Producing one of the best waterproof cycling jackets is not for the faint-hearted. Not only are there the demands of riders, who require ample breathability and water resistance, but legislation, banning PFAS fabrics in the USA and Europe, has challenged the way that manufacturers can achieve these qualities.
With the Guard Neos, Santini says it's created a credible, new gen, PFAS-free waterproof and breathable rain jacket using a plant-based alternative for additional eco kudos.
Construction
While many rain jacket brands searched for alternatives to the original Gore-tex fabrics that fell foul of the new legislation, Santini continued to build on its long-term relationship with Polartec.
Santini says that partnering with a smaller fabric house has allowed it to become more closely involved in the development of suitable alternatives to PFAS chemical-based fabrics. The end is a lightweight Polartec Neoshell.
Polartec says that Neoshell is made from a membrane of millions of nanofibers, which provides 20,000mm of water column resistance (double the industry standard) but also 99 percent wind protection. The NeoShell fabric has also been designed to allow for dynamic air exchange and a full range of motion, essential for cyclists.
Other features of the Guard Neos nod to its waterproof capabilities: the waterproof zips, the polyurethane-coated raw cut cuffs - which are stretchy to allow for easy removal on the bike - and a polyurethane-coated thermal rear panel that ensures your lower back is protected from rear wheel spray.
Should you find yourself in a torrential downpour, Santini has even hidden a helmet hood in the collar.
Elsewhere are fully taped seams and a single waterproof zip-secure rear pocket.
The ride
Autumn in the north of the UK has taken up the weather where summer left it - it is very damp and mild, a perfect testing ground for a rain jacket, but a little warm to test its deep winter credentials.
However, provided I layered up correctly, I was immediately struck with just how versatile this rain jacket is in varying temperatures of between 7°C / 44.6°F up to 15°C/59°.
Layering decisions are made easier due to the Guard Neos' close resemblance to a softshell jacket, with a soft, warm-to-the-touch inside layer that's comfortable enough against just a long-sleeved base layer on warmer days. The fit is slim, and the jacket isn't super stretchy, so I personally found it a little tight on my arms.
Something that I can't abhor with traditional rain jackets is the cold plasticky feel of some fabrics, especially in the wet, even when the inside is still dry. For me, that's an issue that the Castelli Idro 3 W Shakedry rain jacket suffered from. The Guard Neos showed no signs of this.
Living in the hills of South Manchester, my riding terrain undulates with long climbs and descents following each other in quick succession. This puts any rainwear to work immediately, requiring both breathability and windproofing to be top-notch, and the Guard Neos didn't disappoint.
I've been quickly sold on the jacket's excellent air exchange requirements on my regular rides. Even on cold and damp days, with no real rain, I've popped on the Guard Neos teamed with a thermal gilet on top.
The Guard Neos has shown itself to be a great barrier to water ingress. I have to admit to not having been out in torrential rain just yet, but in terms of drizzle and passing showers, the jacket has left me dry inside.
Santini rates this jacket at around the 20,000mm water column mark, and from my experience, it's proving a great water barrier. I'm interested in discovering the Guard Neos' performance on a foul wet day in the saddle. I'll update the review when the time comes.
Value and conclusion
The Santini Guard Neos is a brilliant jacket that proves useful in a range of conditions, not just the wettest days. The team behind the design has seemingly gathered all the best bits from other rain and softshell jackets on the market and scooped them into one garment.
In terms of criticisms, whilst the minimal rear pocket does make sense from a rain jacket perspective, I missed having the opportunity to simply grab a snack or carry spares.
What I wouldn't miss is the rain hood. I appreciate that this is highly practical, as it fits over your helmet and will prevent rain from dripping down your neck, but it's such a stark contrast to the performance feel of the rest of the jacket. I don't think I could ever see myself, or others for that matter, using it.
The elephant in the room is the price tag: £295/$305 (£320/$270 for the male version). I understand that this RRP is still just below the new Rapha Gore-Tex rain jacket, but these prices are becoming alarmingly high, and can't go unmentioned in a review.
It's a great jacket, which will no doubt be a great cycling wardrobe staple, you just have to really want to ride in the rain to justify the outlay.
Specification
- Fabric: Polartec Neoshell, thermosealed, thermowelded 20.000 mm water column
- Temperatures: 0°C to +10°C/32 to 50 °F
- Sizes: XXS - XXL
- Colours: Black, Pink
- Weight: 271g (size small)
- Gender: Female, Male
