The one I'd mainly been thinking about was from REI, and it is Pearl Izumi Vagabond (http://www.rei.com/product/47916711.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_WOMENS_GEAR_TOC). On the positive side, I like that it has quite a lot of the reflective fabric on it and it has that front pocket, which seems handy. I'm not so sure about the zip-away sleeves. I'd have concerns that cold air or water could sneak in through the zippers. The color is a major downside for me. I really detest baby-blue and it looks simply vile on me. Plus, I don't know how good baby blue is for visibility, especially in winter when the sky is all grey, the pavement is grey, and the ground may be white.
The other I am considering is also being sold through REI and it is from Shebeest called the Elemental Jacket (http://www.rei.com/product/47928864.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_WOMENS_GEAR_TOC). On the pro side, it is yellow, a color I love, especially for biking on account of visibility. This one has solid sleeves, which again, I am unsure of. I've never before worn a sleeveless vest...either I wear a jacket or don't so I'm thinking the sleeve thing is fine. This one doesn't have much for pockets, which I think would be a bit of a downside.
Shebeest also has this (http://www.shebeest.com/productdetails.asp?CategoryID=7&ProductID=7110270) on their website--but this is an entirely different kind of jacket, right? Lighter? Or is it basically the same garment, functionally, just snazzier looking? I love the red-and-black...looks like a Star Trek uniform!
I've never bought bicycle-specific gear (or anything-specific gear, for that matter) so I'm really clueless and trying to garner opinions from folks who have some of this stuff already. If anyone has a rave review of a jacket that they swear by, by all means share! I'm still kind of looking around, and don't want to commit to plunking down $100 or so and end up with something that really sucks.
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.
Being from whitebread New England, I own a disproportionate number of fleeces. My winter combo includes an old navy over the head half-zip fleece, over a normal quick-wick jersey (for fuller rear coverage, and I can still reach up under for pockets.) Then I wear a fleece neck gaiter, and over it all a SCREAMING YELLOW pearl izumi windbreaker. v. basic, no pockets, but rainproof and guaranteed to be seen by motorists and anyone I happen to see on a grocery run.
So I guess it's a combo of bike-specific and not. It's plenty warm and, oh yeah, I'm cheap. One day I'll bug you for advice on a fancee jacket. ;)
Guest
Moved to our Winter Cycling Forum.
Koffee B.
Pedal Wench
Not sure if this matters to you, but those jackets all seem to be water'resistant', and not waterproof.
Portis
Also waterproof tends to mean, steamy to ride in.
CastIron
Also waterproof tends to mean, steamy to ride in.
Ain't that the truth. Try a softshell jacket. Not the best in real muck, but the other 95% of the time your doing pretty good.
tibikefor2
my personal favorite winter clothing is Foxwear and can be had at www.foxwear.net I have an evap light jacket which cost 78 buckaroos
Boudicca
I'm a great fan of windblock fleece, which does breathe surprisingly well, and cuts the chill for biking of x-country skiing. It's lasted me through two winters so far, and looks good to keep going through this one. But the purists want a fleece layer, with a windproof shell on top of that.
PS I can't believe I'm posting to the winter biking forum already. It's only just September. We've got to have a lot more great fall riding ahead of us haven't we?
hurley.girl
Stuff I've learned the hard way:
-If you hate or simply dislike something about a jacket - don't buy it. That first jacket on your list is a color you detest, so why even consider it? You won't ever enjoy wearing it.
-Cool and cold weather cycling is all about layering. You need a base layer which wicks, an insulating layer, and a layer to block the wind. I've also found that those essential back pockets are hard to get to if they're under another layer.
My winter jacket broke both of those rules. My husband and I were shopping at the same time and found a PI jacket we liked. I have this thing about couples with matching clothing. Oooo I hate that. He picked the cool yellow and black jacket, and my choice was to buy an identical jacket or go for the much-less-desirable color scheme with two blues that kinda clash. I chose the clashing blue jacket, and have regretted it ever since. (Especially when my fancy winter cycling tights got some holes and I was stuck for a short time wearing a black and teal pair that were hand-me-downs - I looked like a clown!).
Plus, the jacket is insulated which means it can be too warm on days when I would be fine with a base layer and shell.
As You Like It
I think I'm going to spring for the red-and-black Captain Kirk number. I should be able to layer under it just fine, and it is pleasantly nerdy.
Thanks for the tips, folks.
bsyptak
I rode all last winter on a REI ultralight jacket:
Best jacket ever. Layering is the best way to go. I add/remove layers for about every 5 degree change under 50 degrees. It's waterproof/breatheable, and has pit zips. A must. Personally, I don't rely on the color of my jacket for visibility. Lights work better.
hurley.girl
As You Like It, that jersey may not be warm enough for the truly cold days. If you're looking to ride in cool weather, it'll probably be fine. If you're looking to ride in the 40s and below, it may not. I'm concerned about the "Coolmax mesh underarm gussets allow for proper ventilation". Hard to tell from the ad, though.
late
Hi,
X-country jackets often work well. LL Beans has one I am planning on getting ( http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=40031&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=3848&cat4=1087&shop_method=pp&feat=ssdpb1087 ).
Most of your outdoor outfitters (Mtn Hardwear, Patagonia,Sporthill, etc) are going to have lite outdoor activity wear
that'll do the trick. I like Schoeller fabrics, but gals don't seem to like the hand of the fabric.
http://www.sportsedgemag.com/sportsedge/articles/2003/7/article1059154761-6355.shtml
As You Like It
I haven't bought anything yet. I keep waffling back to that yellow one, as it sounds like a pretty good jacket. I wish one of the bike shops around here would have this stuff so I could check it out properly and buy locally. I hate ordering stuff...you never really know what you are getting, and it is such a hassle to send it back if it is not right.
Daily Commute
My commute is 25-60 minutes long in the winter, depending on conditions. Down to 20F, I rode last winter with a vented nylon shell and UnderArmour ColdGear. 10F-20F, I added an old wool sweater over the ColdGear. 0F-10F, I added a spring jacket between the sweater and the shell.
I might get a warmer wicking layer from a ski shop this fall.
It is not a sleek, name brand jacket but it is one heck of a jacket.
I got mine a number of years ago and it has gotten me though everything, from daily commutes in winter(with layering of course) to warmer centuries in the pouring rain.
Features I especially like are three rear pockets and front zip pocket.
Also support is beyond excellent: you can Email them for questions before purchase, and after I wore out my front zipper they repaired the zipper, the zipper flap thing and restitched the back pockets all for nothing.
moki
Mountain Equipment Co-op has a whole range of gear for great value. One jacket that pops out at me for mild winters is this one:
Schoeller Dryskin softshell hoodie for $155 CDN. Pricey for some, but great value.
I owned the hoodless version of this jacket for a while (the hoodie just came out this year) and it was great for milder winter days (32 deg F down to maybe 15 or 20 deg F), but I found it wasn't warm enough for sloppy Toronto winters.
This one looks hard like rottweiler, but significantly pricier but still a good value. Maybe overkill;
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442617545&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699337&bmUID=1125952239746
Softshells are great for winter biking, even if they aren't as waterproof as goretex. Way more breatheable, better fit, quieter (zzzk zzzk). If you're unfamiliar with softshell fabrics, here's the skinny:
Schoeller Dryskin: lighter, drapier (is that even a word?), stretchy more breatheable hence less wind resistant. No waterproof/breatheable membrane (a la gore tex); water tightness and wind resistance comes from the surface treatment and tight knit.
Polartec Powershield Light: Has a waterproof / breatheable membrane, so is stiffer, less breatheable, louder (zzk zzzk) but ultimately warmer than Dryskin.
Schoeller WB400 - like Powershield light, but pricier.
Polartec Powershield - Unpleasantly stiff, deep pile fleecy interior, likely the warmest of the bunch, but not for me.
You could also go the gore-tex route. Any well-fitting Gtex XCR jacket will keep the elements at bay. It'll also keep the sweat inside, despite the claims.
eVent is another promising and highly desireable fabric, much more so than Gtex in my eyes. Way more breatheable than Gtex accordong to independent testing:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Clothing/Jackets/Integral%20Designs%20eVENT%20Rain%20Jacket/
Of course, eVent jackets are expensive and pretty hard to find on this side of the pond.
Anyway, my 4 cents.
Aidan_Kiah
this jacket: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442420879&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699337&bmUID=1125977778563
it kept me warm all winter, without fail. i live in toronto, canada, so we get some bitterly cold and long winters.
it also works for milder weather, because of the materials it is made of, allowing moisture to be wicked and air to circulate inside.
i have also been in a lot of accidents, and the material has maintained itself, not yet tearing after several feet of skidding across asphalt.
best jacket i have ever owned. and it fits snug.
it also looks freaking cool.
Aidan_Kiah
though the 'male' jacket would fit a woman, this might be another option: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442617751&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302704213&bmUID=1125977955942
closer fit.
Ziemas
I like a ski style jacket for my winter riding. They gereraly are breathable, durable, and functionable. I've been winter riding for about 12 years and have found these to be superior.
Whatever jacket you choose make sure it has underarm zippers. Even when it is -20c I need underarm ventlation. You'll be surprised at just how hot you get in the cold.
Don't worry about a little air seeping in through the zippers. Even if it does it will be welcome.
Something like this:
http://www.sierradesigns.com/images/products/372_1_1_sd.jpg
While expensive it will last you for many years. I just replaced a jacket after 12 hard years of daily commuting.
Others have already said it, but I'll back them up... When I ride in the winter, it's all about layering. My jacket is merely a water resistant regular-ol' bicycle jacket. High-viz with some reflective trim. Nylon. Nothing high tech or pricey. I layer up as needed underneath, and usually I don't require much of that.
Basically the jacket is for wind-blocking only. Even at ten-below-F, all I wore on top was polypro underwear, polar fleece, and that jacket. Stayed comfortable for the 30 minute ride.
Happy winter riding! :)
pinkrobe
My wife and I both got these http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442617573&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692501&bmUID=1126630852764 Well, I got the men's version. I have had this jacket out in the pouring rain and chill, with an especially crappy 40 km/h gusting storm one day. It is totally windproof and very waterproof, but not very sweaty at all. The chest pocket is very handy, and kept my cellphone and dry cleaning receipts dry. If you can get one that has been purchased and returned, you can get a 15-20% discount.
As You Like It
A lot this stuff is way too expensive for me.
I have no idea what I'm going to end up getting, but I certainly know that $200 jackets are right out of the picture for me.
I'll probably get an UnderArmour undershirt and tights, some cheap fleece from Old Navy, and whatever is the cheapest wind/water-resistant jacket I can find, plus some sort of balaclava and a few pairs of wool socks and some better gloves.
I'll just wash the base-layer stuff nightly. That, plus the wind pants I already have is going to have to do.
Ziemas
A lot this stuff is way too expensive for me.
I have no idea what I'm going to end up getting, but I certainly know that $200 jackets are right out of the picture for me.
I'll probably get an UnderArmour undershirt and tights, some cheap fleece from Old Navy, and whatever is the cheapest wind/water-resistant jacket I can find, plus some sort of balaclava and a few pairs of wool socks and some better gloves.
I'll just wash the base-layer stuff nightly. That, plus the wind pants I already have is going to have to do.
Be careful buying something just because it is cheap as you might not get what you need. If you're going to be doing any serious winter riding your comfort should come first, otherwise you will be miserable.
If you find an expensive jacket that you like cut corners in your budget for a few weeks, you'll be surprised at just how much you can save. Like a friend of mine says; I'm too poor to buy cheap goods.