You really throw in a layer of newspaper. Man I only thought TDF riders did that pre 1980?:)

I use bubble wrap instead of newspaper. It provides more insulation and it's lighter.

You're joking. Right?

+1 for cheap inexpensive shell with layers underneath. I have an old shell that was like 25 bucks.

For temps around freezing, 3 layers underneath.

For temps well below freezing add another layer....or two if truly necessary (I have a wonderful Pearl Izumi vest that I break out when it's 20ish or colder).

It's really not rocket science.

I would avoid getting a thick jacket, the cheap shell is much more versatile.

No he is not.

I ride a MC as well as a bike, and that is a trick I often use when the temps drop without warning.

A few sheets of newspaper between the jacket & next layer can make a difference with wind block. without needing an extra full layer. It also soaks up moisture. I only use it at the bottom of my temperature range.

+1000

I just spent $92 for my Foxwear jacket and that's for the shipping also. Custom made to fit, took less than two weeks from the time I ordered to the time it was delivered. I've used it with a thin coolmax base layer and medium weight fleece mid-layer on rides in the teens last week and was plenty warm. It handles wind just fine and even all the road spray I get hit with. I've worn it in light rain, snow, and very slushy roads and it repels just fine. It's also very breathable and Lou has a few options you can choose to help with the breathability.

Sleeves are long with elastic cuffs and fit over the ends of my gloves to give a warm seal on the long cold rides. I just wished I had thought to ask for a pocket in the back for my water bottle. All the salty road spray on my frame mounted bottles makes for a nasty drink.

I actually emailed back and forth with Lou for about a week describing my needs and he was very patient, responsive, and helpful. In terms of a basic jacket that works well I think you will be hard pressed to find a better deal.

I carry a bottle or 2 in my jersey pockets underneath my jacket. Stops them from freezing. A bit awkward to reach though.

That means it worked. Keep it up.

I have a Craft XC ski jacket that works great when it's down around 20 degrees. You have to be careful not to overheat at those temps while climbing. I'm pretty sure it was less than $100. Real light; Real warm.

I'm the 1 who said foxwear.

You or anyone who reads this, does themselves a disservice by not at least talking to lou.

Wearing custom made stuff, made just you and to your specs and needs, RULES!

This my approach too. I tried heavier jackets but found them too heavy or too tight or both. I am a big fan of multiple layers of merino wool (smartwool, etc). I have them ranging from fairly form fitting to pretty loose so that i can layer one over the other. Two layers and a shell is good down into low 30s. 3 layers has been good down to 15. Now if I can figure out how to keep my feet warm.

Would be even better if the ice was on the inside! Get that moisture all the way out. I get the same result with my gortex shell where as the Foxwear jacket blocks the wind and passes your sweat all the way out. At the end of a 20 mile ride Saturday the inside of my Foxwear jacket was dry as were the layers under it. The new windblocking softshell materials are great. Now I'll only wear the gortex on a heavy rain day.

Couple of layers of wool and a light or mid light northface jacket. Northface seems to hug the body better than
most of the others and not flap around in the wind.

I just got back from my first ride with my Castelli Stelvio. The weather was in the low 30's and windy. It uses Gore WindStopper with a light fleece lining. I like it so far. It fits well, although on the small side. Normally I wear a L or XL jersey, but I had to go with an XXXL jacket. MSRP is $200, but my LBS had it on sale for 20% off. (Guy's Bikes in Feasterville, PA)

Foxwear. +1. Ninety bucks gets you custom dimensions, color, and fabrics. Lou @ Foxwear can make recommendations based on the conditions. Bunch of different wind blocking, thermal, wicking fabrics to choose from.

The stock E-Vap jacket is not cut for cycling, so be sure to order it longer in the back.

Lou also makes great thermal tights in various weights, some with water resistant finishes.

.

I did not like the moisture trap though- I would like something more permeable than rubberized nylon

Thanks for the suggestion-92 for custom is a deal!

In the northern areas what fox jacket style and material would you suggest?

Here's what I went with (straight from the email) per Lou's recommendation:

"Sounds the E Vap built with the heavier weight fabrics will give me the best choice for being breathable yet wind resistant. If I understand correctly we are looking at Power Shield with Power Stretch. Say the Grey Midweight Powershield with the Topaz midweight Power Stretch. Does this sound right for an outer layer on the colder days? I don't mind wearing multiple layers but want to avoid the moisture build up I get with my gortex shell."

So the jacket is made with a venting fabric the runs down the entire bottom side of the arms and then also all the way down my sides. This venting area is about 1 1/2 inches wide. I've not noticed it allowing any coolness or moisture in though. The jacket is warmer than my Gortex shell so I'm still playing with how to properly dress for each condition now. The one day I went out dressed to warmly and was moving quite a bit of sweat during the ride. The jacket worked very well at moving this moisture out. Finding something that blocked wind yet breathed well was my priority as my Gortex shell quickly becomes an umcomfortable sauna on rides. The foxwear jacket does the job admirably. Just shoot Lou an email telling him what you want in a jacket and what conditions you'll use it in and he will steer you in the right direction.

Just contact him and tell him what you are looking for, what temps you ride in, wind/water whatever. Lou is a great guy and very helpful.

I'm going to order a couple of different ones, one for riding the bike and one as a linner for my leather MC jacket.

Do remind him that you are using it on a bicycle.

a standard winter cycling jacket of any brand PLUS layers will do. yesterday, it was 25 with wind chill of 15 degrees. baselayer was a UA Cold Gear, then Long Sleeve Winter jersey, then Pearl Izumi Zepher Jacket. i was fine, maybe too warm. later.

last year I just used my cycling rain jacket and played with what I layered under it which was surprisingly very little. that said you must bring clothing in case you break down and need to stop pedaling to do a field repair.

+1. Wool rocks, amazing material-keeps you dry even when your wet, cool when hot, warm when cold and it never stinks. Amazing. Only thing I buy now.