I'm moving to Seattle a couple of days after Christmas from sunny Orange County. Last week it was 87 degrees, so the only jacket I own is for downpours. I bike aggressively and I never get cold where I'm at. I am car-free so driving is not an option.

Do I need a jacket? Also, what what jacket, from REI (rei.com) (this is important), would be good. Price isn't really a problem because I see this as an important investment.

Thank you.
-Jai

Why does it have to be REI? I would say you are going to get cold riding here in the winter or at the very least really wet so your first line of defense should be lightweight Smartwool or a clone there of then a waterproof breatheable jacket and pants. Something to keep your hands dry (think wool glove liners) and wind and waterproof gloves. Neoprene booties or wool socks with plastic wrap around your feet if you are cheap like me. The key to cycling in Seattle is to keep dry dry dry. It really doesn't stay cold around here for long stretches and even though we don't get snow very often maybe twice a winter we get freezing fog and that makes the roads treacherous. I can't stress the need for lightweight wool or a reasonable subsitute like duo fold. REI will gladly sell you all the quality and expensive gear for riding here you want. Welcome to the Pacific Northwest enjoy the many opportunities to get outdoors.

You jacket for downpours should work, say from late Oct. to April. That period of time can be one continous downport. From April to July it is random rain. July to August light showers. August to Oct. Light rain.

I use to bike in the rain, then I moved away and realized I didn't have to. I am not car free so I had options.

Showers Pass Elite. It's absolutely the best, IMO. None of the Novaras come close.

You will probably find that one jacket will not do the trick for all situations. I personally prefer a lighter jacket with a few warm-when-wet layers underneath so I can peel stuff off if I get too hot.

You will probably find that one jacket will not do the trick for all situations. I personally prefer a lighter jacket with a few warm-when-wet layers underneath so I can peel stuff off if I get too hot.

Excellent advice. A heavy insulated jacket will make you overheat halfway into a ride. The layered look is always best in the Pacific Northwest. Besides, it will be raining until June, so you want a rain jacket that will work in temps ranging between 40 and 70 degrees.

Oh yea, do you have fenders for your bike? If not, get some....you'll need 'em.

Thank you all for you advice. I ride aggressively so I think my heavy rain jacket will do when I need it. From what you guy's are saying I might want to get a light wind breaker as well when it's not raining.

Ohh, and I do have some good SKS fenders. Thank you.

I guess I should also get some shoe covers.

Thank you all.

-Jai

I'm from So Cal.Been in Portland 25 years.Been commuting by bike over 15 years.For 13 of those years I had only short rides.2 miles to Max(lite rail) 2 miles to work.Somebody once told me they read where it takes 2 miles just to warm up.Oh! It's so true.Now on a given day it's 6 miles to work from the train.I have had to re-think how I dress.I basically have to dress down a bit.I searching for the perfect base layer.I'll keep my Gortex shell a while longer.Gortex over socks are great just for the cold and keeping your feet dry,great for days when rain is only maybe.Shoe covers are great when you know it's raining.And don't forget your head.You'll need a skull cap and face mask.I had a few years to get acclimated before bike commuting here in the great northwest.Look at it this way.Coming from So Cal.you are in for a real expirence/challenge.But it's kinda fun riding in this crap.Haha.Oh.The coldest I've ever been here.Being caught in the rain on an AUGUST morning!

One thing not mentioned that REALLY helps is a wind vest, I use mine 2 ways. I try to avoid jackets, and dress in layers, preferably Wool, whenever possible as it all too easy to to get chilled from sweat build-up. On "iffy" days the wind vest keeps my chest warm. On cold days I wear the vest under a jacket. Using the vest keeps the cold air off my chest yet allows me to ventilate to keep from getting too hot and sweaty.
Don't limit yourself to one resource or resource type as one store/type doesn't always stock the best stuff for everything. I very rarely buy anything from REI, especially since they the did dirt to a "Master Mechanic",(their lable), friend of mine. I get as good or better stuff from locally owned bike shops, mtn. shops, Gen. sport goods stores etc. You can find great things cheap at Goodwill St, Vinnies as old wool sweaters work great for layering. You can find great things cheap at Goodwill, St. Vinnies, yard sales etc. as old, I've found new too, wool sweaters work great for layering and getting a good windbreaker for $5 is better than paying 10, 20 or 30 times as much for one that is or might work slightly better.
For cold weather I use a larger size shoe than in summer and more socks, I hate messing with "booties". I also use plastic bags over my toes/instep only to avoid sweat buildup sandwich bags or the bottom of muffing bags work great. I've even used Sorel boots with flat pedals on really bad days and on my ride from Spokane to Seattle in the winter of '89/'90-that's another story
Yes I use wool on my feet too, even in summer- wool keeps you cool when it's hot out too. I wear 2 layers, jersey/base layer, on my upper body when it gets over 90! I use plastic bags over my toes/instep only to avoid sweat buildup sandwich bags or the bottom of muffin bags work great. I've even used Sorel boots with flat pedals on really bad days and on my ride from Spokane to Seattle in the winter of '89/'90-but that's another story.