Gear

The clothing of the Classics: weatherproof kit from Castelli, Sportful, Endura, Santini, Vermarc, Moa and Rapha

The Castelli Gabba is the standard for weatherproof jerseys, but else is out there?

Santini Reef Rain Jersey (Lotto.NL-Jumbo)

If you're going to ride through autumn and winter then you better get used to the idea of getting wet
There's something very peaceful about riding in the rain
The Endura Equipe Classics Jacket is new for 2015
The Santini Reef Rain Jersey was developed with the Lotto.NL-Jumbo squad
The Vermarc Zero Aqua PRR Jersey is available in short and long-sleeve versions
The Fredonia is Vermarc's take on the weatherproof jersey
Ok, it's not a jersey, but the Rapha ProTeam Softshell Base Layer was designed for racing in cold, wet conditions

Santini Reef Rain Jersey (Lotto.NL-Jumbo)

The Reef is Santini’s take on the weatherproof jersey and one developed in junction with the Lotto.NL-Jumbo team. In fact, Lotto.NL-Jumbo riders Wilco Kelderman, Nick van der Lijke, Tom Leezer and Steven Kruijswijk were asked by Santini to pitch their ideas for the “perfect rain jersey – an ideal item for their team, while also thinking about how it could suit the needs of an amateur rider.”

The resulting conversation established four main criteria for the jersey to fulfill: wind and water resistance, breathability, aerodynamics, comfort and reflectivity.

We reviewed the Reef a couple of months ago, and the verdict was that it’s a grower. The trouble isn’t anything to do with the jersey, which is functionally superb. It’s more that the Reef (£139.99), like everything in its category, is designed to be worn when it’s wet but not too cold, meaning it’s not designed for winter (although great under a jacket for added water resistance) but it’s a bit too warm for the height of summer. We’re looking at the Spring Classics, then.

Santini describe is at light, breathable, windproof and water repellent and the race cut of the jersey lets you know that it’s designed for the cut and thrust of the peloton.

Santini sponsored both Katusha and Lotto NL-Jumbo until the start of this season, though now it’s just the Dutch squad wearing the Italian firm’s squad. Still, if the heavens open on the way to San Remo on Sunday, you may well see it in action.