decisions decisions - winter jacket/jersey

[outlash]

Got a birthday coming and I could do with a decent jacket/jersey for when the winter weather arrives. I'm looking at something that's more windproof than waterproof and very breathable. Not really after a packable rain/windstopper shell. So far I've come up with:

Castelli Gabba which looks good on paper, only I'm not keen on having CASTELLI stamped across my front. But made from the same fabric is,

the Sportfrul Extreme, looks nice and a bit less showy. There's also the Fiandre no rain jacket. In theory the Gore ones would be good but they just don't float my boat for some reason.

Alternatively there's softshells like the rapha classic.

Am I missing any contenders? It's a birthday present from L'missus and she's spending a few quid so it's got to be a case of 'buy right, buy once'. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.


TIA.

Tony.

 

[samsbike]

Rapha get excellent reviews and its worth a look, especially as they have a sale on at the moment.

My current winter jacket is a gore phamtom, which I love. The best bit about it are the removable sleeves, which means I wear the full jacket in the mornings (spring and autumn) and then when its warmer on the way home, just unzip the sleeves and use it as a heavyweight gilet.

 

[Ben M]

If Rapha have your size in their sale, buy one of their products.

A rain jacket is in the post to me now

 

[jowwy]

rapha for me too

 

[musa]

You can never fail with rapha

 

[outlash]

Yeah the Rapha does have everything , but they've only got it in black atm. Got a little while yet so they might get the red back in by then .


Tony.

 

[bigup]

Any links to the particular rapha you guys are taking about ?

Thanks.

 

[Ben M]

Any links to the particular rapha you guys are taking about ?

Thanks.

Whichever you like, it's all great stuff.

 

[jayonabike]

Rapha all the way for me, bloody fantastic cycling clobber

 

[jowwy]

i got the team sky softshell, splash jacket and race cape.....so im wet weather covered

 

[moonjiver]

I'm a bit fazed by all these comments by guys who are clearly much more knowledgeable than I am about specialised kit! However, it's interesting and I would add that, in my experience, low-tech solutions can often work almost as well. I have been getting back into cycling over the last year or more, got a Carrera Subway the other week (which I'm very happy with). Last winter my solution was a Regatta outdoor jacket, one of the slightly better-lined ones, so you can be warm on a cold spring day. Otherwise, in the winter I wore a sweatshirt underneath it or, for bitter weather, a thick fleece jacket. Both worked fine and the Regatta of course was waterproof, also convenient with Velcro cuffs and handy zipped pockets. For my bonce, I wore a knitted beanie and pulled the hood over at times! I think you are going to get sweaty anyway if you cycle hard - just wash it all in the machine and be glad of keeping warm and dry.

 

[outlash]

I'm a bit fazed by all these comments by guys who are clearly much more knowledgeable than I am about specialised kit! However, it's interesting and I would add that, in my experience, low-tech solutions can often work almost as well. I have been getting back into cycling over the last year or more, got a Carrera Subway the other week (which I'm very happy with). Last winter my solution was a Regatta outdoor jacket, one of the slightly better-lined ones, so you can be warm on a cold spring day. Otherwise, in the winter I wore a sweatshirt underneath it or, for bitter weather, a thick fleece jacket. Both worked fine and the Regatta of course was waterproof, also convenient with Velcro cuffs and handy zipped pockets. For my bonce, I wore a knitted beanie and pulled the hood over at times! I think you are going to get sweaty anyway if you cycle hard - just wash it all in the machine and be glad of keeping warm and dry.

And if that works for you and you're happy then great, but I think you're missing the point a little. I don't normally have the opportunity to have clothing from the top end of the market (So far my winter tights & top has cost me £60). As it's a present, I want something that's going to last a few years and just because you're covered up, it doesn't mean you have to get sweaty either.
As I said in my OP, 'buy right, buy once'.


Tony.

 

[4F]

Can I add to the mix the Baked Alaska from Ground effect. Without doubt this is the best piece of cycle clothing I have purchased in over 10 years. Don't let the fact they are in New Zealand put you off as the delivery is as fast as many online UK stores.

 

[outlash]

I like . Cheers 4F

 

[Tyke]

Can I add to the mix the Baked Alaska from Ground effect. Without doubt this is the best piece of cycle clothing I have purchased in over 10 years. Don't let the fact they are in New Zealand put you off as the delivery is as fast as many online UK stores.

I like the look of this. Listed at £79 how does this work out delivered due to VAT and any import and post office charges etc?.