Bike apparel
Weather Protection
As the old saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! While we can’t influence the weather, we can protect ourselves from adverse weather conditions with the right clothing. When you’re out biking, you’re directly exposed to the elements, so the demands placed on bike wear are extremely high.
FULL PROTECTION
Comfort and safety have the highest priority when you’re biking. Sun, wind, rain and snow affect you more when you’re on your bike than they do when you’re on a hike. You’re moving at much higher speeds, so the wind feels colder and spray water can hit you from all sides. VAUDE has the right bike apparel for all weather conditions so that you’ll be fully protected in any situation.
In the section The Layering Principal you’ll find helpful information about choosing the right bike wear.
BIKING AS A YEAR-ROUND SPORT
Biking is becoming more and more a year-round sport. And if you want to be able to ride your bike all year round, you’ve got to have the right gear and apparel for optimal weather protection. The biggest challenge is coping with the low temperatures in winter. With our years of experience in the outdoor segment and being out in nature ourselves, you can rest assured that VAUDE is a reliable, year-round partner when it comes to bike apparel.
All Year Moab Series
Perfect weather protection, the whole year round: Thanks to the brand new VAUDE series, All Year Moab, you’ll be perfectly outfitted all year round, whatever the weather. The series includes a jacket made of stretchy softshell and S.Café® insulation, a shirt with windproof material at the front, and pants with zip-off legs and insulation, leaving nothing to chance. Our new slogan: Enjoy the trail at any temperature!
PROTECTION FROM
RAIN AND SNOW
Waterproof clothing is vital for sufficient protection from precipitation, even in bad weather conditions. There are different methods for making textiles waterproof. In general, you can either choose a membrane or a coating, and both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Coatings
A coating is a waterproof synthetic layer applied to the outside surface of an outer fabric. These garments are less expensive than those with membranes, but coatings are less abrasion resistant and therefore less breathable and waterproof.
Membranes
A membrane is a semi-permeable synthetic film integrated directly into the garment. This film is extremely thin and provides 100 % protection from moisture and wind while maintaining breathability. Raindrops can’t penetrate, but water vapor can escape to the outside. Membranes don’t wash out, but they also cost more and are more expensive to maintain.
VAUDE only uses PU (polyurethane) or PE (polyester) membranes, not PTFE membranes, which are commonly used on the market and which require environmentally harmful fluorocarbons (PFC).
Additional information on membranes can be found in our Sustainability Report.
Standards: Water column
Water column specifications provide information about the water resistance (waterproofness) of a fabric. It is listed in millimeters, and fabrics are considered waterproof by the DIN Standard starting at a water column of 1,300 mm.
This measurement is made by stretching a fabric under a 10 centimeter diameter cylinder filled with water. The point at which the water begins to seep its way through the fabric, determines the height of the material’s water column or waterproof rating.
All VAUDE jackets with a Ceplex membrane have a water column of at least 10,000 mm – sometimes higher.
Breathability of waterproof functional clothing – RET and MVTR values
Basically, there are different performance metrics to measure breathability:
- MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) value: this is a measure of the permeability of water vapor through materials, i.e. how much liquid diffuses through a membrane or laminate.
- RET value (Resistance to Evaporating Heat Transfer): indicates how much resistance a material has to water vapor.
While a high MVTR value certifies good breathability, the RET value is exactly the opposite. We have decided not to communicate performance indicators on breathability for our in-house membranes. Why did we decide to take this step?
- – The added information value of these indicators is very low. Due to non-uniform test procedures (MVTR, RET) there is hardly any comparability of different products.
- In a test experiment, we sent existing products to independent test institutes and obtained different test results for the same materials. A new submission of exactly the same samples again resulted in different test results from the first test. An objective comparison was impossible.
- The performance figures given always refer to the membrane used. The key figures of the laminate, i.e. outer fabric + membrane + bottom fabric, are not taken into account.
- On the market communicated values are unique measurements and thus snapshots, no manufacturer can guarantee communicated MVTR values durably.
In order to ensure the high quality of our products, we naturally base each product on minimum requirements and test them in our in-house test laboratory using consistent test procedures.
VAUDE Membranes
Ceplex is our well-tested in-house membrane. We use it in our footwear as well as our apparel. It is permanently waterproof, highly breathable and windproof. It can withstand a water column of at least 10,000 mm (JIS L 1092 B).
Ceplex Active
The high-quality Ceplex Active membrane developed by VAUDE is waterproof, windproof and highly breathable. It keeps moisture out and warmth in. Your VAUDE product can withstand a water column of at least 10,000 millimeters (JIS L 1092 B). The membrane is made of polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyester (PES) and is 100 percent free of environmentally harmful fluorocarbons and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Ceplex Active is also used as a coating.
• high quality membrane or coating
• waterproof, breathable and windproof
• 100 percent free of fluorocarbons and PTFE
Ceplex Advanced
The high-quality Ceplex Advanced membrane developed by VAUDE is waterproof, windproof and highly breathable. It keeps moisture out and warmth in. Your VAUDE product can withstand a water column of at least 15,000 millimeters (JIS L 1092 B) and take on the most adverse weather conditions. The membrane is made of polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyester (PES) and is 100 percent free of environmentally harmful fluorocarbons and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).
• optimal membrane for extreme weather conditions
• waterproof, breathable and windproof
• 100 percent free of fluorocarbons and PTFE
Ceplex Pro
The high-quality Ceplex Pro membrane developed by VAUDE offers the best protection from rain and snow. It is waterproof, windproof and very breathable, keeping moisture out and warmth in. Your VAUDE product can withstand a water column of at least 20,000 mm (JIS L 1092 B) and stand up to the most adverse weather conditions. The membrane is made of polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyester (PES) and is 100 percent free of environmentally harmful fluorocarbons and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).
• waterproof, breathable and windproof
• withstands a water column of 20,000 mm
• 100 percent free of fluorocarbons and PTFE
Ceplex Green
The high-quality Ceplex Green membrane developed by VAUDE is waterproof, highly breathable and windproof. It can withstand a water column of at least 10,000 mm. For our green membrane, we use at least 25 percent recycled or biobased materials instead of petroleum-based raw materials. This significantly reduces the consumption of energy and resources. Ceplex Green is 100 percent free of environmentally harmful fluorocarbons and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).
• waterproof, highly breathable and windproof
• 100 percent free of fluorocarbons and PTFE
• climate-friendly manufacturing with reduced resource consumption
Want to find out more about Ceplex Green? We’ve put together all important information on this topic in our Sustainability Report.
WATER REPELLENT TREATMENTS
In order to maintain the function of your VAUDE weatherproof clothing, the outer material is given a factory-applied treatment – DWR (Durable Water Repellency). This water-repellent finish ensures that the apparel doesn’t absorb moisture from the outside which would block the breathability that allows moisture that your body creates to be transported outward.
We only use our own waterproofing treatment, Eco Finish. This water and stain resistant finish is applied to the outer fabric of your product so that water pearls up and runs right off – without the use of environmentally harmful fluorocarbons (PFCs). This protects you from the rain and keeps the planet clean. Regular reapplication is necessary for permanent waterproofing and stain resistance.
Expert Tip:
Our environmentally friendly, water-repellent Eco Finish finish does not contain any harmful fluorocarbons, but it needs proper care.
We recommend that you impregnate your weather protection clothing before intensive use and after every wash. Under Tips & Tricks you can find more information about this. If you need help, we also offer an waterproofing service .
You can find information on DWR and which harmful substances you should watch out for in our Sustainability Report.
Expert tip
We asked our expert and product manager Alisa about this central topic of mountain sports clothing.
She once again points out the most important information on the subject of “protection from rain and snow” and gives helpful tips.
COLD WEATHER PROTECTION
Regulating your body temperature is truly important when cycling. Mid-layer products such as fleece jackets or vests help keep your body warm. Highly breathable, effective insulation ensures that you don’t waste energy maintaining your body’s temperature in cold windy weather.
Synthetic Insulation
Synthetic fibers, also called synthetic fibers or microfibers, offer many advantages for functional clothing. The textiles are easily compressible, very robust, easy to care for and insensitive to moisture. Unlike natural fibers, they do not lose their warming properties even when wet. The thinner and finer the fibers, the softer and more bulky the insulating material formed from them. The fibers trap more air for the same volume and can be compressed small at the same time. This ensures better heat retention, high wearing comfort and long-lasting dimensional stability of the insulation.
Primaloft® Black Insulation
PrimaLoft® Black Insulation is an insulation made of fine microfibers which is characterized by a particularly high loft, excellent thermal performance and excellent compressibility.
Primaloft® Black Insulation Eco
PrimaLoft® Black Insulation Eco is an insulation made of fine microfibers which is characterized by a particularly high loft, excellent thermal performance and excellent compressibility. This combination of 70 % recycled material and state-of-the-art fiber technology is a powerful and environmentally friendly solution for maximum thermal comfort.
Insulation from recycled coffee grounds
Recycled Coffee Grounds – polyester with a blend of recycled coffee grounds
Functional S.Café® fabric with recycled coffee grounds. When the yarn is produced, used coffee grounds are added to the spin mass of recycled, melted polyester granulate. The resulting fabric is quick-drying, odor-inhibiting and offers natural UV protection.
• recycled coffee grounds for functional products
• odor-inhibiting, quick-drying with natural UV protection
• climate-friendly and environment-friendly, resource-efficient and sustainable production
HeatSphere Eco
HeatSphere Eco Insulation – warm insulation made from recycled PET bottles
As warm as down: Heatsphere Eco Insulation consists of heat-trapping spheres made from 100% recycled PET bottles and has the same properties as down fill. It is lightweight, very elastic, warmer than any padded fill and retains its insulation properties even when wet without clumping so you can save resources and do the environment a favor at the same time.
• easy-care fill made from recycled PET bottles
• insulates even when damp without clumping
• climate-friendly thanks to resource-conserving manufacturing
WIND PROTECTION
In cold temperatures, your body loses moisture and heat into the air with every breath you take. When it’s under 10° Celsius, this effect is further intensified by wind. The temperature you feel differs significantly from the temperature actually measured. This phenomenon is known as the wind-chill effect. You’re much more likely to get frostbite in cold temperatures and strong winds than without wind. For example, at 0° Celsius and 20 km/h wind, the subjective perception of cold is -5.2° Celsius.
Windproof 80
The fabric’s fine weave and processing makes your VAUDE product 80 percent windproof. The air that enters is primarily blocked and feels like a cool breeze for a comfortable microclimate and refreshing breathability. Windproof 80 is perfect for high-motion mountain sports and biking in windy weather.
• windproof material that’s nevertheless breathable
• extra fine weave and processing of the fabric
• for motion-intensive mountain sports and biking
Windproof 100
An integrated, windproof membrane ensures that your VAUDE product is 100 percent windproof. Its sandwich construction consists of a protective outer fabric and warm inner material so you’ll be well prepared for adventures in the mountains or bike trips, even in cool windy weather.
• 100 percent windproof with an integrated membrane
• protective outer fabric and warm inner fabric
• for adventures in the mountains and bike sports in cool windy weather
Windproof Pro
Windproof Pro combines two different materials for an optimal microclimate and top performance in mountain and bike sports. We use a material that’s 100 percent windproof and robust in the places where your body is most exposed to the wind. Where high breathability is important, we use less dense material (80 percent).
• ideal combination of windproof and breathable material
• strategic placement of different materials
• optimal support for your microclimate and performance
Windproof Green
VAUDE products with the Windproof Green membrane are 100 percent windproof and breathable at the same time. Our green membrane includes recycled or biobased materials and is 100% free of environmentally harmful fluorocarbons (PFC). This protects you from the wind while protecting the planet as well.
• 100 percent windproof and breathable
• environmentally friendly thanks to recycled or biobased materials
• environmentally friendly manufacturing without fluorocarbons (PFC)
Want to find out more about Windproof Green? We’ve put together all important information on this topic in our Sustainability Report.
Softshells
Softshells are the true all-rounders of functional textiles. They combine optimal weather protection with or without insulation, thus protecting against moisture and insulating at the same time. The stretchy material has a truly comfortable hand and is permanently water-repellent, wind repellent or even windproof – depending on the processing and material.
Recycled softshell materials
A comfortable microclimate and climate protection in one – VAUDE‘s next generation softshell offers high performance paired with first-rate weather protection, while conserving valuable resources as well. This is because the softshell is not only highly breathable, wind repellent and water repellent, it is also made from at least 50 % recycled PET bottles. This ensures optimal protection for you and, at the same time, makes a valuable contribution to protecting our planet.
Find women’s softshell jackets and men’s softshell jackets in the VAUDE Shop.
Expert tip
We asked our expert and product manager Alisa about this central topic of bike sports clothing.
She once again points out the most important information on the subject of “protection against wind” and gives helpful tips.
