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.
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| 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.
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| 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 Jacket |
| Beth 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.
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| Large Pit Zips |
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| Soft micro fleeced-lined collar |
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| 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.
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| 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 Jersey |
| Loraine 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.
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| Zippered Kangaroo pocket |
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| 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
