Originally Posted by
jefnvk
I was kinda going in the opposite direction: Durable, a bit nicer, sacrificing weight for comfort and quality. I've got something light and almost as good already (and in a very loud hiviz green).
Had an ideal one I ordered on stupid closeout, a 66 North Grandi rain parka. Awesome quality, but the sizing chart was way off and they didn't have anything left in stock that would presumably fit me. In any case, I've more or less decided for this purpose I'm going regular hardshell, not cycle specific. I've got two months to watch sales, no rush at all.
REI just had a 20% coupon that ended and I'm waiting for the annual May sale. One thing to consider, and this may be subjective, but a regular shell will likely have an attached hood which may or may not be in the way. Personally, I don't wear a hood while riding because it obstructs my vision and whenever I have one for my commutes I find that it a. flaps too much b. blocks my rear-view mirror
I also wanted to upgrade to a nicer 'all-around' waterproof shell but haven't been able to make that decision. One intriguing option I found was the hi-vis commuter Altura jackets from Wiggle (with a detachable hood that you have to buy separately):
wiggle.com | Altura Night Vision Waterproof Jacket | Cycling Waterproof Jackets (they only have the red now, but used to have hi-viz yellow and blue)
wiggle.com | Altura Night Vision Evo Hood | Cycle Headwear
Or the more aggressive but less flashy MTB version which comes with a detachable hood (in fact, I like this one much more but wish there was a bit of reflective paint on it):
wiggle.com | Altura Mayhem Waterproof Jacket | Cycling Waterproof Jackets