djbowen1

Anyone have a suggestion for a decent cycling jacket to keep me warm in 30-40 degree temps, i dont want to spend anymore than i have to. I see performance makes a lot of their own branded stuff but the only one with a good review or a review at all for that matter isnt in stock in my size.

Thanks,
David

staehpj1

Not sure if this helps, but I usually just wear a warm (pile) jersey with a shell (windbreaker) over it for that temperature range. At the upper end of the range I might unzip the shell a bit. I do not think the specific models that I use are available anymore, but they were reasonably priced Nashbar branded stuff.

Hezz

I would go to the local discount clothing store like Mervins or whatever. And try to find a powershield type of softshell jacket. It won't be cycling specific but it will work just fine. After christmas is a good time. These are somewhat less expensive that cycling specific types and often can be found on sale for 40 - 50% off.

I got two that were regular 125 USD for 60 USD each. They are cut a little more loose since they are not cycling specific which allows more layering options and are warmer.

Cycling specific jackets of this type of material are around 200 USD from various compaines and are rarely if ever found on sale at significant discounts. You can layer appropriate wicking fleece and synthetic running shirts underneath instead of buying more cycling jerseys. They work better anyway for layers.

Also, Performance has an inexpensive breathable fleece cycling jacket for around 30 USD. Not very wind or water resistant but very breathable. Would work well in below freezing conditions with layering underneath.

chipcom 

J&G Yellowjacket: https://www.bicycleclothing.com/Wind-Jackets.html $49.95

Layer underneath as needed, year round. For 30-40 degrees, a light poly base and a merino wool sweater, both available cheap at target or your local thrift store, will do the job for you just fine.

Hezz

You really can get by with just an inexpensive breathable wind jacket and layer wicking insulation underneath. The softshell jackets breath better but the windbreaker approach works just fine for many. Especially between 30-40 F and if you are not riding really hard for long periods of time.

timmhaan

i agree...a simple wind breaker is a good idea.

i have one from LL bean. it's just a lightweight jacket and if i wear a base layer with long sleve jersey under, i'm fine into the low 30's. it's also good in the rain as well.

CBBaron

Thats our current temps and I am just wearing a winter weight jersey with a tshirt base layer. I guess sometimes it might be nice to keep the rain off or to cut the wind in which case a breathable very light jacket might be nice. I don't get out my softshell until it drops below freezing.
Craig

dekindy

https://www.foxwear.net/products_jackets.html

Evap lite jacket if you ride hard and just need to keep the wind off, evap jacket if you ride slow and need the warmth.. See foxwear clothing review on this same page.

PseudoCrow

+1 Foxwear is great stuff at a great price.

ccrnnr9

I love my cannondale morphis shell. I got mine for 20% of 80$ from nashbar and love it. Sleeves zip off for a vest. I can ride in 35* weather with a craft pro warm baselayer and this shell and I am fine.
~Nick

GiantDave

+1 for evap Foxwear jacket. The weather has been mild here in Indy (hi 20's to 50's) I wear the evap with a lite layer (wool) under it and arrive at work pretty toasty. Its a great wind blocker and is weather resistant--but not water proof. Mine is the "wet spring, fall, winter" version for $74.95 in bright yellow!

capejohn

I bought a fleece vest for that little extra needed once in a while.

oilfreeandhappy

+1 on the J&G jacket. I wear a T-Shirt and a sweatshirt underneath.

DataJunkie

+2 on the J&G jacket. I wear a jersey and a poly long john top under mine.

Paniolo

To me it is all about fit and venting. In that temp range any thin wind blocking material with whatever base and mid layer make you comfortable will work fine. The more expensive materials typically don't make as much noise and offer more waterproofness.

For fit you want something that offers good wrist and back coverage, does not bind the shoulders in a cycling position and is formfitting so it doesn't billow in the wind but still allows for layering underneath. Because of these requirements I've found cycling specific items to be a good choice.

Venting is like a chimney ... the outlets are either a mesh (or fleece) back, a vented back and/or pit zips. The flue, or inlets, are the front zipper, adjustable sleeve cuffs and sometimes a zip chest pocket with mesh backing.

Nice touches are a brushed collar for comfort when all sealed up. Pockets so you don't have to dig underneath are handy. I prefer the traditional 3 rear pockets to the single zip rear or zip side pockets.

The most cost effective jacket I have is a PI Zephyr I got in the low $30 range. It has good fit and a brushed collar and is light weight and stuffable in a jersey pocket if it warms up. It lacked venting, so I ripped out 8" or so of the sleeve hems in both pits. When the front is zipped I can barely notice the open "pit zips" but when I warm up I can unzip the front and exhaust the hot air out.

no motor?

+1

dobber

At 30°, I'm just entertaining the thought of maybe wearing a little bit more.

A good old hooded sweatshirt should do.

dekindy

I purchased the Louis Garneau Gloucester jacket at my LBS for $99. It is heavier than I originally intended and does not have pit zippers either. You can regulate it easily by simply unzipping and zipping the front zipper while riding. I like it well. The only negative is that the front pocket zippers get the wind flap caught in them if I am not careful. So far I have been able to free it without ripping the fabric.