All Purpose jacket
 

I've been looking for an all purpose cycling jacket - rain / winter, commuting/club rides. most folks here seem to endorse the Showers Pass Elite, but thats a bit too pricey for me. Can anyone share thier experiences with the Showers Pass Club Pro ($100), or Double Century ($125)?? Waterproof is a key factor for me, and I understand that with waterproof there is a tradeoff with breathability; so the venilation factor is key. The Showers Pass linup seems to offer alot of venilation in most all their designs.

Also - I've used Pear Izumi stuff and were looking at thier recent lineup, but they don't seem to have the level of venilation built into their design... am I missing something on this for PI??

I appreciate your input on any real work field tests on these products. Thanks!!:thumb:

I don't like Shower Pass stuff. I find it uncomfortable, over-designed, not really useful in the real world, and over-priced to boot. That said, a single do-everything jacket that will be comfortable and work well in all situations is going to make the Shower's Pass stuff look cheap.

Have you tried layering options, especially a good base layer? Good basically means wool, if you're talking about cold and rain. What this is going to do is move the sweat ( or rain ) away from your skin, to keep you dry and warm, in your own little bubble of a micro-climate. Wicking means breathability isn't quite as important, although it's still pretty important. With that and a decent, light mid layer for insulation, just about any jacket should do.

On the cheap, I'd look at discount outlets like Steep and Cheap, or your local Marshalls/TJ Max/whatever for a light rain jacket. This one is cheap, and says it's waterproof.

As I mentioned the key factor for me is a waterproof / breathability. I layer up with wool and that takes care of the insulation & wicking properties. However, some of the shells I've used have caused me to get even more wet from perspiration due to inadequate venilation. The SP jackets look like they have good venilation properties, so I'm wondering if the features in the Elite model vs. lower prices models warrent the premium price.

I believe tsl is from the Rochester/Buffalo area. You may want to check over some of his posts. Also check out the winter forum. To me it comes down to layering and using what is available. a base layer for warmth, another layer for insulation, and a shell for the weather.

For instance today was mid 50's and sunny and I wore a t-shirt, hoodie, and a light windbreaker. Earlier this week it was mid 40's and a light drizzle and i wore a similar set up but changed the windbreaker to a little heavier one and added gloves.

When it gets down to the 30's I will add a long sleeve, and below that I will add a softshell jacket. Cycling specific clothing has its benefits but so do everyday clothes you have lying around.

I agree on the layering aspect. Adventure tech which is a more military grade performance clothing is on close out as Propper is clearing the line. You could layer with a long sleeve pullover for moisture wicking and warmth, plua windshirt for the dual purpose aspect. They have some soft shell jackets as well but then you lose the element of being able to take away and add items when needed for different conditions.

J+G cyclewear is a bit less pricey than the showerspass stuff and from what I hear their waterproof breatheable items are very good and they also have a non breatheable rain jacket that works great but not breatheable.

Agree that Shower's Pass stuff is quite pricey but that's the only issue I have with my Elite 2.0. it's very comfortable (not loose and flapping in the wind and not aero-tight fit either. . .for me, it's just right. Snug enough to not be a sail, yet layers well. Is waterproof, wind proof and as breathable as anything that meets that first category (waterproof) will ever be. Sleeves are cut long so they're just right when riding on the hoods, collar is high enough to be truly functional, is good with just a Craft base layer down to the mid '40s. . .The other SP hard shells are cut considerably looser, , ,way too loose for me . .but that's always a matter of body shape and personal taste.

I think this depends on the weather (ie, 33 degrees and raining is different that 25 degrees and snowing). I have the following options available to me that I use regularly:
1- a J & G cyclewear jacket ($100)
2- a Cloudveil Serendipity softshell ($140)
3- a Black Diamond softshell I got from Costco ($30)
4- a Patagonia 1/2 zip fleece shirt I got from REI at a garage sale ($9)

The Black Diamond is more water-resistant than the Cloudveil. The Cloudveil is more breathable.

If I had only one jacket, it would be the J & G. It is well made, comfortable, and very breathable, though not quite as breathable as the Cloudveil. However, since I ride HARD, no matter the temperature, I still sweat underneath.

Get the J & G, then for insulation add a long sleeve wicking shirt. If it's really cold, add a fleece vest, such as this one. I don't live in Buffalo, but I've worn this combination in temps down to the low 20's and been plenty warm.

Good luck!

I bought an Endura Gridlock jacket a couple of weeks ago and it rocks! The hi-viz color really makes it seen from a distance. It is very high quality, too. Got it for $73 from ChainReactionCycles.com. Only cost $5 for shipping. You won't be disappointed. A few features are as follows:

>Waterproof to 10,000mm, breathable to 10,000g/m2/24hrs
• Lined 2-layer construction
• Fully seam-sealed
• YKK zips throughout
• Front double storm-flap

Ride safe,

Jeff

+1 I whole heartedly endorse the J & G Jacket. I use mine pretty much all year round. I have worn it and been comfortable at 0 F. It seems to function as well as a windbreaker, as it does as a rain jacket.
If you are going to have only one, it is the one to have.

I am.

And I recommended the Endura Gridlock jacket that Jeff bought last week. I'm starting my third winter with mine. Although it needs a wash, it shows no signs of wear.

http://www.endurasport.com/UC/GetIma...le_id=741&im=5

It's my outer layer whenever it's below 50 or so. I commute straight through the Upstate winter with it, just adding and subtracting layers underneath it as the day warrants.

I had today off and rode to lunch and back with a friend. Thirty-two at the start and 54 at the end, all day on the bike, with only one layer beneath the jacket. It has great latitude.

Pit zips, a shoulder vent in back, the cuffs are stiff enough you can brace them open with the velcro to keep your arms cool and dry, and the rear pocket holds my U-lock.

I've got a Showers Pass jacket.... :innocent:

Brand name aside, the most versatile jacket, IMO, is one that lets you add layers underneath, and also does things that the warming layers don't.

I picked up my particular jacket because it has no insulation of its own, is windproof and waterproof, and has several vents. For colder days, I wear things like a sweatshirt underneath; without a shell over it, a sweatshirt isn't windproof at all, but it makes for decent insulation under the jacket.

I agree with all who have emphasized layering. It's in the 30s in the morning here, up to the mid-50s (F) by the commute home, and I usually wear my orange North Face "Hyvent" shell (windproof and waterproof) that I got at a steep discount from Sierra Trading Post. Under that, an UnderArmour soft long-sleeve top, although I hope to upgrade to a few Smartwool or Icebreak merino wool base layer tops when I have the money. If it's really cold, I put a North Face windblocker fleece under the shell, but that gets warm fast.

By the time I go home, I usually open up the collar and the pit zippers on the shell, and would go without it if the wind wasn't an issue. I like the looks of that Endura, though, since it's more cycling specific (hi-vis color, reflective areas). Mine is more multi-purpose, so I wear an ANSI-2 "surveyor's vest" from 3M that I picked up for 12 bucks at Lowes hardware over top of the shell for visibility. It's day-glow yellow, and has wide Scotchlite bars front and back for visibility at dusk (in addition to my many lights and reflective surface on the bike). Cheers!

whatever you choose:

avoid a jacket that flaps!

the noise is apt to drive you crazy
+
flapping clothing is a huge drag

I have a showers pass elite 2.0
I've had it for about 2 years.
honestly, its worth every penny.

it really depends on the weather and how cold you are ridding in.

here in Monterey, to be honest, unless its raining a lot, I mostly ride in layers.
I use a vest and armwarmers

also, the SP Elite 2.0, at least as i use it daily in Oregon, is waterproof *only* if you 1) wash it frequently, AND 2) re-apply water-proofing to it. it's worked Ok for me thus far, but as pointed out by others above, you've got a lot of options at that price range.

For the heavy/endless rain of PNW winters the Elite 2.0 does get warm if you ride with a higher output; taking it easy mitigates in the danger of sweat bath (but does not eliminate the possibility). Is the Elite 2.0 somehow a ventilating miracle? No. Is it a well-designed jacket with all of the standard limitations? Yes. Will SP warranty it? No (or as they told me: an iffy "case by case"). Mine's made in Vietnam, by some very nice people i'm sure.

+1 on the Endura jackets.

My Endura Crosscheck (the predecessor to the Gridlock) was a godsend when I started commuting after I moved to Boston last November. However, above 45 its simply too much jacket.

If you're a medium, there is a great deal to be had on the Bay right now on a Endura Gridlock.

Also, the cutter cyclical jacket is another excellent jacket, also made with eVent fabric. Downside is the visibility, but very light and versatile. Much preferred on club rides.