Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II review

Want your wind jacket to have impressive water resistance as well? Then the snappily-titled Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II should be on your shortlist, offering decent protection against the elements during soggy rides.

That wind and water resistance comes at the expense of some breathability, with a distinct lack of mesh areas or ventilation channels.

As the name suggests, the Race Cape II is targeted for race days, with the white version on test here enabling race numbers to be seen underneath it.

Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II specifications

The construction of the Race Cape II is high quality.

There’s a full-length zipper garage that prevents any irritation, while the zipper itself is easy to undo one-handed on the move.

Unlike some wind jackets, it has a single-way zipper so you can’t undo the bottom first for easier jersey pocket access (though that’s a function I rarely use).

The Race Cape II doesn't have any outer pockets, meaning you’ll have to rely on your jersey pockets beneath it for stashing snacks.

You could stash things in the integrated packsack if you were really pushed for space.

Admittedly, there’s something a little ‘hazmat suit’ about the aesthetics of the Race Cape II, but escape the lockdown vibe and this is a formidable contender that ticks plenty of the wind jacket boxes.

There are also less crime-scene-investigator options available within the six other colour options, but the white pick on test here offers the dual benefits of adding on-road visibility and the ability for race numbers to be read through its translucent shell.

The addition of reflective detailing on the cuffs, zipper and hems is also effective for increasing your visibility in low-light conditions.

Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II performance

All windproof jackets should pack into a cycling jersey rear pocket, and the Adrenaline Race Cape II ticks that box, tucking down into an integrated bag.

That sack is attached to the coat hook on the inside of the collar. It hangs down into the upper back area when not in use, but it didn't irritate during rides.

The overall weight comes in at 120g, which is middle of the road for the windproof jackets we’ve tested this season.

Part of that extra weight comes from the cosy internal collar, which sits softly on the neck and helps wick sweat away from this area.

Adding to the comfort is a full-length guard that prevents itchy neck rub from the sliding zipper head. That has the dual benefit of preventing drafts from entering through the zipper.

Said zipper is also easy to move up and down when riding.

The classy cuff construction is one of the Race Cape II’s greatest strengths, sitting securely and comfortably on the wrist while stopping windy ingress.

As for the wind-stopping powers, the Race Cape II held its own on blustery rides in February, including on top of Somerset’s wonderful Quantock Hills.

Endura bills this as waterproof and, while it deflects drizzles and showers, prolonged precipitation will eventually get into the water-resistant finish of the fabric.

A dedicated waterproof cycling jacket will serve you better if you’re regularly riding in heavy rain.

But the Race Cape II is better at deflecting water than any windproof jackets that I can think of, aided by the taped seams, secure hems and the aforementioned cuffs.

Endura claims that breathability is rated at a high 20,000g/m² but I thought breathability was merely adequate – but there are more vented options with more mesh panels in the form of Castelli’s Aria Shell and Giro’s Chrono Expert Wind Jacket.

At £90, the price is also middle of the road for the windproof jackets we’ve rated recently.

Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II bottom line

The Endura Race Cape II is an impressive windproof jacket, offering better wind and precipitation protection than the vast majority of windshells.

The downside is that there are more breathable lighter options elsewhere, but there’s much to admire here, especially if you’re planning on racing in the Race Cape II.

The collar and cuffs are especially classy, and there are six other colour options if the white isn’t for you.