Maybe Lou didn't like the meal that Isaac sent him!

You guys are talking about some good jackets. The Novara Stratos 2.0 is on sale right now at REI. Tempted to get one now myself!!!!

update #2 on Stratos -did a city group ride yesterday morning, about 20F. It was only 10 miles and very leisurely pace but not a whole lot slower than my commute pace. Again, I was colder at the start than in the past but warmed up quickly. No sweat on merino base layer at the end - first time. I can see this jacket might not be the best for warmer temps but that's an assumption. I'm still pursuing a softshell windproof option

hey Isaac, Lou said he mailed your jacket... now he can work on ours!

Yeah!

Is it there yet?

I am surprised Banerjek didn't partron this thread.
He would have suggested gore tex active shell jacket like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Gore-Oxygen-Go...dp/B007AN992A/

gore-tex is semi breathable, and active shell is light enough. the jacket is windproof/waterproof on the front and breathable on the back because that part is not polyester, so your sweat doesn't accumulate. Might be worth a try.

balaclava

I got my jacket in the mail today from Lou at Foxwear. It's well made and fits pretty well, although I won't be able to take a test ride to try it out for a while. I'm looking forward to trying it out, and will let you know what I think later.

Fits pretty well? Maybe this means I'll get mine soon?!

great thread guys you have given me many links to check out. Very interested in hearing more and seeing some pictures of the Foxwear jackets.

Yep, it's a little big in the torso and neck but the sleeves are just right. That may change when I use it while riding - it's a better fit than most off the shelf jackets I have. I got bright yellow materials with reflective strips on it, and it stands out way more than my Illuminte stuff.

I got my order a couple of days after his, so I'd guess you'd get yours by the end of the week. It's supposed to be warmer here then too, I may get to check mine out before spring after all!

mid 30's here this week, talking about highs in the teens next - perfect test weather. I ended up getting the most expensive jacket he makes - made the mistake of saying I wanted a "do everything" jacket

I got to ride in mine for the first time today. The weather was very unusual too, I had a tailwind that was strong enough to notice today, and could feel the air coming in from the back during some of the stronger gusts. The arms fit great, I've never owned a jacket where I could move my arms so easily as this one. Sleeve length was perfect too, I usually end up with a gap between the cuff and my gloves when I stick my arms out. I got to work and was slightly warm today, and would have been either too warm or too cold wearing my other gear, I think you'll be very happy with yours arsprod. Especially if you get the tailwind I had this morning!

I got mine last night. I have to admit I was underwhelmed when I opened the package - for what I spent I expected... well... more! However, the fit is excellent - I have a sleeve problem too but the opposite of no motor - I'm short and usually have a sleeve's worth of fabric at the end of my arm. This jacket is perfect.

But the proof is in the performance. Today was the first ride - 13F with a headwind (weather service said 4F with windchill). It's much more windproof than the Novara Stratos - MUCH more! I've determined that the Stratos is good to about mid/low 30's - below that it let's too much air in and I'm cold. I didn't feel any cold air with the Foxwear and was much less sweaty when I arrived. So, it's more windproof and more breathable - so much for first impressions. BTW, I got the NeoShell Rain Jacket - exactly the same as the one in the picture but Lou added a hood (no charge). I'm pretty excited - more test results to come!

I was a little underwhelmed when I looked at mine at first, but after washing it then wearing it while commuting I knew I'd made the right choice. I figured he knew what to make after talking with him, and wasn't disappointed after wearing it. I do wonder about the pockets though, I'd want a way to keep them closed before riding with a smartphone in them.

mine have velcro - yours dont?

I use a Fila Ascent bonded jacket, got it on woot for 20 bucks. Works great. Yesterday in 9 F, -10F windchill, had a tech t, arm sleeves, a fall jersey, and then the jacket, and was sweating at the end of my 11 mile ride. in the mid twenties, I just use tech T + jacket no issues.

No. I got the evap light - I wonder if the material is too thin for velcro.

I have an ANSI Parka from Alertshirt.com. https://alertshirt.com/class3parka.html

It's lined with quilted sateen sort of material - it's been in the upper 20s, and I've been wearing a polarfleece thermal underwear shirt under it, and then use the snaps instead of the zipper, which gives me some ventilation so I don't get too muggy. It's thigh length, which is nice when I'm wearing jeans and it starts raining, it protects the upper part of my pants. There's a hood that stows in the collar of the jacket.

could you use those stick on velcro strips? the heavy duty stuff has really good adhesive

that's actually pretty cool but I'm guessing not very breathable. does it pack very small? I'm thinking it would be a decent rain jacket to carry if it wads up well

Nope, it's pretty bulky, but I don't wear it on days I just need a shell, it's for freezing and below temps. I like it because I don't have to futz with lots of layers when it's cold. (I ride <10mph most of the time and my commute is very short, so I don't heat up.)

ETA: Also in my climate, cold sleet/rain/hail isn't a sometimes thing in the winter. If it's raining, it will continue to rain for days, so no need to stow a coat. If it isn't raining, chances are good that will start to rain/sleet/hail at some time in the next 15-20 minutes, so you might as well put on your rain gear anyways.

I'm not too worried about it, I've got a bag I use to carry my phone in now so it's no big deal.