Race Face Piper JacketThe Piper is a breathable, weather-resistant softshell for those days when you’re not quite sure which one jacket to grab for all sections of the ride or types of weather. It’s a highly versatile piece, staving off the chill on cold days, but ushering in the breeze when the body heats up. The 95%-polyester, 5%-nylon stretch fabric is water repellent and wind resistant. Zippered vents run from the chest to midway down your side. Still, the Piper’s inside remains soft and comfy.
Zippered chest vents
The ruched collar helps keep the wind and moisture from finding its way down inside the neck. And the removable hood is slightly-brimmed, and wraps about you with a Velcro-closing chin-flap, serving as an additional barrier to the elements.
Nice high collar and stylish accents on the front of the Piper.
The Piper’s low hanging back keeps skin hidden from mud splatter, and its cut is tailored to a women’s figure so it’s neither restricting nor baggy while riding.
More features are packed in: comfy lycra wrists with thumb slots extend from the sleeves providing extra warmth. The sleeves themselves have rubber pull-adjusts for grabbing with gloved fingers. A discreet zip pocket in the back provides storage for small items. And zippered pockets are at the sides for hands.
The Piper’s design is smart yet feminine with cursive reflective insignias and subtle swirly graphics around the pockets.
I did find the elastic waist-adjust would loosen on its own. But despite that little annoyance, I rely on this jacket. I rode in it all during Fall and now into Winter. When it’s extremely cold, I wear it as a mid-layer beneath a waterproof shell. It’s always in my ride bag.
Price: $130.00 USD
Race Face Kelly JacketBeth Parsons in action in the Race Face Kelly Jacket - photo by Sterling Lorence
The Kelly is a waterproof shell designed to protect against the harsh elements. It offers that luxurious freedom to get out and go in icy temps and rain. It’s 2.5-ply soft hand Polyester, and is rated 10,000mm/10,000mm water resistance/breathability thanks to its DWR (durable water repellent) laminate. Seam-sealed zippers keep the water out. Its hood is large, adjustable and slightly brimmed.
I’ve bombed hills on my road bike in a heavy rain and shredded single track with numb fingers in this piece and it’s been my saving grace because I can huddle inside it. Keep in mind, though, because it’s a shell, the heat builds up quickly. Its large pit-zips release some of that heat, still it serves best as that extra layer for cold or rainy days.
Large Pit Zips
Soft micro fleeced-lined collar
Inside details - MP3 and stash pockets
Comfort features include a soft micro fleeced-lined collar, and those great lycra wrists with thumb slots. A pocket inside is great for stashing goggles, and an MP3 pocket with cord port even comes with a wire port near the chin to keep the cord running smoothly.
Beth Parsons in the Kelly Jacket - photo by Sterling Lorence
Yet, the Kelly achieves a serious sense of fashion with its two-tone design and patchwork Race Face insignias. It offers a color palette that complements varied colors in the rest of your outfit.
Price: $170.00 USD
Race Face The Kindle JerseyLoraine Blancher in the Kindle Jersey while doing some Fall laps - photo by Sterling Lorence
The Kindle, a long-sleeve winter jersey, is shockingly breathable for its comfort and cozy feel - intelligence with a softer side. The inner polyester layer wicks moisture to the outer nylon layer where it can evaporate, keeping sweat away. Meshing along the upper back offers venting. Throughout, you can feel the cool breeze enter as you ride. I wear it as a solo layer pushing up the mountain, and throw on another layer for the brisk ride down.
Zippered Kangaroo pocket
Micro-fleeced cuffs and reflective striping
A zippered Kangaroo pocket in the front offers a warm place to burrow the hands when not riding. If that’s not enough, the micro-fleeced cuffs turn up and over the fingers like little mittens. Because this jersey will probably be donned during the low-light winter months, a reflective strip runs down the length of each arm.
The Kindle’s cut is flattering, hugging the body’s contours; its colors are feminine. And it’s so comfy that I find myself in it even on days that I don’t ride.
Price: $76.00 USD
These three pieces work well together or individually. They’re your ticket out to the trails when the weather would keep most others holed-up inside. To learn more about the "For Her" line up, please visit
www.raceface.com for all information.
By Adrienne Schofhauser
you gave me great idea of b-day gift for my gf, but ive gotta find out the sizing
p.s.
and please start making as bombproof bbs as you used to do 4-5 years ago.
to bad Im from Serbia and DH is in development there are like 20 riders...and only me for girls...and we have to order stuff from internet but most sites dont have shiping for my country...Even on Pink bike it still stands Yugoslavia even dough Yugoslavia doesn't exist anymore...So thats the reason why I cant buy anything from race face for girls
If you're looking for a very comfy winter jersey, the Kindle actually doesn't have that slim-fitting feel contrary to it's appearance, and like I mentioned, it really is very breathable given how "cozy" it looks. But I hear ya on sticky jerseys. I don't know if RF has a looser-fitting jersey coming out for 2011, but the For Her line is only two years old and it seems to be making great strides, so stay tuned!
Cheers,
Adrienne