The safety vest I wear for much of my touring obscures the striping, too, but it's nice to have any reflectivity as a failsafe if the vest gets forgotten.
After some fex ex volleying between Ibex and me, I got my bright yellow Ibex Speedplay on Friday. And it is bright yellow all around, no black back! :)
Performance wise, I wore it over some wool underlayers for a 7 1/2 hour ride today, in very low 40's, sunny and windy. Stayed DRY all day long, from start to finish. And comfy!
VR, once you get both your coats, let us know which jacket you like better for NW winter weather, the Marmot ATV or the Ibex Speedplay.
I think I find the extra layer of fabric on the ATV too warm for most endurance cycling around the NW, (just a little sweaty) but you were looking for a doubled front jacket, so maybe the ATV will work better for you.
And to all of you who haven't taken the softshell plunge yet and are still wearing nylon shells or waterproof cycling jackets, you're all wet ;)
chipcom
11-26-05, 07:37 PM
The safety vest I wear for much of my touring obscures the striping, too, but it's nice to have any reflectivity as a failsafe if the vest gets forgotten.
After some fex ex volleying between Ibex and me, I got my bright yellow Ibex Speedplay on Friday. And it is bright yellow all around, no black back! :)
Performance wise, I wore it over some wool underlayers for a 7 1/2 hour ride today, in very low 40's, sunny and windy. Stayed DRY all day long, from start to finish. And comfy!
VR, once you get both your coats, let us know which jacket you like better for NW winter weather, the Marmot ATV or the Ibex Speedplay.
I think I find the extra layer of fabric on the ATV too warm for most endurance cycling around the NW, (just a little sweaty) but you were looking for a doubled front jacket, so maybe the ATV will work better for you.
And to all of you who haven't taken the softshell plunge yet and are still wearing nylon shells or waterproof cycling jackets, you're all wet ;)
I've got a spare vest in my saddlebag - never know when you might be caught after dark with a companion who may not be prepared for it. With a minimum of 3 rear blinkies and 2 headlights, I have enough to spare to help someone else from becoming a midnight cager snack. ;)
I've always loved softshells, though mine are always the poor-man type...layers of regular clothing. I just keep a cheapo rain jacket & pants in the ole saddlebag in case of a downpour. I've been following these threads with interest for a possible xmas present for myself. The Ibex might be it. Edit: but I can't seem to find it anywhere, even on Ibex's site!
Bekologist
11-26-05, 07:52 PM
Damn, Chip, a spare vest and blinkies! dude, what do you bring for lunch?
If you're looking for the sale stuff at Ibex, it's in a vertical navigation bar in the center of the page, headed "outlet", then you pick mens or womens.
chipcom
11-26-05, 08:02 PM
Damn, Chip, a spare vest and blinkies! dude, what do you bring for lunch?
If you're looking for the sale stuff at Ibex, it's in a vertical navigation bar in the center of the page, headed "outlet", then you pick mens or womens.
I'm proof of the old touring adage that if you have room, you'll find something to stuff in it. ;) The blinkies and lights are not 'spares', - one blinkie on the saddlebag, two mounted on the rack, two headlights are in the handlebar bag if I am not riding in the dark/dusk/dawn - but I could live without one if someone else had nothing.
Edit: found the jacket - thanks.
vrkelley
11-26-05, 09:10 PM
but you were looking for a doubled front jacket, so maybe the ATV will work better for you.
Yeah those jackets can't arrive too soon. After 42F, 30mil/2.5 hrs/snack my body just started shutting down. Cold hands, and torso - even with a wool sweater under the Pertex Showers Pass jacket. Kept having to slow down to warm up. This wasn't an issue last year because the route was proteced from winds.
Whichever jacket works, will be "retro-fited" with Scotch-lite reflectant across the arms and back. And if zips are needed...maybe I'll get daring, split the sides and make the pit "zips: with velcro tabs.
Chipcom, Very cool! Most vests seem to work well for upright riding...but don't seem to have reflectivity in the right places while riding in the drops. What sort of vest do you use?
chipcom
11-26-05, 09:31 PM
Chipcom, Most vests seem to work well for upright riding...but don't seem to have reflectivity in the right places while riding in the drops. What sort of vest do you use?
The drop tail helps to give you the reflectivity in the right places, even in the drops. Combine it with some reflective arm bands and tape here and there, and you'll light up in a car's headlights just as much as you probably light up a room when you walk into it. ;)
1-track-mind
11-28-05, 05:23 PM
Has anyone tried the GORE Bike Wear Tool Jacket? It's close to $150.... $159. I live in Chicago and I'm looking for a warm jacket too.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19281&subcategory_ID=1130#
This is a great choice for cycling under 40 degrees.
Ordered an Ibex Pingo for over 40 and found the sleeves to be too short. Much shorter than the GBW Tool and noticeably shorter than the Marmot ATV.
Wondering if sleeve length is an issue in the Ibex Speedplay ?
vrkelley
11-28-05, 05:54 PM
This is a great choice for cycling under 40 degrees.
Ordered an Ibex Pingo for over 40 and found the sleeves to be too short. Much shorter than the GBW Tool and noticeably shorter than the Marmot ATV.
Wondering if sleeve length is an issue in the Ibex Speedplay ?
1Track,
You can just e-mail Ibex with your measurements and let them advise you. To get a bike sleeve length, rest one arm on something about chest height:
1. Take a ruler and measure from the edge of your sleeve down to your wrist (just the bare skin).
2. Now take off the shirt and measure the sleeve and ADD that skin measurement.
If your gloves have a wrist cuff subract that off
Got it at the LLBean outlet. just wear a regular cycling shirt under it, and I've had no problems.
Bekologist
11-29-05, 05:15 PM
Great weather to test the Ibex softshell in Seattle today. I rode 5 1/2 hours, temp was 39 degrees in the middle of the ride, it was raining moderate and steadily for about 20% of the time and pissing down heavy drizzle and mist most of the rest of the day, with a little clearing by sundown (now).
Rode a little express ride north out of town, then ran a milk run back with a few quick stops, but was out from 10:30 to 4:00.
Dry all day, never felt i had to put on a waterproof shell, and by the end of the day I was still dry underneath it all. I think some of that is due to wearing wool as an underlayer as well, but the Ibex Speedplay coat is hanging up, dry, right now. I could still be wearing it.
some_guy282
12-02-05, 02:44 PM
Ibex lowered the price of the jacket again on their website. It's now only $99.
After all this talk about how great softshells are, I decided to try one.
The men's model is also on offer: Men's Commix Jacket (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442588315&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302756225&bmUID=1133568579816)
Bekologist
12-02-05, 05:28 PM
Nice one! 39CDN!!!!
Lolly Pop
12-02-05, 05:58 PM
I know, eh? Can't wait to try it out!
Bekologist
12-02-05, 06:15 PM
Got to love MEC, been a member for 20 years.
chipcom
12-02-05, 06:24 PM
Ibex lowered the price of the jacket again on their website. It's now only $99.
Well hell. I just bought a J&G Yellowjacket (http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Wind-Jackets.html) at $49.95. I figured I have plenty of wool layers, I liked the reflective materials on the J&G better and it was definitely a lot cheaper than the Ibex. But now, I might as well buy the Ibex too. :D
http://www.bicycleclothing.com/yellowjacket-wind-jacket.jpg http://www.bicycleclothing.com/yellowjacket-wind-jacket-back.jpg
chipcom
12-02-05, 06:48 PM
Saw a couple of "soft shells" @ some sporting goods store. Design was not there... It appeared to me like a scramble to use a buz word to $ell exi$ting junk on the rack@ a higher price.
Maybe I'm expecting too much from a winter jacket. Most of the web jackets only had one or more of what I hoped to find:
* Handle temps 30-45 (maybe even 20F).
* Thick in the front (to block wind), thinner in the back.
* Eliminate 1 layer on the torso. i.e., instead of the trad 3-4 layers...just...base and softshell.
* Wide band of reflectivity on the arms/front.
* Waterproof - prevents wind from forcing water into jacket
* Pit Zips
* Hood
* Yellow
I ordered the Ibex Speedplay jacket anyway hoping if the thing will just breath, I can compensate for the rest including adding the reflectivity needed for approaching 40MPH traffic can see.
When I got my Yellowjacket from J&G I saw this Ranger Jacket (http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Ranger-Jackets-With-Hood.html) and thought of you and this post. ;)
That jacket rocks...somebody was thinking when they designed that jacket. Chipcom, please report back your findings!
Meantime the Marmot ATV jacket arrived (no reflectivity) Still waiting for the IBEX to do the comparision. It's been snowing here every day...
Lolly Pop
12-03-05, 10:32 AM
Got to love MEC, been a member for 20 years.
Me too Bek! Their stuff rocks.
tulip
12-05-05, 11:28 AM
I just can't justify spending $150 for one piece of clothing, but I did find a Columbia Titanium Ice Fall soft shell at Campmor for $70 (reduced from $150). Even $70 is stretching my budget, so I hope it's a good one. The color is not ideal, but I'll wear my safety vest over it, or if it's really cold, my hi-viz shell.
vrkelley
12-05-05, 06:16 PM
Jacket 1 Ibex Speed Play
43F Winds 5mph
Wore jacket over a medium wool sweater.
Web Description:
Much like the moniker suggests, the speedplay jacket is the ideal garment for all your fast pursuits: running roads and skiing trails. Constructed of Climawool® Lite, it\'s capable of handling a continuum of conditions without slowing you down. It\'s the beauty of wool without the bulk. Lightweight, athletice fit and feel with reflective piping on front and back. Two large zippered hand pockets and adjustable sleeve cuffs. Get out and play. Average weight 15.5 ounces.
My Jacket:
Well constructed. Small reflective piping across the front. Very thin wool-like pile. Sleeves are too short, longer in the back would be nice.
=====Scoring = 1-10 (10 best) ===
Warmth: 7.5 Little wind protection on the 25mph descents
Breathability: 10 After a steep climb, I got warm but did not overheat
Fit: 6.5
Construction: 9
Commute Worthy: 2
Service: 10
Comments: Would be great for Spring. Jacket does not come in a hi-viz color. I thought maroon color would be OK, but the cars, and a large class of students on a paved trail did not. Neecs reflectivity in the right places. A roll up hood would be nice.
vrkelley
12-05-05, 06:25 PM
Jacket 2 Marmot ATV
43F Winds 5mph
Wore jacket over a medium wool sweater.
Web Description:
The Marmot ATV women's jacket begs to be ridden off-road. Wind-resistant, water-repellant and breathable, all at the same time, the ATV is a great choice for high-octane alpine pursuits. It's also abrasion resistant for when running at full throttle means crashing hard from time to time. Interwoven Coolmax knit wicks away moisture when you're out givin' ‘er. When it's time to slow down, the ATV zips into Marmot jackets for an extra layer of protection against harsh conditions. The ATV is built to move with you, so you'll have full mobility for starting the snowmobile.
My Jacket:
Well constructed. A windproof liner on the front lining of the jacket. Very thin wool-like pile. No reflectivity
=====Scoring = 1-10 (10 best) ===
Warmth: 8.5 wind protection noticible on the 25mph descents
Breathability: 10 After a steep climb, I got warm but did not overheat
Fit: 9
Construction: 9
Commute Worthy: 5
Service: 10
Comments: I'm not sure if this jacket will cut it in temps below 30. After sprinting and then stopping at a light, No freeze-out when restarting.
This jacket was made for offroad riding not fast street riding. However, I can probably add the needed reflectivity without killing the look of the jacket.
vrkelley
12-07-05, 10:14 AM
I decided on the Marmot ATV. Hopefully, it'll do well when the weather is in the 20F range (with layering).
tulip
12-08-05, 08:24 AM
My Columbia Titanium Ice came yesterday and I wore it today. I think it will do just fine this winter! Perhaps I'll eventually write up a full report like vrkelley, but not today. It's well-made, purty, and toasty, that's all.
CBBaron
12-08-05, 11:16 AM
I've been wearing my $15 LandsEnd softshell (got it from overstocks) for a few weeks now. This week we have had morning temps at 11F and 4F. The Jacket is keeping me warm with a short sleeve and a long sleeve coolmax Tshirt under it. I am still a little damp but I sweat alot and produce alot of heat on my commute. I am usually damp at 50F with a long sleeve jersey so I don't think the jacket is doing a bad job of breathing.
For cycling the jacket fits a little loose, especially in the torso and is a little short in the sleeves and back. I could have used a large tall size instead of the XL but I think it still would have fit loose. This jacket was made by/for a casual clothing company not a cycling or sports company so the fit is more of a causal fit instead of a snug fit.
Overall the jacket is a great value and a large tall size at the regular price of $60 would be a good value also.
Craig
vrkelley
12-11-05, 09:04 PM
Update on the Marmot ATV Sub-$150 soft shell does not cut it in freezing temps ...At 29F (no wind, casual riding), I needed a Showers Pass Pertex outer layer.
Bekologist
12-11-05, 09:34 PM
I think it's all a matter of personal warmth...
I wore my Ibex Speedplay nonstop for the last four days bicycle touring and camping around the Olympic Peninsula and Whidbey Island in the same sub&near freezing temps and only put on the pertex at night when I was around the camp, chilling out.
By wearing 3 thin wool jerseys/shirts,wool shorts/tights, and the Ibex jacket, I wore the same clothes the whole 4 days of the trip, only adding a couple of extra warm layers around camp. I was never so sweated out I had the coldchills, I was always dry and warm. The air permability of the softshell jacket really helps keep moisture issues at bay. Oh, and I didn't even bring or wear any waterproof clothing the entire tour.
vrkelley
12-12-05, 01:52 PM
ordering up another layer of wool (just a inexpensive used thin wool sweater) and added another layer of fleece under the helmet and foot pads...thanks Bek.
-btw you must be a furnace! ;)
Lucky-Charms
12-14-05, 10:34 PM
Any opinion on the REI "One Jacket"? I scanned through the previous pages and didn't find anything.
1-track-mind
12-15-05, 11:30 AM
Rode today in a mid-thirties wintry mix. Started out with Gore Bike Wear windstopper softshell over an Ibex softshell with LS wool baselayer. Way too hot and sweaty. Ditched the windstopper and the Ibex was all I needed. Hard to believe when you see how thin the Ibex jacket is. It also did a remarkable job of shedding water. Amazing !
Mueslix
12-22-05, 09:52 AM
I tried out the illuminite soft shell jacket last night, and it was surprisingly warm. It was only a 10-15 minute ride, and I was wearing one layer less than usual, but I didn't freeze at all. Probably because it's windproof. I usually wear a men's medium, but the small fits really well. I may have to pick up the windproof/waterproof pants. It was about $45 on sierra trading post.
1-track-mind
12-22-05, 05:33 PM
Everything you ever wanted to know about soft shells, but were afraid to ask.
The two main players are Schoeller and Malden Mills.
Schoeller makes dryskin, WB 400,skifans...Malden Mills makes polartec, powershield...
Generally speaking, Malden Mills materials are more wind resistant, but Schoeller stuff is more breathable.
Softshells made with Malden Mills materials include Columbia,Patagonia,REI,North Face...
Softshells made with Schoeller materials include Marmot,Cloudveil,EMS,MEC...
The world of soft shells is constantly evolving.
In some cases Schoeller and another manufacturer will team up on a "proprietay blend".
Ibex climawool for example is an upgraded version of Schoeller skifans combined with merino wool lining.
Even within these proprietary blends, there are variations.
Ibex has 1) climawool lite with nylon and lycra, 2) climawool with cordura replacing nylon and 3) climawool cirrus with PTT. Each successive product becomes more durable and wind resistant but heavier and less breathable. A new lighter Ibex climawool lite jacket will be added next year that will weigh in at 12 oz vs. the 15 oz current Speedplay model.
Now, if you are choosing a jacket, it really boils down to your exertion level and the temp. Casual riding ain't the same as loaded touring.
shaq-d
12-23-05, 04:11 AM
well, i went and got myself an older team cycling jacket... and like you says said i'ts way better than the waterproof stuff. i guess fact is the thin waterproof jackets just don't breathe, whether it's goretex or vented or whatever. fleecey softshells do...
for those of you who can't afford the new higher tech softshells u might wanna think about getting a euro team cycling jacket by nalini.. i got this one:
I picked up the Speedplay jacket a while ago and so far I've been very happy with it. Today though, I had to commute to work in the rain. When I set out it was only a little drizzle and the Speedplay was keeping me dry. 20 minutes in though, the rain picked up. I wouldn't call it a hard downpour...it was steady rain. I was soaked within minutes. :(
*sigh*
If only it was 20 degrees colder, it would have been snowing for a white Christmas.
I've used the Speedplay down to 20F and it has kept me warm and dry with the proper layers. It's just not cut out for the rain, but I knew that before I got it...
jwbnyc
12-25-05, 05:19 PM
Everything you ever wanted to know about soft shells, but were afraid to ask.
The two main players are Schoeller and Malden Mills.
Schoeller makes dryskin, WB 400,skifans...Malden Mills makes polartec, powershield...
Generally speaking, Malden Mills materials are more wind resistant, but Schoeller stuff is more breathable.
Softshells made with Malden Mills materials include Columbia,Patagonia,REI,North Face...
Softshells made with Schoeller materials include Marmot,Cloudveil,EMS,MEC...
The world of soft shells is constantly evolving.
In some cases Schoeller and another manufacturer will team up on a "proprietay blend".
Ibex climawool for example is an upgraded version of Schoeller skifans combined with merino wool lining.
Even within these proprietary blends, there are variations.
Ibex has 1) climawool lite with nylon and lycra, 2) climawool with cordura replacing nylon and 3) climawool cirrus with PTT. Each successive product becomes more durable and wind resistant but heavier and less breathable. A new lighter Ibex climawool lite jacket will be added next year that will weigh in at 12 oz vs. the 15 oz current Speedplay model.
Now, if you are choosing a jacket, it really boils down to your exertion level and the temp. Casual riding ain't the same as loaded touring.
Just to add:
Gore Windstopper.
MEC uses this in conjunction with Schoeller Dryskin. I am currently using their Katibat jacket and vest. It's a good solid design and not too expensive.
Mountain Hardwear also has a line of Windstopper softshells. Their full zip Windstopper pants are very good for any number of outdoor activities including Cycling.
I've just ordered some Ibex stuff to check out in colder weather.
chipcom
12-25-05, 06:59 PM
Well it's been a few weeks now since I got that J&G Yellowjacket wind jacket and I couldn't be happier with it. For me it's the perfect outer layer - water resistant, wind resistant, good adjustable ventilation with the pit zips and real good visibility and reflectivity. I just vary my layering according to temperature. Of course using good wool layers is a must! :)
late
12-25-05, 08:57 PM
I picked up the Speedplay jacket a while ago and so far I've been very happy with it. Today though, I had to commute to work in the rain. When I set out it was only a little drizzle and the Speedplay was keeping me dry. 20 minutes in though, the rain picked up. I wouldn't call it a hard downpour...it was steady rain. I was soaked within minutes. :(
*sigh*
If only it was 20 degrees colder, it would have been snowing for a white Christmas.
I've used the Speedplay down to 20F and it has kept me warm and dry with the proper layers. It's just not cut out for the rain, but I knew that before I got it...
Hi,
this is a common problem. You need to seal the seams. If you can find someone that has experience doing this, that would be ideal. A good hand can seal a seam without it looking like a snail crawled across your jacket. I have the same problem. I just got a soft shell, and I am trying to find someone to seal the seams. The fabric is utterly waterproof, but the seams leak like a sieve.
So... if you find someone good, please let me know. The backpacking world deals with this sort of thing. They would have sealant. Hopefully they will also know of someone that can do it neatly.
some_guy282
12-26-05, 06:51 AM
Really? Seam sealant? Never heard of this before... Has anyone else heard of this and know where I can get it taken care of?
Bekologist
12-26-05, 07:24 AM
Don't SEAMSEAL your speedplay,
A bicomponent knit softshell jacket like the Ibex Speedplay is never going to be waterproof.
A bicomponent knit softshell is not designed for steady rain.
A laminate component softshell is more water resistant, but the seams are the weak link. According to all the Gore reps I've talked too, the only reason Gore Windstopper (a laminate softshell fabric) isn't worthy of the 'guaranteed to keep you dry' hang tag, is that windstopper garments generally don't get taped and sealed seams. The new 'waterproof' softshells from Mountain Hardware and others are using glued seams that surmount non taped stitched seams.
If anyone is looking for a more water resistant softshell, you need to shift focus from the bicomponent, nonlaminate fabrics, and into the laminated, barrier layer softshells. If you want to seamseal any softshell because of heavy rain, maybe thats the time to break out the waterproofs, because most softshells will not excell in heavy or steady rain.
I've used Schoeller softshell jackets and pants for the last 8 years, so it's not something 'new' to me.
The pertex jacket recce'd by Chipcom above, or a pertex cycling jacket from MEC, will provide a great layer of water resistance over another softshell. I have a ski mountaineering buddy, he NEVER takes waterproofs. Its all pertex. I've taken to carrying pertex as a storm shell over scholler.
And when you are in heavy rain, you either get wet from sweat on the inside, or with some moisture from the outside, it's all a tradeoff anyways. EVENT is the most breathable WB fabric, if anyone is actually looking for a rainjacket and not a softshell.
garskoci
12-28-05, 10:08 AM
Hello - I'm about ready to drop the $$$ on a Gore Tool Jacket, soft shell. Oh, and it's yellow! But, I have a quick question. I will be using it in the winter, I live in Chicago. It gets quite sloppy here. Plus, crushed limestone/muddy trails.... I don't have a rear fender. How is the clean up with the soft shells? Will it look like a total mess even after I wash it?
Bekologist
12-28-05, 10:20 AM
just like any other yellow jacket.
tulip
12-29-05, 08:27 AM
Columbia Titanium Softshell is working beautifully. The coldest I've ridden with it so far is 30F. I was toasty. I did have a hi-viz yellow shell over it for visibility, and that probably added some insulation. I'm happy with the jacket, but wish it was available in obnoxious yellow.
vrkelley
01-02-06, 03:51 PM
...I have a ski mountaineering buddy, he NEVER takes waterproofs. Its all pertex. I've taken to carrying pertex as a storm shell over scholler.
And when you are in heavy rain, you either get wet from sweat on the inside, or with some moisture from the outside, it's all a tradeoff anyways. EVENT is the most breathable WB fabric, if anyone is actually looking for a rainjacket and not a softshell.
About the only waterproof pertex I know of is ShowersPass. The seams are sealed and the pertex actually has a laminate backing.
Recently on the WWH20Chick Ride, another member of this forum and I wore the same ShowersPass Jacket. Mine is 4yrs old (about 10K miles). The jacket had faded some but we both concluded that the SP jacket with wool couldn't be beat. This jacket survived the heavy downpours and some serious crashes. Excellent reflectivity in all the right places. Hers had pit zips....
$149! Unlike other hypes, the thing holds up! O and get the hood. http://showerspass.com/cart/product_info.php?cPath=21_25&products_id=30&osCsid=9c42ce7220c6619a2c8d706519788dfd
thebankman
01-03-06, 12:15 AM
Columbia snowboarding jackets are quite versatile, and may be worn on a bike, walking in the rain/snow, snow sports, etc. Chains like Sports Authority have the Vertex line of jackets, and I picked up one of the lower end models for $99. This is a great bargain, the jacket has lots of pockets, lots of soft and fuzzy warm bits inside around the shoulders and back and feels fine when wet or sweaty. It has a detachable hood. Model name is Airstyle, and can be had in colors which are not horrible.
About the only waterproof pertex I know of is ShowersPass. The seams are sealed and the pertex actually has a laminate backing.
Recently on the WWH20Chick Ride, another member of this forum and I wore the same ShowersPass Jacket. Mine is 4yrs old (about 10K miles). The jacket had faded some but we both concluded that the SP jacket with wool couldn't be beat. This jacket survived the heavy downpours and some serious crashes. Excellent reflectivity in all the right places. Hers had pit zips....
$149! Unlike other hypes, the thing holds up! O and get the hood. http://showerspass.com/cart/product_info.php?cPath=21_25&products_id=30&osCsid=9c42ce7220c6619a2c8d706519788dfd
What's the difference between eVent and pertex, the 2 materials used to make Showerspass Elite and Century jackets? I'm thinking the Century is for long rides(lighter jacket) and Elite for more extreme conditions (commuting)
vrkelley
01-04-06, 09:17 AM
No clue Balto. You can e-mail Dave on SP and ask them. Let us know what you find out.
StalkerZERO
01-04-06, 01:48 PM
Anybody have an opinion on the Sugoi Thermal II jacket? Its in the sub $150.00 range and seems ok. If I were to layer it with a poly base layer and a wool mid layer do you think this jacket will do for winter?
heres the link..........................http://www.sugoi.com/consumer/product.aspx?sectionStyleID=6933&color=BLK
balto charlie
01-05-06, 08:30 AM
No clue Balto. You can e-mail Dave on SP and ask them. Let us know what you find out.
Done! emailed him yesterday and got a quick reply. Here's his info:
"We think our jackets are the best commuting pieces on the market because of
their superior ventilation - 7 places for the user to open the jacket and
allow cooling air. I assume that you looked at the technology page our
website which discusses Event and Pertex.
Both are waterproof, with the eVent more breathable. The eVent technology
is pretty amazing - its only drawback is that its quite spendy fabric. We
don't have any dealers in Maryland yet, although a number of folks have
bought gear from us either on the web or at the Sea Gull Century and are
happy riders. If you buy one of our jackets we hope that you would like it
enough to recommend to your local bike shop.
We have a money-back guarantee for everything we sell - we like to treat our
customers the same way we want to be treated. We also gladly swap sizes if
someone decides they want to go larger/smaller."\
My take on it is this:
Elite: more breathability, more vents, more weight, more $$
Century: less breathability, vents???, less weight, less money
Both good at waterproofing
So: I'm thinking that for commuting the Elite is the way to go but if you are concerned about weight(touring) the Century might be the better choice.
The biggest negative is not seeing/feeling the goods first. When I drop that kind of $$ I want to touch it.
Anyone in Maryland wearing one of these??
Jarery
01-05-06, 09:39 AM
And when you are in heavy rain, you either get wet from sweat on the inside, or with some moisture from the outside, it's all a tradeoff anyways. EVENT is the most breathable WB fabric, if anyone is actually looking for a rainjacket and not a softshell.
I guess the us army did testing of all the materials and found event to breath 50% more than gortex. Apperently gortex breaths great and is waterproof. But was very bad at absorbing oil and contaminating, so they either make it trapped between 2 other layers, or as a single layer they had to add a coating. Its the coating they that hinders its breathability.
Event found a way to make it a single layer and to repel oil in the fabric itself, no coating needed. So it has the best breathability, by a long shot if you look at the charts the army made from the tests.
Cycling specific jackets made with event I can find only 3. I guess Goretex will not license to any mfg if they use event, so companies have to choose one, and most choose the proven goretex with the known name to advertise on their product. Only a few have gone with event even though its better.
Pearl Izumi, Gill, ShowersPass all make cycling jackets from eVent. Both the pearl and gill jackets rely on the material itself to do all the breathing. Thats great for hiking, sucks for cycling. THe showers pass elite jacket is made with the event, and has pit zips and a back vent, etc.
www.showerspass.com
cabana 4 life
01-05-06, 04:51 PM
i just got a foxmear evap http://www.foxwear.net/ there only $80 and pretty nice, look for a full review on my web site www1lesscar.com