SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Specification

OK, let us begin at the beginning with the MTB label. Leatt are, fundamentally a pretty hardcore MTB brand offering high-quality kit for those who like to push the limits. So, why am I trying this bit of gear out? Firstly, cross-over between MTB and long-distance multi-day wild-country touring has very much been part of my cycling life, both requiring robust, adaptable equipment. Secondly, gear that does more than one job – especially if it does both well – is a boon for the tourer.

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So, here is what is on offer; 93% Polyester and 7% elastane (a not unusual balance for cycling gear, and usually an effective one),windproof and breathable double-weave material with a fleece lining for warmth; underarm laser cut perforations for ventilation; pre-shaped ergonomic sleeves; YKK zippered pockets; a helmet compatible hood with visor; elastic cuffs and hem; over the chin coverage; a water-resistant treatment which is also dirt repellent, which is PDAS free (eco-brownie points) and all with environmental approval (more eco brownie points).

 

You’ll note, no front zip; this is a smock-type hoodie. The Leatt logo is there, but small, with a couple of equally small reflective strips. There is a loop for hanging over a hook. Hood adjustment is via an old-school draw-string.Leatt’s aim is to provide sufficient warmth for a chilly ride, combined with casual style away from the bike. With serious off-roading in mind, it is designed to fit over body armour. That is not my thing – never was – but it is worth bearing that in mind when thinking about sizing. The hoodie comes in three colours; spruce green (as was ours), black, and brass brown. Ours was a men’s version, but Leatt also offers garments specifically for women and juniors.

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Size and fit 5/5

Sizes available range from XS-3XL (although the largest is only available in black– adult jerseys https://mtb.leatt.uk/pages/size-guide-jacket jersey_pantshorts_adult_pos=20&_sid=5e6d56c13&_ss=r .

 

There are separate guides for almost everything you can think of, and one or two things I never would have thought of. Ours was XL and fits perfectly. There’s enough space for easy manoeuvre but not the oversized bagginess to tempt undergrowth to make grab. Arms are suitably long to keep coverage and the whole thing felt like home from the off. As I’ve said before, body armour, or, rather, the type of riding that requires it, isn’t something I really went for in younger days, let alone now. If I had, and this was my regular scene, I’d be considering that when choosing the size.

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I’d describe the fit as casual, but sporty, as opposed to race. Sizing for the over-helmet hood isn’t mentioned, but the drawstring allows for generous adjustment, so is unlikely to be a significant issue. I’ve tried it over a few helmets – road, commuting, and off-road without a problem. I have not tried out bulkier full-face helmets.

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Durability/Care 

As the old guys used to say, take care of your gear and it will take care of you. When you are splashing out over a hundred quid, paying attention to guidance will help look after your wallet, too. Care instructions are not remarkable. Cold wash, no bleach or softener, do not wring, iron, or dry clean or tumble dry. Specific temperatures for the wash are not given, but 30C or lower are generally regarded as cold. I’ve stuck to 20C when soiled, although colder has been fine just for a spruce up.

 

My advice for a garment like this would be to use mild soap flakes or technical liquids rather than more aggressive detergents. Certainly, after several washes, this approach seems to have kept texture, colour, and treatment alive. Re-proofing may well be necessary. No tumble drying and don’t dry with direct heat, so after washing, don’t expect things to dry rapidly. Having said that, on a breezy, sunny day line-drying has taken around a couple of hours. Indoors, much longer, even with a bit of warmth ……

Performance 4.5/5

Off the bike, I have had some pleasant comments about this good-looking hoodie. It looks a cut above the average away from the trail. Wandering about town, as tourers often do, I have found it comfortable on mornings with the temperature around 7C up to the low teens. Beyond this, it began to feel a little on the warm side. Ideal for sitting on camp when the summer evening cools. On the bike? First time, June a couple of weeks before midsummer day, with the UK weather monkeying about. Rain showers (moderate to heavy, but not biblical), 20mph gust of wind, temperature ranging from 7C to 14C (during the brief sunny intervals. Just the stuff for a trip over some exposed moorland.

 

Initially, things felt a tad chilly, but this soon became comfortable as the climbing began (3 miles of climbing at gradients of between 3% and 11%). /the latter induced a good deal of sweat, but this was whisked away by the fabric and the strengthening wind. A mix of a heavy shower and some prolonged drizzle clearly dampened the outer. The inner remained bone dry. That changed later as the showers became heavier, but even after forty-five minutes of steady rain, I was only starting to feel a little damp.

 

This was helped by a whole kilometre of ascent at 12% making for the stiffest part of the ascent on the next leg of the trip. This time, moisture took longer to disperse, but I never felt a chill on the three miles of general descent that followed. In other words, the Thermaflow MTB Hoodie 3.0, stood its ground very well when given the challenge on offer. I should add that I was wearing a short-sleeved cycling jersey underneath, and that there was plenty of space for additional layering.

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On that note of climate control, there are no opportunities to adjust what is on offer by zipped vents or any other means. Now, that may limit the effective temperature range a little, but it can be mitigated by ensuring the use of appropriate breathable garments underneath. I have worn a waterproof jacket over the top (both my faithful old Showers Pass Elite 2.0 and the Leatt Hydradri 5.0) and climate control did become a bit of an issue, especially when things began to warm up, on a long climb, or when attempting to go fast on the flat.

 

Fortunately, both have plenty of additional ventilation options. It is worth noting that the underarm venting is most effective on flat or broader bars as opposed to relatively narrow drops. The upside of all this being the Hoodie 3.0’s tactile fleece lining has kept me from getting chilly on longer descents or when pausing for a snack on some bleak moorland summit. 

 

Of course, climate control can be very personal. I, for example, have a resting body temperature. 1c below the human average. I sweat easily and feel the heat when my cycling friends do not. However, I have found a short-sleeve jersey under the Hoodie 3.0 a very effective combination in that middle range of temperatures from upper single to mid double figures centigrade. Likewsie, it repels rain effectively, until things become heavy or prolonged. 

 

The hood fits neatly over all sorts of helmets, and the simple drawstring seems to hold things in place surprisingly well, even on faster descents. When not in use, there’s not much flapping about compared to those of stiffer fabrics on waterproof jackets. In fact, I have barely noticed it.

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Value 4/5

You’ll have worked out that I really like this bit of kit. However, £122-even for highly technical attire is a pretty steep-unless you feel you will really gain a lot from its features over a good long period of time. Well, a few months in and I am confident that I have, so I’d say it is well worth it.

 

Competitors include POC, offering a relaxed fit hoodie at around £86. However, it does not seem to be water-resistant or have the other refinements of the Leatt model. Some may find the prominent logo off-putting, too. At about £50, Endura’s Singletrack hoodie has always appealed to me, even without the performance detail of the. Leatt. 

Not cycling specific, but the Fusion Recharge hoodie is designed to look good casually and to be great at climate regulation, but mainly before or after the race. It comes in at about£115. MTB specific is the Fix Defend, with much in common with the Leatt, but not everything. It is a little bit cheaper. Overall, the Leatt is at the top end of the price range. However, it is one of those products that offers that bit extra.

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Summary

The Leatt MTB Thermaglow Hoodie has become a default. I can see why an out-and-out MTB rider would love its fit, strength, and breathability. For my less speedy touring, it deals well with so many scenarios on and off the bike that I wonder how I have done without something like it in the past. I did, but for performance, adaptability, and flexibility, you will look a long way to find better.

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Verdict 4.5/5 High performance combined with adaptability 

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Steve Dyster

https://mtb.leatt.uk

https://zyrofisher.co.uk/brands/

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