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$Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men\'s$

OCEAN FRONT

Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's

$79.50

(21)

Item # 786477

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From foggy mornings to sunny afternoons, the lightweight, water-resistant and breathable Novara Conversion bike jacket converts to a vest to take it all in stride.

Polyester microfiber shell is lightweight, water resistant and breathable; windproof to 23 mph
Vented back yoke with mesh panel underneath enhances breathability
Mesh-lined back wicks away moisture to keep you comfortable
Stow detachable sleeves in zippered back pocket; sleeves detach separately
Single zippered chest pocket provides easy access and storage of sunglasses and energy gel
Cut long in back for full coverage when you're in the riding position
Reflective piping increases visibility in low light
Seal in warmth with elastic stretch cuffs and 1-hand-adjustable drawcord hem
Polyester fleece-accented collar lies soft next to skin
Front zipper is backed by an internal stormflap to keep cold air from seeping through

Imported.

Item 786477

View all Novara products

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Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's

3.8

(based on 21 reviews)

71%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Bright / visible (15)
Breathable (13)
Windproof (13)
Durable (7)
Stylish (6)

Cons

Not waterproof (5)
Poor quality (4)

Best Uses

Commuting (13)
Road biking (12)
Casual wear (4)
Cold / extreme (4)
Running (3)

- Chest Size:
- Feels too small
  
  Feels true to size
  
  100%
  (17 reviews)
  Feels too big
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels too short
  
  Feels true to length
  
  100%
  (18 reviews)
  Feels too long

- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid cyclist (15), Casual/ recreational (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (9), Yes (3)

Reviewed by 21 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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Mar

2010

(11 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

novara conversion jacket

By beck634

from Bellingham, WA

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Bright / Visible
Durable
Stylish
Warm

Cons

Best Uses

Commuting
Road Biking

Comments about Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's:

this is a great jacket for the price. i love the pit zips and that it converts into a vest for warmer days. i would say its water resistant and cuts some of the wind. i sprayed some water repellant on it and it very well. it makes a great outer layer to keep you comfortable. my favorite thing about this jacket is its actually true to its size. not all of us rider are lil guys and it seems most of the time its impossible to find gear that fits unless you are a stick. when i try on a large jacket from another brand and it fits like a small...thats not cool.

Oct

2009

(7 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

Prepare to get damp

By Ronbo2

from Eugene, OR

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Converts to a vest
Good Pockets and Features
Lightweight

Cons

Inadequate Protection from the Elements

Best Uses

Casual Wear

Comments about Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's:

I bought this jacket to use on my daily commute. Pit zips have become harder to find lately, so I thought a convertible jacket/vest combo would be the next best thing. Unfortunately, the water resistance of this jacket is on par with denim. Fortunately, my ride is less than 20 minutes, otherwise I'd be soaked both ways. I don't recommend this for the Pacific Northwest.

Oct

2009

(6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Good first impressions - flexible use

By P47

from Federal Way, WA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Dries Quickly
Good Pockets and Features
Good Protection from the Elements
Lightweight

Cons

Best Uses

Commuting

Comments about Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's:

My commute includes both 30+ mph downhills and 7 mph slogs uphill. I needed a breathable top layer for my commute when it just wasn't wet or cold enough for my waterproof Pearl jacket. This has just the right combination of features to make me comfortable (and save the pricy Pearl for the really nasty stuff). Only had it for a week so I I don't yet know about durability. It does, however, seem sturdy enough. This week's weather let me test in all modes except sub-40 temps. I'm not really looking for use below mid-30's, and I think it will serve easily. Fabric tabs make the zippers easy to work with gloves. It passed my windproof test at 35 mph. I've had conversion garments that were a pain to convert, so they were always used in one mode. Not this jacket. The sleeves zip on and off easily. Pull tabs make it easy to partially unzip the sleeves while riding and get more pit ventilation. Ample back pocket to store sleeves and nice chest pocket for cell phone. It has enough reflective piping to warrant the claim. Not waterproof, but resistant enough in light showers to make a drizzly 7 mi. commute tolerable. Collar comes up high on neck, providing protection in wind and rain. The medium fits me - 5'8", 175, with long arms - and still leaves room for layering. If I like it this well 3 months from now, I'll give it 5 stars.

Mar

2010

(4 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

First Rate Jacket-I use it all the time!

By New England Treker

from New England

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Bright / Visible
Durable
Windproof

Cons

Best Uses

Cool Weather
Road Biking
Running

Comments about Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's:

This is a fantastic jacket from REI I use it in the Fall and Spring. The zip off arms are great!

Feb

2010

(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Good Weather Protection in many climates

By PhotoBiker

from Nashville

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Bright / Visible
Water Resistant

Cons

Best Uses

Cold Weather
Commuting
Road Biking

Comments about Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's:

This jacket works well in climates from 28F (with a good amount of layering) to 65F (as a vest). It beads up and sheds water, but it doesn't give the impression that it would work great in extended heavy rain. It looks good and fits well (XXL on a 6'4 250 lb man).

I only wish that the front pockets zipped, because they aren't very deep or downward. I wouldn't rely on them to hold keys, cell phone, wallet or anything critical.

Thanks for selling a jacket for bigger riders!

Oct

2009

(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Pleased - very versatile

By Ernie in CT

from Tolland, CT

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Dries Quickly
Good Pockets and Features
Good Protection from the Elements
Lightweight
Wind stopping

Cons

Best Uses

Casual Wear
Cold Weather

Comments about Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's:

I found this lightweight, wind breaking jacket to be very versatile. On mild days, I remove the sleeves and the ventilation feature keeps me comfortable. On colder days, I use it over a warm layer and it works perfect to control the amount of air flow I want by adjusting how much I zipper the front.

Cell phone fits perfectly in the front pocket, I use back pocket for hat or gloves. I never rode with it in the rain, so I am not sure about level of water resistance.

Jun

2010

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great Jacket

By Blue Dart Angel

from Salt Lake City

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Bright / Visible
Durable
Tattoo Saver
Windproof

Cons

Not Enough Pockets

Best Uses

Commuting
Road Biking

Comments about Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's:

Deserves more than five stars due to,this jacket held up to a bad crash I had, sliding at least 20' on asphalt on my side and back, not only did it hold up with one very tiny hole where the snaps are to hold the sleeves down, but it saved my sleeved arm and back panel tattoos. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the jacket!!!
Thank you REI, I can't express my gratitude!

Nov

2010

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

BREATHABLE

By HOLYMAN

from Mars Hill, NC

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Bright / Visible
Durable
Stylish
Warm
Water Resistant
Windproof

Cons

Best Uses

Casual Wear
Cold Weather
Commuting
Mountain Biking
Road Biking
Running

Comments about Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's:

It converts to a vest which for me is big! It isn't waterproof but it repels light rain! I love the sleeves and how they fit around your wrist.(firm) The thing I like about it best is that it BREATHES!!! while, at the same time, it's a warm jacket!

Sep

2010

(2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Great two-fer jacket/vest

By multi-sport dad

from surburban Philadelphia

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Bright / Visible
Stylish
Warm
Windproof

Cons

Best Uses

Commuting
Road Biking

Comments about Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's:

I was looking for a convertible jacket to use for ultra-distance unsupported bike rides (Randonneuring) and my requirements were many. It should fit close enough not to flap and catch the wind but also have enough room to add a thin wool layer or two beneath without being constrictive. It should be wind resistant but have enough zippers/features to allow airflow when you want it for cooling and evaporation. It should have good visibility features for night and day use without being gaudy. The fabric should be quiet (not swishy!) when worn. I also wanted it be water resistant to all but a heavy downpour.

Although I have not worn this jacket in wet weather yet, it fits the bill on all the other counts. The first outing in it was an 11 hour ride that started at midnight. The temps ranged from the mid 40's to the mid seventies and all I wore on my torso was this jacket and a short sleeve wool bike jersey. That was enough. The wind breaking fabric helped me to retain heat on fast downhills while the zippers allowed me to cool down on long climbs. As the temps rose, I removed the sleeves and wore it as a vest.

Most of all the fit was great. I am an athletically built 200+ pounder. Usually larger size gear is much too big in the waist and too thin in the arms/shoulders. This jacket was not. I am very happy to finally find a real athletic cut in a cycling jacket.

if this jacket does well in the wet, I'd definitely add another star to the rating.

Jun

2010

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Good for short commutes

By Alki Karl

from Seattle

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Bright / Visible
Windproof

Cons

Best Uses

Commuting

Comments about Novara Conversion Bike Jacket - Men's:

For the price, I am satisfied. They're good during light rain, but during a heavy shower, like all gear, you'll eventually get wet. My only gripe is the zippers for the arms, they can cut into you depending on what kind of messenger bag strap style you use. Otherwise, for my 1/2 hour commute, this does the job!