This is a product from Specialized that caught my eye a few months ago, and I was eager to get my hands on one. Oddly enough, the Specialized website offers up no product description, so I really had no idea what the jacket was like until I could see one at my local bike shop, the Bicycle Station, that the owner had ordered in.
My own product description:
A hoodie jacket that has a knit sweater-like fabric along with nylon-y type shell. Features two large front pockets, and a small zippered pocket on the upper left sleeve. Sleeves are extra long in length and have thumb openings. The hood is lined in either hot pink or teal material and wraps around to a high collar. The inside of the jacket has fuzzy lightweight thermal material.
Note, this is a VERY different design than the Men’s Podium Jacket, which is pretty much a standard zippered hoodie of the same fabric and price point.
My initial reaction is that once I put it on, I didn’t want to take it off! It was warm and cuddly, and the fit was spot on (I had to special order mine, so I had to guess on size). I ordered a Large. As a reference point, I am 5’8″ with long long arms, 34″ bust, and about 150 pounds. The jacket is not meant to be skin tight naturally, and I feel like it has enough of a relaxed feel without being tight or baggy in the wrong areas.
I especially like the high collar, which is something not found on any other hoodie-type items that I own. However, this is not the warmest jacket out there! Then again, I don’t think it’s intentioned to be a winter jacket. I have worn it in some 20 degree (with wind chills in the single digits) weather and the wind cut right through the fabric and didn’t leave me too warm and cuddly feeling. I think in milder spring/fall temperatures it will be quite perfect, along with perhaps chilly summer mornings (I suppose this just comes down to where a person lives!).
I don’t necessary anticipate wearing this jacket while riding a bike, though certainly the sleeve length and fit would work well in the riding position. So far I’ve worn mine to a Christmas party, out running errands/shopping, and nonstop around the house. I can see it in rotation with most of my other light weight jackets for every day use, and maybe wearing it to bike related events when not in team gear.
The main downfall: Retail price: $130.
Ouch. I cannot really say this is worth anything near $130. My favorite Columbia shell jacket only cost me $20 at an outlet store, and is actually waterproof and windproof, and my full on poofy winter sub-artic jacket was only $140. Then again, I may be missing the point of this Podium Jacket. It is a cute cuddly jacket that has some nice features. And no one ever said Specialized’s clothing was reasonably priced, though it is better priced than other cycling brands. If you’re a brand loyal cycling nut, or have a big preference for teal or pink items (like me!), this might be for you!
(Sorry for photo quality… I decided to do this at night, and my house is pretty dark)
Disclaimer: I purchased this item at a discounted retail price (due to team sponsorship) for my own personal use. All comments and opinions are my own and I was in no way compensated for the review.
Heidi Rides Bikes 