Being a runner also I wear my Frank Shorter gortex jacket and base layers under. I have good stuff and it works. Been riding here in Midwest this month at temps below 30 degrees. Now I would like to get a cycling specific cold weather jacket. Needs to be the warmest and I wonder on size. I am 6'1 176 so anyone in my boat I take help. Seems the newer stuff is more slim fitted for aero fit and I am willing to pay for quality. My Shorter gortex is 17 years old and works great got my use out of way beyond.

I just did a 30 mile ride in the midwest and the temp was a bit above freezing. It's all about layering. For a jacket I'm fine with a few layers: base layer, pile vest, pearl izumi softshell, and a pearl izumi barrier jacket. I bring a waterproof shell in my bag but I don't like wearing it unless I have too because it interferes with sweating.

You might want to check out Sierra Trading Post; that's where I picked up my PI softshell and barrier jacket. It's a good place to find base layers as well.

I recommend Castelli Gabba convertible jersey/jacket. I wear it to 20f with a long sleeve baselayer with no problem. It's not cheap, but well worth it. Not only it's windproof, it's also water proof. A very versatile piece of gear.

Try this: Giordana Men's FRC Thermal Cycling Jacket - Black - Winter Cycling - Classic Cycling Note the sizing - you may want XXL. Great price.

I got the "lightweight" version from another site and am very pleased with it. It's fine in sub-freezing temps with a merino sweater and light base layer underneath, but with the one above just a regular base layer may be sufficient.

I've worn Perli kit for decades and love the stuff but bought a Castelli winter jacket around eight years ago and really love it.
I ride down to the teens before I turn to the mag trainer and it has never let me down. Layers beneath are the key to staying comfortable...and warm, whatever "warm" means to you...
My jacket is no longer made but these two seem to the replacements...with the Expresso 3 being close but more costly than what I spend...around Senza money.

Castelli Espresso 3 Jacket | Competitive Cyclist

Amazon.com : Castelli Senza Jacket - Men's : Sports & Outdoors

I got a Senza jacket about a month ago. With a long-sleeve jersey underneath, I think it's good into the high- to mid-30s. A good merino wool base layer should extend that down to the low 30s, possibly lower. Of course, I tend to run cooler than most folks, so I tend to layer up, sooner, than others.

For 30-42 degrees, the Assos ij.bonka. (You can find the Airjack that the bonka replaced for cheaper; it's almost as good.) For 23-35ish, the Assos fugujack.

Expensive but the best.

I have the Castelli Expresso Due. It works very well. I have some Pearl I zumi Am Fib tights. This combo has kept me comfortable at 17°F, probably lower, as I was very comfortable at that temp. I would like to see what the companion jacket to the tights look like. These are the warmest tights I have ever owned. Are the roads in the Midwest icy in the wintwr? Biggest problem In the PNW is the roads get real icy at when it is cold.

I realize everyone's body is different and we all have our own comfort threshold when it comes to temperature, but fwiw I find the Assos Airjack 851 too warm once you get into the high 30s (F). For me with just a base layer the Airjack is good down below freezing, add a middle layer and it's good into single digits. But at 40°F the only way I'd wear an Airjack is if I were naked underneath, and it wasn't zipped up!


More internet anecdata: For every person I've come across who raved about their Assos Fugujack, I've probably come across 6 or 7 who claim it's too warm for 99% of the winter riding they do.

I've been riding with a Gore Phantom 2.0 jacket and one or two layers under it, depending on the temperature. For colder days (25 to 32F), a mid-weight Merino wool with a light long sleeve synthetic. For above freezing, either the mid-weight Merino or a light-weight Merino alone under it.

I've found that you really don't need too many layers under this Gore jacket--at least down to the 25ish (F) temp range.

What are the lowest temperatures you ride in? That makes a big difference.

That said, my Gore Phantom and Showers Pass Elite 2.1 jackets have been completely warm for me in temperatures down to the mid-teens. I haven't ridden in temps colder than that.

The Gore jacket is more aero with 3 pockets in the back like a jersey. The front is completely windproof, which will help you stay warm more than anything. I've got several base layers that I wear under it depending on the temperatures. It can get a little too warm in temps higher than 50s, but vents well if I unzip the arms a little so it's like having pit-zips.

The Showers Pass is ideal if there is any chance of rain, or if you need to layer up more heavily. Altho I got this as a rain jacket, it works great in cold dry weather as well. It ventilates and breathes incredibly, which is very important for a winter jacket. My only real complaint is the pocket situation, just one large zippered pocket in the rear as well as a front vest pocket. I would prefer more pocket space. I wear this now on the coldest days, that is lower than 20 F, because it has room for a long-sleeve base layer and jersey. Plus, it breathes so well that I don't sweat much wearing it, even with several layers.

How high a temp do you wear it in? we're having a chillier winter than usual here, and it's starting to look worthwhile investing in an actual jacket rather than just layering up. We're getting into the 40s sometimes. Is that t-shirt weather over your way?

I ended up getting a Gore bike wear Fusion tool from competitive cyclist for a good price $139 free shipping and 2 days delivery. Bought EX L hope it works got good reviews.