cyccommute 

Polypropylene was a fad fabric back in the late 80s and early 90s. It did indeed develop a stink after a few uses of heavy sweating. The odor likely came from oils that bacteria could colonized and decompose. Polypro is more hydrophobic (water hating) and the oils are equally hydrophobic so the fiber held onto them more tenaciously. Laundering the fabric really didn't remove the oils and this made the bacteria very happy.

More modern fabrics are made from polyester which isn't as hydrophobic as polypro. The oils are actually washed out by detergents and they don't set up the petri dishes for the bacteria. They just don't develop the same smell as polypro did.

canadian deacon

"Why not Zoidberg?" always makes my day.

Colorado Kid

What does the list think of this jacket to be used in bicycle commuting? German Police GORE-TEX Winter Parka with Liner, Waterproof - 223097, Insulated Jackets & Coats at Sportsman's Guide

fietsbob

I prefer not to use dull subdued colors On my Bicycle on the road.. I Like The gear tow truck drivers wear .. Bright, Reflective stripes.

cyccommute 

Probably okay. Not a great color and the "Polizei" across the back might raise some issues with the local constabulary. Also, while Goretex is good stuff, it can be hot for regular riding. It breathes okay if you are sitting around or doing light exercise. But if you are working hard and sweating a lot, it can be overwhelmed quickly which leaves you steamy. Also it requires a bit more care in laundering it than other clothing. You have to follow the care instructions carefully or you end up clogging the membrane.

RubeRad

Does the membrane get all full of insane? Insane in the membrane? How about the brain? Does that get clogged too?

FBinNY 

My first consideration, truly before all others is care and/or cleaning. If I can't get good results tossing it in the washer, I rule it out as bicycle clothing. There are no exceptions to that rule because I ride in all kinds of weather, and one trip is often enough for me and my clothing look like something the cat dragged in.

I get cold weather protection by alternating layers of fleece for insulation and tightly woven nylon or poly shells as wind stops.

canklecat

Looks like a good deal, worth trying. I've worn my 25 y/o Columbia Gore-Tex/Thinsulate parka on a few chilly days for bicycle rides and it was comfortable - I actually sweat less than with my uninsulated Shimano Storm Jacket, which is rainproof but doesn't breathe other than through vents.

The Gore-Tex and Thinsulate does breathe, yet is incredibly warm and wind resistant. I used to wear it in winter for motorcycle riding down into the 20s and the wind chill must have been well below zero.

The parka lacks back vents but hasn't needed 'em either. One feature it does have that I wish my Shimano Storm Jacket had: dual zippers. I can zip down from the top and up from the bottom to cool more effectively and carefully regulate venting. It also has a button flap over the zipper, so there's the option to button up and leave the zipper open for more airflow.

And my Columbia parka is machine washable and dryable. I use Woolite and a gentle cycle, and low temp dryer. At most I'd wash it once a year with heavy motorcycle riding in rough weather. Usually I wash it only every few years - we don't get many rough winters in Texas.

Main problem with my parka is it's flat gray, so I'd need to add reflective material to make it safer for bicycling. I'm reluctant to add anything permanent so I'd probably try those springy arm/leg bands, or perhaps a safety vest over the parka.

RubeRad

My version:
My first consideration, truly before all others is care and/or cleaning. If I can't get good results tossing it in the washer, I rule it out as clothing. Period. The only exceptions to that rule are my tux (for orchestra concerts) and my dark blue suit (for weddings and funerals), because I refuse to waste my life on ironing, or my money on dry cleaning.

Actually, I do have a leather coat (not a bomber jacket, more like a thigh-length winter coat, with a removable liner), but I have never washed it (wouldn't know how), and probably never will. In SoCal I only need it a few times a year, and would never consider riding a bike with it.

Sci-Fi

I wouldn't ride with any leather jacket because of the cleaning/care costs. But there are various bomber style jackets available in other materials that provide more warmth and/or rain/wind protection plus can be washed at least in gentle cycle in the washer. Have to take into account unforeseen bike/tire repairs or weather conditions and if whatever clothing you are wearing at the time can be cleaned easily/satisfactory afterwards. But it's an individual choice to what you want to wear.

rhm

No bomber jacket for me. In fact I think my hi-viz nylon shell is the only cycling specific clothing I wear when commuting. And a thin polypro cap under my helmet, if it's cold outside.

kickstart

While I tend to agree, I'm willing to put in some extra effort to have wool sweaters, and outer wear as an option when conditions warrant its use.

AlTheKiller

It would have to be way colder than it normally gets around here for me to even think of wearing my bomber jacket. And even then, you usually still end up sweating a bit, and a big, bulky, leather/fleece jacket getting all sweaty isn't fun. I'm talking Vietnam era bomber jacket that my friend's dad gifted me because they "both got too fat to fit in it".