The Hincapie Arenberg Zero Jacket features a very similar design and construction to the Arenberg Zero Vest, which I reviewed in December. Essentially, if you add sleeves to the vest, you have the Arenberg Jacket.
Specs
As I mentioned for the Vest review,
The Arenberg Zero Vest features a wind-repellant front panel that’s infused with reflective material for added visibility on the road. The back panel, on the flip side, is breathable and stretchable, for fit, comfort, and temperature control. The back also features the standard 3-pocket design. The zipper is strong and durable, which meshes well with the overall high-quality construction.
However, the jacket obviously adds in sleeves, and the sleeves are well-worth noting. The Arenberg sleeves take a page out of the snowsports book and incorporate a weather protective hem, which creates an excellent glove-sleeve interface.
The elastic internal cuff blocks wind, water, and snow from coming up your sleeves, and the zippered external cuff zips back to allow you to easily slide your gloves into place.
Out on the Trail
As with the Arenberg Vest, I think the combination of a wind-blocking front panel and a lightweight, breathable back panel is genius! I’ve ridden with this jacket down into the 20s on cold, windy night rides, and the wind blocking properties are priceless in those conditions.
When it’s time to climb, the breathable back panel really vents steam. Even when I would sweat on the inside of the jacket if I was dressed a little too warmly, the wicking material wicked the moisture away and dried quickly, helping regulate my core temp and keeping me comfortable, no matter the conditions.
I personally love the elastic internal cuffs. They’re not so tight that they’re uncomfortable, but they give the jacket a snug, solid fit. Once I’m bundled up inside the Arenberg Zero, I feel impervious to the elements!
This jacket is ideal for a range of temperatures. With a single short-sleeved summer jersey underneath, this jacket is great from about 40-30 degrees. If it drops much below 30, a single long-sleeve base layer inside the jacket is perfect for any riding down into the low 20s (depending on wind and other factors). If the temps drop lower still, you can switch to a thicker base layer, or simply add more layers under the jacket. There’s plenty of room to layer up: the Arenberg Zero Jacket functions as the perfect mountain biking shell!
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a jacket for late winter/early spring riding with temps below 40, the Arenberg Zero could be the perfect piece of gear! And when temps climb above 40, just break out the Arenberg Vest and some arm warmers for perfect temperature control.
MSRP: $200
Many thanks to Hincapie for sending the Arenberg Zero Jacket over for review.
