Originally Posted by
Cyclosomatic
I live in what I consider an incredibly moderate climate: i don't think it's ever been less than 55 degrees when I've ridden, and usually when it rains it is closer to the low 60s. I commute on average about 25 miles a day. On a busy (but usually fair-weathered day) i can push 50.
That makes a big difference. I've got an REI Stratos jacket that I like a lot, but if it's more than about 55 degrees out (coincidentally) I end up sweating like a pig on my 10-mile commute. This jacket has arm-pit vents, which help a lot, but in my experience waterproof and breathable only play together so much, no matter what the marketing says. I hear good things about other brands (Showers Pass, Gore), but I suspect they're still pretty warm in this temperature range. Below 50, my Stratos jacket is outstanding. Above 55, I'd be willing to use it on sub-5-mile rides. If it's over 55, I use a cheap Performance Century II jacket which isn't waterproof at all and soaks through in about 10 minutes, but it keeps me clean. If it's over 65, I just get wet and count on the sweat to wash away the grime.