Originally Posted by
kccommuter
@MNBikeCommuter - your weather conditions are similar to mine. What shell/jacket are you using and how is it working?
I had to go look. :-) It's by Simms, a fishing supply company in Bozeman, MT. Being many years old, a quick look at their website doesn't bring up anything similar. It's just a nylon windbreaker with hood. More importantly, it doesn't have the typical urethane coating to make it waterproof/resistant. As you said you're just wanting something for dry conditions, there's a lot of excess discussion here on waterproof materials.
My take and experience on breathability and windproof is that they aren't mutually exclusive. The nylon windproof fabric of this (cheap, with a nod to tjspiel's similar attitude) windbreaker does a decent job of blocking the wind, but at the same time, wicks sweat to the outside. Likewise, if I get caught in the rain, it'll wick it right back in. And that's fine, as I've got the same needs as you: something for a cold and dry ride. But trying to find a nylon windbreaker without that urethane coating is a challenge....
Ventile sounds intriguing. Given the right weave and cotton's wicking capacity, it could certainly be the ticket.