Gore Windstopper fabric is great. I rely on an Exte-Ondo Windstopper jacket in cold conditions, but it was not cheap. Watch eBay for good deals on lightly used expensive clothing.

I think you are thinking too hard about this. 30-40F is not really very cold. Just put another long sleeve layer on or just put a light windbreaker that weighs next to nothing over whatever you are already wearing. You will get more comfort from making sure you have the right hand and head insulation.

For commuting in below-40F temps I wear a white Columbia softshell over work clothes. Very warm. Sometimes I partially unzip for cooling.

It has to get down into the 20s before I am comfortable in a soft shell. And that is with a light weight one. I have several and I will only ride with the lighter ones.

I use a Kombi Merino wool top as a base layer. I bought mine for about $15 at a discount store. It is soft, warm, and does not retain odor like other posters have mentioned. On top of that I wear a hooded sweatshirt and a wind breaker.

This is where my search for a jacket led me also. Lou's got quite the rep going for several years back. I should be seeing my jacket from him any day now. Oh, and his prices are really reasonable.

I purchased this jacket a month ago on tsl's advice and couldn't be happier. Check it out on chainreactioncycles.com. $82 includes shipping. Wore mine this morning in 25 degree weather with a heavy weight wicking top. Rode home this afternoon with it on in 45 degree temp with a thin top and it was fine. I feel more comfortable in the high vis colors so cagers are more apt to see me.

Ride safe,

Jeff

I'm checking out the Gridlock and I definitely like the price point, and with your recommendations that very well may be the way to go.

Any input on this Jacket? I'm not sure what to think on PBK it says "Waterproof/breathable/stretch front and sleeves" which makes me suspect the front isn't wind proof. But it sounds like weatherproof may indeed include wind..

Thanks for your help again everyone and I meant to reply sooner. Just stayed up all night studying so I figured finally replying was the least I could do.

https://shop.pearlizumi.com/product.p...575801&outlet=

PI makes quality products. I recently purchased the soft shell jacket, and really like it for comfort and warmth.

I bought this jacket https://www.rei.com/product/805102the weather started getting cooler in fall. So far I've worn it down to 19 degrees, with a thin merino wool base layer under it and I stay plenty warm. The arms tend to get a little sweaty sometimes, but the jacket does have zip off sleeves and a vent in the back. I am guessing I don't have the hang of cold weather dressing yet and tend to get too hot.
It's got a nice fleece lined neck for keeping my neck warm on the cold mornings.
I don't ride in the rain, so I can't tell you about that part.
Pretty sure I got the jacket for $60 at the local REI store.

Alright so I'm narrowing it down. Have a moment for lunch at work and I've browsed over.
Gridlock by Endura: The best price point, highest recommendations. It seems a bit bigger and bulkier then I wanted and a bit much for casual wear after I get off the bike. But form over function right? and it fits the ticket.
Endura Windchill: probably the one I like best as far as on the bike style goes. However i'm a bit concerned about how weather proof it is. I really only want something with excellent windproof properties, I wore a surfing rash guard riding the other night and that with just a normal sweater did me right so this may be more then enough. a bit pricier then the Gridlock. Just found a review that clarified the wind proofing. probably not exactly what I need
and 3 swrve hoodies.
This and This and this. I've heard good things about swrve products and I'm beginning to think I may not need as much protection as I originally thought, plus I like the style decently enough. So all of these are up for consideration. The swrves still need to be more thoroughly researched when I have the time.