Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - jacket

So its starting to get a bit cold in Portland and I know Winter's going to creep up fast so.. Looking for the best jacket for the money.

I've just been wearing a hoodie and a wool army jacket but know that won't last once the rain starts coming down..

I was thinking something North Face but have no idea where to begin, any recommendations?

Thanks

I've been looking long & hard at the Swrve Milwaukee. I've got a pair of their wwr knicks, and they are awesome in the rain. Figure they same could be said for their jackets.

http://www.showerspass.com/photos/pd-S1101BNPS_M.jpg
I wouldn't buy a $200 jacket but maybe you would. I've heard great things about this company.
http://www.showerspass.com/products.asp?ManId=1101&ProductId=12&Product=Portland

I just got a black REI Taku on sale for $150 which I really like against the rain. it's not that thick but good for layering.

I also saw a dude in another thread raving about this Loki jacket:
http://www.lokiusa.com/product_detail.php?ID=C101#

don't get north face IMO they're kind of f'ed out

I'd suggest asking @ the commuting forum, maybe.

Why, a track jacket of course! Or for the brakeless crowd, try a tarck jacket.

I have a Mountain Hardwear soft shell and it works great (http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=1827&prod=1912&cat=1835&viewAll=False). It is not the heaviest, so when it is really cold I also wear some smart wool, but works great against water and wind without making it too sweaty underneath. Mine is 2 years older than the one shown in the link, but should work just as well.

go to REI

I've been using a TAD Gear/Rocket World Ronin Hoody as an everyday jacket(used to use their Stealth jacket), and it's not too bad when riding. I don't necessarily recommend the same jacket I have, but I recommend something using similar material. It's extremely light weight and breathable, but it's still wind/waterproof and can keep you warm. The fabric is supposed to be strong and durable when used outdoors and in the wilderness. Their more tactical cuts can be better layered if it's that cold where you live. The Ronin Hoody suits me just fine for SF weather. I never felt the need to layer it, if anything I think it's on the warmer side.

What I really like about their hoodies is that if you're wearing it, its fits really well to keep you warm and dry, but when you're not wearing it, it lays flat and doesnt blow around with the wind which is nice if you're gonna wear a helmet.

look up the cloudveil cache creek jacket. find it cheaper than msrp at certain online retailers. water proof, wind proof, light weight, comfortable, longer in the back/longer sleeves = perfect for cycling, back pocket, packable.

my Taku is completely waterproof, stretchable, windproof and supposedly still breathable. It's a sweet coat but too bad the sale on it ended sunday, now it's back up to $209. You know, i hadn't tried the hood over the helmet yet, but it mostly fits, and looks kinda hilarious lol. I'm still gettin used to a helmet. Had to get one recently since it's the law here

I've got a Gande Mountain knock off of a Columbia soft shell jacket. it is my winter/in-climate weather jacket. works really well for me. great to block the wind and rain. i was mountian bikeing last winter, my front tire went through the ice, the n so did I. i was wearing the jacket. my upper body was dry, lower soaked. it was cheap and has been holdind up well. looks kind of like this one.
http://content.backcountry.com/images/items/medium/COL/COL2084/BK.jpg

I would suggest a waterproof breathable rain shell, with layers underneath. They usually start at $99 for an entry level laminate and go well over $400 for Gore Tex. I would suggest something in the middle. I know that some companies are selling gore shells for close to $200. You'll be glad you spent a little extra for Gore, as they don't wear out. You probably have fleece/thermal layers that will work so that's the only expense. Look for last years models/closeouts. Oh, and pit zips are nice for biking so I'd suggest those.

softshells are great.

I've been looking long & hard at the Swrve Milwaukee. I've got a pair of their wwr knicks, and they are awesome in the rain. Figure they same could be said for their jackets.

This. How much are wanting to spend up to on a GOOD jacket? Not any jacket, but a GOOD jacket.

This really depends on your price range.
Basic laminated waterproofs can be had for ~100.

Better quality, better materials, and more features will go considerably up from there.

Finisterre make some great products.
http://www.finisterreuk.com/


Just go to a decent sporting/outdoor good store (EMS, REI, etc.) and try on everything in you price range.

softshells are great.

i agree! i actually bought a second one for work. I sprung for a good Columbia for my work jacket. sometimes i am out in the rain filming or running with my camera for a dry place. so i got another one that will keep me dry and look good in an office setting when i wear it to work. can't beat a good soft shell. layers underneath will keep you toasty and the shell will keep you dry and wind free.

HAve you ever done any outdoor activity in the rain, such as backpacking or hiking? It's the same, you need something to keep you warm and dry, but not allow you to get too sweaty. The best is a lightweight rain shell with layering underneath. Usually shells make me too hot and sticky, so I prefer ones with lots of venting options, such as pit zips. Most of the higher end jackets ($100+) have pit zips that allow you to vent.

I picked up a patagonia windstopper fleece vest at the outlet shop and it works great under a rain shell, cause I always get to hot around my pits and arms anyway. The vest helps keep the torso warm while not overheating you. If it gets colder I add a sweater under the vest.

mountain hardware and cloudveil are the ****, but they are expensive. i personally love Marmot products. they are nice stuff, but not so heavily priced. i agree with a softshell too...

the cloudveil cache creek jacket i mentioned can be had for under $60, even though msrp is like $120. i bought mine at marshall's for $40 last winter.

An ironic jacket, of course. (http://www.campagnolosportswear.com/jspcampagnolosw/product.jsp?collid=5&worldid=0&prodid=331&filter=-1&acc=-1)

This is what I ended up getting. I rode around with it today with just a t-shirt underneath and by the time I was done with my 3 mile ride I was pretty sweaty. It fits kind of odd but function>fashion.

What do you think?

http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=38885&storeId=207&catalogId=10201&langId=-1&from=subCat&parent_category_rn=11702&variationId=001

Nice. I use the North Face hy-vent shell all year round. Thick base layer and lined wicking hoodie underneath in the winter, t-shirt or jersey in summer rain.