Oxford Spartan Touring Jackets

We checked the fit on these jackets with our size mannequins and we also spot checked a few different size jackets with a tape and we found this jacket to run unusually large… by about one size. Most people will find they need one size smaller than they wear in men’s clothing, but because of the sizing uncertainty, we suggest you choose a size based upon your chest and belly measurements using the chart below.

You’ll want to use a soft tape and ask a friend to measure your chest and also your belly. If you need advice on how to do that, use the link below. Once you have a number for both your chest and belly, use the chart below to choose the smallest jacket size that is large enough for both. You may find your belly/waist is significantly smaller than the max belly size listed in the chart. A touring/adventure cut jacket like this easily adjusted through the belly area with the large side straps.

Aside from this jacket running larger than the size would indicate, the overall cut of the jacket is an “American” fit, meaning it has a roomy fit and will work well for most body types included larger frame people. Those who are small-framed and those who prefer a trim “European” cut may want to choose a European cut brand like REVIT or Alpinestars.

A larger cut jacket like this should easily accommodate the addition of a back protector if you decide to add one, so there is no need to up-size.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Spartan Touring jacket by Oxford is an “entry level” touring length solid textile jacket with a waterproof liner and armor for the shoulders and elbows. It also has provisions for adding a back protector.

Oxford makes the “Spartan” line of entry level, basic jackets and pants. The Spartan products are, well… spartan. They are made to be functional and VERY inexpensive.

The Spartan Touring jacket is is a longer style jacket popular with touring riders and commuters. The longer body will better cover your clothes underneath and work well in wet or cold conditions. The shell is made of reasonably heavy duty solid textile material which gives the basic abrasion resistance you need in a motorcycle jacket. You also get a basic set of molded shoulder and elbow protectors which are labeled CE level 1. The protectors are standard fare and are similar to what you’ll find in other lower priced jackets. You can also add a back protector to the jacket, which is an energy absorbing rubber type similar to D3O. It’s pretty nice and worth the few extra bucks. You can use the link below to order.

Inside this jacket is a simple nylon liner and between the inside liner and the textile shell is a waterproof liner. You can even lay hands on the waterproof liner by opening the zipper in the tail of the jacket where you install the back protector. The waterproof liner is kinda underwhelming. It is a pretty thin feeling, but it looks like it would keep water out. It’s nothing special with regard to “breathability” for sure. It reminds me of a hefty trash bag. But like with other jackets with a permanently installed WP liner, the liner is tucked away between layers and won’t get much abuse, so it doesn’t need to be very strong. In fact, more exotic and expensive WP layer can be quite thin… almost transparent (think breathability).

Knowing about the WP layer suggests this jacket is NOT for hot weather use. There are no external zippers on this jacket. Not even the inside liner is breathable mesh like most. I’d recommend this jacket for mild to cold weather use with or without rain. Speaking of cold weather, there is a full sleeve liner included too, which will give you one more layer of insulation against the cold. Honestly, this removable liner doesn’t feel “plushy” like with more expensive jackets so it might not do so well in cold weather but certainly will help in cooler weather. In cold weather, you might want to try some layers you already own with more insulation.

I see three pockets total… two on the front/lower and one inside zip pocket. And I see a few strips of reflective material for night time visibility. There is a short rear zipper in the back that will mate with Oxford pants. This jacket does have exceptionally good adjusters on the sides of the waist and on the ends of the sleeves to fine tune the fit. And the neck is trimmed out so it is comfortable on your neck.

I’m actually amazed at what you get here for just 80 bucks. It is astonishing to me that somebody could design and build and deliver this product for that price. It certainly won’t win any design or quality awards, and it’s low on sex appeal, but it’s really not bad folks. For everyday use, I think it will be just fine. :: Paul, 07-03-19