combo rain/winter wind outer layer?
 

I need both rain gear and wind breaker wear for the low temps in the winter. Is there something I can buy that would cover both? I just got a Patagonia supercell jacket, but it's black! Maybe I can use that anyway, with a reflective vest over it, but what can I use for pants that will go over my leggings, cut the wind chill and can be used in the summer when it rains?


Thanks!

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=2158

I like these, I'm going to try them. Gortex and wind proof $100.

yes, goretex will definitely do the trick for outer layers. when it's not raining and it's not super-cold, tights are funner though..i find i always go slower in pants.

sd

I find goretex too clammy. Ive had better results with pertex pants.
My current wind/waterproof is by Paramo. In cool conditions it works better than any goretex, but it is too warm for summer.

Not sure of the fabric, but I've been thoroughly happy with my Gill Traverse jacket & Freedom pants. Alone, the Traverse jacket is not much in the way of winter wear, but with proper layering, it is awesome. Rode into work this morning with a merino wool base layer, cotton T-shirt, fleece arm warmers, and the jacket. It was 32 degrees, and I was perfect.

I've ridden in torrential downpours the last couple of months too, and the jacket and pants have performed great. They can get hot when its warm enough (70+ degrees), but I'd opt for something thinner and lighter still if it were that warm. Zip pits help.

I got a pair of the men's version of these recently and have used them a few times already, including when it wasn't too cold. Highly recommend them.

http://www.rei.com/product/47581491....HP_CYCLING_TOC

I'm one of those "old schoolers"(a nice way of saying incredibly cheap!) I use layers of wool and an army poncho. I'd have to sign a contract with the devil to afford some of this gore tex gear!

Where does one find Paramo?

Those are cheaper than goretex. I wonder how they do against a wicked wind? I"m in Madison, WI. I wear tights 90% of the time, but I don't want to stop riding just because its 17 degrees! :) I'd probably do find with just a nylon outer layer, but I go far enough that I want something made for cycling, with the tapered legs, roomy knees, not too hot, cuts the wind. Don't want too much?

I used to have an Eddie Bauer Goretex jacket about 15 years ago. I gave it away because I felt like I was suffocating in it. I thought maybe there were improvements :) I never tried to bike in the thing though.

I do know that the out layer I tried the other day (my summer jacket) had the wind whistling through me when I rode this week.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...egory_ID=1130#

Has anyone tried these? They claim to be wind and waterproof.

Paramo details at
http://www.paramo.co.uk/US/acatalog/...oofing-16.html

The 2 jackets best suited to cycling are the Valez smock and the Cuzco jacket, but the latter has no underam vents so it is 3 season (spring/fall/winter). I use a Cuzco as a casual jacket for riding around town, commuting and for longer rides.

This is the one I use:
http://www.paragonsports.com/Paragon...IID=5354-FJ306

Has a hood that's helmet compatible, soft lightweight fabric. Rainproof, for the most part, completely wind proof, and when it gets warm, underarm zips for ventilation.

http://www.paragonsports.com/Paragon...et_seag_cl.jpg

As far as outer shells are concerned, for goretex, this is pretty bright plus the construction's top notch: http://www.paragonsports.com/Paragon...IID=5354-GJ404
I've been wearing one for almost a decade and it still looks brand new.

http://www.paragonsports.com/Paragon...4_gumbo_cl.jpg

Ouch, four hundred and fifty clams. Only thing I could think of was Willis and Wayans from the Last Boyscout

Joe Hallenbeck: Leather pants.
Jimmy Dix: Yeah.
Joe Hallenbeck: What's something like that run?
Jimmy Dix: Six-fifty.
Joe Hallenbeck: Six hundred and fifty dollars?
Jimmy Dix: Yeah.
Joe Hallenbeck: They're pants.
Jimmy Dix: Yeah.
Joe Hallenbeck: You wear them?
Jimmy Dix: YES.
Joe Hallenbeck: They don't, like, have a TV in them or something?
Jimmy Dix: Nope.
Joe Hallenbeck: I am very old.

Not to say it isn't probably top-notch gear and you've apparently gotten your moneys worth out of it. Guess this is a case of "you get what you pay for"

Wonder if the wife would notice the charge..........maybe I could fob it off as an Xmas type expense?

I find lightweight Goretex very comfy. It's only clammy when I wear it with the weather too warm. I was lucky enough to find a nice lightweight hooded goretex jacket for $60 on clearance. I believe the brand is Pacific Trail. Check sportsmansguide.com or bargainoutfitters.com. I think I just saw them there the other day, but I don't remember the price. They only had black, but I just wear my reflective vest with it. One of those websites also had brand new German mil surplus Goretex pants for $20 if you don't mind olive drabe. They are very nice. Check down a bit for a thread by me called More Goretex Pants for more detail on fit, etc.