Oxford Spartan Summer Jacket Review – Ideal for Big Riders in a UK Heatwave 

DATE: 18/07/2025

When the UK summer hit full blast this year, riding in my usual Oxford Hardy wax jacket became unbearable. Sweaty, sticky, and stiff—something had to change. So I decided to try out the Oxford Spartan Mesh Summer Jacket, and after 6 weeks of daily commuting and weekend riding, here's my honest take.

This isn’t a sponsored post—I bought this jacket myself, and everything here is based on real-world use.

👉 Where to buy it:

Check it out on Sportsbikeshop here:

Oxford Spartan Mesh Jacket 

(Price may vary depending on offers) 

First Impressions – Straight Out the Box

When I first pulled it out of the bag, I noticed how lightweight the jacket is. It honestly feels more like a windbreaker than a motorcycle jacket—but don’t let that fool you. It’s CE rated (A-level), comes with shoulder and elbow armour, and has a solid build quality that you’d expect from Oxford.

The mesh panels dominate the front and back, clearly prioritising airflow. It’s clear from the first glance: this jacket was made for hot weather riding.

Fit & Sizing – Big Rider Approved

I’m 6’6” with long arms and a broad chest. Finding riding gear that doesn’t feel like a corset or ride up my wrists is a real battle. I opted for the 3XL, and here’s what I found:

• Torso fit: Slightly loose, which I prefer in summer. There’s room for a thin hoodie underneath for cooler mornings.

• Arm length: Surprisingly decent. I’ve had jackets that felt like they were designed for T-Rexes—this isn’t one of them, my armpit to wrist length is 24.5 inches

• Cuffs: Velcro fasteners give you flexibility. I like them snug, but you can loosen them up to get extra air flow.
  
  

For context, I probably could’ve squeezed into a 2XL for a tighter fit, but I actually like the extra room in the heat. It doesn’t flap around at speed, which is always a concern with larger sizes.

Storage & Features

The Oxford Spartan isn’t overloaded with features, but it does come with a few handy bits:

• 2 x Zipped outer pockets – big enough for keys, wallet, or a small power bank.

• 1 x Inner pocket – not waterproof, but handy for flat items.

• 1 x Velcro phone pocket inside – I use this daily.

• Reflective Logo  – subtle, but helps with visibility during night rides.

• Back protector pocket – ready to accept CE armour (not included).

• Jeans connector zip – nice touch for those who wear textile trousers.
  
  

No waterproof lining here—this is purely a hot-weather jacket. If rain is even remotely on the cards, bring your waterproof overlayer.

On the Road – Real Ride Feedback

I’ve worn this jacket for:

• Daily commuting to work (30–45 mins each way)

• Two full-day rides in 25–30°C heat

• Casual evening rides around town
  
  

Here’s what stands out:

• Breathability is superb. At cruising speed, air rushes straight through the mesh and instantly cools you down. Even when you’re a bit sweaty, you dry off quickly.

• It genuinely feels like riding in a T-shirt, but with some protection.

• Morning rides below 20°C? You’ll feel it. A thin thermal or base layer underneath sorts that out.

• Comfort: Great around the collar and shoulders. No tightness. The elbow armour is the only slightly uncomfortable part—it can feel a bit scratchy against bare skin, but this is minor and could be improved with upgraded CE armour.
  
  

Protection – Basic, But Better Than Nothing

• CE A-rated jacket

• Comes with elbow and shoulder armour (entry-level foam type)

• No back protector included, but there's a pocket if you want to add one

• Not designed for high-speed track protection—but perfect for urban, touring, and warm-weather riding
  
  

If you’re planning longer rides or just want peace of mind, I’d recommend upgrading the armour to Level 2 CE protectors.

Verdict – Is the Oxford Spartan Worth It?

Without question: yes.

For under £80, you're getting a jacket that:

✅ Looks good
✅ Fits big/tall riders well
✅ Keeps you cool on scorching summer rides
✅ Offers basic CE-rated protection
✅ Feels lightweight and easy to wear

Sure, it’s not loaded with premium materials or high-spec armour—but that’s not the point. This is a simple, effective, summer mesh jacket that does its job incredibly well at a budget-friendly price.

If you ride during UK summers or are planning a warm-weather tour, the Oxford Spartan Mesh Jacket should absolutely be on your shortlist.

👉 Buy it here from Sportsbikeshop:
Oxford Spartan Mesh Jacket 

Final Thoughts

This jacket has genuinely improved my summer riding experience. No more overheating. No more dragging around a heavy textile jacket just to stay protected. It fits my big frame, lets me breathe, and it hasn’t cost a fortune.

Rider comfort matters—and this jacket delivers.