patentcad

Is clearly the Pearl Izumi Zephyr jacket in 'Please Don't Flatten Me Screaming Yellow'.

Why?

It is the key outer layer. You don't need $200 cycling jackets for winter cycling. Au contraire. You need the right weight zip-neck polartec long sleeve tops (I generally wear 1-2 or varying weights according to the temps) under regular long or short sleeve cycling jerseys with a wind-breaking shell on top. That's where the Zephyr comes in. Contains your body heat, sheds rain, keeps the wind off - all without overcooking you.

Get warmed up, you can take it off while you're riding and stuff it in your jersey pocket. I do it all the time. All the while, it makes you visible like a moving road sign. I just got my 2nd Zephyr since I started riding again 3 years ago, they have improved it and actually added a pocket in the back. Now it's even more functional. All this for $70 or so (and they sell it for less some places).

The only time I go heavier than the Zephyr is when temps go south of 25ºF on cloudy/windy days. Then I go to a similar more involved jacket with a very light mesh lining that block wind/cold better. None of my jackets for cycling ever have insulation. The key to keeping warm is in the under-layering. Listen to Pcad on this weenies. Nobody here rides more in sub freezing temps than I do. Trust me.

P.S. The Zephyr isn't water proof, but it will keep you drier in damp conditions. Don't worry about staying dry in the pouring rain on a bicycle. Worry about staying warm. Wet and warm is OK. Wet and cold is intolerable.

ejm876

A Pearl Izumi Zephyr jacket is now on it's way to my door.

Jarery

I use similar, but mines called a montane Marathon, made for running but works great on the bike, its lighter and packs smaller than a zephyr and even has venting on the side panels. Under 4 oz's

https://www.thetristore.com/view_prod...4&make=Montane



I wear down to the high 20's, with just a powerdry base, a thin merino wool base, a regular weight long sleeve jerey, and that. Above freezing its just the powerdry, jersey, and jacket.

ElJamoquio

I just bought two sets of Zipps, a powertap, one Ibis frame, a Cannondale slice, and some really long socks.

Machka 

Personally I think my polypro sweatshirt has to be my best winter cycling garment. In it, I can ride a century in sub-freezing temps and feel as comfortable as if I were doing the ride inside or in the summer. I was very pleasantly suprised when I got it, and used it, last year.

wanders

I've got the vest in the same radioactive yellow and agree with your review. I wish the vest had a pocket.

scotch

there doesn't seem to be any XL Zephrr's out there at the moment. Even the PI site only has them in small and medium.

CharlieWoo

Jacket? You wear a jacket just because the temp is below 25F? Harden the F up.

Psimet2001 

I have always been a fan of the zephyr vest. Hardly ever wear a jacket though. My current setup is needing a jacket for below freezing.

ezoons

+1.
Excellent jacket for windy/wet/cold days.
Pity the Small is a little baggy around the waist, but other than that it's all I need for off-season rides. That, and layers.

patentcad

How much you wanna bet I have more miles in sub 35ºF temps in the past three seasons than you have in total there Chuckie? Harden the F Up. Yeah, OK.

patentcad

I typically wear the Zephyr below freezing. I only go to the slightly more involved jacket with the mesh liner in rather extreme cold, I'd say <10 days each winter.

CharlieWoo

Irrelevant and non sequitur

mascher

I used the Mountain Equipment Co-op version of this for years commuting and riding in Montreal. Windproof, treated with something to make it water-resistant in a light rain or wet snow (but not at all waterproof), super light, and with some give under the arms and extra length on the sleeves so it works excellently as a shell over multiple layers.

The MEC version is extra Fred friendly - extra long rear to cover your hindquarters while you're in the saddle (roostertail prevention), scotchlite reflective strips front and back, thumb loops for keeping the sleeves down, velcro adjusters at the cuffs, pit zips, and the best, totally dorky built-in waist strap for packing it into it's own pocket and turning it into a hip pack. I have a red one though, I couldn't live with blaze yellow.

Even better, the year I bought my first one, all MEC cycling gear also came in tall sizes - I have a LT.

https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1196044003011

Down to -25C, I've never once needed more than a wicking base layer, fleece cycling jersey/jacket from mec (that I wear by itself down to about -5C), and on the coldest days, a hooded sweatshirt. You get that cold, it's your hands and feet that you need to worry about.

Just like pcad said, stuff that has any insulation will make you way too hot. I found the same for anything that was supposed to be waterproof. Even the supposedly breathable or gore tex stuff was waaaaaaaay too hot. I felt like an oven bag.

NealH

I purchased the PI Optik vest this past weekend when Performance was offering the 20% off sale. Have not worn it yet but man, is it light. I will be wearing a Sahalie Butterfleece first layer (100 Polartec zip mock turtle), an Ibex Amparo wool jersey, then the Optik Vest. I hope my arms don't get cold. If they do, then I'll may have to get the full jacket also - assuming another thin layer (Smartwool LS Tee) doesn't rectify the issue. My goal, here in NC, is to manage a wide temperature range with basically one dress formula. I want be comfortable, without shedding garments, from about 35 to 60 degrees in dry conditions. This will cover approximately 90% of winter here in NC.

Anyway, the Optik vest, like the Zypher, should be extremely easy to remove and store while riding.

patentcad

Irrelevant non-sequiturs are the heart of BF Chuckie.

CharlieWoo

That's Mr. Woo to you, son.

JBS103

Pcad do you wear any of the Gavia line from PI? It's supposed to be real nice stuff.

patentcad

I have the lightweight gloves. Haven't worn them much yet. I am a Pearl Izumi man however. Love their clothing.

JBS103

That's the one piece that I haven't heard the greatest things about. Someone I ride with said they aren't very warm. You'd be the first to figure that out, though.

The rest of the stuff, jersey especially, has been said to be real comfortable.

Okay, I'll stay on topic.

patentcad

I think you're getting woozy there Chuck.

2cyl

what is all this 25 below talk. does not compute. signed, St Petersburg FL

shawneebiker

Assos Climajet Breaker! Simply the best!!!!!

https://www.assos.com/en/mens/detail....ticle=8&color=

patentcad

Are you talking temps or resident age?

Nachoman

I bought the Pearl Izumi Zephrr jacket a few months ago when it was on sale at Performance. I think I paid about $60.00. I've been waiting for some cold San Diego weather so I can use it. Maybe it will cool down in December or January.