Madison’s Roam waterproof jacket is built to feel exactly as at home on the trails as it is in the pub with its low-key, casual styling. It’s heavy-duty, capable of keeping you comfy in the worst weather and does a great job of keeping you warm, but it can get toasty on slow climbs.
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Built from a fully seam-sealed 10,000mm waterproof and 10,000gms breathable fabric, the Roam feels substantial and well-made. All zips are taped to stop water forcing its way through, and the cuffs have Velcro adjusters which can be opened to promote extra airflow, or cinched to stop anything nasty from creeping up your arms.
At the back are two open vents, also helping promote airflow through the jacket.
On the chest is a large, fully-waterproof phone pocket and two roomy hand pockets, plus there's a pass pocket on the arm. There are also hem drawcords to cinch the waist, which can be used with a single hand and are easy to use on the fly.
The Roam comes with an under-helmet hood integrated with the collar, and inside the front a patch of terry cloth protects your face from the zip.
The first thing to note is that the Roam fits exceptionally well both on and off of the bike – especially for a jacket with such a casual cut. Its rear hem is dropped just enough to keep spray away without looking odd, and the adjustable cuffs are a nice touch. It’s perfectly maneuverable on the bike and never feels too baggy.
Breathability is OK. On slow, grindy climbs the jacket can get pretty hot, but when the pace picks up it cools off quickly (though it does retain sweat).
Thanks to its internal mesh liner, the Roam stays perfectly comfortable when it is sweaty, though more venting wouldn’t go amiss. And while the pockets have mesh interiors, opening the zips doesn't do an awful lot to get air flowing at low speeds.
If you like big bum bags (and you cannot lie), the waist belt can cover the pockets, which stops you getting any airflow through them at higher speeds too.
The Madison Roam waterproof is the perfect jacket if your winter riding involves urban sorties as well as woodsy ones. It’s well made and looks great – there are deep blue or army-ish green options if you don't like this red. While it’s best left for chillier weather, it’s a super-comfy and excellently-performing option that offers brilliant value for money.
