CUBE Bikes AM Rainjacket 2015
Reviews / Jackets
402,599
At A Glance
Cube have been increasing their apparel line-up year after year, and now have a huge range covering every genre of the cycling market from road to gnarly enduro. The AM Rainjacket is from their all-mountain range, designed to be, in their own words, “the technical multi-sport series” and suitable for all weather conditions.
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It’s clear just from just holding it that the jacket is well made and there has been some good attention to detail. Using incredibly lightweight and malleable 2.5 ply fabric that packs down really small, the jacket provides a thin, but very practical and functional layer. Taped seams, water resistant zips, front zip rear storm flap and a generous hood all combine with the wind and waterproof fabric to keep storms on the outside.
There is plenty of adjustment with elasticated pull-toggles at the hem and hood, and Velcro at the cuffs so you can really pull the jacket in and create a decent seal when the heavens open and you need to keep riding. Two front hand pockets give reasonable storage, and two good-sized underarm vents keep the air flowing on more taxing sweaty rides.
On The Trail
The AM Rainjacket has a loose-fitting style and with the super lightweight nature of the fabric, that has degree of stretch in it, you certainly don’t feel like you’re being bogged down by a cumbersome anorak, in fact quite the opposite. It’s comfortable and you barely notice you’ve got it on – other than you are clearly drier than you would be without it!
There is a subtle silicone print on the shoulders and at the sides that prevents your backpack from sliding around, as can be the case with the smooth finish on waterproof fabrics, and this is a nice touch.
When the rain falls the jacket lives up to its name and water simply rolls off as if it were a ducks back. The technical fabric works well, keeping the elements out and you a good temperature, whilst remaining easy to wear, and more importantly, ride in. The underarm vents give a reasonable flow of air through the core when you need it, though you will probably have to stop to open them up as the zips are quite neatly tucked away in their ‘zipper garages’.
Stopping for lunch we were glad of the hood, it’s not big enough to fit over your helmet, but the right size with a useful slight peak for keeping the rain off your face whilst eating a sandwich, which is all you really need it for!
The lime colour might not be to everyone’s taste, but with the matt finish it’s pretty good looking, and will certainly get you noticed. On dreary, wet wintery days having a bright coloured jacket isn’t such a bad idea, not only will it help keep you safe should you have any road transition sections on the ride, but it will brighten your day too, and maybe even that of those around you – as a renowned supermarket chain says “Every little helps!”…!
Overall
Durable, functional, packable and lightweight. The AM Rainjacket has some clever features and good attention to detail create an excellent package. It’s a great jacket to keep in your pack for those unexpected moments when the heavens open, it’s so light and packs so small you won’t even notice it is in there until you need it!
Buy Jackets onThis review was in Issue 32 of IMB.
For more information visit CUBE BikesRelated
By Rou Chater
Rou Chater is the Publishing Editor of IMB Magazine; he’s a jack-of-all-trades and master of none, but his passion for bikes knows no bounds. His first mountain bike was a Trek 820, which he bought in 1990. It didn’t take him long to earn himself a trip to the hospital on it, and he’s never looked back since. These days he’s keeping it rubber side down, riding locally and overseas as much as possible.
