Pit zips on softshells really depend on what kind of softshell. If the jacket is an all fleece softshell (like the lands end) then pit zips would be a pain in the neck since the material isn't stiff, and the zips will jam. If the material is more like stiffer Windpro then pit zips are a good idea especially if you're putting a hard shell over it.

I have a Lands End softshell and it's fine without pit zips -- of course if I wear too much underneath it then I sweat like a donkey. The jacket is cozy warm and does a great job of windblocking on your rides.

I would definitely recommend checking out patagonia's selection of softshells. I wear their cold weather track jacket (replaced by the "Wind Shield" jacket this year) in temps between 50 and 20 degrees with little more than a thin wool v-neck sweater and wicking t-shirt underneath. Check it out here: http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/prod...=24980-155&ws=

Anything under 20 I wear my breathable patagonia hardshell over the softshell. The softshell breathes great, is windproof, and keeps you dry in everything up to drenching rain. Patagonia's lifetime warranty is also no joke. I had a zipper go out on a hardshell that was over 10 years old, and they gave me the full value back to replace the jacket (around $350)--no questions asked.

Any difference between the Patagonia Wind Track and Wind Shield jacket? Altrec is running a 26% sale on its Wind Track, saving about $39. The photos for either jacket is identical...

Edit: I ended up buying a medium Wind Track (last size left) in ceylon blue (kind of fugly) for $75 at Moosejaw. And free shipping. Get it while they last...

I bought an LL Bean "ascent" fleece jacket last night. Its polartec Windpro (no membrane) with powershield panels on the shoulders, arms, and sides. It fits me quite well, not too baggy and has a similar lifetime warranty i believe. As an extra plus, everyone in the store was extremely friendly and helpful.

In very windy conditions, I wear a Marmot hardshell jacket with a zip in fleece jacket over a Marmot windshirt. It seems to eliminate windchill. In moderate cold, I wear a Columbia softshell jacket over my Marmot windshirt. In milder weather, just the windshirt is enough. The key is layering according to the conditions outside. And I don't have to worry about looking like the Michelin Man, simply because modern fabrics do a very effective job of keeping one dry and warm without excess weight or bulk.

Louis Garneau' Gemini has been working for me over the last few weeks. It has their WindTex material in select areas on the chest and arms, and then a lighter weight more breathable material on the back and under the arms. I am a little cold for the first few minutes with this jacket, but once my furnace heats up on the first climb its great.