Review Of The Rab Cinder Kinetic Cycling Jacket And Cinder Cargo Shorts
Rab has released a women’s collection of technical cycling clothing for all conditions. Rab Cinder features jackets, tops, trousers, and waterproof trousers. Cinder women’s clothing is a result of the brand’s decades-long experience in combining cutting-edge technologies with tried-and-true materials.
Tested the Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Jacket and Cinder Cargo Bib Shorts.
Test: Rab Cinder Kinetic waterproof women’s cycling jacket
Features Include:
- Slim fit
- MVTR: 35000g/m2/24 hrs
- Custom-fitted bike with articulation to improve performance and comfort
- The hood is compatible with cycling helmets and has a stiffened peak.
- One-handed hood cinch (combined face and crown adjustment)
- AquaGuard Zipper on a single chest pocket
- 1 YKK(r), AquaGuard zipped pocket with bellowed side
- Front centre zip YKK(r), VISLON(r), with fleece lined chin guard
- Stretch binding on the extended cuffs
- Dropped rear hem silicone grip
- Single-sided rear hem adjuster with anti-snag tether
- Weight:304g/10.7oz (Size 10)
- Three colors
- Female and male versions
- Prie: PS240
- See: Rab Cinder Kinet cycling jacket
The jacket is a lovely shade of marmalade. It feels comfortable and soft. The wind does not make an annoying rustling sound, which is great because cycling is often breezy. It does make some noise, when the arms rub against the torso, but it is not the usual crinkly-rustly noise.
The fabric inside isn’t too wet, so you can wear it over a baselayer with short sleeves.
The jacket fits well (UK10), and it is flattering. It’s the most flattering cycling jacket you could ever find!
It is also easy to wear and provides good movement on a bicycle.
I love the torso length and the lower drop in the back to cover my bum while cycling. When stretched out on my bike, the arms aren’t quite long enough but they are very long for my height. The cuffs fit well but are not too long.
If you get caught in the rain, the hood can be useful. The helmet tends to keep out a lot more rain than a hood, but having the extra protection is nice in heavy or prolonged downpours. There is also a stiffened peak that prevents some rain from getting onto your face.
It’s a good idea to stash your phone in the chest pocket, as it is a small space. The rear pocket with a zip is larger and ideal for carrying small items that you need to have easy access to.
Performance is of paramount importance. The minimum waterproof jacket I would look for is a HH (Hydrostatic head) of 10,000mm. The Rab Cinder Kinetic is a winner. The rating for breathability is also very good.
The jacket keeps me protected from the wind when I’m riding my bike. In cooler temperatures, it is also breathable. In drizzle or lighter rain, the waterproofing works well. However, in heavy downpours, it can get a little wet. The DWR cannot handle the heavier rain.
I don’t like cycling in heavy rainfall so I avoid it. If you plan to use the jacket to commute to work regularly or in areas where heavy rain will be frequent, then I suggest that you look for a jacket which has a higher rating.
This is a very well-made cycling jacket. It is also easy to wear. This is not the lightest cycling jacket I have ever used, but it feels very durable and is comfortable. The bright colour of marmalade is good for visibility. This is a jacket that I’d use more in the summer when it’s not likely to rain heavily or for a long time. This jacket is also great for winter when it’s cold and windy, or you just need an outer layer. The jacket is also suitable for walks in the countryside, making it versatile.
Rab products are durable and robust, but the price is high.
Tested: Cinder Cargo cycling shorts for women by Rab
Features Include:
- Main fabric: Flexile(tm), 250 with fluorocarbon free DWR
- Secondary Fabric: Matrix RX side reinforcements with fluorocarbon free DWR
- Breathable body-mapped structure
- The Bib Drop Seat Function
- The centre back panel has a laser-cut ventilation hole.
- Two mesh pockets on the thigh and two mesh pockets at the rear of the bib
- Reduced wear points and comfort with seamless inner thigh
- Silicone grip at lower hem
- Flatlock seams
- Custom-fitted bike with articulation to improve performance and comfort
- Non-bib versions are also available
- Both styles are available in both male and female fits
- Price: PS145
- See: Women’s Rab Cinder Cargo cycling shorts.
It’s a little difficult to put on the shorts at first. It is important to consider where you will climb into the shorts. They are comfortable once they’re on. The front is high and comfortable, offering protection from the weather and flattering flattening appearance.
The shoulder straps sit comfortably on the side of the chest. The bib straps may not fit women with larger chests because I don’t have large boobs.
The lower back also has a fabric section to prevent the wind from getting on your skin if you are bending over your bike.
The shorts are long. My legs are long and my shorts reach just above the knee. Some people may find this to be a good fit, but others might not. Note that I am wearing a size small.
The fabric is beautiful. The fabric is a stretchy, silky Lycra that has a wide, grippy hem. These shorts stay in place while you ride your bike. I love this because I hate riding up my shorts.
The shorts now have side cargo pockets. Why other brands didn’t think of this? This is the first shorts I’ve seen with side pockets. These pockets are great for small items like snacks or phones.
The pockets were not as annoying as I thought they would be. I didn’t even notice that I had my phone in the pocket.
Two more iockets are located at the back for small items.
The padding is thick. This will be a personal choice for some women. I personally like the amount of padding. It’s very important to buy cycle shorts that fit well. If they don’t they will rub and the padding may move around. The shorts fit well.
Drop seat is another great feature. You don’t need to remove your top layer and the straps of the bib-shorts in order to use a toilet. You can “expose your bottom” by pulling down the back of your shorts.
The shorts are too long and the fabric bags up at the outer, lower edge when you stand off your bike.
This part of the seam bags a little when my leg is straight.
The outer edges of the seams are also fraying a little, but the rest is still in great condition. The shorts also bulge at the inner thighs which is not the best look. The fabric could be a little more supportive. However, there’s always a balance between comfort and support.
The overall design of the women’s bib shorts is good. The bib shorts for women have some really cool features. The shorts fit well and are comfortable, but I’d like to see the fabric a little bit more supportive. (Maybe if I went down a single size?) The fact that you can choose between black or blue is also a nice feature. It’s common for good quality cycling shorts to be expensive. PS145 may seem a lot, but that is not unusual.