some_guy282

Reading through the posts on this forum, I see many people say that their jacket is actually the lightest layer of all their clothing. I've also seen it said to avoid jackets with internal fleece liners. I had some preconceptions and thoughts about what I wanted from a winter cycling jacket beforehand, but after reading this forum I'm starting to wonder if my expectations are unrealistic, and if they can be salvaged at all.

The fleece liner thing for instance. Wouldn't it be alright to get one with a removable liner? I see many people say they wear a layer of fleece anyway when it gets cold. I was hoping for something I could wear for the windy fall days, and then put the fleece liner back in when it gets colder during the winter. I'd also like it to be able to use it when I'm not on the bike at all. Is wanting a jacket I can use when not cycling, during both the fall and winter too much? If not, can any of you make suggestions on a particular jacket? I'd like to be able to order it through my LBS if at all possible, because I'd like to give them the business. But if getting the best jacket for me means getting it elsewhere, then I will...Money isn't really an issue for me. I'm willing to shell out a few hundred bucks for a good jacket that will keep me warm and comfortable. However, I'd like it to be the jacket for me.

richardmasoner

Having a removable liner would seem to me to be more hassle than it's worth. You get too warm, so you remove TWO layers, unzip the liner and put it back on. Except by now you've cooled down and you're shivering so you have to put that liner back in.

But that's just me.

MichaelW

My winter/fall jacket is a Paramo Cuzco. It has been superceeded by
https://www.paramo.co.uk/UK/acatalog/...ex-16-168.html
The liner is similar in weight to a very thin fleece so it is good for cool days. It is totally windproof, highly breathable and rainproof to expedition standards.
The downsides for use a a cycling jacket are the bulk and weight when compared to a Gortex Paclite style. I dont use it as a touring jacket, when I would keep it packed away most of the time; it is a jacket for wearing not carrying.

Bekologist

fleece and waterproof for not biking as well? Look at a Mammut Hybrid pro jacket, w/b soft shell with zip out insulated vest. Marmot Mountain Works makes one of their precip lightweight raincoats with an inside removable pile jacket. Columbia sportswear makes A LOT of jackets with removable inner jackets, but these are very general use, heavy, and well suited for downhill skiing, less so for biking.

LL Bean has a new Vortx 3 in 1 jacket that looks heavy.


All of these jackets would be too heavy for fitness cycling even at zero degrees but would work fine for jerking around off the bike, or riding a few blocks to go to the store in a blizzard.

With all those 3 in 1 jackets you are paying a lot of extra money to add a zip in liner; most outdoorsy folk just get a shell jacket and layer underneath. Good nonbiking specific shells, try-

Marmot precip shell jacket, 99 bucks. with lots of flecco tape, the marmot Essence jacket, $159.With a zip in soft shell jacket, the Marmot Cold Front, $250.

Urbanmonk

Get the fleece-lined jacket for all off-bike pursuits; get the thin shell, specifically designed for biking, for biking. The sweat you will be producing will make the fleece-lined jacket smell after a couple of rides. I am a minimalist also, and try to combine purchases and mulitipurpose as much as possible, but with some things it just makes sense to have two. You won't regret it. Just my opinion.

Cheers

some_guy282

I don't think it would be... Like I said, I'd just have the liner instead of wearing another fleece like everyone else seems to when it gets really cold...

Portis

I can't think of anything that would be LESS useful. Have you ridden in the cold? The outer layer should basically be for wind protection. I am not going to argue with you, just consider that you have been warned many times.

some_guy282

Yes, I have. But last year wasn't that cold. I only started riding in May of last year. I basically just used my regular clothes. My distances at the time weren't long, five miles at the most. But I'd always end up too hot and a little sweaty. This year is going to be colder though, or so they say.

I really wanted something multipurpose, but after hearing all your comments, with other things I've seen on the board, I guess my expectations were unrealistic.

Marge

Unfortunately you live in New York! You would never get away with wearing the
cycling apparel of Seattle, the fashion police would arrest you. That being said you want layers, so you can strip if your hot , put on if your cold. Great gloves are
essential.

GreyGoat

for a wind breaker, tho I seldom use one, the one I do have is made by hind and is vented and folds up small as a pair of undies.. I much prefer full breathability of a long sleeve jersey over a polypro top... wind doesn really blow thru the layers that much.. but if it's cold enough and it does, this jacket is enough without being bulky, lose, or too big to stuff somewhere when not in use..

CBBaron

I think your going to want to layer under a jacket even if its only a base layer. I am considering getting something like the REI One jacket. Something lightweight so I could wear it with just a T in cool weather or I could add a fleece sweatshirt or similar for when it gets cold.
So I have been researching soft-shell jackets trying to find one reasonably priced that will meet most of my needs. A removable liner seems overly complex to me.
Craig