter chill then the Santini RTR Winter Jacket is a great option.
Spec
- Fabric: Wind-resistant stretch woven, sustainably dyed (claimed)
- Temperatures: -5 to +5°C/ 23 to 41 F
- Sizes: XS to 3XL
- Colour: Eight
- Weight: XX
- Gender: Male/ Female
