Originally Posted by
AdvXtrm
I'm looking for a cool weather, as in something that will be good for in 50s F range. Something cycling specific, but not racer wannabe cut, so something with at least a little room inside. Not sure about others here, but for me, I just want some wind-stopper on the front of it, but I need more breathable material on the back, as that's where I end up overheating and sweating too much, especially the back of the shoulder area. I found the Specialized Element 1.5, which looks to be exactly what I'm looking for in a jacket, but I'm wondering if there are other options out there that also have this kind of hybrid material arrangement as well; do you know of any?
I thought softshells were stupid. Not quite a raincoat, not quite a fleece, like a shell with no water resistance. What's the point?
I found one on sale and tried it. I now do 90% of my riding in it when it's below 50 degrees. The breathability and wind resistance makes mine feel super comfortable in a huge range of temperatures. With a long-sleeved shirt, I can go from 30º to 55º before I need to make a change.
I don't think you need to get the same one I have, specifically, but here's what I like about my softshell:
1. It has ventilated pockets and pit zips, and a full-length zipper. This lets me control my temperature throughout a ride by opening/closing holes.
2. It has a hood, which I can slip under my helmet when things get cold or wet. My jacket even has a little bungee cord to roll the hood out of the way when not in use, which I use frequently.
3. There seems to be two types of softshells; some are very thick and heavy-duty, and others are thin, like a windshirt. I like the thin ones better. Mine's about in the middle. It has a Windstopper lining, but otherwise is thin and light (~10oz). The thick ones are just too much for cycling, better for campfires.
My softshell is the Mammut Ultimate Hoody. I highly recommend for cycling, the cut is just long enough for me but you may have more torso (I have a short torso for my height).
Other great options would be the Outdoor Research Ferrosi windshirt or the RAB Boreas/Ventus. These are super thin and super light, they feel like shirts more than jackets, but the wind resistance makes them perfect for your temperature range and perfect for breathability. I own a Rab and wear it mostly in deep winter, over an insulated jacket, when things go below 10ºF. Kelley wears it year-round.