Paul Gallaher
Recently I was given a chance to try out the Outdoor Research Freewheel Half Zip Hoodie alongside OR’s Freewheel Ride Bottoms (see review here; https://engearment.com/bike/outdoor-research-freewheel-mtb-ride-pants-shoulder-season-super-star-pants/). I live and play in the high Rockies of Colorado and as such, our “summer” ride season isn’t very long compared to most places in the continental United States.
So, given the chance to try out a hoodie that may allow me to start earlier or extend my mountain bike riding season, I thought this would be a nice match for the OR pants I was testing. As it turns out they go together like milk and Oreos!
Details: This hoodie was designed with a mountain biking focus:
The jacket is made with a combination of nylon and Spandex (bluesign approved). The fabric has nice stretch and breathability just like the pants I tested. The hoodie is breathable and quick-drying but also has a brushed interior fabric that does provide some warmth as well. There is one external chest pocket that’s big enough for a car key or a small snack/gel. There is an attached hood that interestingly fits under or over many bike helmets, which can be nice if you get caught out in rain or wind. If wearing this over your helmet interests you, and you have a full-face helmet or larger nugget, I’d recommend you bring your helmet and try it on at a store.
Other design details: There is a 13-inch zipper on the chest that helps with breathability and putting on or taking off the hoodie. This comes with a UPF 50+ rating to protect your skin on sunny days. There is a “drop tail” designed into this jacket (as all good cycling jackets have) to keep your lower backside covered when leaning forward for that extra aero advantage on the downhill!
The test rides: I’ve done numerous rides with this hoodie with the cool fall cycling weather, it’s been a great addition to my cycling kits. I typically wear it with a hydration reservoir backpack which rides comfortably over the hoodie. I did test the hood out under my MTB helmet. I was honestly skeptical about comfort and hindering my visibility or movement.
None of that was an issue. It wears just fine under the helmet! There were a few rides where I got warm wearing the hoodie (the sun is intense up here at 9,000 feet), but unzipping allowed for good air movement. This hoodie is definitely be on my short list of things to put in the car when I’m heading out to mountain bike, especially in spring and fall. Perhaps one of the most game-changing pieces of clothing I’ve worn!
The Men’s Freewheel Half Zip Hoodies are available in Jupiter, Black, Caramel and Cenote colors this year. It comes in sizes ranging from Small to XXL. I am 6’2” and weigh 165lb. I have the Men’s Medium in this hoodie. I’d say it fits true to size, although it feels a bit snug while putting it on and taking it off. These are also available in women’s sizes and colors. Find these hoodies online or at your local sports store!
Paul Gallaher
Paul grew up in Minnesota where he learned to love the outdoors, riding his bike, fishing and canoeing in the summers and skiing in the winters on Minnesota’s 300 foot-tall “mountains”.
After finishing college, he was commissioned as an officer in the USAF eventually becoming a special operations and reconnaissance instructor navigator flying and serving around the world for twenty-two years.
Living and traveling around the world has given Paul opportunities to explore outdoor passions. He is an advanced scuba diver, a pilot, a sailor and has skied in the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
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