Price: $270
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Black, Scrub Purple, Lime Yellow (women’s); Black, Utility Green, Lime Yellow (men’s)
Protection: Windproof; Waterproof
Fit: Slim
Availability: Online, retail
How obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and breathable
The night before a club ride, I was contemplating what to wear. It would be sunny, but temps at the start were forecasted to be in the low 40s with a brisk north wind. I wanted a versatile layer that could keep me warm for the first hour and then easily stow away in a jersey pocket when it warmed up.
GOREWEAR’s new SPINSHIFT GTX jacket was the perfect choice. I hadn’t tested it yet, but the jacket seemed to fit the criteria. From the start of the ride to the finish, this jacket performed flawlessly, exceeding my expectations. No wonder it is a Design & Innovation Award 2024 winner.
SPINSHIFT utilizes the thinner and lighter next-generation GORE-TEX ePE membrane. I was counting on the windproofing to keep me warm, and the waterproof feature would need to wait another day. Due to the windproofing, I could wear a light layer underneath the jacket and remain warm.
The slim fit of the jacket, combined with its body mapping design, ensured unrestricted movement. Tapered at the wrist and an elastic insert at the cuff prevents rain and wind from blowing up the sleeves. A close fit and the tapered cuffs keep the jacket from catching the wind, becoming a parachute, or flapping annoyingly.
An elastic insert at the cuff prevents rain and wind from blowing up the sleeves.
The SPINSHIFT jacket has a zippered rear pocket that doubles as a storage pouch. Even when not in its pouch, this jacket fits easily in a rear jersey pocket, saddlebag, or frame bag. Another feature includes a longer rear hem, providing extra coverage in the rain, even when riding in the drops.
The rear zipper pocket doubles as a storage pouch.
Next-generation GORE-TEX fabric
I was impressed with the breathability of the SPINSHIFT jacket. Expecting to be a sweaty mess after expending energy on the first climb, I was pleasantly surprised I stayed comfortable and dry. The only improvement for this jacket I’d suggest is the addition of a two-way zipper, allowing for better venting from the bottom and reducing wind resistance.
Since my test ride was on a sunny and dry day, I confirmed the waterproof performance by spraying the jacket’s exterior with water. The taped seams and GORE-TEX fabric kept the interior dry.
The SPINSHIFT jacket is available in men’s and women’s styles, ranging from XS to XL. While the color options include black and lime yellow for both versions, the men’s jacket is also available in a utility green colorway, and the women’s jacket is in scrub purple. I continue to scratch my head, wondering why manufacturers produce cycling clothing in black, primarily when it’s used in rainy, overcast conditions. Fortunately, GOREWEAR did place reflective elements in several strategic locations to aid in rider visibility in low-light conditions.
Bottom Line
GOREWEAR’s SPINSHIFT GTX jacket is an excellent addition to any cycling wardrobe—outstanding performance when it comes to being windproof, waterproof, and breathable. Hopefully, the next version will have a two-way zipper, thus earning it a 5-star rating!
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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