We carry four Showers Pass rain jackets, each in a men's and a women's cut. All four are seam-taped, PFAS-free waterproof shells from Showers Pass in Portland. What separates them is the riding you do, so here is how we tell riders to choose.
The short answer
- You commute, or ride in street clothes: Syncline CC, $175.
- You ride road or gravel and want a light shell that packs into its own pocket: Century, $219.
- You overheat in rain jackets: Cloudburst, $239.
- You ride the whole wet season and want the most waterproof of the four: Elite III, $359.
Syncline CC, $175: the commuter
This is the one we point most riders to. It is the only one of the four with a built-in hood, and the hood fits under a helmet. Showers Pass lists the fit as Full, which it designs to fit bulky street clothes underneath. Rated 10,000 mm waterproof and 10,000 g breathable, with two cross-core vents, hand warmer pockets with water-resistant zippers, and 360 degrees of 3M Scotchlite reflective trim. If the bike is how you get to work, buy this one.
Commuting in it? Our head-to-toe rainy commute guide covers rain pants, shoe covers, socks and gloves.
Century, $219: the light road shell
A Regular Cycling fit, which Showers Pass designs to fit a few warm cycling layers underneath. Rated 25,000 mm waterproof and 25,000 g breathable. Two core vents plus a back vent. It weighs 250 g in a medium and packs into its own pocket. No built-in hood, but it works with the Gen III rain hood, sold separately.
Our take, Joe: I'm 6'1", 190 lbs and wear a 42R suit jacket. I wear a medium, and it fits well over a base layer.
Cloudburst, $239: for riders who run hot
A soft, stretchy shell with the closest cut of the four: Showers Pass designs the Trim fit to be worn with one or two trim layers. Rated 15,000 mm waterproof and 40,000 g breathable, the most breathable of the four, with large core vents. It weighs 9.8 oz in a medium and packs into its own pocket. No hood.
Elite III, $359: the flagship
The most waterproof of the four: 30,000 mm waterproof, 20,000 g breathable. Regular Cycling fit, extra-large core vents plus a back vent, and reflective all the way around. No built-in hood; it works with the Gen III rain hood.
What the numbers mean
Waterproof (mm) is how much water pressure the fabric holds back before it leaks. Showers Pass puts 10,000 to 20,000 mm at steady rain and 20,000 mm and up at a prolonged downpour. Breathable (g) is how many grams of sweat vapor pass through a square meter of fabric in a day. Higher means less clammy when you are working hard.
Sizing
Chest is the measurement that decides a jacket. Our size charts have Showers Pass's numbers for every size we stock: men's and women's. Between sizes, or wearing a thermal underneath? Our advice: go up, especially on the Century, Cloudburst and Elite III, which are cut for cycling layers. The Syncline CC is already cut roomy for street clothes, so most riders stay at their size. Still not sure? Order both and send one back free, or email us first and we'll tell you which one to take.
Keep it waterproof
When water stops beading on the outside, the jacket needs a wash, and sometimes a fresh water-repellent coating. Our care guide has Showers Pass's steps.
Still deciding?
Email support@breaktimebicycle.com with how and where you ride, and we'll tell you which one we'd buy.
Ride on,
Break Time Bicycle Co.