Price: $270
Sizes: XS to 3XL (women’s); S to 3XL (men’s)
Fit: Regular
Temperature Range: 23/41 degrees F (-5/5 degrees Celcius)
Colors: Pompelmo, Black, Teal Blue (women’s); Gold Leaf, Pompelmo, Black, Teal Blue (men’s)
Materials: Polartec AirCore membrane
Pockets: Three rear pockets
Zipper: Full front two-way zipper
Availability: Online and Retail
How Obtained: Company Sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Less Bulk. High Performance.
When it comes to winter riding, less can be more. As high-tech fabrics are incorporated into winter cycling gear, the days of wearing heavy, bulky jackets are gone. Sportful’s new Flandre 2 winter jacket offers warmth, breathability, and moisture management, all key features of cold-weather gear. Forget about ending a ride because you’re a sweaty mess and chilled to the bone.
New Polartec AirCore Membrane: Breathability While Retaining Warmth
The Flandre 2 utilizes Polartec’s new AirCore Membrane to deliver excellent breathability with controlled air permeability, resulting in effective moisture management and ventilation while retaining warmth. As the wind kicks up, the windproof AirCore membrane blocks it. Additionally, to help regulate your body temperature, a two-way zipper allows you to vent from the top, bottom, or both.
So how does Polartec AirCore really work? It uses this innovative electrospinning process to make the membrane. The membrane’s pore structure allows it to be water repellent and windproof.
Another characteristic of the AirCore Membrane is the added comfort it provides through its four-way stretch, allowing you to move freely on and off the bike. The roomier regular fit pairs with the four-way stretch fabric for easy layering.
As a step towards sustainability, the fabric’s face, back, and non-PFAS layers, membrane, and DWR help reduce and minimize its environmental impact.
Other Features of the Fiandre 2
The Fiandre 2 jacket is available in extended sizes and comes in three colors for women and four colors for men. The three rear pockets are a helpful addition, eliminating the need to unzip the jacket to access a jersey pocket.
How I Tested the Jacket
I had requested a women’s XL in a bright color (for visibility) from the company’s rep, but it wasn’t available at the time. Instead, they sent me a men’s XL, which was a little big through the chest, but had the perfect sleeve length.
I tested the Fiandre 2 jacket on group road rides and the trail in temperatures ranging from 38 to 55 degrees F. Wearing only a lightweight short-sleeved base layer underneath, I was quite comfortable within that temperature range. The windproof and breathable material performed very well, and I was glad I hadn’t worn a heavier base layer under the jacket.
I liked the two-way zipper, which allowed venting from the top and/or bottom. Additionally, the three rear pockets provided easy access to storage, especially since, with just a base layer, I didn’t have any other pockets.
I did have one issue, as I stored my cell phone in one rear pocket and my nutrition in another. As the moisture management design wicks sweat out, moisture collected on my cell phone screen and the nutrition wrapper.
Bottom Line
As the saying goes, “There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing.” Keep your season going even during the cold, windy winter months with Sportful’s new Fiandre 2 winter cycling jacket. Using Polartec’s new AirCore membrane, the Fiandre will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.
I’m currently testing another well-known brand’s winter jacket made from Polartec’s new fabric. It’s definitely a game-changer.
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.