Read the detailed product review from Josh Liberles, Cyclocross Magazine, January 3, 2011: "If you’re in the market for gear to keep you dry during training, race warm-up or even during competition on the nastiest days, these should rank high on your list." "The Protech ST is a revised version of the Protech jacket – the “ST” comes from the seam-taped seals, which improves the waterproofing over the earlier model. The new design also is more geared towards fitting the elite performance cyclist; it’s a tight fit and the stretchy fabric means the wind will have less impact on forward momentum. "So why, after raving about the Elite Pro, would I have eyes for another jacket? While they’re both light weight and compressible, the Protech ST stuffs down into half of a jersey pocket and weighs only 5 ounces. And while the clear jacket did bring back memories of clammy rain capes, the performance is mountain passes away – it keeps the water out as well as the Elite Pro and breathes almost as well. While the Elite Pro’s fabric may allow more moisture transfer, the open flap in the back of the Protech ST allows excellent ventilation, and the cuffs offer similar Velcro closures to allow for a sealed or vented fit. The Protech ST also shares the Elite Pro’s two-way zipper, a feature I’ve come to rely on in my various cycling jackets. "Another clear advantage of the Protech is just that – it’s clear! (or, more precisely, a semi-transparent white). Want to show off your kit’s colors, or perhaps to have an option that you can race in and still have your numbers be visible? It’s the perfect choice. "My only grousing is a relative nitpick: the fleecy material around the collar is a nice, soft contact point for the face and neck, but it’s white and inevitably shows dirt. That’s true of the jacket’s primary fabric too, especially if you use it off-road or for warming up on a muddy cyclocross course, as I did. Over time, it will start to take on a browner hue, and since it’s hand wash only, it will before long lose that new-jacket look. Also, because the jacket is so lightweight, it feels fragile – but it’s held up great thus far. I look forward to riding it for many miles to come, and expect that it’ll last for at least a few seasons. "If you live in a rainy, cold environment and want one jacket for all of your training, the Elite Pro is the better choice. But if you’re looking for an excellent emergency option or for something perfect for in-race use, go with the Protech ST. The best option? Get the Elite Pro with a little extra room for layering in your training, and the Protech ST in a tight-fitting size for race performance and warmer weather training."

DESIGN
This jacket is designed as a minimalist shell. If you want something that won’t slow you down racing or descending mountain passes, this is it. It’s cut trim with the minimum amount of fabric to avoid excess weight and flapping on descents. When we saw this fabric at a trade show we knew it was the right stuff for performance riding in wind and rain. We made prototype jackets, we rode in them on rainy rides here in the Northwest, and we knew this was the stuff for speed and performance. Compare this jacket to similar ones sold for $250 by companies who buy full-page magazine ads with your money (you know who they are).

FABRIC
Waterproof-breathable micro-membrane transparent stretch fabric which is waterproof to a water column standard of 5,000mmm. The Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate is 1,000 g/square-meter/24hours. We have jackets that breathe better, such as the Elite, but none are lighter or more compact.

FEATURES

Please note that the inset photograph is of the Protech ST jacket OVER a Showers Pass jersey. Its easy to see a jersey/number through the jacket - important for racing!