Jackets 101

[RichardB]

Yes, those jackets would look OK anywhere. As it's mainly for the commute, I'm not too bothered if it's suitable for the pub or not, but you've made me think. What I need is:

• doesn't have to be waterproof, although water-resistant would be good, as I have a perfectly good waterproof shell
• warmer than a jersey without being bulky and/or hot
• close weave to cut the wind
• very breathable

I have just described the jacket I had in the 80s, which was a very close cotton weave with a lightweight towelling liner. As a mid-layer, it was brilliant. I might see if I can find something similar - and no doubt it would be cheaper because it doesn't have the 'cycling' label. But I am still very tempted by the Vulpine jackets. Lovely things!

 

[steveindenmark]

http://www.backcountry.com/explore/what-the-hell-is-softshell

 

[EltonFrog]

The Shutt VR performance jacket seems to tick your boxes, and good value at the moment.

http://www.shuttvr.com/shop/productdetail/Performance-Jacket/

I have one of these it is a most excellent jacket. I believe (not sure) that @ianrauk has one too. He may be long presently to confirm this and offer an opinion.

 

[smutchin]

I leave work at 6.30 am. The first two miles are downhill, where I generally reach about 35 mph, and my teeth are chattering by the end (with cold, not fear!). The next two miles are a steady climb, ascending about 100m, and by the top of that I am properly warm. I need a top layer that will cope with both, if that is possible.

No, this isn't possible. Simple laws of physics, really. Only way round it is to change your route or warm up on the turbo before you go outside. If you don't want to overheat once you start climbing, you'll just have to accept being cold for the first few minutes of your ride.

Or you could do what the pros used to do before they had high-tech modern fabrics - shove a newspaper up your jersey to keep the chill off on descents, then ditch it at the bottom.

Looking at your list of requirements,a decent breathable softshell would be your best option, I think. It's what I would use in your situation - or more likely my Gabba, which is somewhere between a regular jersey and a softshell. Worn over a decent base layer (a thin merino is ideal), that would keep me warm down to below 5°C without overheating on climbs, and be fine in light rain - but I'd also carry carry a lightweight packable waterproof in the back pocket for heavy showers. If you can't stretch to a Gabba, the Vermarc Aqua Zero is an excellent cheaper alternative.

Layering is your friend.

 

[Crackle]

On softshells, I've found them to be the worst of all worlds. Not fully waterproof, not particularly warm and not very breathable. Something like a Montane Featherlite will keep the wind off downhill and unzip for uphill. It's really a very personal choice but I definitely find zips to be my friend when wearing layers.

 

[Deleted member 22722]

As smutchin has said a Gabba with a decent base layer is ideal for what you are looking for. I probbaly wear mine for 9 months out of the year. The only time it gets a break is when the temperature rises in Summer as it's too warm then. Get a short sleeve one and pair it with some Nanoflex arm warmers for ultimate versatility.

 

[RichardB]

The Shutt VR performance jacket seems to tick your boxes, and good value at the moment.

http://www.shuttvr.com/shop/productdetail/Performance-Jacket/

I have one of these it is a most excellent jacket. I believe (not sure) that @ianrauk has one too. He may be long presently to confirm this and offer an opinion.

Loos great, and affordable. Thanks.

No, this isn't possible. Simple laws of physics, really. Only way round it is to change your route or warm up on the turbo before you go outside. If you don't want to overheat once you start climbing, you'll just have to accept being cold for the first few minutes of your ride. Or you could do what the pros used to do before they had high-tech modern fabrics - shove a newspaper up your jersey to keep the chill off on descents, then ditch it at the bottom. Looking at your list of requirements,a decent breathable softshell would be your best option, I think. It's what I would use in your situation - or more likely my Gabba, which is somewhere between a regular jersey and a softshell.

As smutchin has said a Gabba with a decent base layer is ideal for what you are looking for. I probbaly wear mine for 9 months out of the year. The only time it gets a break is when the temperature rises in Summer as it's too warm then. Get a short sleeve one and pair it with some Nanoflex arm warmers for ultimate versatility.

Yes, I think my list of demands is unrealistic - but it was worth asking. Long-term, I think something like the Gabba will be the way to go. Perhaps I will speak to F Christmas.

For the time being, I have gone for one of these: £18 from Tesco, windproof, showerproof, much cheapness. I've worn it on the way to work tonight (dry but damp, cool but not cold) and it seems fine. Kept the wind off, and I didn't overheat too much. Pockets in the wrong places and too short in the back, of course. The good thing is, it's quite a nice jacket in its own right, so if it doesn't do the job I can retire it to civilian duties and splash the cash on something better. Thanks to all for your advice. Good stuff bookmarked for later