Element Lite W Jacket

We took inspiration from the world of competitive ski mountaineering, where athletes are more obsessed with weight than we cyclists are, and where thermal insulation isn't just about comfort but a matter of life and death. And since ski mountaineering is an insanely aerobic sport, breathability is paramount. This jacket's construction is similar to that of a mountain shell, with an insulating layer sandwiched between the outer and inner fabrics. Unlike most mountain jackets, the fabric isn't completely windproof, but it does offer good permeability. The small amount of air that filters into the jacket captures moisture and helps it evaporate more efficiently than any other fabric on the market. The middle layer is a soft polypropylene insulation: partly because it's incredibly light (specific gravity of 0.6 grams), but also because it doesn't absorb moisture from sweat or rain. These limited-stretch fabrics require a re-cut, so this is a more comfortable fit than your regular racing jacket. If your winter goals are setting new Strava personal records rather than winning spring and summer races, you're better off with the Alpha Light Jacket or Perfetto. But if your goals extend beyond a virtual finish line, this jacket will enhance your winter rides.