Vest?

[astompa]

With Spring on the way, I'm considering getting a lightweight vest for chilly mornings and afternoons that I can take off and stuff in my jersey pocket. Any vest recommendations?

[bac]

With Spring on the way, I'm considering getting a lightweight vest for chilly mornings and afternoons that I can take off and stuff in my jersey pocket. Any vest recommendations?

There are a lot of good vests, and it's a good idea to have one! I have one made by Pearl Izumi that I like a lot. Here's what I would look for in a vest:

- Vented back (yes, yes yes!)
- A fabric that blocks wind well, repels water fairly well, and breaths a bit
- Small enough to fold up, and stash in your jersey pocket
- A bright color!
- Bonus: fleece color

Good luck!

[Faust]

Cycling Plus magazine reviewed vests and highly rated the Polaris Micro Gillet. I purchased mine from an outfit in the UK and had it sent to New Jersey. It has been perfect for in between cold and warmer days.
3 back pockets, one front zip pocket, mesh back, and folds small.

Made from Micro-fiber fabric with a polyester mesh back
Windproof front and highly breathable back
Full length zip to give additional ventilation
Zipped chest security pocket
Scotchlite® reflective patch on the rear lower back for high visibility

Polaris Micro Gillet Pro-VTT (http://www.changing-gear.com/acatalog/CG_Catalog_Windproofs_31.html)

[astompa]

Thanks!
Bac I agree completely and that's exactly what I've been looking for. I've had my eye on this Louis Garneau at Performance http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19231
but I'm not crazy about the navy color. Then I saw this one at Velowear http://www.velowear.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=101278&variation=&aitem=7&mitem=10 but I don't want to get something too heavyweight because my torso tends to stay relatively warm and being able to put it in the jersey pocket is key.
Faust - Thanks for the reference to Cycling Plus, I wish Bicycling Magazine was as good and useful a magazine.

[baltazar]

I've had my eye on this Louis Garneau at Performance http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19231
but I'm not crazy about the navy color.

I bought this vest (Louis Garneau at Performance) about a month ago. First I thought it was too thin and cold, so I bought another one (pearl izumi) (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17990&subcategory_ID=1130). I ended up keeping the Louis Garneau. I love it; I could even wear it down to 20 degrees with a couple of layers.

[iowarose]

I have one I really like by Gore Bike Wear. It has a built-in pocket with velcro straps so you can fold it up and attach it to your bike when you take it off. It's red, has a vented back patch, and is made of Gore Windstopper. Exxxxxcellent.

[astompa]

I bought this vest (Louis Garneau at Performance) about a month ago. First I thought it was too thin and cold, so I bought another one (pearl izumi) (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17990&subcategory_ID=1130). I ended up keeping the Louis Garneau. I love it; I could even wear it down to 20 degrees with a couple of layers.

Baltazar - can you stuff it in a jersey pocket if necessary? And does it have a mesh back or a back that wicks well?

[baltazar]

Baltazar - can you stuff it in a jersey pocket if necessary? And does it have a mesh back or a back that wicks well?

Yes, you can stuff the Louis Garneau vest in a jersey pocket. I don't know how well the back wicks coz I wear a jersey inside, but the back sure breathes well which is what matters.

[astompa]

Yes, you can stuff the Louis Garneau vest in a jersey pocket. I don't know how well the back wicks coz I wear a jersey inside, but the back sure breathes well which is what matters.

Great, thanks for the info. I've just ordered it along with a long sleeve wool jersey http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19520.

[jasonyates]

Great, thanks for the info. I've just ordered it along with a long sleeve wool jersey http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19520.

I've had my eye on that Canari jersey too. :)

[astompa]

I've had my eye on that Canari jersey too. :)

Well, $29 is a decent price for a wool jersey. I'm a big fan of wool.