Currently, many people have this misconception—that windbreakers are definitely suitable for cycling. First of all, it’s true that windbreakers are very powerful. A high-quality, authentic brand-name windbreaker can withstand winds above force 4 while maintaining good breathability. Secondly, windbreakers offer excellent rain protection—at least 90% of the windbreakers you can find on the market today have waterproof capabilities (dear friends, that excludes those cheap knockoffs costing just a few hundred yuan). However, it’s important to note that windbreakers are generally only suitable for long-distance travel. Since their panel design is based on hiking and mountaineering, ordinary windbreakers are not ideal for sports cycling—especially mountain biking. For that, you’ll need a more specialized “windbreaker” designed specifically for cycling.
Below, we’ll mainly introduce the materials used in professional cycling wear and some sample examples. For reference only, and not necessarily referring to any specific brand. We hope everyone will choose based on their own spending power and functional needs. Materials are listed in order of price.
Vaporrize material is similar to the famous Lifa material by HH. This material is renowned for its unparalleled breathability, offering sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and thermal insulation properties. Suitable for all seasons, it’s categorized as base layer clothing. This material is mostly made from polyester fibers and uses a double-sided, different weaving method. The inner material can quickly and effectively expel body sweat, allowing moisture to rapidly pass through the inner layer to the outer layer. Then, the outer layer accelerates drying through ventilation, thereby enhancing wearing comfort. Vaporrize material can be found at the collar of garments and in product specification sheets—it’s used in basically all current Specialized cycling wear. It’s the most basic functional material of the brand’s products. Similar high-performance products include the HH series, with comparable pricing. However, HH only offers base layer clothing and has a very limited product line in professional cycling apparel.
Solar UPF, commonly known as UV-resistant material. Any product with the logo shown on the left indicates that the garment has high-performance UPF resistance. A 50 UPF rating means the material can effectively block 50% of UV rays. Moreover, Specialized’s UPF series achieves this through the actual processing of the material itself, rather than through simple coating-based sun protection technology. This means that no matter how many times it’s washed or rubbed, the UPF resistance won’t decrease. Likewise, all Specialized garments with the Solar UPF label also feature Vaporrize breathable material as the main fabric.
Therminal and Therminal EX are fleece-lined, stretchy thermal materials. They provide excellent insulation and outstanding breathability, keeping your body dry even while maintaining warmth. Their 3D multi-panel construction allows these thermal cycling garments to have some stretchability, eliminating any resistance during cycling. Especially Therminal EX, which adds a thicker fleece layer compared to the former to combat cold weather. Generally, Therminal can handle the spring and autumn climates of central and southern regions. Personally, I only need Therminal when it’s above 10°C, and Therminal EX between 10°C and 0°C. All Therminal materials also feature highly breathable polyester fibers and water repellent* surface treatment. To be honest, Therminal isn’t particularly windproof—if it’s a wind of force 3 or 4, you might still feel a bit of drafts. But during intense cycling, your body generates heat, which can make up for this slight shortcoming.
So, how much to wear depends on the individual—don’t force it.
Element is a soft fleece material often used in winter mountain bike gear. Of course, some road bike equipment also uses it, featuring 100% wool lining. As such, it provides quite good insulation, and when paired with highly breathable, quick-drying base layers, it can significantly enhance riding comfort. But overall, this fleece material is slightly less breathable than the previous ones, though it offers better insulation. Similar to Therminal, the Element surface also uses water repellent waterproofing technology.
Deflect is primarily a windproof technology material. It’s widely used in garments designed to combat cold winds. Due to its high density, it can effectively resist strong winds and is very practical for transitional seasons or mountain cycling. The design of Deflect is clever—the jacket is highly sealed but also offers surprisingly high breathability. Any garment with this label indicates that besides being windproof and offering basic waterproofing, it can also be easily folded into a small size and stashed in the back pocket of your cycling jersey for emergencies. But it’s crucial to note that Deflect is not a raincoat and cannot withstand prolonged or heavy rainfall. It only provides basic waterproofing—remember that.
This label, I believe, is familiar to most riders—it’s Gore-Tex, currently recognized as the most professional and largest material supplier in the industry. The hallmark of this label is the Guaranteed to keep you dry mark. Any product purchased through official channels that fails to deliver this promise during the warranty period can be exchanged for a new one at the store with the purchase receipt and this label. Gore-Tex is also the most breathable among current waterproof materials. Don’t believe it? Check out the breathable and waterproof demo of Gore-Tex at the North Face flagship store. Of course, garments bearing this label can be said to be manufactured with extremely strict craftsmanship. Because not all suppliers can obtain the Gore-Tex diamond-shaped certification—all require a series of long-term, rigorous quality tests before earning sales rights. Currently, Specialized clothing includes both the Windstopper material provided by Gore-Tex and Gore-Tex waterproof material (the latter is not yet sold in China). Gore-Tex Windstopper differs from any of the windproof materials mentioned above. It comes in three types: Soft-shell, Pack Lite, and Active Shell. Most premium brands use Active Shell and Pack Lite—the former is the latest design, offering better breathability and insulation, while the latter can be folded into a compact size. Specific models can be referenced on the garment’s label.
Everyone must pay attention to the two terms shown in the manual: Gore-Tex Waterproof and Water Repellent. Their basic differences are as follows: the former is 99% waterproof and can endure prolonged downpours, while the latter offers temporary, repairable waterproofing achieved merely through the natural waterproof layer formed by the unique weaving of high-tech fibers. However, it’s not permanently waterproof and requires maintenance using specific detergents. So, always check the wording on the manual and don’t be misled by salespeople. Waterproof > Water Repellent, and the two are absolutely not equal. Generally, garments with Waterproof materials also have Water Repellent functionality, but not necessarily Windstopper performance—since these two material layers don’t necessarily come together. The former provides basic wind resistance but sacrifices some breathability, while the latter prioritizes breathability and offers only simple waterproofing.
That covers the basic categories of the most common materials. Just for sharing—hope this information helps you choose the right clothing for you and your rides.