Touring - Touring Jacket

I'll be riding on the TransAm thru Southeast KY and the mountains of Virginia on a tour I'm planning during the month of September next year. Who makes a good riding jacket, at a decent price, that would work well for that time of year and altitude. I'm sure there are a number of options out there but I'd like something not too cumbersome yet will still break the chill and repell rain. I'm interested in the Pearl Izumi Vagabond Jacket. The sleeves unzip to convert to a vest and that would be handy. Any one have any opinions on it or suggest any other options? Thanks for all your help.

Mark

I'll be riding on the TransAm thru Southeast KY and the mountains of Virginia on a tour I'm planning during the month of September next year. Who makes a good riding jacket, at a decent price, that would work well for that time of year and altitude. I'm sure there are a number of options out there but I'd like something not too cumbersome yet will still break the chill and repell rain. I'm interested in the Pearl Izumi Vagabond Jacket. The sleeves unzip to convert to a vest and that would be handy. Any one have any opinions on it or suggest any other options? Thanks for all your help.

Mark

I've had the Vagabond jacket for 2 or 3 years now and have found it to be extremely versatile due to the zip off sleeves. I use it for commuting and all my day rides. I think it would be perfect for a tour. It's not for heavy rain, but will handle a shower.

Brian

I'll second that. I wear mine with a cheap merino sweater and/or a jersey and/or arm warmers in temps down to just below freezing. And the pockets are very handy.
It's about the most versatile piece of gear I use.

I live just north of the Virginia mountains in Pennsylvania,the weather in September is not all that bad,expect some rain though.Really any kind of good rain jacket with a fleece for when it cools off at night will do.
I have two rain jackets the one I use for touring is a northface that I got at a sporting goods store,it is a bit bulky though.My other one is a Showers Pass jacket,I think the century model I can't remember,if I had the chance to make that purchase over I would get the touring jacket they sell.

PI Vagabond is a great jacket and while it is water resistant, I soak through in short order in a constant rain.

If I know it's going to rain I carry or wear a J&G waterproof breathable for $100.

http://www.bicycleclothing.com/

I consider their breathable helmet cover to be the best piece of rain gear I own. It makes all the difference.

I also own the waterproof (i.e, lighter but non-breathable) jacket and its much lighter but retains some moisture.

I carry a lightweight, hi-viz shell and a rain jacket with hood (the hood is for in camp - I wear a helmet cover when riding in the rain.) If you just want to bring one jacket, my LBS guy said his Sugoi shells were so water-resistant as to be almost waterproof. He's usually a pretty reliable source - not a high pressure salesman type.

The Pearl Izumi Vagabond seems a little high priced even though I did find one on sale for $69. But they did not have the color or size I wanted. I've also looked at the Adidas Response Thermo Jacket that Nashbar has on sale for $59 right now. But I can't find any reviews on it. My tour is on a tight budget so the cheaper quality jacket I can find the better, at least for my budget anyway. But, like a lot of things, you get what you pay for.

I have a Showers Pass (gift)that replaced a well used REI jacket. They are both good. The REI costs a little less, but works well.

http://www.rei.com/product/771256

I owned a PI Vagabond for a while but sold it. For me, it just was not breathable enough for riding in the weather we get in the Southeast. I would get all sweaty every time I wore it unless temperatures were below 40, and if it's that cold, I've got better gear to wear. The zip-off sleeves are a nice feature, but the Vagabond is not as good as PI's regular vest -- again due to lack of breathability. Have you looked at the Showers Pass Double Century jacket? I am considering one of those because it is so light and packable, and supposedly their jackets are more breathable than most.

A Vagabond is as stated, more of a wind breaker, not for rain at all. I have one of the older ones, with separate sleeve zippers, and I love it. The best jacket for cycling I can think of. I've not used a newer one, with the one piece sleeve/cape, but the idea is the same, so is the fabric.

I would not recommend Nashbar clothing. Don't let a few dollars decide a jacket you intend to use for years.
The Adidas jacket lacks ventilation. No jacket breathes well for cycling without some ventilation. Caped backs, like the Vagabond are ideal for this. So are two way zippers, you can open the bottom to vent, and adjust the top as needed. Removable sleeves make it ultra versatile.

I wish I could give you an alternative to the Vagabond, but I don't know of any good ones.

Thanks for all the good information guys. I still have plenty of time to make a decision so I'll watch for sales and more suggestions. It seems that when a good sale comes along though, they don't have my size or the color I want. Oh well. Thanks again.

Mark