The week I get to review a lovely new cycling jacket would be the week my bike gets nicked wouldn’t it? Because someone made off with my beloved mountain bike I sadly wasn’t able to put the Storm Salute rain shell by Chrome Industries through its paces quite as thoroughly as I’d like (nothing beats testing a jacket when it’s pouring with rain and you’re late for a meeting, it’s my gold standard). But I still managed to give it a good go between damp dog walks and trekking around the city.
The jacket
First things first, this is a really good-looking jacket. Combining Chrome’s signature durability with sharp aesthetics, the Storm Salute is a high-performance shell that won’t look out of place in the rest of your life.
This jacket is built to protect you from the elements. With fully taped seams no rain will be getting in. While breathable stretch-poly fabric, a two-way zip and upper back yoke vent keeps you feeling fresh, even as you navigate a busy junction when someone’s parked in the cycle lane.
The details
So far so good, but for me it’s the details that really stand out. It’s always the hood that makes or breaks a jacket for me. I was thrilled to discover the Storm Salute has a huge adjustable storm hood that stops even the roughest squall from hitting you in the face. Similarly, the adjustable drop tail hem with a draw cord will stop the rain tricking down your back. Reflective hits on the back and arm means you’ll be seen in low light. And the zippered phone and rear cargo pockets to keep your essentials safe and dry!
Sizing
As a UK 10-12 I opted for a size medium and it did feel a little snug over a bulky winter jumper. However it fitted perfectly over performance base layers which is ideal for cycling. Sizing is where the Storm Salute falls down for me. Chrome’s gear only runs up to XL and is cut quite slim, which is a real shame as there’s a huge opportunity for better size inclusivity in performance cycling gear, especially when it looks this good!
At £170 the Storm Salute is an investment. But if you’re an urban cyclist who spends their days out and about on their bike it’s well worth the spend for a jacket that’ll keep you dry, comfortable and looks good enough to wear off your bike.
Find out more
On the Chrome Industries website
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