f33dback

I'm currently trying to figure out the best course of action here. I'm also confused. I'm on the market for a softshell and was hoping to find one I could use both on and off the bike. Can anyone chime in on both the good and the bad of using non cycling specific cycling jackets in the winter? I found several slim fit jackets that seemed to satisfy the sleeve- and back-length issues. I've read about how non cycling specific gear can contribute to wind resistance or expose your lower back, but how does slim-fit (non-cycling specific) perform ? I know some commuters use regular gear, how does the slightly more serious racing/training crowd view the use of regular gear? Looking for something that can serve me well for 2-5 hour rides. Any experiences or insights would be more than welcome. I've read about people using cheap Columbia fleece and others raving about their sleeveless Gore Phantom 2 jackets.

I'd rather buy one jacket and invest in additional layers instead of having to buy separate on-bike and off-bike jackets. Experiences riders - what's your take on the situation?

One of the jackets I tried on was a Summit Series jacket from North Face. It was both stretchy and decently water and wind resistant. Tried on a Patagonia Adze as well, but that was not as form-fitting and it was ridiculously heavy.

I realize visibility can be an issue, but that's not a deal-breaker for me at this point - that can be compensated for.

Has anyone used regular (fitted) fleece on a road bike with any success? How bad is the wind resistance with fleece? Would fleece work for shorter rides or is it a total no-go?

fietsbob

Tubby old man I went with Un Slim .. Parkas to wear more layers beneath It.

Fleece is a Knit , without a Membrane , eg windstopper . air-flow goes right thru it , then it is better under the coat.

79pmooney

As I am one with long arms, I outreach almost all non-cycing jackets when I ride. I am also a big fan of 2 way main zippers as the bottoms can be started to ride comfortably over jersey pocket filled for multi-hour rides. (I no longer even consider jackets without two way zippers.)

2-5 hours is a long time to be in clothing that isn't right. An hour commute - maybe. (I won't. I used to when I was young, but now I feel life is just too short to compromise comfort.)

For me, high visibility when I ride is a no-brainer. And being cycling specific, my way too bright jackets are a little more acceptable off the bike. "Oh, you ride. Good for you for being so visible"

Ben

79pmooney

I did pick up a Patagonia fleece last winter as a winter layer. Under a shell it is good down to well below freezing. Remove the shell and just leave a short sleeve jersey over it and it is good up to about 45 and bearable though I will sweat a lot up to mid 50s with the sleeves pushed up.

Ben

f33dback

Thanks for the quick replies! So what's the deal with wind resistance on these non cycling specific jackets? Will I feel like I'm a space shuttle deploying its parabrake?

bigfred 

Mrs. Fred was initially resistant to the idea of purchasing expensive cycling specific items and insisted on trying to use more affordable general use items. She has since converted to paying for the cycling specific items and then taking a slight fashion hit by using them for stuff other than cycling in order to further justify their purchase price. She's much happier with the later approach. For some of the reasons listed by the OP and others: longer sleeves, better lower back coverage, better form fitting without relying on stretch, pockets or access to them, etc.

Her prime example would be her 2XU windstopper fleece jacket. She's wears that thing around like a badge of honor, as if to say, "Yes, I am a cyclist. And, yes, I cycle in conditons that warrant owning this. You got a problem with that?"