I知 looking to buy an inexpensive, breathable, windbreaker jacket. I知 only looking for a shell as the layers under the jacket will vary based on the temperature.

Any recommendations?

I just got a Kirkland jacket at Costco. Windproof, water-resistant, and breathable. I'm planning on using this when temps get down below 50F or so. We'll see how it works.

It was something like $20. It's not just a shell though, it has a fleece lining.

Mark

I've had good luck buying pre-owned premium products on ebay, poshmark & outdoor consignment shops. if you're anywhere near Burlington, VT you have to check out the basement shop at The Outdoor Gear Exchange on Church St!

I'm a fan of O2 Rainwear - I've a couple of their jackets, their Original Jacket is affordable ($40) and an amazing value for being simple, light, breathable, and durable.

Aerotech mikes nice stuff, not super expensive

Illuminite Reflective Windbreaker Cycling Jacket by Aero Tech Designs

Unfortunately they only have small and medium.

I like zip off sleeves because sometimes a wind breaker vest is in order. the other day I threw a few things in the car & when I got to the trail head I wound up w/ 2 zip neck thin layers & the vest

You didn't define "inexpensive". The J & G Cyclewear Yellow Jacket windbreaker works well for me. The price is reasonable and it runs a bit big so it's great for layering.

https://www.bicycleclothing.com/

Convertible jacket
My older Pearl Izumi convertible jacket works great. The sleeves zip off, connected by a shoulder yoke. There's a large mesh panel at the top of the back side of the vest, venting under the yoke. So I can pull the front zip halfway down and get a big airflow through the jacket on the climbs. I can avoid getting too hot at those slow speeds. And the vest itself works great when it warms up during the ride. The fabric is quite wind resistant, but allows just enough air through to keep me from getting too damp from sweat.

Unfortunately, PI has redesigned it to be less usable, and it's quite expensive. I'd look for similarly designed jackets from other sources.

Thin base layers
I use this jacket on my coldest rides, with more base layers. I used to have some heavy base layers, but now I just use 1, 2, or 3 very thin baselayers. I have REI labeled ones, including one with a zip turtleneck, and two Patagonia long sleeve base layers--those are pricey, but last forever, and are amazingly light and packable. It's surprising to me that two extremely thin base layers do a good job of wind blocking on moderately cool days, and work great as insulation under the jacket when it's colder. Two (or three) are way better than one thicker one, and much more adaptable to different conditions.

More or less my approach for Spring and Fall cycling (aka "the snow is meh" season) with this outfit that has one additional pocket to the three on the back (standard jersey style).

https://www.amazon.ca/BERGRISAR-Soft...902039&sr=8-10

nice variety of colors. how is the sizing? some brands run so small I can't fit in their XL or even their XXL. or the size is OK but the arms or legs are too narrow & or the bottom elastic is too tight. I don't have a "cycle bod" more of a "Dad bod"

Good plan. I've had a Voler wind jacket for many years and love it.
https://store.voler.com/collections/...40814062731454
It's held up well and stuffs into a jersey pocket, which IMO is mandatory.

I find zip off sleeves too slow to switch, so I also carry a Craft wind vest which has a mesh back and stuffs tiny..
https://www.craftsportswear.com/show...on-192480-1850

Sometimes when I've underdressed a bit, I put on both vest and jacket.

J & G Cyclewear has good stuff. I use their waterproof rainjacket in the situation that you described. Breathable with large vents.

I just picked up a Novara (made in vietnam) at goodwill for $8.US in excellent condition. Pouch in back, zipper off sleeves, and semi-water resistant in bright yellow. I've only worn it 3 times yet in under 45ｰF with only a wick-away t-shirt underneath and it has kept me warm from windchill despite working up a lot of sweat. It's definitely going to my 'go to' year round riding jacket/vest. Hopefully I don't crash and shred it like I did my last 'go to' jacket.

score! good brand, sport specific features & benefits

Windproof & breathable at the same time? Ive never been able to find that. tmrw, Im gonna try a new vest- it is windproof front & mesh rear. Will report back

That Voler I recced in no. 5.