BlackBottoms Lightweight Rain Vest
By James Sharp

I like vests for cycling. I don't usually wear them off of the bike, but on the bike, they are a valuable addition to any cycling wardrobe. Think about it, a good vest blocks the wind, is light weight, packs small and doesn't flap around -- in short, feels like nothing is there, but additional warmth when it is chilly. During last year's LOTOJA race in Utah, we hooked up with BlackBottoms and got a vest to try out.

BlackBottoms has been around since 1974 and prides itself in hype-free, well made cycling attire. Their Lightweight Rain Vest is an example of this. The front is Microfiber and the back is polyester mesh below the shoulder blades. The logo and piping are reflective and round out the features. No pockets, no flashy prints -- just solid blue, yellow or red -- and no high price. At $35 it's one of the more reasonably priced vests on the market.

Though sold as meant for the rain, it wouldn't be my first choice for hard rain, but it handles a light sprinkle or heavy misting easily, and is better than nothing in worse weather. It packs small and is pretty light weight at 135 grams for size large. The fabric has a soft hand, and even if flapping is fairly quiet.

Summary: At $35, BlackBottoms' Lightweight Rain Vest is an affordable way to extend your cycling wardrobe. It's light enough, and packs small enough to stow in a jersey pocket. It does just what it is supposed to, without unnecessary flash or pretense -- just the basics to keep you warmer and drier.

James Sharp is a contributing editor for GearReview.com; he likes to be comfortable, no matter the weather. More of his ramblings and a look at upcoming reviews can be found at his blog -- Lactic Acid Threshold.

For more information, contact:
BlackBottoms
PO BOX 651305
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84165
Phone: (801) 262-6503
E-mail: info@blackbottoms.com
info@blackbottoms.com