Hincapie Sportswear

Arenberg Zero Jacket - Women's

Few names evoke the challenges of cycling in less than ideal conditions more than La Trouée d'Arenberg, the forest that plays host to the hardest section of the hardest single day of cycling in the world. Arenberg means two things: daunting impediments and the will to overcome them. Hincapie Sportswear designed the Arenberg Zero Women's Jacket along these same lines, giving you the elemental resistance that lets you overcome the worst conditions of the year.

Almost every item produced by Hincapie Sportswear uses unique fabrics that are specifically tailored for a particular purpose. The key to the Arenberg Zero's protective properties lies in three such materials, MTX Wind Repel, SuperRoubaix, and HyperOptic Roubaix. The front of the jacket uses MTX Wind Repel to block wind and water with a four-way stretch fit that strikes an ideal balance between protection and freedom of movement. The areas that don't need as much wind resistance use the durable, stretchy, highly breathable SuperRoubaix fabric, which presents a tough face to the elements but a soft, fleecy lining to insulate against your skin.

The final fabric, HyperOptic Roubaix, warrants some special attention. It comprises three layers, a protective shell, a reflective middle, and an insulating lining. The outer layer features myriad tiny fenestrations that reveal the reflective layer below. Under daylight conditions, only the color of the outer layer is visible, which is black in this case. In low-light conditions, though, the reflective layer shines through, catching headlights and street lamps to help keep you visible. We admit that reflective elements are normally an afterthought, even for us, but the Arenberg Zero Jacket's construction recommends it for use in conditions that are often low-light or low-visibility — exactly the conditions where you'll want to be as noticeable as possible.

The full-length zipper is buttressed-up with an internal storm placket and the hem, cuffs, and collar are designed to keep the yuck out and the warmth in. The usual three rear pockets provide storage space.

The Hincapie Sportswear Arenberg Zero Women's Jacket available in four sizes ranging from Small to X-Large, and in the color Black.