ALÈ Klimatik Guscio Thunderstorm, Waterproof Jacket

by Robert Thorpe

KLIMATIK GUSCIO THUNDERSTORM, by ALÈ Cycling

Style can also be superbly protective against the elements

As a former climbing instructor and mountain man, staying dry is not only important to me – it’s critical in my book. I’ve seen people get hyperthermia and no, it’s not pleasant to witness. However, too often in cycling fashion, waterproof jackets can be an afterthought for brands. Thankfully, ALÈ from Verona in Italy think differently, and their very clever technical gurus and design team have developed the simply quite awesome ‘KLIMATIK GUSCIO THUNDERSTORM’. Having used some quite excellent jackets before, and some quite terrible waterproof jackets too, this stylishly modern jacket ticks all the right boxes and is most certainly, at the top of the list.

Yes, I know, somebody is going to tell me that it’s not the cheapest of waterproof jackets. However, you can either buy very badly twice and get very cold and very wet; or you can use some intelligence and invest in the best – and in our book, this is it. Let’s find out why.

Fabric Technology in Harmony with Style

Too often, cycling waterproofs are either too heavy and quite simply, uncomfortable, sweaty and unsightly, or they’re at the other end of the spectrum and wouldn’t keep a flea dry. Yes, they may pack away into the smallest of saddle bags, but they’re about as much use to you as a chocolate fire guard. ALÈ have gone to great lengths in designing the THUNDERSTORM jacket, and it rightly sits in their advanced KLIMATIK range – probably the finest range of weather fashion for cyclists currently available. The fabric used for the main body panels is a very soft and supple, 3-layer fabric with the ultra-compact and highly breathable EVENT DW STORM membrane. It’s so soft, to the point of being totally rustle-free – another bonus when riding, and with lots of free movement.

It has a high-quality and stylish design, fully welded seams, an overall DWR treatment, and an anatomical construction featuring stretch panels. You can also trust this jacket to block out the elements entirely, providing you with exceptional protection in inclement weather. Yes, we get a lot of that in the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorks Moors National Parks, where I do most of my riding.

The Appliance of Science – Wrapped in Comfort

When you look at the detail of the fabric chosen by ALÈ, you can see why this jacket performs so well out in the rain. EVENT make some of the most technical fabrics in the world, and they believe that waterproof/breathable should also mean dry and comfortable – thankfully a trait that ALÈ share. EVENT fabrics was the first to engineer and use patented Direct Venting technology, so rain can’t get in but sweat can get out instantly. Take this fabric technicity into the cycling world, where the hard-working rider is producing sweat all day long, and you’ve got a marriage made in heaven – a sweat-free zone, waterproof jacket, that simply beads away the rain and keeps you feeling dry and comfortable inside.

Underneath the arms and down the sides, ALÈ have used a lightweight mesh weave fabric to maximise air flow, adding to that all day rider comfort. The zipper is a strong and high-quality choice, with a fabric strip that covers over it, using a hook and eye (Velcro style) fastening to keep the rain at bay. There’s a high collar, which has a soft, woven fabric inner for added comfort, and a well thought out EVENT DW STORM membrane cover for your bottom, keeping you dry in the all-important race position. Cuffs are simple, unfussy and stylish, using a quality elastic to keep things in place., and at the waist, there’s the usual high-quality elastic and soft silicone strip.

Finally, the KLIMATIK GUSCIO THUNDERSTORM is completed with two excellent sized and strong mesh weave pockets at the rear, and some subtle and stylish branding. It’s a simple, modern, sleek design and fit’s just about right – not too tight, not to lose, and no rustle!

Simply the Best

I really can’t rate this jacket waterproof jacket by ALÈ high enough. It’s already become my ‘go-to’ clothing for rainy days. I can easily see why ALÈ rate it so highly within their advanced KLIMATIK clothing range. It’s the wet weather cycling equivalent of the ‘little black number’ that simply goes with everything! Trust me; coming from a resident of the Yorkshire Dales, and being a former mountain guy, that should be all the recommendation you need. Do yourself a favour and make a long-term investment in your own cycling comfort this spring – get yourself kitted out with the KLIMATIK GUSCIO THUNDERSTORM, by ALÈ Cycling, and wrap yourself in stylish comfort – whatever the weather.

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