Winter Cycling - Outer shell recommendations

I'm going to buy a coat. I don't want a cycling specific coat. In the past I have used Carhart-style lightweight coats for an outer layer. (I know they're cotton, but it works for an outer layer.) The Carhart stuff blocks cold winds really well.
Any other recommendations for a coat that I can use as a multi-tasker?

If Carhart is what works for you, I would suggest just sticking with that.

how do those work with rain? and do they restrict movement much? I saw some of the carhart stuff at sears yesterday and it seemed really stiff. maybe they just need to be broken in?

how do those work with rain? and do they restrict movement much? I saw some of the carhart stuff at sears yesterday and it seemed really stiff. maybe they just need to be broken in?

Yes, they need to be broken in. I had a heavy, button down carhart-style insulated shirt that worked great. (I left it at a resturant.) It blocked cold winds and it was easy to regulate heat with. If It rained I would put my gore-tex raincoat over it. The one I had fit me like a glove and it did not restrict movement.
I plan on getting another. I was just wondering if there was anything else out there to look into.

I mostly ride in thrift store finds and whatever is cheap and works. Basically a lot of wool. I did just splurge for a good cycling jacket and it made the ride so much better. Fit and cut better, pit vents, a blinky tab on the back, blocks the wind really well and has that nice neon color the drivers can't miss.

Check out some of the stuff at your LBS, you may find something that works.

Because we are different in terms of our individual physiology, we differ in our capabilities to tolerate the cold and we ride at different levels of exertion, I am wary of recommending clothing to others.

With that said, today’s modern synthetic fabrics are far superior to the heavy cotton denim Carhartt type material. I would advise caution with the use any outer shell that didn’t possess the breathable, lightweight, wind and water proof properties of synthetics.

Years ago, I worked on outdoor construction in Michigan winters as a steamfitter. I understand the affection and familiarity with the Carhartt brand and of its bullet proof reputation. When new, my Carhartt felt stiff as a board. After several washings, it finally “broke in” and lost the stiffness, but it also lost its ability to shed water and it felt like it weighed 30 lbs when wet. In fact, it felt like it weighed 20 lbs when dry. Remember, "cotton is the enemy".

I would suggest that you go to http://www.icebike.org and read the wealth of information on clothing and strategy for winter riding. Good Luck!
Alfie

If you can only have one coat for an outer layer. I think a loose fitting powershield polyester is the best choice. It's wind and water resistant, stretchy and breaths well. Warm enough by itself down to 35-40F for many people. A kind of loose fitting one with a standard polar fleece jacket underneath is really a nice combination for all around use. The powershield jacket makes a good shell for cold weather cycling. A nice cool weather jacket on it's own.

I agree with Hezz. Check out: www.foxware.net I just ordered one of Lou's custom jackets (around $70)......he has gotten rave reviews from many folks on the listserve.
You will also see a great explanation of the benefits of layering on his site.

I agree with Hezz. Check out: www.foxware.net I just ordered one of Lou's custom jackets (around $70)......he has gotten rave reviews from many folks on the listserve.
You will also see a great explanation of the benefits of layering on his site.

+2 on Foxwear. Make it any size you want, BEST price around, excellent quality.

I think the link is www.foxwear.net, I noticed that the above links are www.foxware.net and seem to be a different site.