[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?

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[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
ScotchliteŽ 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.