Originally Posted by
hopperja
I think this depends on the weather (ie, 33 degrees and raining is different that 25 degrees and snowing). I have the following options available to me that I use regularly:
1- a
J & G cyclewear jacket ($100)
2- a
Cloudveil Serendipity softshell ($140)
3- a Black Diamond softshell I got from Costco ($30)
4- a Patagonia 1/2 zip fleece shirt I got from REI at a garage sale ($9)
The Black Diamond is more water-resistant than the Cloudveil. The Cloudveil is more breathable.
If I had only one jacket, it would be the J & G. It is well made, comfortable, and very breathable, though not quite as breathable as the Cloudveil. However, since I ride HARD, no matter the temperature, I still sweat underneath.
Get the J & G, then for insulation add a long sleeve wicking shirt. If it's really cold, add a fleece vest, such as
this one. I don't live in Buffalo, but I've worn this combination in temps down to the low 20's and been plenty warm.
Good luck!
+1 I whole heartedly endorse the J & G Jacket. I use mine pretty much all year round. I have worn it and been comfortable at 0 F. It seems to function as well as a windbreaker, as it does as a rain jacket.
If you are going to have only one, it is the one to have.