Thinking of the Gore Contest or Phantom. something with windblocker and under $150. any suggestions? the craft elite looks good as well.

This. I've ridden in 17F with it and still warm.

So what is it? Can you provide a link?

Here you go.. https://bontrager.com/model/09217

I have the Gore Phantom I would highly recommend it, I usually where an Arcyteryx micro fleece under it when I am cold I haven't had problems in Baltimore yet. I like the Phantom because you can unzip the sleeves and have a vest.

I have one of the Castelli thermal jackets from Bonktown. I love it. Have ridden down into the mid teens and it was great.

Yeah I have one of those too. It was like $50 and it has a nice thin fleece lining that is very warm. I've warn it so far in the 20s with a thermal layer underneath and it's been great. The only thing I don't like so much about it is that the fabric itself isn't very flexible. It honestly feels a little cheap... but it is windproof and warm so I can't complain. If I had the money, I'd maybe try one of these.....

https://castelli-cycling.com/en/products/detail/520/

I have a gore phantom II. I have only worn it twice. Problem for me is it gets me to warm even in 25 deg weather. I dont like to ride in weather that cold anyway. It does a great job when I'm initially warming up, good wind block material. BUT as soon as my core temp rises and I start sweating, its like an uncontrollable heat consumes my upper body making it uncomfortable. I unzip down the front a bit, unzip the arms a bit but then I get cold from the air hitting the sweat. I zip up the center leaving the arms unzipped a little which helps with ventiliation (and yes I have started rides with the armpits unzipped to ventilate) but I still get to warm. Then unzip....repeat...repeat...repeat. It got annoying. I dont even wear it.

PS....Its a black size small (I'm 5'10 175lbs) the arms seem to run a bit long on this model.

I love my Endura Stealth Jacket... have it in black and wear it all the time, even while off the bike.

https://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx...23&prod_id=141

One of the best jackets I've ever owned.

People often make the mistake of buying a thick and heavy jacket for winter riding, IMHO. In reality, you would be much better off with a soft shell based jacket with wind proofing property, and use layering. I've had many different types of jackets for riding down to single digit weather, and the favorites are one Giordana Softshell and one mavic wind stopper jacket, and depending on the condition, I will either use thermal or regular base layer.

I wear an Arcteryx Alpha SV jacket. Its just a gore-tex wind shell, no insulation. But I was toasty at -5C yesterday wearing just a merino wool baselayer underneath and a short sleeve jersey.

I've been very happy with this so far. Gore Tool SO Neon Jacket
It blocks the wind in the front, and allows you to vent in the back.
The armpits have zippers to vent.
I've ridden with that and a Craft baselayer at ~35* and been comfortable.
It's ~20* today, and I'm going to really put it to the test.

PI Softshell Elite + Thermal LS jersey + Underarmour Coldgear (keeps me warm when in the 20's)



https://www.pearlizumi.com/publish/co...-11131017.html

https://www.pearlizumi.com/publish/co...-11121015.html

https://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/pid1004604


(links for reference only, the ones I have are older and bought at much lower prices!)

I used a Foxwear jacket all last winter and it worked for temps as low as -7F dependent on the layering. Wind proof, water resistant, softshell design. Have started using superior merino wool baselayers and jerseys this winter so am still working out the layer issues. Wool is sooooo much better than the UnderArmour type stuff I had been using. In my opinion the outer layer being good at venting is critical.

I use a Assos airjac 851 with a base layer at 28 degrees F and stays warm. A little expensive.

I'm riding with this and its a fantastic jacket. It fights off the rain like a champ and I rode with a short sleeve jersey in 40º and was still plenty warm.

I also got mine from amazon for about $111 shipped

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

I just got back from a ~25 Mile ride in 21 degree temps, at times with a headwind.
I was comfortable the entire time. I even unzipped the armpit vents.
I wore the jacket, a Craft baselayer & a Pearl Izumi long-sleeve jersey.
The baselayer & jacket would have been enough.

This may be the best cycling apparel purchase that I have made.
This is a very comfortable, incredibly warm jacket.

So now I understand why this guy says he can wear this Rapha Classic Softshell (which looks really really light) in 20 degree weather:
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/vi...cket.2197.html

I guess it all depends on the definition of cold. I just bought a Fugujack and a Suguoi RS zero jacket and bibs.
With the proper base layers they seem to be good to a little below zero (if you keep moving).
But the -20 and colder I will still need to "bulk up", especially with a 20+MPH wind.

Gore Phantom is my go-to jacket. Good aero fit, good ventilation in the back, great pockets. Works for me down to 32F with appropriate layering underneath.

I have the same mavic cyclone jacket this guy has, and with a long sleeve craft base layer, I was good for the 3 hr ride in 32 f with wind up to 15 mph today. If it gets colder, I will either get a wool base layer, and or use the heavier Giordana Softshell. I love how light you can go with both of these jackets but still keep warm.

This is the correct answer, or very very very close to it. A soft shell is insulated somewhat, and even that can get to be too much on the bike ... depending on the rider and conditions. But, whatever works. Layers are definitely the way to control how warm you are, though.

I wanted an Alpha SV, but it was too pricy and I wound up with a Beta AR. Uninsulated goretex shell, waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Works very well over a merino base layer and cashmere midlayer. If it's not that cold, an Accelero jacket is a great wind breaker.

I have a Garneau jacket I bought off Ebay last year for about $40. With 2 long sleeve jerseys underneath, I was fine at 15f yesterday.
It's also light enough that I can waer it with just a short sleeved jersey in fall & spring.
If I needed to, I could have put some newspaper between the jersey & jacket without bulking the arms any more. Newspaper makes a good chest warmer.
No need to spend $100+ for 1 piece of clothing. Shop smart.

As far as layering goes, *never* layer a wind-proof material over another wind-proof material.

At $375 little steep