Bike Jacket Buying Guide
Supporting you to get the right solutions so you can smile when you ride
Answer the following questions and/or think through the points. This will help you make the correct bike jacket choice.
What is the purpose for your jacket?
What is the main job that you want your jacket to perform? Is it protection from wind, give you warmth, keep you dry from rain and/or increase your visibility in poor weather. It could be a combination of these things – List from the most important job to the least important job?
Don’t be afraid to have more than one
To keep you on your bike and moving around during adverse weather it is important to have options. You also need to buy for where you ride the most – different riding environments require different styles of jackets. If you really want to ride all year and through all types of weather you must have the gear that will allow this to happen.
LEARN MORE: Bike jackets – What are your options?
LEARN MORE: The Best E-Bike Jacket Options
Features of a Bike Jacket
Different Bike jackets will have different features to suit the use of the jacket. Features like Is it water proof or water resistant, Does it fold down well so it is easy to carry Does it provide good visibility so you can be seen. Is it breathable/ moisture wicking. Understand the deatures you need in a bike jacket.
LEARN MORE: Features of a Bike Jacket
Portability
How will you carry your jacket? How important is it to be light weight or pack down really small… buying for back country, remote, tour style riding requires you to think of weight & space. Most other jackets will be easy to carry on your bike or in a bag.
Performance for Safety
Do not compromise on a jacket it you need it to perform in extreme conditions. It you are choosing to go riding in isolated or back country areas you have a responsibility to take gear that will keep you safe. Being dry & warm and therefore preventing hyperthermia is incredibly important. If you are taking your family into these places please consider the level of protection you have provided them with. Waterproof jackets are an investment but will give you the confidence to know you will be safe if the jacket is exposed to adverse weather.
Visibility
Increasing your visibility is a real feature of a jacket. As an outer layer your jacket can really add to your presence in traffic or around other riders. This becomes even more important in adverse weather when visibility is poor. We recommend that anyone riding regularly in traffic make bold colour choices with their jacket – yellow, orange, red, fluro green, bright blues – these are all good options.
Special Consideration for E-Bike Riders
E-Bikes travel at speed creating greater air flow. It can be challenging to get warm and stay warm on an E-Bike specially in cooler weather. E-Bike riders are more likely to routinely wear their jacket and keep it on for the entire length of the ride. Having additional insulation/thermal warming properties is an option for E-Bike riders.
LEARN MORE: The Best E-Bike Jacket Options
What do the kids need?
This depends on where you want to take them and how comfortable they are about riding in weather that is not perfect. Multi use & portable are good considerations. Wind & waterproof is ideal. Add layers underneath for warmth. As they get older and ride more e.g to school on a daily basis or to back country isolated places, they will need gear that will perform.
goRides Waterproof Jacket & Pant Solutions
$195.00
$329.00
$70.00
$159.00
$59.00
$99.00
$49.00
goRides Water Resistant Jacket Solutions
$99.00
$99.00
$197.00
$139.00
ON SALE $129.00
MAKE YOUR PURCHASE A SUCCESS…
Size/Fit
Make sure you get a jacket that fits. Use our sizing guides to understand what is a good fit for each type of jacket. If you have the correct size the jacket will work like you want it to and you will choose to ride more often with the confidence you have the protection you paid for.
LEARN MORE: How to Size and Fit a Bike Jacket
Cleaning
Be very aware of any treatments on the outer surface of your jacket. A lot of performance level jackets need to be washed in a very specific way and waterproof treatments may need to be reapplied. YOU MUST read the care labels when you first receive your jacket.
LEARN MORE: How to Wash your Bike Jacket
Riding stories, support & solutions that will make you & your family SMILE.
Stories & Support
View the full range of stories & support for Bike Jackets on one easy to navigate page.
Bike Jacket Buying Guide
What is the best bike jacket for the riding you do? There are many factors to consider in your decision. Use our Buying Guide to get the right bike jacket solution.
How to Size and Fit a Bike Jacket
Learn how to size and fit your Bike Jacket so you get the protection you need to enjoy your riding.
The Best Bike Jacket For Cycling
Read our story about the best Bike Jackets for Cycling. Learn what Jackets are suited to what riding environments.
How to Choose Riding Clothing
All the technical words and fabrics are explained in this simple story. Choose the right base, mid & outer layer for the riding you do.
Be Visible Buying Guide
What is the best way to be visible on the bike? There are many factors to consider in your decision. Use our Buying Guide to get the right be visible solution.
Ride More Places
Read stories about NZ trails, tracks and parks. Find our what other families and riders are doing. Be inspired! Is this ride an option for you or your family?
Want more from your riding?
Be supported to Ride as a Family, Progress Your Riding and/or receive Seasonal Inspiration. So you can SMILE when you ride.
All new members are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.
SMILE when you ride
Support & Inspire other riders and families
Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes.
All entries are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.
Women
Padded Bike Underwear
Pants for Biking
Tops for Biking
Jackets & Over Trousers for Biking
Riding Clothing for Larger Sizes
Warmth Accessories
Bike Saddles
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Bike Bells
Hydration
Handlebar Grips
Kids & Youth
Padded Bike Underwear
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Riding Clothing
Jackets for Biking/Outdoors
Protective Padding
Bike Gloves
Bike Lights
Bike Bells
Handlebar Grips
Bike Saddle
Bike Locks
Hydration
Family
Ride with a baby/ 1 year old
Ride with a 2-6 year old
Ride with a 4 + year old – on their own bike
Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed
Create a Family Biking Holiday
Ride More Places with Kids
Men
Padded Bike Underwear
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Saddles
Bike Tops,Jackets & Over Trousers
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Handlebar Grips
Bike Bell
Be comfortable & confident
Successfully Ride an E-Bike
Beginner Rider
Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking
Be Comfortable on your Bike Seat
Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in Wet Conditions
Be Visible on the Bike
Enjoy a Biking Holiday
‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.
Clothing & Bags
Padded Bike Pants & Underwear
Pants & Shorts for Biking
Bike Tops
Bike Jackets
Over Trousers for Biking
Headbands & Neck Warmers for Biking
Bags, Baskets & Panniers for Biking
Rider Safety & Protection
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Bike Lights
Bike Bells
First Aid & Personal Care
Hydration
Bike Tow Ropes
Bike Parts & Care
Bike Saddles
Handlebar Grips
Bike Locks
Bike Carriers
Bike & Chain Cleaning
Bike Tools & Tool Kits to Carry
Kids Bike Seats & Bikes
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Mid Kids Bike Seats
Front Kids Bike Seats
Towing Kids who ride their own Bike
Bike Trailers for Kids
Kids Balance Bikes
HIRE Kids Bike Seats
Be Comfortable & Confident
Comfort on your Bike Seat
Be Visible on the Bike
Beginner Riders
Get Started – Ride with a baby
Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking
Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in Wet Conditions
‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking
Bike Path Riding
Beginner to Fitness
Multi-Day
With Kids of all Ages
Kids Riding Bikepaths
Multi-Day with Kids
Bike Path Riding Guide
Ride more Bikepaths
Mountain Biking
Women Beginner to Intermediate
Men Beginner to Intermediate
Multi-Day
With Kids of all ages
Kids Mountain Biking
Multi-Day with Kids
Mountain Biking Guide
Ride more Mountain Bike Trails
Riding in Traffic
Be Visible in Traffic
Commuting
With Kids of all Ages
Kids Riding in Traffic
E – Biking
E-Biking in Traffic
E-Biking on Bikepaths
E-Biking on MTB Trails
A Biking Holiday
E-Biking Guide
Multi-Day Riding
Multi-Day on Bike Paths
Multi-Day on MTB Trails
Multi-Day with Kids on Bike Paths
Multi-Day with Kids on MTB Trails
Multi-Day Guide
A Biking Holiday
Family Biking Holiday
Ride more Multi-Day Rides
Family Riding
Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed
On Bikepaths with Kids
MTB with Kids
In Traffic with Kids
Family Biking Holiday
Family Riding Guide
Ride More Places with Kids
Kids Attached or Towed Buying Guides
Rear Kids Bike Seat
Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat
Front Kids Bike Seat
Towing Kids who ride their own bikes
Kids Bike Trailers
Kids & Youth Buying Guides
Kids Bike Helmets
Kids Riding Clothing
Kids Padded Bike Pants
Kids Padded Protection
Kids Handlebar Grips
Kids Balance Bike
Comfort on the Bike Buying Guides
Womens Bike Saddle
Mens Bike Saddle
Padded Bike Pants
Bike Jackets
Carrying Gear
Handlebar Grip
Hydration
Rider Safety Buying Guides
Bike Helmet
Mountain Bike Helmet
Protective Padding
Be Visible
Bike Glove
Bike Light
Mountain Bike Light
First Aid & Personal Care
Gear & Care for Bikes Buying Guides
Bike Carriers
Bike Cleaning
Bike Locks
Chain Cleaning and Lube
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.
Women & Families Learning
Comfort on your Bike Seat
Clothing for Biking
Family Biking
Improve your Riding
Carrying Gear
Care for ‘you’
Care for your Bike
Ride More Places
Ride more Bikepaths
Ride more NZ Cycle Trails
Ride more Mountain Bike Trails
Ride more Multi-Day Rides
Ride more Places with Kids
Riding Gear
Bike Helmets
Bike Saddles
Padded Bike Underwear & Pants
Bike Gloves
Bike Jackets
Protective Padding
Bike Locks
Bike Lights
Bike Tools to Carry
Handlebar Grips
Bike and Chain Cleaning
Kids Bike Seats & Bikes
Kids Bike Trailer
Towing kids who ride their own bike
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats
Front Kids Bike Seats
Balance Bike
Types of Riding
Bikepath Riding
Family Riding
E-Bike Riding
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.