OK, so... trying to get things done on a budget. I live in the southeast, with winter temperatures that fluctuate wildly. We'll have a few days of temps in the teens overnight with highs in the 20's, followed by a week or two of 70/50 degree weather. Due to weather patterns, we almost never have precipitation when we have extreme cold temperatures. Rain in the 50's? Yeah, figure that'll happen. Days where the temp is in the 20s and 30s? Yep, I'll have that, too.

But it's unlikely that I'll have to ride in 35 degree rainfall more than once or twice a year. Or that I'll have to ride when it's snowing. We get several dustings each year, but only 6" or more in a single go every couple of years, and on days like that, I can work from home anyway.

Also, my commute is only 6 1/2 miles, and I have access to a shower and gym at work.

So... I don't need a massive rain jacket that handle serious extremes.

What I'm unsure about is whether a water-resistant jacket (that I could use a nice windbreaker outer shell) is going to be sufficient for a 20 minute commute in the rain, or if I need to drop the extra coin on a waterproof jacket that I'll only wear when it's actually wet outside.

We don't know what your budget is. But if your commuting everyday in all kinds of weather. Then it might be more economical in the long run to get a good cycling jacket like a Showers Pass or a J&G jacket. Either one of those can handle the stuff you mentioned. I wear my Showers Pass from the single digits up to the 70's.

For once in a while kind of rain..the O2 cycling jacket is about $28 and is breathable. I picked up one a few years ago and it's still good. Think it's perforated, plastic coated Tyvec or something like that....wouldn't get the pants for riding though, I've seen the welded seam split in the seat....duct tape fixes it right up it if seperates.

Get a merino (wool) base layer, and whatever jacket you can get most cheaply. Since your conditions fluctuate so much but aren't terribly cold, and also because you have a shower at work, you'll probably do best by making wet conditions tolerable. You could spend $600 on a goretex jacket, and I'd envy you, but you'll sweat in it and wind up wet anyway.

It rains constantly here from October to May, and I don't use a waterproof jacket. I have a cheap Performance Century II jacket that I wear when it's below 60. Below 50, I add arm warmers. Below 40, I wear a long sleeve wool baselayer. It very rarely gets below 30 here.

For water resistance, you can't beat human skin. Manage warmth and avoid cotton and the water isn't an issue.

Thanks for all of your opinions. The Performance Century II is exactly what I'm looking at for my outer shell, with added layers as the temp drops.

I've been using a Target-purchased Champion jacket that's pretty wind- and water-proof. It has knitted panels on the side of the sleeves and body, so it breathes nicely. I use it down to the upper 30s (F) with just a shirt underneath. ~$30.

I find a vest a useful addition instead of a jacket. 50 degrees isn't cold enough for a shell on my arms when wearing a light sweater.

Duluth Shoreman's Jacket. Works down to 15 F. Below that throw on a softshell jacket and you'll be all set for winter. Substitute a hardshell for the rain.

But one is all you need.

I'm beginning my third season with an Endura Gridlock jacket.


It's too warm over 50, but for 50 and below, it's a great outer layer. Lots of vents, works well in the rain, keeps the wind out too.

Best of all, full MSRP is only $99. It can be found for considerably less online.

OK. I'm on the low-tech side of this argument. I bought two hi-viz shells (they might be Canari and are bike-specific...) shells a number of years ago for $5 each. I figured they would quickly disintegrate, so I decided to try wearing one of them out. No such luck. I've got at least another 5 years to ago, I figure.

There's no insulation, no venting, nothing fancy, but I can wear it to about 0F depending on the number of wool sweaters I can fit under.

The most important aspect of this type of jacket is that: 1) it's not insulated 2) it's wind blocking 3) it is visible like a set of running lights.

I have a Race Face Tempest. It is wind proof and breathable. It was affordable to me, and I'm on a tight budget. I love it on colder days with the appropriate layering under it, and it's good on sunny days too because it doesn't get too hot inside it. Lots of pockets, lots of vents.

I'm a big fan of vests for layering. I own four fleece vests; they're extremely versatile.

Dress in layers. I have a light shell (actually an Adidas spring/fall type jacket) with a technical tee (Walmart knockoff) and if it gets cold enough I put on a long-sleeve shirt between the tee and the shell. No need to buy a heavy jacket. Good luck!

I prefer water resistant to waterproof. I find waterproof jackets just make me sweat even for my short 4.5 mile commute. With a breathable outer layer I find the water stays off me.

The only thing with the breathable water resistant fabrics is you need to use woolite (there is tech soap but it looks and foams exactly like woolite to me so I think it's the same) and re-apply water resistance (you just add it to the rinse cycle) every once in awhile. that is not too much maintenance for comfort.

How about the Transformer with the zip off sleeves? A vest will do a lot of what you're looking for with the right layers.

I thought long and hard about that for just exactly the reasons you mentioned. I was able to check it out at the local PBS (handy for sizing stuff, then buying online for better discounts if available). It has pretty good venting (the sleeves connect via a flap across entire rear shoulder area, which has mesh underneath it). What decided me against it was the abundance of poor reviews that all stated the poor quality of the zippers on the sleeves themselves.

____________________________________________________________

I just ordered one of these based on the reviews and the hi vis color is very appealing. I'm hoping the sleeves are long enough for my 36'' arms. I'll provide an update after it arrives. Also, ChainReaction has them for $80 shipped right now.

Ride safe,

Jeff

They are gorilla-length.

I wear a 34" sleeve in dress shirts. I own the large Gridlock. Stretched-out in the drops there's still enough sleeve left that it looks like I've pushed them up.

I layer my clothing. When the temps hit about 50 I use a light wind breaker as an outer shell that I got from a discount store.

Instead of a light duty winter jacket I dress in layers for my commute. Typically I wear a long-sleeve base layer shirt (I got a couple on the cheap from CostCo last year), a long sleeve jersey and a lightweight wind breaker. Temps right now are in the 40s in the morning and low 70s for the evening ride home. When we get a little further into Fall/Winter and the temps drop into the 30s in the morning I add a fleece vest and wear a wool cap under my helmet.

I also have a waterproof Craft jacket, but that doesn't see much action. I bought it last year thinking it would be good for rainy days but I found I prefer the layers over the jacket.

My commute is 22 to 25 miles each way.

I got a cheap fleece vest for $10 at TJ Max that I've used for a few years now....works great. Under I just layer various short and long t-shirts based on temperature. I pay absolutely no attention to type of materials, and if anything actually prefer cotton -- anything works fine, just don't over dress.

lightest weight, but warmest fleece you can afford. merino wool or warmer capilene / polyester blend type baselayer. fleece is perfect for biking. then use old rain jacket or any shell as outer later if really windy or raining