I know it's getting a little late in the year (at least in California) to be asking for recommendations for a winter jacket, but I'm pretty sure winter will rear it's ugly head again. Besides, maybe I can score an off-season deal . I'm looking for something good down into the mid-20s. I think my internal thermostat must run cold, because what most people seem to find way to warm, I seem to find acceptable, if not comfortable, e.g., I routinely use PI AmFib bib tights into the upper 40s and 50s, and I've never found shoe covers that actually keep my feet warm, even in temps to the 50s.

Currently I have a PI Elite soft shell jacket and a Castelli Senza jacket. Not sure what the PI is rated for, but according to Castelli, the Senza is a warm, winter jacket and rated from 0 to 12 deg C. Both jackets feel about the same weight. I was on my early morning commute last week, where temps were probably in the high 30s, wearing the PI with a mid-weight merino wool base layer and a short sleeve jersey underneath - and I was freezing (for reference I also was wearing PI AmFib bib tights, thick wool socks, PI Elite Softshell shoe covers, glove liners, PI Elite Softshell gloves, and a thermal beanie). I'm not convinced the Castelli would have kept me any warmer. So I'm looking for recommendations for a jacket that will keep me warmer. It needs to be a bicycling-specific jacket, i.e., relatively closely cut, not too bulky, pockets in the back, etc. Or should I just plan to wear heavier base layers and maybe thermal, long sleeve jerseys?

Thanks,

kenshi biker

I wear the Etxeondo Sumnum. I go out with a thin merino base layer and the jacket, it's good below freezing. This past Saturday I went out in 9 degrees. Was fine, elbows a little cool and obviously keep moving. Great jacket.

My favorite so far is a Giordana FRC jacket. With suitable base (including an awesome old uniform wool sweater), I've been quite comfy below 20F.

If it's just chilly, there's no need for anything but a regular jersey beneath a jacket - just get something to stop the wind. But if it's cold, you definitely want to wear something more under ANY jacket.

Also, while you don't want a long, flowing muffler/scarf, some extra bulk around the neck can do wonders.

I think the winter jacket selection is highly personal. I have bought probably three different jackets in the last 2-3 years all fairly expensive but not Assos expensive.
My comfort in a given jacket on a random day highly varies depending on wind, humidity and outside temperature and the base layer I am wearing. Strangely enough, I do not have this problem with gloves. I have the Novara Wind Tech gloves and they are great all the way down to 20 degrees F.