Are you a big guy looking for a large size cycle jacket for all-weather cycling, whether on- or off-road? Many bike clothing brands have now woken up to the fact that a lot of their potential customers need larger sizes, so now include XXL and even sizes up to 5XL in their cycle clothing ranges.
This article looks at some of the waterproof cycle jackets available, their current retail prices and where to buy them online.
Cycle Clothing Brands for Larger Sizes
There are some good value brands that offer larger sizes in their cycle clothing ranges. Altura, for example, goes up to size 3XL, suitable for a man with a 49-51” chest. Other brands to consider when looking for well-priced, waterproof or windproof bike jackets are:
- Madison caters to chest sizes up to 45” with an XXL size in showerproof and waterproof jackets
- Speg, a really cheap brand with performance, lightweight cycle jackets from under £30/$48 in sizes up to 5XL to fit a 50” chest
- The Endura men’s clothing range goes up to size 3XL to fit a 49-51” chest and the cycle jackets are highly popular with mountain bikers for high-quality breathable, waterproof outerwear at a great price
- DHB, a brand unique to Wiggle in the UK, now has a breathable, waterproof jacket option that will fit up to a 49” chest, with the XXL size
Plus Size Cycling Clothing for Men
Here’s a selection of plus size breathable and waterproof jackets for men in some of the above cycling clothing brands:
- DHB Minima jacket – a waterproof lightweight shell jacket with taped seams to keep water out, available in size XXL. Priced at £45.99/$74, with additional member discounts.
- Endura Luminite jacket – a lightweight waterproof garment with reflective strips for maximum road safety; available in size 3XL. Price £71.24/$113.
- Speg Avert – a wind and water resistant lightweight garment at a great price up to size 5XL. Only £39.66/$63.
- Altura Night Vision – be seen in the dark with this reflective trim jacket up to size 3XL. Priced at £79.99/$128.
- Madison Trail – a warm, water-resistant breathable jacket for just £49.99/$80 on special offer up to size 2XL.
Online Stores Offering Big Size Waterproof Bike Jackets
The above brands can be found in various online stores where large size men’s cycle clothing is much easier to find than in your local high street store. Good stores to look at include Leisurelakesbikes.com (Endura brand), Wiggle.co.uk for DHB and Altura, Cycle-clothing.co.uk for the Speg brand and UKbikesdepot.com for Madison and Altura.
It’s worth checking the detailed spec of each garment when comparing prices and also reading any customer reviews before making a purchase. Check the size charts carefully too, as a 2XL in one brand, for example, may be much smaller or bigger than the same size in another brand. If you already own other garments in a particular bike brand’s clothing range, then you will have a fair idea of whether the size is likely to fit or not.
Buy Big Size Cycle Jackets for All Year Round Cycling
Before making a purchase decision on a big size cycle jacket, remember to check the returns policy including any postage charges you will incur, especially if you are ordering from overseas. If in doubt, send an e-mail to the customer service department and, if you receive a speedy, helpful response, that’s a good sign that you’re likely to receive excellent customer service for your large size men’s cycle clothing purchase.
Prices correct as of May 1st 2011.
Sources:
- UKBikesdepot.com
- Cycle-clothing.co.uk
- Leisurelakesbikes.com
- Wiggle.co.uk
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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