good shells?
09-23-09, 06:01 PM
#1
No lugs? No hugs.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 1,115
Bikes: '85 Miyata 310, '06 GT Performer
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
good shells?
i'm on the hunt for a decent wind/water-resistant shell. something designed for cycling, but also wearable on the street. something like the Rapha softshell, but...y'know...not $400. Recommendations, anyone? Preferably with links and/or prices?
09-23-09, 06:34 PM
#2
bulletproof tiger
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 1,934
Bikes: Waterford 2200, Litespeed Tuscany, Salsa La Cruz, Kona Fire Mountain
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
just arrrived today: an early 90s swobo track jacket, ebay, $25.
a few days ago i saw lots of wind jackets on ebay, cheap.
a few days ago i saw lots of wind jackets on ebay, cheap.
09-23-09, 09:33 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ottawa,ON
Posts: 642
Bikes: Univega Via Montega, Nashbar Aluminum frame/105 roadbike
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Goodness, everyone makes one. It's all about fit. You have to try them on to see if it's 'for you'.
One question you should ask yourself is if you want completely windproof/waterproof or not. If yes, go for something with a breathable membrane, waterproof zips, etc etc.
What features do you want? Pit zips? Extra pockets? Hood?
Remember that the more zippers and pockets on a garment, the less packable it will be.
Also deciding if you want a softshell, or a hardshell is a pretty important decision.
I, for one, like the versatility of convertible hard shell jackets with zip off sleeves. You can use them as a jacket or wind vest, but also have the option of half-unzipping the sleeves to give you mounds of ventilation. If you need more warmth, toss on a long sleeve wool layer underneath. When you put something windproof over wool, you'll be super warm, but if you ventilate, it breathes really well. That gives you the option of tossing the sleeves in your pocket on the big climb, and whipping them out and zipping them on before the descent to keep warm.
Gore makes a convertible softshell which has jersey sleeves attached, so it can be worn alone, or with only a light base layer underneath which I think is pretty cool for light touring duty.
One question you should ask yourself is if you want completely windproof/waterproof or not. If yes, go for something with a breathable membrane, waterproof zips, etc etc.
What features do you want? Pit zips? Extra pockets? Hood?
Remember that the more zippers and pockets on a garment, the less packable it will be.
Also deciding if you want a softshell, or a hardshell is a pretty important decision.
I, for one, like the versatility of convertible hard shell jackets with zip off sleeves. You can use them as a jacket or wind vest, but also have the option of half-unzipping the sleeves to give you mounds of ventilation. If you need more warmth, toss on a long sleeve wool layer underneath. When you put something windproof over wool, you'll be super warm, but if you ventilate, it breathes really well. That gives you the option of tossing the sleeves in your pocket on the big climb, and whipping them out and zipping them on before the descent to keep warm.
Gore makes a convertible softshell which has jersey sleeves attached, so it can be worn alone, or with only a light base layer underneath which I think is pretty cool for light touring duty.
09-23-09, 09:42 PM
#4
Junior Member
Gore Function II Jacket
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...00_20000_57001
Gore Function II Jacket in yellow for maximum visibility. Sleeves zip off, big pocket in back for storage, etc. I've had mine for 3 years and wear it for a large part of the season in Chicago.
Gore Function II Jacket in yellow for maximum visibility. Sleeves zip off, big pocket in back for storage, etc. I've had mine for 3 years and wear it for a large part of the season in Chicago.
09-23-09, 09:56 PM
#5
No lugs? No hugs.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 1,115
Bikes: '85 Miyata 310, '06 GT Performer
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Goodness, everyone makes one. It's all about fit. You have to try them on to see if it's 'for you'.
One question you should ask yourself is if you want completely windproof/waterproof or not. If yes, go for something with a breathable membrane, waterproof zips, etc etc.
What features do you want? Pit zips? Extra pockets? Hood?
Remember that the more zippers and pockets on a garment, the less packable it will be.
Also deciding if you want a softshell, or a hardshell is a pretty important decision.
I, for one, like the versatility of convertible hard shell jackets with zip off sleeves. You can use them as a jacket or wind vest, but also have the option of half-unzipping the sleeves to give you mounds of ventilation. If you need more warmth, toss on a long sleeve wool layer underneath. When you put something windproof over wool, you'll be super warm, but if you ventilate, it breathes really well. That gives you the option of tossing the sleeves in your pocket on the big climb, and whipping them out and zipping them on before the descent to keep warm.
Gore makes a convertible softshell which has jersey sleeves attached, so it can be worn alone, or with only a light base layer underneath which I think is pretty cool for light touring duty.
One question you should ask yourself is if you want completely windproof/waterproof or not. If yes, go for something with a breathable membrane, waterproof zips, etc etc.
What features do you want? Pit zips? Extra pockets? Hood?
Remember that the more zippers and pockets on a garment, the less packable it will be.
Also deciding if you want a softshell, or a hardshell is a pretty important decision.
I, for one, like the versatility of convertible hard shell jackets with zip off sleeves. You can use them as a jacket or wind vest, but also have the option of half-unzipping the sleeves to give you mounds of ventilation. If you need more warmth, toss on a long sleeve wool layer underneath. When you put something windproof over wool, you'll be super warm, but if you ventilate, it breathes really well. That gives you the option of tossing the sleeves in your pocket on the big climb, and whipping them out and zipping them on before the descent to keep warm.
Gore makes a convertible softshell which has jersey sleeves attached, so it can be worn alone, or with only a light base layer underneath which I think is pretty cool for light touring duty.
Oh, and when I say wearable on the street, that means primary colors are a no-go. Something black or maybe dark grey would be preferable.
09-24-09, 06:49 AM
#6
I use the Loki Myth for urban riding. Near waterproof, lots of venting. Overkill for training rides, though.
https://www.lokiusa.com/product_detail.php?ID=C101
https://www.lokiusa.com/product_detail.php?ID=C101
