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Ibex Breakaway 2 Climawool Jacket
When winter arrives, the right clothing makes the difference for cold weather riding.
The Ibex Breakway 2 jacket is a breathable, highly wind-resistant, stretchable wool blend jacket designed for aerobic activities. It is semi-fit, allowing some room for a layer or layers underneath.
The two part construction consists of a wind-resistant Climawool front: front, shoulders, top of arms. For breathability, the arm-bottoms and lower 2/3 of the back area are a highly breathable wool fabric. This combination is just about ideal for cycling in cold weather: it blocks the wind yet allows a good measure of surface area for perspiration to exit via the wool weave on the back and under the arms.
On the bike
On the road at speeds up to 30 mph, I found that the front-facing Climawool fabric made for an all but windproof front end, but the jacket back side still breathed nicely. There was no wind flap and no noise; the fabric and fit completely prevent that.
Riding at around 20 mph average speed at 46° F, I heated up quickly at ~240 watts of sustained effort, so after about 15 minutes I became to warm and had to mostly unzip the jacket for ventilation. On this basis, I would rate the jacket for vigorous exercise (my 240 watts) as suitable for temperatures of the mid 40's °F on down to freezing or so. Smaller riders or riders generating lower power levels produce less body heat, and so perhaps up to the low 50's °F might work for such riders.
The Breakaway 2 jacket was very comfortable and fit me very well— almost snug but with room (if there had been need) for another layer or two, but not tight or constraining, and with a nice stretchy quality.
The front chest pocket is handy, but I found that in my road riding position that that an iPhone or similar causes just a slight sag enough to touch the top part of my quadricep as I pedaled, so I would have preferred to hand pockets instead, which at least on my other jackets keep themselves out of the way. On a mountain bike, the position is quite different and this is not likely to be an issue.
Manufacturer description
Aerobic activity is about efficiency. Burn too much energy, too soon and the day gets a lot longer.
The Breakaway 2 jacket keeps a body at its most efficient, not too warm but protected from the cold. The secret is Climawool, a four-way stretch wool blend. (Think magic sheep.)
Details like articulated elbows, reflective logo racing stripe and a cavernous back pocket make this one of our most technical pieces, though it remains understated so you can snag a post-workout coffee without feeling like a NASCAR driver. (Unless you are a NASCAR driver.)
The same combination of fibers as the Climawool Lite (nylon, wool, Lycra®) only the nylon on this fabric is the stronger Cordura. The fabric is double woven and a bit tighter. It's built not only for high performance but also for increased durability and warmth for those activities that take you to harsher conditions. Machine washable
Front: Climawool™ 4-way stretch double weave, nylon with DWR finish (72% Nylon / 20% Merino / 8% Elastane)
Back: Shake Lite 21 micron Zque™ NZM
Front (shell): 225 g/m2, Back: 295 g/m2
Schoeller® Wool stretch woven fabric
Lightweight Hybrid Jacket ideal for aerobic pursuits
Articulated elbows; One hand adjutable hem toggle
11' Back pocket; Reflective racing stripe on sleeve
7'' chest pocket and large interior pocket
Machine washable.
Get the Ibex Breakway 2 jacket @AMAZON at Amazon.
