Coat?
 

Have a look on sites like Nashbar, Performance Cycles, MEC, REI, Sierra Trading Post, etc. to see how their jackets are made (pit zips, back vents, etc.).

But I'm not sure a coat would be very practical for cycling ... most cycling jackets are made long in the back, as long as a coat, but shorter in front so that the wearer can pedal.

At a minimum, I'd think it would need to have a back vent, so it can move around when you sit on a saddle. Much better would be a pair of vents, a bit behind the midside line. That coat, with a suitable vent, isn't too long to ride a bike in. I see people doing it all the time. It might not be suitable for a road bike, where you're leaning forward, but for a relatively upright bike, I think it wouldn't be awful.

You'd do better with a shorter jacket, though. There are patterns from Jalie and Green Pepper (and probably others) that are pretty suitable. For venting and overheating prevention, you'll want zippers. A two-way seperating zip at the front, minimum, and probably pit zips (easy to add if there's a side seam to insert a zipper in. Adjustable cuffs are useful, too.

Even in very cold weather, I've not had a problem with my legs getting cold while biking. A pair of long underwear, good trousers, good boots, and good socks (I wear lots of wool knee highs in winter) are good enough.

Machka, I ride a hybrid bike with a pretty upright posture. I was going for a coat style so the garment would be wearable off the bike (i.e. stylish as well as simply warm), but still allow me to be comfortable during my commute (not overheat). I tend to wear regular clothes so far. I think the longer length won't interfere too much at all- it would be like wearing a skirt. I could be wrong, and if that's the case, then I'll just have the perfect excuse to make another one!

A back vent meaning a slit up the back from the hem? I had an "all-weather" puffy coat given to me that cannot be worn on the bicycle because the rear hem is just short enough to worm its way out from underneath my rear end, then when I stop and try to dismount it tries to kill me by hooking itself around the back of my saddle! It's very awkward to say the least.
Or a back vent meaning more like a full flap across the back about armpit-height to allow air to flow out?
Both?

I love knee-high socks! So far I only have one pair of wool socks though- crewcut and extremely thick. I can't even wear them in most of my shoes because there isn't room for both those socks and my feet. I need a new pair of winter boots anyway, though. My cheapie Goodwill pair work in a pinch, but they are a tad ugly, and more importantly a pain to get on and off with those laces. I need something that I can slip in and out of to take my old dog outside on his short notice.

My legs DO tend to get cold though- my thighs turn a bright red and can get a bit painful after I stop. It's not that the legs themselves are cold- they don't generally feel uncomfortable- it's just the surface of my skin. I suppose I need a better under layer, or something to block the wind.

So for your legs, long underwear in polypro/ silk/ wool with something wind proof, like running pants or nylon wind pants. Target or walmart will have some exercise type wicking undergarments for low money. Running or cross country skiing type stuff works well for bike wear. For my winter top layer, I use a polypro top, wool sweater, and a wind layer. Changing thicknesses with the temp. Regular clothes aren't going to work, esp. if you are over heating. there is a reason bike clothes work, ie breathable and moisture wicking.

If I am not cold for the first 20 minutes of my ride I am overdressed. In other words, if I was wearing something that got me hot very quickly I would be drenched with sweat by the middle of the ride.

The whole cold skin thing is interesting and might just be unfortunate. When I am preparing to ride through the winter I prepare for pain... because it hurts.

I've never really worn a long coat of that sort, but it seems possible that you could just ride with it "open" to stay cool.

A back vent meaning a slit up the back from the hem? I had an "all-weather" puffy coat given to me that cannot be worn on the bicycle because the rear hem is just short enough to worm its way out from underneath my rear end, then when I stop and try to dismount it tries to kill me by hooking itself around the back of my saddle! It's very awkward to say the least.
Or a back vent meaning more like a full flap across the back about armpit-height to allow air to flow out?
Both?

I was thinking along the lines of the vents found in the back of most mens suit coats. Most American suits have a single vent, in the center back, which runs from the bottom hem up to about the natural waist or a little bit lower. Some have two, a bit behind of the side center lines, which is nicer for riding, because the flap covers your butt. That's how English horse riding coats are traditionally cut.

The basic idea is that it lets the two sides move independently, and still let you sit and pedal. Looking at what people wear when riding a horse will give you some ideas.


I love knee-high socks! So far I only have one pair of wool socks though- crewcut and extremely thick. I can't even wear them in most of my shoes because there isn't room for both those socks and my feet. I need a new pair of winter boots anyway, though. My cheapie Goodwill pair work in a pinch, but they are a tad ugly, and more importantly a pain to get on and off with those laces. I need something that I can slip in and out of to take my old dog outside on his short notice.

My legs DO tend to get cold though- my thighs turn a bright red and can get a bit painful after I stop. It's not that the legs themselves are cold- they don't generally feel uncomfortable- it's just the surface of my skin. I suppose I need a better under layer, or something to block the wind.[/QUOTE]

Some long underwear is a good idea. I don't wear it much, unless it's very cold, or I'm spending all day outside. I do have a pair of wool flannel lined trousers, which are very warm.

I usually just lurk on forums, but I saw your cape and I have to ask about it! I have always wondered about something like this. What have your experiences been so far? I think it is a great idea, but I wonder if it flaps around much or gets in the way at all.

If you decide to make this jacket I hope you post about it!