I was just about to ask this same question... ;)

One of my LBSes has these on hand - an LG Massimo 2 (blue) and an Endura Windchill (red, not low-vis black):
http://www.louisgarneau.com/us-en/pr...SIMO_2_JACKET#
http://www.endurasport.com/Product.a...23&prod_id=218

Ay opinions on these? My attempts at using a rain jacket for wind proof-ness are done. That idea sucked (and it was my idea, too).

Both of them claim to use waterproof fabrics so i'd assume they're gonna be garbage bags. That is if their claim of waterproofing is to be believed.

Either one is sure to be less garbage bag-like than the Showers Pass rain jacket I've got... :D :D

Fynn - It's a great point. The gilet has never made sense to me since I have no problem keeping my core warm.

gbg - my way of saying I need to keep warm, but I'm not worrying about waterproof, because screw biking on wet roads. It might make me a wuss, but I hate wet feet, and I really hate how much grit accumulates in the chain and on the bike... it's like 6 months of dry riding = 1 day of rain riding in terms dirt accumulation.

Try cross-country (Nordic) ski jackets. They often have windproof panels in the front and arms, with breathable panels under the arms and in the back. Honestly I think the MEC cross-country jackets are better than the cycling-specific ones!

Don't you end up with a bit of plumber's butt? Most cycling jackets are cut to cover a torso and arms in a hunched over position whereas classic skiing is standing up?

No, most of the Nordic jackets I've seen have a little extra length in the back actually, as one leans forward a bit in skiing as well, and a draft over the kidneys is never enjoyable... The arms could be a problem for a very long-armed person, I suppose. I'm sure the rider's position and body proportions would make a difference also - I don't actually ride in all that hunched a position, myself, plus I am quite short through the torso (long limbs).

You can also avoid the exposure issue by wearing pants/tights that are cut a bit higher in the back. Cross-country oriented softshell pants often have this, and of course cycling-specific pants/tights almost always do.

Running jackets have the problems you describe, as they are definitely cut for a very upright body position.

Generally, yes, although I have a Nike jacket that has a drop tail. Not as deep as some cycling tops, but more than I had expected, too.

At the same time, some cycling jackets have less of a drop -- or a longer front -- than others. If you can try one in person, you'll figure it out. :thumb:

I use my Northface shell which is waterproof and blocks wind. It has pit zips, the area where heat builds up most.

That is exactly why I am leery of buying nice stuff right now! I think I am going to try and muddle through this winter and determine what exactly it is I want. Hopefully by the end of next summer I'll be down at my fighting weight and can reward myself with good kit like some custom gear from Lou!

;)

I was at REI this weekend. I wouldn't mind having a jacket that will keep me warm AND dry. The Novara Stratos looked to have good feature set (pit zips, pockets, closable wrist holes, butt cover). I've never been impressed with the Showers Pass; they don't fit me right; by the time I find a size that fits my torso, the arms are about 2" too long. I am a normal sized human, though. Hopefully my cheap yellow wind jacket will be OK in light rain.

+1 on most anything Nordic XC skiing gear being good for biking. Requirements are closely related (long arms, long back for hunched over position, wind proof front). Also, good XC skiing gloves have padding/heavier material in exactly the right spots for brakes and shifters.

A lot will depend on what kind of "winter" OP is referring to. Cold and snow means you can steer clear of waterproof garbage bag stuff except for the transition period, warmer and rain is obviously different.