Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Need jacket recommendation...

I'm looking for a jacket for the winter. I'd prefer something with removable sleeves. Something that breathes is a necessity. It will mainly be used for rides when it's in the high 40's and above. I have a couple windbreakers, but they don't breathe at all.

I'm open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!

If you can find it on sale, the Gore Phantom (http://www.rei.com/product/766288) jacket is nice! Wind-proof, removable sleeves, 3 back pockets, and just enough insulation to keep you comfortable when it's 40-50 degrees outside. On really cold days, I wear my Windstopper T-shirt and wish that the flap behind the zipper were a bit larger but other than that it's a great jacket. I bought mine at an end-of-season sale and paid half-price for it. At that price it's a good value.

The jacket is designed to fit snugly. Size L worked for me back when I was normally buying XL. That said, XXL is the largest size I've seen available so clearly they're not catering to Clydes.

Pearl Izumi Vagabond II (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1008983_-1_400020_400000_400070)

XXL fits me at 6'1" 240

PI jackets are the best for the money, in my opinion. The zippers always work, they are long enough in the back, and they can take a real pounding. Add to that the little touches like the fleecy collar area, the zippers are easier to operate with gloves than most other brands, and the minimalist elastic wrist and waist closings (no snaps, velcro, or pull-cords to bother with). My PI Zephyr has far out-lasted both an Illumilite and a Gore jacket that I got around the same time.

Pearl Izumi Vagabond II (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1008983_-1_400020_400000_400070)

XXL fits me at 6'1" 240

If you don't mind me asking, what is your waist and chest size? Weight-wise you and I are similar. I'm about 4-5" shorter than you though...

I'm 235, 6'1 and to my surprise the Zephyr is one clothing atricle that doe NOT pull up when I lean over to ride. Pretty shocking as most clothing does as I have a long torso. chest 46'ish and waist 40.

I like the Zephyr (red) but Gina's is actully much better IMO. It must be the Vagabond. Gina has removeable sleeves and several pockets. my zephyr actually sucks in the pocket dept as it has NONE!:eek:... Really could have used a couple of pockets at times.:mad:

Zephyr was $75 and Gina's was about $105 (actually a mens jacket. she doesn't like the lady's stuff)

zephry (red) vagabond (blue)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3601225889_50ec45cc94_o.jpg

Here is a photo from a couple years ago. I still have this jacket and like it a lot. The sleeves zip out and keeps you warm if layered underneath to some pretty low temps. It is a Louis Garneau in XL. I am 5'8", and about 235# in that photo.

http://www.biggrizzly.com/biking/donJacket.jpg

If you don't mind me asking, what is your waist and chest size? Weight-wise you and I are similar. I'm about 4-5" shorter than you though...

48" chest, 39" waist

My primary commuting jacket is a J&G wind jacket (http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Wind-Jackets.html)

I really like the stuff that Lou at Fox Wear makes. It's all custom made, and his prices are less than off the self jackets.

http://www.foxwear.net/products_jackets.html

I'm 235, 6'1 and to my surprise the Zephyr is one clothing atricle that doe NOT pull up when I lean over to ride. Pretty shocking as most clothing does as I have a long torso. chest 46'ish and waist 40.

I like the Zephyr (red) but Gina's is actully much better IMO. It must be the Vagabond. Gina has removeable sleeves and several pockets. my zephyr actually sucks in the pocket dept as it has NONE!:eek:... Really could have used a couple of pockets at times.:mad:

Zephyr was $75 and Gina's was about $105 (actually a mens jacket. she doesn't like the lady's stuff)

zephry (red) vagabond (blue)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3601225889_50ec45cc94_o.jpg

What size jacket did you get? I'm pretty much convinced I want the Vagabond, but I'm not sure if I need XL or XXL. My waist is around a 38. Not sure on my chest. Going to measure it tonight.

XXL.....Like I said, it's one of the few that don't rise on me.:D

If you can find it on sale, the Gore Phantom (http://www.rei.com/product/766288) jacket is nice! Wind-proof, removable sleeves, 3 back pockets, and just enough insulation to keep you comfortable when it's 40-50 degrees outside. On really cold days, I wear my Windstopper T-shirt and wish that the flap behind the zipper were a bit larger but other than that it's a great jacket. I bought mine at an end-of-season sale and paid half-price for it. At that price it's a good value..

As of 10/2/09, the women's Phantom is on sale at Nashbar for $80.
http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10053_10052_108439_-1_201529_10000_201530

You may want to consider, for the temperatures you are talking about, that you really don't need a jacket. My commutes these days, particularly in the morning, are upper 30s to low 40s. I wear my normal cycling shorts (bibs), with some goretek pants over the top, a long sleeve base layer and a long sleeve jersey (the bright yellow one from Performance).

You may want to consider, for the temperatures you are talking about, that you really don't need a jacket. My commutes these days, particularly in the morning, are upper 30s to low 40s. I wear my normal cycling shorts (bibs), with some goretek pants over the top, a long sleeve base layer and a long sleeve jersey (the bright yellow one from Performance).

That's great if you're comfortable in those temps. I have lost about 45 pounds this year, and ever since doing that I get cold much quicker than I used to. Went out this morning and the temps were in the 50's, and wore long pants, jersey, arm warmers, vest, and full finger gloves. I froze my butt off.

Plus, I'm not looking for a jacket for commutes. I'm looking for something to wear on 3-4 hour rides.

Trying to find the PI jacket in my size in stock anywhere. No luck....

For lightweight breathable jacket, the best I've tried is the Montane Featherlite Velo Jacket.. Packs extremely small, 4 ounces in weight.. Breathable but will keep you warm, not waterproof but good enough for light rain.. They can be found at a few places online since it is a UK product.. I am about the same size as you and use an XXL..

http://www.montane.co.uk/productdetails.php?productid=104&rid=7

For rainy weather, I use the Montane Velocity DT Jacket, not as breathable but will keep you dry in bad weather..

http://www.montane.co.uk/productdetails.php?productid=246&rid=7

Does anyone have any experience with Showers Pass jackets? The Elite 2.0 looks like a nice jacket for cold and cold/wet. According to their sizing matrix, looks like they have clyde sizing.

http://www.showerspass.com/

Does anyone have any experience with Showers Pass jackets? The Elite 2.0 looks like a nice jacket for cold and cold/wet. According to their sizing matrix, looks like they have clyde sizing.

http://www.showerspass.com/

Yes, I bought the Elite 2.0 in February of this year. Apart from a suit, it's the most expensive piece of clothing I own. But I now live in the Pacific Northwest and it gets lots of use during the winter. The eVent fabric is indeed the most breathable jacket fabric I've ever used - the jacket is comfortable (with cuffs and pit zipps wide open) up to about 60 F, and I tend to get hot very easily.

I highly recommend it if you want the widest range of temperature capability in a jacket that is completely waterproof.

Scott

Does anyone have any experience with Showers Pass jackets? The Elite 2.0 looks like a nice jacket for cold and cold/wet. According to their sizing matrix, looks like they have clyde sizing.

http://www.showerspass.com/

I wasn't impressed by mine, and several others have had quality control issues with SP products. People either seem to love or hate them. There are lots of threads on them.