ccrnnr9

I know most of you are probably tired of my winter clothing suggestion help threads so I will try to make this my last....for awhile I am trying to decide on a good shell that will allow me to have some defense from this horrible wind in my area. I do not want a fully insulated jacket as I want something that is versatile and can be used in the spring and fall when temperatures are not very low. On the other hand, this item needs to have good windstopping ability so that I can use wicking and insulating layers underneath. Zip off sleeves would be a nice feature but not necesarry. Price must be around 75$ and probably less. Race/form fitting is a must!...Now for the candidates:

Cannondale Morphis: zip off sleeves, highly breathable, windproof- 79.99$
Descente Element: no zip off sleeves, stretch fabric for form fit, windproof, reflective stripes- $49.99
Gore Bikewear Balance: 2-layer windstopper fabric, can be converted into its own stuff pocket w/ frame attachment- $69.99

dolomite592

In my experience, you really can't go wrong with the gore windstopper. For the price, it is superior to every other wind-breaking material I've ever owned. And Gore has a very reputable history.

ccrnnr9

Do you know anything about the fit of the Gore jackets? I want a race fit...I am tired of the flapping with my current wind breaker.
~Nick

dolomite592

The Gore jacket I have runs pretty small. I would normally wear an XL in other jackets and I would have a lot of room to layer other clothes underneath. With the Gore jacket, an XL has a snug fit on my body. I like it because the basic function of the Gore fabric is not necessarily to warm you up instantly (as with other more insulated jackets) but to allow the moisture you create to be "breathed out" and the heat you're creating to be retained, thus keeping you consistently warm and comfortable.

cyclintom

Imagine the mind of someone that can't even pick out their own clothes!

ccrnnr9

Haha ya...if my mother knew a thing about cycling apparel, I would let her do it! I would really like to avoid the hassle of having to send whatever I get back to nashbar or wherever I purchase from so in an effort to get it right the 1st time, I am recruiting the bikeforums masters for help.
~Nick

Phantoj

This is the Cannondale Flashback jacket. It's at Nashbar for $30 minus 20%.

I have the Cannondale jacket this jacket is based on - mine is about 15 years old, I'm guessing. I rode to Taco Bell in it last month and the order-taker expressed his approval on the jacket and wanted to know where to get one.

So, get it, the guys at Taco Bell will love you.

Mine is actually a fairly lousy jacket, not very windproof. True retro style, though.

ccrnnr9

Look is nice but I need windproof.

slvoid

Imagine, not wanting a 2nd opinion.

ccrnnr9

Thanks for the advice...keep the votes coming!