List Price: $249.99
Sale Price: $187.49
Today's Bonus: 25% Off
First point: There is an older version of this jacket, Gore Bike Wear Men's Oxygen Jacket that uses Gore-Tex Paclite which is less breathable than this version; many places are selling the older jacket for the same price as the newer jacket.
The Gore Bike Wear Oxygen Jacket GT AS is a simple, no-frills road cycling jacket. It's a lightweight, packable, waterproof jacket that's designed with the minimalist in mind. It's great for competitive cycling and adequate for some types of commuting. I would not recommend it for cruising or mountain biking.
There's very little to the jacket in terms of "features". It's pretty much a simple, waterproof shell with elastic cuffs and waist. It packs down into a very small package and includes a small "bag" to carry it in. The jacket has a long "tail" to cover your buttocks against that inevitable road spray.
Gore has made a few changes since the previous version of this jacket:
* Nicer material along the collar where it touches the chin
* Zippers on the wrists to allow for ventilation or easier on-off
* Silicone grippers on the tail
* Upgrade to Active Shell from Paclite
Would still like to see at least one pocket and side/pit vents.
The Oxygen is a form fitting jacket and may not work everyone. This jacket is intended to fit very close to the skin and leave minimal excess fabric to improve aerodynamics. It doesn't leave a lot of room for thick layers, regular street clothes, or certain physiques. The arms are formed to fit comfortably while on a road bike (see the pictures); the chest/arms can be too tight and uncomfortable when you stand up straight. This is by design, though may limit its usefulness off the bike or when riding in a completely upright position. It is also designed with a "cyclist's figure" in mind, sometimes called a "race" or "euro" fit--take precise measurements of your chest and waist and assume the size chart is accurate.
Active Shell is a newer Gore-Tex membrane that claims to be as breathable as Windstopper (windproof, not-waterproof) while being windproof, waterproof, and lightweight. For the most part, Active Shell lives up to its claims, being nearly as breathable as Windstopper in cool to cold weather. Gore-Tex fabrics generally perform differently depending on the weather and humidity; the colder and wetter it is outside the jacket, the better it "breaths". And by "breaths", I mean it allows water vapor to escape. It is not "wicking" like a jersey so sweat must evaporate before it will pass through the fabric. There's very little air permeability in the material so your sweat might not evaporate very quickly. Imagine working out with no wind or fans.
In warmer, dry weather (65F+), the jacket seems to lose some of its breathability, performing more like it's older cousins. I have not tried the jacket in warm rain--but I imagine it may become more soggy on the inside than most people would prefer. In cooler weather (
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