Mavic kit never ceases to impress with its attention to cycling cut and performance detail. And even at a very price-conscious point these are not details that have been skimped. The cut is our favourite sort – one that feels like it might be just the tiniest bit tight across the chest when you’re standing up, but feels perfect on the bike. That clearly puts it off your list if you’re looking for an all-round style, but for long rides especially it really does make a difference.
The styling is clean, with simple bound cuffs and one chest pocket, and the hem swoops deep from front to back, giving not only a very pleasing line but an extra degree of protection. There is also a surprise feature: the PackBack – two long zips on the back that once undone allow extra room to accommodate a pack underneath – there’s even a flap and port on the chest to feed a tube through. You won’t squeeze a massive daypack under there, but for travelling fast and light it works. We’ve yet to meet a sub-£100 waterproof that’s as breathable as a £200 one, but where the H2O is streets ahead of the competition is its quality, cut and uncompromising fit.
