Winter Cycling - outer shell jacket?

what is a good soft shell jacket that is windproof and water resistant?
the weather condition is around 50-30 f

Sorry to hijack the thread..i'm looking for the same.. but one that is stowable? What is the diff between water resistance and water repellant?

I recently bought a Marmot Precip shell online that seems to be working well so far. My only real complaint is that it isn't the greatest for weather warmer than 55F. My intent is to wear a light fleece for the truly cold days and possibly for skiing as well.

Currently I'm cycling into work with the pit zips wide open and a short sleeve shirt underneath. It does a good job of with wind and water so far while keeping my core vented. The arms trap moisture a little more than I'd like so I opened the cuff a little wider for more air flow.

I'm impressed with the Arc'teryx Gamma soft shell jacket I bought for skiing. I can get by with a T-shirt underneath at 45ºF and a couple of good layers easily gets me down to zero. Stowability is a issue though and it doesn't have the drop tail to cover my butt crack when I'm on the bike.

I also own a Mountain Hardwear Epic Nylon Shell that I'm quite impressed with. Very stowable, pit zips, and the conduit material almost breathes too well. It doesn't have the same problem with coverage of certain posterior regions I don't like to leave "well ventilated".

Neither of these jackets feature bright colors or any reflective material for riding at night though.

I've been using a Descente Element jacket as my primary cycling shell layer for about four years. It's plenty windproof but likewise lacks the drop tail and will soak through in anything more than a light rain. It's wonderful for long road rides in less than perfect conditions, but it just doesn't cut it in continual rain or below 35ºF.

I finally picked up a Showers Pass Touring Jacket for the winter months when I have to commute after dark. The Yelling Yellow is so bright it's practically illuminated and although it doesn't breathe well enough for use above around 40ºF, it has worked well enough with a couple of layers to keep riding below 20ºF.

There are a lot more softshell jackets out there these days than ever, but for cycling specific stuff Craft makes kick ass stuff. I posted a review of my Craft windstopper soft shell at the thread linked below.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=359507&highlight=jacket+craft

I have a Cannondale Morphis jacket. I've wore it straight through last winter (temps in upper 20s and low 30s), with an Under Armour compression shirt as a base layer and a slightly thicker long sleeve second layer. I felt fine. The jacket blocks out the wind pretty well. Plus, the arms unzip completely off if you'd ever want it to become a vest.

I have an old Boulder gear shell that works great, it's actually made for ski/snowboard but I use the hell out of it. Has multiple vents to cool off with and on the really windy day has "powder skirt" which is an elastic/etc. deal that buttons around you, does a great job keeping wind out.. and if you fall keeps snow out!

The hard shell jackets are more stowable and also more warm with layered insulation but of course they are less breathable. If you are the kind of person that is almost always too hot and needs little insulation a soft shell jacket is probably the best approach. But, if you are the kind who really dislikes the cold and usually needs more layers when it's cold the hard shell jacket is the better approach. With the hardshell you can more easily take it off and stow it if you get too hot and the insulating layers under the jacket will be of more breathable materials to cool you down.

The hard shell jacket does not let as much air pass through it and so it lets the insulating layers function more effectively which makes it warmer.

what is a good soft shell jacket that is windproof and water resistant?
the weather condition is around 50-30 f

In January we have that same range of temperatures. I feel the cold right away. Too used to the tropics..Usually like 35 to 55. Its usually 55 before we get home from an early AM departure.. So what works at 35 causes us to roast at 55. Anyone seen his outer jacket before. Light weight. Combine that with an underarmour shirt and I should be fine.. ?
Anyone have this Louis Garneau Wind Chill jacket. Put a team jersey and a good winter base liner, I hope 35 will feel toasty. Yes or no. WOuld you recommend it.

Louis Garneau 2008 Wind Chill Men's Cycling Jacket

"LG Super Light" fabric: 100% nylon, 15 denier yarn. This super light fabric (0.94 oz/sq yd) has all the features cyclists are looking for in active outerwear: super light and packable, breathable, water-repellent, wind stopper and ripstop for tear resistance. Its transparent properties allow you to show your favorite jersey or your team color.
Lycra inserts & trim: Great body contour and fit
Anatomic fit: Follows the natural contour of the body
Front two-way zip with inner flap and zip protector: Maximum ventilation and protection against the elements without zipper rub
Front and back reflective logos: Better visibility
2 back pockets

Get yourself a good Waterproof, breathable rain jacket. You'll use it year round. http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Waterproof-Breathable-Rain-Jackets.html In the winter it blocks the wind and cold with a good base layer underneath like a ski jacket. SportHill makes excellent base layers for cold weather. If you google around you'll find them at a cheap price. Their 3SP stuff is excellent for cold weather.