carleton

For what it's worth, North Face has a great customer service policy. I had a jacket that was several years old start to come apart at the seams. Took it to the local North Face store with no receipt (bought it at Macy's) and it was obviously an older model. They didn't care. They shipped it back to a service center and they repaired it and returned it to me at no charge within about 10 days. I was impressed.

Dr. Banzai

That rules. I just had a similar experience with Castelli. Shipped it (jacket) back to realcyclist and they replaced it well outside their 30 day window under the manufacturer's policy.

Good customer service goes along way.

PedallingATX

Patagonia R4 jacket is the best piece of winter outerwear I have ever owned. It's not too thick or obnoxious looking, it repels water well, it breaks the wind and it's two fleece layers keep you super warm.

Granted, the winters in Austin aren't as bad as in the PNW, but last winter was super wet and cold for us and this jacket held up like a champ.

Dr. Banzai

Cold as in what, 70f? lol

illdthedj

any recommendations for rain resistant pants good for riding? ie water proof but comfortable for riding in? possibly any bicycle specific rain type pants?

PedallingATX

whoa let's not get carried away...but it did get down into the low '80s...

seriously, tho, i rode w/ that jacket and a t-shirt underneath during long rides on 40f and raining days. Again, not that cold but the jacket was great and it repelled the rain like a champ. Besides, lots of ppl have given it great reviews who are from super cold places

Dr. Banzai

If you wanna drop $90 on a waterproof cycling spec jacket hit swrve up:

https://www.swrvestore.com/servlet/Detail?no=50

M_S

It doesn't get that cold in Portland. Just stop wearing cotton, yeesh.

MRI

My experience with leg warmers is that they fall down if they aren't tucked into the bottom of cycling shorts. I'd go with fleece long underwear. I bought mine at JC Penny's for about $20 3 years ago and still have them. As far as waterproof pants, I just ear mid-range rubber pants from Wal-Mart sporting goods dept ($20-30 if I remember correctly) and either tuck them into wool socks or get one of those reflective pants clips. It looks dorky, but it works. If you get hot just wear shorts under the rubber pants.

NinetiesKid

It looks like it is 50 to me, seems like a very sweet deal. Thanks!

To the OP, since you are working on your bike, definitely invest in cycling specific gear. It keeps you dry, keeps you warm, and is durable. Later it might be wise to build or buy a bike that has fenders.

Also, I've had a lot of luck buying women's cycling specific clothing. The sizes that go on clearance because they don't sell for women fit me perfectly. Last winter I got a wind breaker, water resistant jacket, and a pair of rain pants for <$50 at REI. Fit and work amazingly, and you cant tell its womens stuff.

Not sure if anyone else

Sixty Fiver

I would take our very cold and very dry winters over those they get in the PNW any day.