General Cycling Discussion - light jacket for morning rides

I've switched my schedule this year so that I'm riding early in the morning (~6AM). At that time the temperature will likely be between 50 and 60. I'm looking for a lightweight jacket to fit the bill. I came across this one;

Canari Eclipse (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000BQJSS/qid=1080190421/sr=1-12/ref=sr_1_12_sg/103-1401528-5694229?v=glance&s=sporting-goods&n=3380041)

Has anyone used this jacket before that can recommend it? I like the fact that it can be worn as a vest. The price is right too.

Thanks in advance,

-mark

PU-coated nylon can get horribly sweaty. You are better off with a non-waterproof, or water-resistant windproof jacket. Pertex, or a polyester microfibre is a good material, and there are plenty of low-cost, ultra-light jackets made from these. Dont be afraid to get a bright colour.

PU-coated nylon can get horribly sweaty. You are better off with a non-waterproof, or water-resistant windproof jacket. Pertex, or a polyester microfibre is a good material, and there are plenty of low-cost, ultra-light jackets made from these. Dont be afraid to get a bright colour.

Thanks Michael, I'll look into it. This morning I used the fleece and was relatively comfy (~50degF) until it started raining. Surely polyester would have done a better job at keeping me dry. My brief look at Pertex would indicate that it's not actually that inexpensive (light shells start at ~$50) and that it's not the plentiful here in the states. I wonder if there is an equivilent product over here.

-mark

PU-coated nylon can get horribly sweaty. You are better off with a non-waterproof, or water-resistant windproof jacket. Pertex, or a polyester microfibre is a good material, and there are plenty of low-cost, ultra-light jackets made from these. Dont be afraid to get a bright colour.

Can definitely vote for the windproof qualities of pertex, and it is this windproof quality that will keep you warm on the cooler mornings. Definitely not waterproof though, but it is 100% breathable. Doesn't keep you warm either but your body heat will soon build up in any case. Long life is also an asset to this fabric as I bought mine 12 years ago and it it still works.

When the temps are in the 50s-60s try layering - l/s base layer with arm warmers under the sleeves and a l/s jersey on top. You may find you don't need the jacket.