Cycling in the summer sunshine, no headwinds to buffet you - sounds idyllic. Real world cycling, however, conforms to a different set of rules. The daily commute for many isn't a choice of which aero top to wear, it's Hobson's Choice about which pair of still moist or freshly stiff from the radiator socks to put on.
I, on the other hand, have the luxury of true leisure cycling - I can pick and choose the times I venture out, within reason. Sometimes I will brave the elements, whether it's for a long-anticipated sportive, booked and paid for, or simply because I've gone stir-crazy indoors. I do confess that it is rare for me to eagerly check the forecast for rain and prep to go out when the wet stuff is falling down, but I had been waiting all week for a chance to try out the Huez* Starman Storm Jacket.
"Unbelievably light" was my first impression of the Starman. The weight reminded me of a camping shop packable rain coat that I had when I was a teenager, and brought back memories of school field trips, satchels that smelt of liver paste sandwiches, and the boil-in-the-bag steaminess of non-breathable PVC. It's obvious, though, that this is more than just a packable jacket.
For a start, the Starman it has holes in it - three of them at the back, but more on that in due course. Its initially drab appearance seems at odds with the current fashion for fluoro, but the front surface is criss-crossed with stylish reflective detailing reminscent of a Union Jack, and the material itself refuses to be seen as dull - it seems to reflect and magnify any ambient light. The jacket is unlined, no interior mesh seems to be required. This single-skin construction helps combat one of the more unpleasant features of many wind- and weather-proof garments: the clammy, clingy effect of the material caused by moisture build-up. The Starman Storm uses Swiss Eschler e1 fabric, an innovative material said to be skin-friendly and allow perspiration to be absorbed, eliminating the need for an additonal interior layer.
The three large vents in the rear of the jacket - in fact, it's one opening across the entire width, fastened in two places - allow any excess marination to escape, while cleverly enabling access to the rear pockets of your jersey, should you be wearing one. In the centre there is additional access to a single zipped pocket which doubles up as a storage pounch for the jacket should you need to fold it away.
The cut of the jacket was, for me, loose enough to suggest space for another layer of clothing in addition to the base and merino jersey I was wearing, but not so loose that it crackled and flapped about at speed. The back is long and clevery tailored to shield your nether regions from back wheel spray, and the dropped flap grabs you like an amorous dance partner when the music slows. The sleeves have both elastic and velcro on the cuffs to ensure a snug fit, while a full-length, waterproof zip at the front keeps out any chill or air-borne drippiness. There's also a welcome gaiter at the top of its travel to shield your chin from irritation.
On the road, as a rain jacket, the Starman also proves to be an excellent windproof. The material, while not super stiff like some rain garments, is rigid enough not to flap and billow at higher speeds and the vents at the back compensate for that 'air pressure ballooning' you often get. I spent an hour or so climbing and descending in it before the forecast rain arrived, and I felt no wetter on the inside than when I started. Sadly, the rain itself didn't stay for long - but while it did it beaded off the sleeves and chest in an aquaphobic kind of way and the long tail contained to defend my honour, despite the returning fire from my rear tyre from the wet roads.
The most surprising thing I found when taking off the jacket when I got home was how dry it was on the inside. I was 'glowing' with effort, my base layer and jersey a testament to my two hours of trundled ascending in the Ashdown Forest, but the adhesion I normally associate with rainproof attire was thankfully absent. Folded up in its pouch, the Starman Storm is no larger or heavier than a paperback book and I would happily take this with me on all my rides, just in case (this is England, after all).
They say that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad choice of clothing. With this rainproof, wind-resistant lightweight marvel your choice of clothing has just got a lot easier. Based on just the £200-plus price tag, some would say it's a luxury you can't afford; but based on its quality, style, design and versatility, I wouldn't class it as a luxury. I must have spent more than that over the years trying to find the right rain jacket for me.
If you're looking for a new rain jacket, think long and hard. The Huez* Starman might just be the answer to all your needs.
Starman Storm Jacket, £235 from huez.co.uk
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