Winter Cycling - Montane Stormrider or MEC Whoosh?

So I'm new to the winter cycling scene and I need some advice.

I realize that everyone has different needs but I though I would give a little background.

1. I am a sweaty beast. On my walk to work alone I break a sweat going up the hill on the way to work
2. I will be biking in cold weather (down to -25 celcius or lower). Or at least I think I will.
3. I'll be riding a cyclocross and expect to be hitting some pretty good speeds (at avg 25k/hr).
4. I also run and currently use the layered approach

So I'm trying to decide whether to get the Montane Stormrider (http://www.montane.co.uk/productdetails.php)or the MEC Whoosh (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442627271&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692343&bmUID=1227922084675). I've tried the Montane and it feels like you're wearing next to nothing. I'm just worried that in the extreme cold it just won't cut it. Yet many appear to suggest that the body heat will be more than enough to keep warm. Then there is the Whoosh, but basically, I'm afraid it might be too bulky and lead to sweat. Really, I would prefer something that is light and form fitting, and though the stormrider is significantly more expensive, I would be willing to spend the dime if I can be confident that my body heat will keep me warm in the thing. But if the MEC jacket is likely to do the same job, I wouldn't be against saving $100+.

Tough decision. Any suggestions?

The MEC jacket looks pretty nice. It looks like it would make a good shell for the layers underneath it. The big question is how breathable is it. Hardshells with membranes are the warmest but least breathable approach. Don't worry about hot or cold with this jacket. You adjust that by the layers underneath. I would suggest getting the MEC for really cold days and for moderate cold days just wear a couple wicking long john tops under a winter weight riding jersey. Experiment until you find out exactly what works for you.

Thanks Hezz.

I'm actually going to try the Whoosh on today at the new store in Burlington. I'll try it on and get a report back by end of day.

I can't say I have a lighter winter shell though. What do you use for the warmer days?

I'm actually going to try the Whoosh on today at the new store in Burlington. I'll try it on and get a report back by end of day.


That place is finally open? Let me know if they actually have cycling gear in stock, something the Toronto store generally lacks.

showers pass has great eVent jackets/hoods with pit zips which i find very useful for temperature control in winter riding. used over a merino wool base layer it work great.

Thanks Hezz.

I can't say I have a lighter winter shell though. What do you use for the warmer days?

I'll usually use an inexpensive long sleeve cycling wind breaker. It is much more breathable than my cycling jacket. It is just a polyester microfiber without any membrane or lining. Then I adjust the layers underneath as needed. Usually a snug fitting runners polar fleece jacket and/or a lightweight polypro long john top works for me on 40-50F days. If it is 45F and cloudy I'll wear my cycling jacket. If it's 40F and sunny I might wear the windbreaker instead. The jacket gives me more protection if the weather turns bad. It gives me about 10-15 degrees lower temperature with the same layers underneath as the light wind breaker would.

So I tried the Whoosh on, and I bought it! It's not nearly as bulky as I expected, and I trust that it will do the job give the reviews on the MEC website. Heck, I even bought the pants while I was at it. Haven't tried them yet, but I hope to soon. I'll be back in touch.

Lonewolf, thanks for the info. Unfortunately I didn't get your message until I got the MEC jacket. The Showers Pass jacket looks like an awesome deal! Thanks, I do appreciate the gesture.

Ghettocruiser, the Burlington store is open. Not sure I would make the trip specifically for cycling gear though. It does have a cycling section, and it's ok, but the store is rather small compared to the other MEC locations so only so much stock. They stick the essentials (fenders, overboots, gloves, shoes, other cycle wear) however they don't have tones of parts. Depends what you're looking for.

FINAL VERDICT

Went for a run to test out the Whoosh jacket and pants for the first time (bike isn't ready for the winter yet, so I figured a run would suffice for now).

Wind protection = awesome! Very windy night and couldn't feel a thing.
Water resistance = awesome! Rained a lot tonight and nothing got through.
Breathability = Not so good in this department. I was worried about this, and this is where the eVent material is likely worth the buy. However, I did not take advantage of the side zippers which could have helped me avoid the sweating. But, give lack of any mesh to keep you dry, having the zippers down could let the rain in.

So, my take on this is that it will keep me warm with layering in the dead cold of winter, but if it gets warm, I'll have to take Hezz's advice and bring along a lighter, cheaper jacket just in case the weather turns on me. I still think this is a good deal given the price. But if eVent is as good as it claims for breathability, I'd give the showers pass a shot at $20 more.

Cheers,

L

Lost,

Event works somewhat better but will still not breath enough if you are sweating heavily to keep you dry. The MEC was a good purchase. It will get you by until you can find the best solution for you which might require some experimentation (and more money). The jacket will breath a little better on a bike since you are moving much faster than while running. And need more wind chill protection when it is really cold.

Now you just need a lightweight windbreaker. I think you can get one from REI for around 40-50 USD. Some riders who get really hot prefer to use a vest windbreaker to keep the arms cooler. Then if they need they can put the jacket over that. You have to be really careful when buying a windbreaker because a lot of the retailers are selling coated nylon style windbreakers. These will not breath well. Avoid them. Look for polyester microfiber and make sure there is no shiny slick surface on the inside of the material. You can see the coating.

EDIT: REI does not seem to have the right type of windbreakers any more.

Something like this is what you want:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000137&subcategory=60001215&brand=&sku=22481&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Outerwear

And also this would be nice. It's cheap so you may opt for both:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000137&subcategory=60001215&brand=&sku=8130&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Outerwear

Get the Showers Pass Touring jacket. You can find it for $140 online. It has everything the MEC jacket has, plus back vents, which help greatly.