Jackets!
 

We don't really have an apparel type of thread so here we go.


I'm looking for a windbreaker type jacket, definitely windproof and at least water repellent, preferably water proof. Anyone have any suggestions?

Any softshell jacket will fit your criterion. Just as well, any rain jacket will too.

this thread is relevant to my interests.

My last criteria is that I don't look like a ****** wearing it if I ride in it somewhere.

The Mission Workshop Orion looks awesome, but it's not in stock yet

http://www.missionworkshop.com/apparel.php

i ride in a sugoi softshell most of the time during the winter here. it's a medium and i really need a small. might have to let this jacket go. honestly, i only got it because it was used and cheap, and it was still too much to pay for what it is, even if it fit. it lacks a lot of features(back pockets, grippers on the waist, hood, more functional cuts), the waterproof zipper lets cold wind through at an alarming rate, it soaks up sweat and smells after just a few rides, and it has just three pockets, all of which are in awkward places. plus it just looks too techy and 'exercise'y. and it fits terribly. i shouldn't ride in it. but my real jacket, an arcteryx softshell, is just too nice to ride in.(scored secondhand for 70 bucks)

for hard rain, my hooded mountain hardwear conduit dt rain shell is perfect. pit zips are a must. articulating hood drawcord is also a plus. when i get sick of the sugoi, i ride in this even in clear skies.

some softshells become less water resistant with just a few wears or a single wash. getting a spray treatment can is a good backup but it's also worth asking yourself how much you ride in the rain.

i really want a thick ls wool jersey like the ibex giro. i think this paired with my mountain hardwear shell would be great for most weather.

the rapha jacket looks amazing and has AWESOME features(thumb hole gaiters, saddle gripping butt flap, asym. zipper) but it's not hooded and costs more than a human.


of course, i have a huge mission workshop hardon so i'm anxiously waiting to see what their Orion softshell hoodie will look like:
http://www.missionworkshop.com/apparel.php

ive been using a castelli stelvio jacket. its meets your criteria as well. the jackets shoulder sizing is a bit small so i had to go one size up.

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/item/CSTXMQ1D

When buying a jacket, I basically looked at any jacket that was labeled as windproof + waterproof, even if it wasn't cycling specific. Also within a budget of $100.

Cycling specific is indeed preferable but not necessary, and decent (not expensive) jackets are ~$60-90. I bought a used hiking jacket for $40, and my friend got a cycling specific jacket on ebay for ~$50.

If you're looking for specific brand names, my hiking jacket is Mountain Hardwear.

mountain hardwear drops the waist around the back on a lot of their jackets, which helps a lot when leaning forward over the bike. nothing's worse than rain in your crack.

I am a new fan of Specialized clothing. It costs about the same as North Face with similar quality but with a cycling-specific cut for around the same price.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...1007&scid=1029

I just got the Element Jacket in all black (black panels where the red are). MSRP $155:
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/ima...elementjkt.jpg


Here is a similar Rapha Jacket...for 240GBP ($387)!!!
http://www.rapha.cc/images/gallery/534-01.jpg
http://www.rapha.cc/classic-softshell-jacket


Seriously. Look into Specialized. They are doing it right.

The Specialized Aqua Vento $125:

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/...6441-600_l.jpg
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...jsp?spid=58086

I usually wear North Face jackets, super good quality, and not just for bike riding! Sorta pricey though...

http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/w...ariationId=03B

I'm with you. I'll spend extra for quality. I've got North Face jackets (plural) that I've had over 3 or 4 years. I've got a camo BDU Gortex that I've had almost 10 years. I appreciate good stuff. That's why I don't have a problem recommending the Specialized gear. I just got hip to it this winter. I'm happy to have found it. It (obviously) does have a cycling cut:
- Longer sleeves for riding with outstreatched arms.
- Sleeves have zippers for snug fit so that air won't blow up the arms.
- Long in the back for coverage while riding bent over
- Snug elastic type fit because flappy clothing just brings cold air in. Snug clothing keeps you warmer.
- BIG pockets in the back. Even a zippered pocket.

I'm sold.

:eek:

This jacket (http://www.realcyclist.com/cutter-cy...h-event-womens) used to be on bonktown for $150 (retail claimed to be $300), but now that the stock is running low, it is super cheap!

http://www.hucknroll.com/images/item...0028/NOTBK.jpg

eVent is apparently super fancy, and there also used to be a men's version, but I think basically no one is buying/selling these anymore, which would explain the price.

Waaant. Extremely tempted to buy . . .

definitely better to get one that is cycling specific- the sleeves and hems will be cut more ergonomically for riding. i have a swrve milwaukee hoodie that is medium weight and warm but does not pack very compact (looks like swrve also has a windbreaker now), and a cloudveil cache creek (made for mountain biking but good for casual wear as well) that is lightweight and slightly more breathable (it also packs down more compact).

e vent is the new goretex. light as a mother****er. waterproof for dayz.

I was thinking about a milspec jacket. Event or goretex. I read The event breathes better. But goretex is more waterproof?

Goretex is more waterproof, but when wet is actually a horrible ventilator. Hmmm, isn't that when you want ventilation? Anyway I have a Gore Bike Wear jacket I got back a few years ago. Instead of a nylon outercoating it has "dots" fused to the laminate. Makes it super breathable, but not very durable. I only use it when I have to and it still works great, for now. Be careful with the term waterproof for bike apparel, it needs to breath well to or you will just end up getting soaked from yourself. Usually highly water repelent is the way to go.

i like the jacket

[QUOTE=carleton;11757451]I am a new fan of Specialized clothing. It costs about the same as North Face with similar quality but with a cycling-specific cut for around the same price.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...1007&scid=1029

I just got the Element Jacket in all black (black panels where the red are). MSRP $155:
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/ima...elementjkt.jpg


do the specialized have pit zippers at all, I haven't seen it mentioned on there site.

I got the Mens version on Bonktown a few weeks ago and I've seen it up a few times since then too. It's been a very nice jacket so far, though I haven't had a chance to test it in the rain. It's not totally windproof but I think that's a good thing. if it was, you'd have sweaty-back problems like I did with my old non-cycling specific jacket. I'm probably going to wear the eVent all winter!

what i got is this:
http://www.gorebikewear.com/cms-imag...UTS-9900-l.jpg
wind/water proof and very comfy. Keeps u very warm I got it for cheaps, otherwise Gore is kinda pricey. Today is about 45F in the morning. I wore that over a tshirt and i was fine.

do want. that would make winter/morning/evening rides far less painful

I really like that jacket also just wondering what vents it might have.

anyone try any of the chrome jackets?

i like these two in particular....

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/appar...arel/anza.html

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/appar...bra.html?c=124

the first, the anza, is relatively cheap (compared to others in this thread) and looks good, made in oakland.

this is going to sound really hipstery of me, but one concern of mine is lower back exposure. yes, i can just imagine the "get a shirt that fits" comments already lol....but seriously, even wearing long shirts, sometimes in the drops the shirt pulls up and my lower back will be exposed. admittedly, me and friends have pointed and laughed at the more hipstery type riding down the street with exposed butt crack because their girl pants and extra small v-neck....but then ill feel the wind on my lower back and look back and feel the cold kiss of karma for mocking others.

im guessing this is a factor many of these jackets take into consideration....im particularly attracted to the rapha not only for its good looks but the "butt flap cover" its got going on. but yah 300+ bucks for a jacket? no thanks.

anyone know of a good crack cover jacket? or is it safe to assume all these jackets got it covered lol