Weight: 410 gm
Draft Dodger | Hoodwink | Frosty Boy | |
Windproof | Full | Full | Front & sleeves |
Fabric | WindFoil™ front & back & Thermostat™ sides | WindFoil™ | WindFoil™ front & Thermostat™ back |
Front Zip | Full length + 2 forearm vents | Full length | Full length |
Pockets | 2 hand plus large rear | Single at chest | 3 rear plus single at chest |
Baked Alaska | Astro | |
Windproof | Front only | Front only |
Fabric | WindFoil™ front & Lightwave™ Merino back | WindFoil™ front & Lightwave™ Merino back |
Front Zip | 3/4 length | None |
Pockets | 3 rear | Single at chest |
With the UK weather apparently predictable only in its unpredictability, a suitable arsenal of clothes to combine in various ways is something of a must if you're keen to ride all year round (and you are, aren't you?). New Zealand's Ground Effect has an extensive range of well-thought-out kit that's all designed to play happily together, with the Frosty Boy covering "crikey, it's really cold out" eventualities.The Frosty Boy we've been riding around in is actually last winter's model, but the changes to the current one (as pictured) are fairly minor - colours, those bits of contrasting stitching and that's about it. The fundamentals are the same - it's a lightweight micro-fleece top, with Ground Effect's own WindFoil fabric on the front, sleeves and shoulders to keep the breeze out. The back is plain fleece, which allows a bit of extra breathability. If you start getting a bit warm, the long front zip affords plenty of ventilation - it's got a small windflap behind it to avoid chilly-zipper syndrome.Cut is eminently sensible non-flappy but not too snug, as befits a garment designed to be worn on top of a base layer and under a shell. It's notably long in the body, and of course even longer at the back. The sleeves are a decent length and incorporate thumb loops in the cuffs to stop them riding up - something of a Ground Effect trademark.As is typical of Ground Effect gear, you won't be overburdened by features, but you get all the ones you need. Reflective trim along the zip, on the elbows, around the back of the collar and across the top of the twin zippered rear pockets enhances visibility. And of course, there's a tube repair patch tucked away in a secret location...We've always been impressed by Ground Effect stuff, and the Frosty Boy is no exception - it's light, it's warm, and it's been through a healthy number of wet/muddy/wash cycles and still looks like new. The current turmoil on the international money markets potentially makes the pricing a bit random (you can only get GE stuff by ordering from them in NZ) but at the time of writing the Frosty Boy is very reasonably priced.VerdictThis is another solid performer from Ground Effect - it may not get cold enough to need it all that often, but when it does you'll be glad of it.Performance 5/5Value 5/5Overall 5/5
This is my third Frosty Boy Jersey. Would have given it 5 stars but the newest design has lost the back pockets? Not sure why, as these were good even when wearing it off the bike. In every other respect a fab design!
Thanks Steve - we’ve gone 'backpack-friendly' this time round with a single zipped hipster security pocket. Will pass your feedback onto the design team.
I bought this for riding in winter (only training/leisure - not commuting) which is usually early morning/night time. The windfoil is great - it really blocks the wind and with the fleece lining it is comfortable in temps of about 5 C wiht just a baselayer. The long front zip is good for letting off steam if it gets too warm. The fit is aero, but not extremely so - I am 5'11" with an average build and the M fits close with just a baselayer.
I brought this to replace a winter riding top I had purchased from you in 2002. This top is great, very wind-proof, I haven't tried it in heavy rain yet but in light rain it sheds the water nicely. It's very comfortable to wear and the long zip is great for those hot uphill climbs. The top pocket holds a cellphone for those emergency helicopter calls or to check how far the dairy price has dropped.
I brought this product around about the same time as the weather was getting frosty. It’s nice and warm and gets a little too warm when I get going so the front zip comes in very hand. As usual with Groundeffect products, it’s well made and suits the purpose very well.