Winter riding jackets can be somewhat of a subjective item. Riding in the winter is extremely demanding on clothing, needing insulation, breathability and windproofing all in one. Adding to that, what someone considers winter riding clothing in southern California can be good for September here in the upper Midwest.
Funkier Bike clothing makes this simply named Winter Jacket. Based in Tel Aviv, and most commonly sold in western Europe, Funkier is largely unknown in the USA so we were curious to see where they fell in the scale of winter clothing.
Upon first look, the Funkier Winter Jacket has a construction quality that is far above the selling price of $129.95. The entire jacket has high quality stitching on all seams, and there were almost no flaws to be found. Windproof and waterproof TPU were used in the entire exterior shell construction of the jacket, where typically at this price a lesser quality material may be used on the back where the windproof is not as important. Inside the jacket a light fleece lining covers the entire inside, including down the sleeves. At first impression, Funkier did not skimp to save money on materials, and used the promised product throughout the entire garment.
All zippers either had a full flap cover or one at the end, and had ample pulls on them to use with gloves on. The bottom of the jacket had a silicone gripper around the entire inside, but since you would wear this over other clothing, it seemed mostly there for cosmetics.
In back, a zippered pocket where you would typically find your jersey pocket had a full waterproof liner so that you could take a phone without damaging it from sweat or the outside elements.
I am 6’1″, 275lbs, and of an “American” body type. Typically, I would wear an XL or XXL in standard American brands, so I chose an XXL in the Funkier jacket. Fit was pretty much as expected for a more European style jacket – arm length and shoulder room were spot on for other similar sized jackets, and it was just a bit snug in the middle section, just like many other European clothing items I have worn. (We know Tel Aviv is not in Europe, but it appears this was primarily designed with Europeans in mind as the customers.) As expected for a cycling jacket, the tail was nice and long, and kept full coverage when bending over.
Regarding warmth, I feel this jacket would be best around 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Over the next month, the Winter Jacket will go through the paces and see how it holds up to commuting in the cold.
Fairly impressed with the design and construction, I have two nitpicks. I am not a huge fan of wearing a jacket with a website on it. Logos are ok, but a www.com should be reserved for advertising. And the primary zipper is also left handed as is more common on the other side of the pond, but will throw most American men for a little bit of a loop.
