Shimano Windbreak Outfit Review

Comprising mainly a jersey and a jacket, and supplemented by tights and a long-sleeved base layer, the Shimano Windbreak outfit proves protective and comfortable in many conditions. The cut is more “leisure” oriented.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr

The Shimano Windbreak jersey and jacket are offered at very attractive prices of €129.95 and €139.95. A light price from our point of view because the former is much more than a jersey, since for sporty and committed use it provides warmth and protection down to 3/4°C. And as for the jacket, we tested it down to -5°C without feeling cold. The two elements are very similar to each other, both in terms of cut and finish. And the color is identical for our test products. Only the thickness and composition of the main fabric change; in both cases it is water-repellent (not waterproof but repels small drops or splashes) and resistant to washing. The treatment of the jacket and jersey is thus guaranteed to still provide 80% effectiveness after 20 washes.

The Windbreak Jersey

Among the other features of the Windbreak jersey – but which, we repeat, is already in the jacket category in our opinion – we note this three-layer windproof fabric with a very soft brushed inner part, three rear pockets with an additional waterproof layer inside to prevent moisture from coming into contact with the top of the tights, a long mesh fabric strip along the back for heat evacuation, a flat elastic band at the bottom of the jersey for good support, and a long zip with an internal flap to protect from the wind and prevent irritation at the chin. Reflective strips are added on both arms, and another on the central pocket. The cut is rather wide at the torso and shoulders, and the sleeves are particularly long, which allows them to be slipped under gloves. The torso, however, is quite short.

Tested under different conditions with only the Baselayer Breath Hyper base layer, the jersey proved to be both comfortable, protective, and breathable. In light Breton rain, moisture eventually penetrates, but without giving the impression of being soaked. In heavy downpours, however, there’s no miracle, as water penetrates quite quickly through the back, and even eventually through the front part.

We estimate its range of use for temperatures from +3 to +12°C, but in the context of a vigorous and committed activity. The width of the jersey and the resulting wind resistance do not make it a protection dedicated to performance on the bike. Note that we had the opportunity to run in negative temperatures with this jersey, which also proved to be perfectly adequate.

The Windbreak Jacket

To the features of the Windbreak jersey, the jacket of the same name adds a zippered chest pocket, and above all a thicker fabric. By staying active, it is possible to ride at -5°C, still with only the Baselayer Breath Hyper base layer. Overall, however, we find the jacket too warm for sporty use, and again too wide. In our opinion, it should be reserved for more leisurely cycling.

To complete the outfit

The choice of outfit is to be completed with the Performance Winter tights, which, however, are perfectly fitted. The thinner fabric is enhanced with an anatomical chamois that is not excessively thick, and with clean seams on the edges to avoid any source of friction.

A zip at the bottom of the leg makes them easy to put on. For good support, the tights go high up on the lower back, but the fabric of the straps is mesh for good breathability.

Another zip on the lower abdomen facilitates stops for natural needs. Two discreet reflective strips are on the thighs and at the top of the calves.

Very comfortable to wear, not excessively warm, these tights are suitable for intensive training, with a range of use from +5° to +15°C in our opinion. The thin chamois avoids creases and allows for many hours in the saddle without problems. Their price is €104.95, which again seems reasonable to us.
More expensive compared to other products, the Baselayer Breath Hyper base layer uses fibers that, according to Shimano, transform body moisture vapor into heat for rides in cool or cold weather. Soft to the touch, comfortable to wear although very fitted, it goes quite low at the waist. We notice a thinner longitudinal strip on the back that matches the mesh strip of the Windbreaker jersey and jacket. Tested on the bike and while running, we found this product to be high-performing and very pleasant.

In conclusion

The Shimano Windbreak outfit, whether with the jersey or the jacket, is technical, protective, and comfortable, with many details and features, for a reasonable price compared to the competition. However, the jersey and jacket are very similar, and in our opinion not differentiated enough in terms of finishes. The cut is especially wide, which destines these two elements for leisure rather than performance use.

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