Riding Jackets?

[MMcG]

How many of you guys and gals wear riding jackets when the weather gets a little chilly during the fall/early winter and for those of you that do what do you wear??

Thanks in advance for any input!

McAskalot ;D

[Jisch]

Just bought this one today - I'll let you know if its any good when I get it next week:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=14205199&storeId=8000&cat alogId=40000008000&langId=-1

[MMcG]

Just bought this one today - I'll let you know if its any good when I get it next week:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=14205199&storeId=8000&cat alogId=40000008000&langId=-1


Maybe you got the last one Jisch because the link didn't work.

[Jisch]

Right you are.. hmmm just go to REI.com and search for the Rainshadow, or look in Bike stuff, under outerwear. I bought it because I'm cheap and it looks like what I'm looking for - basically a shell for winter riding.

Pit zips, almost water proof, breathable, no insulation.

Next up is a Camelbak Blowfish or like sized back pack. For summer riding my HAWG is good, but when I need to carry extra stuff, its too small. Perhaps a good Xmas present.

John

[Adam]

The link is valid, you just have to past the entire line into a browser. For some reason the trailing '-1' doesn't get picked up as a URL.

-Adam



Just bought this one today - I'll let you know if its any good when I get it next week:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=14205199&storeId=8000&cat alogId=40000008000&langId=-1


Maybe you got the last one Jisch because the link didn't work.

[Adam]

I've been using my 5 year old LLBean Mtn. Guide Gore-tex shell for riding recently. Riding & hiking in the rain we seem to be getting every weekend lately!
After 5 years of abuse it's starting to show lots of wear, so I'll probably be replacing it with something from REI this fall. Members get 20% off any 1 item until 10/13!
Oh, and if you're shopping at LLBean, check out their sponsor link from http://www.imba.com/tcc/llbean.html . Every purchase made through that link results in a donation to IMBA.
-Adam

[Zeena]

Buy the cheapest, lightest shell you can find. Light because, if you're like me, you'll take it off about 5 minutes into the ride even if it's 30F and you'll have to carry it around. Cheap because, if you're like me, you only lose expensive things.

I have a couple of riding jackets, and the one I use the most is an $11 bare-bones (no pit zips, plain old nylon, no reflectors, one-way zipper), Performance shell.

DB

[If_Rider]

I have a shell similar to Jish's with pit zips etc, that folds up into a neat little bag (a rear pocket). I tend to only wear it when it gets really cold or on windy days. I go with layers and a windstopper vest on most rides.

[knucklebuste]

Hey, what do you guys suggest for winter apparal as far as upper body. I sweat like a pig and haven't done any winter riding yet. I am weary though of a tshirt that will be soaked in sweat with a waterproof jacket over it, retaining the coldness and giving me the chills. What do you guys wear. I know you said a light waterproof windbreaker or whatnot, but what about underneath? Knuck

[AA]

wicking layers (polar fleece and other sinthetic type materials)are what you need from turning into a popsicle in the winter. I like a thin tight fitting shirt as my 1st layer. If you are wearing a loose shirt as your 1st layer and you are sweating you may feel some cold breezes. I would wear no cotton at all. If you are a person that runs hot (sweats a lot) you will be surprised at how little you need to wear when riding in the cold. It will take a few tries to figure out what works best for you at each temp range. Rember you should feel slightly chilled before you start riding. If you are warm standing around the parking lot you have way too many clothes on.

[Jisch]

You need a wicking layer underneath - cotton does not wick, it absorbs. REI or any other outdoor place has plenty to choose from. Like you I sweat a lot. The ability to wick and ventilate is key to my happiness.

I think the key to comfort as the temp drops is reality. I think most people tend to over dress, or maybe its just that my body generates more heat than others. When I pull up to a ride and I see guys putting on tights and fleece in 50 degree weather, it kills me.

Basically - if its above 60 - wicking t-shirt and shorts
between 40 and 50 - wicking t-shirt and light shell, shorts
Below freezing I start with the tights and long sleeve wicking shirt and a shell

Fleece is never an option for me, its just too warm. I've probably ridden down to 10 degrees or so with wind and been comfortable with a shell and long sleeve shirt. As long as the wind is kept out I'm good. Of course I have to keep moving. Sitting still means getting cold. In the windiest weather I also use a head band under my helmet to keep the wind out of my ears.

John

[AZ Chick]

a little sidenote from the peanut gallery...
a rule of thumb given to me from an orthopedic surgeon was to always wear knee warmers if its less than 65 degrees out... gotta protect those joints...

[knucklebuste]

AZ, what the heck are knee warmers? Well I get the idea, but what do they look like, sort of a sock for your knee? 65 deg. too? That seems odd. I can see below freezing perhaps but 65 deg seems high. However doc knows best, just like my doc that told me that every gastroentrologist he knows takes 2 things every day for a free-flowing plumbing system
1. Prilosec
2. Metamucil (your never too young)

I've never been a happier man
Knuck

[Mt.A TODD]

As far as jackets go .."waterproof" does not breath and is too heavy, a water & wind resistant material is the way to go. And as others have stated layering is the key to staying comfortable. I have had excellent luck with Nike ACG jackets. Sleeves that zip is a huge plus!, the option to wear a vest is a great way to stay cool yet warm your core. Even if its a super cold winter day, I'm usually just wearing a light wind vest with light long sleeve fleece and a short sleeve base T. Windproof fleece is good too. My suggestion is to find a light water resistant jacket that has removable sleeves. (or at least BIG vents) and can be folded into a small size.

[MMcG]

As far as jackets go .."waterproof" does not breath and is too heavy, a water & wind resistant material is the way to go. And as others have stated layering is the key to staying comfortable. I have had excellent luck with Nike ACG jackets. Sleeves that zip is a huge plus!, the option to wear a vest is a great way to stay cool yet warm your core. Even if its a super cold winter day, I'm usually just wearing a light wind vest with light long sleeve fleece and a short sleeve base T. Windproof fleece is good too. My suggestion is to find a light water resistant jacket that has removable sleeves. (or at least BIG vents) and can be folded into a small size.


I picked up a lightweight, yet wind resistant polar fleece vest at EMS yesterday. Also picked up some long sleeve techwic shirts, and a pair of Mountain hardware wind pants - just in case it's really windy and chilly later this season.

[AA]

a little sidenote from the peanut gallery...
a rule of thumb given to me from an orthopedic surgeon was to always wear knee warmers if its less than 65 degrees out... gotta protect those joints...



I've heard similar advice, but it was 60 deg. I also think that only applies to road riding due to the wind chill factor.

Knuck,

These are knee warmers........

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=15761

[steve_b]

I second the Nike ACG stuff. It's generally light-weight, but extremely efficient at keeping you warm. My ACG coats has zippers under both arms, along the side that you can open when you get hot.

As far as cool weather: I wear shorts until the temp. drops below 40. A jersey on top with a Nike wind shell. I have ridden in weather in the 20's and I still work up a good sweat.

[AZ Chick]

a little sidenote from the peanut gallery...
a rule of thumb given to me from an orthopedic surgeon was to always wear knee warmers if its less than 65 degrees out... gotta protect those joints...



I've heard similar advice, but it was 60 deg. I also think that only applies to road riding due to the wind chill factor.


well, you'll know its me when you see me riding with knee warmers on under my baggie shorts! I have too many knee problems to chance it.

[Jisch]

I got my REI jacket yesterday. It looks good. It says the material is breathable, we'll see. It is a lightweight jacket, which is what I was looking for, but it might end up being too watertight (i.e. the sauna effect).

It is a great size. I have long arms, when I stretch out to reach the bars, jacket sleeves often ride up and expose my wrists. This jacket is built for riding so the sleeves are cut long, as is the back.

For $39, seems to be a good deal.

John

[Jisch]

The weather man said the rain would start in the afternoon. I figured a morning ride was safe. I wish I could be wrong at work as often as those guys and still keep my job :-[

We rode at Concaponset, as I got closer the rain was coming down harder. By the time I got there, it wasn't exactly pouring, but steady rain. My previous shell, when it gets wet, becomes a garbage bag, holding in all my perspiration. It was also not waterproof so it didn't keep out the rain. If I rode with it on a ride like today's I'd be wet and miserable by the time I got back to the truck.

So even though it was not cold today, I decided to try out the new shell. It worked perfectly. My perspiration went right through it (I didn't overheat) and it kept me dry. Amazing. I love it . Well worth the $39. The only down side I can find is that it doesn't have any side pockets - only one in back. In the winter I like to keep chapstick and half gloves in my side pockets for quick access.

John

[Thedewser]

Just bought this one today - I'll let you know if its any good when I get it next week:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=14205199&storeId=8000&cat alogId=40000008000&langId=-1


Maybe you got the last one Jisch because the link didn't work.




The link is broken. you need to add "-1" in the address bar.

[Z]

I'm a big fan of arm warmers!!! They are really warm but easy to take off and packable. I've gotten quite good at removing them (or at least rolling them down) after a few minutes of riding, without even stopping!

I'm with Dirt Bag and the others here - I warm up fast. The last thing you want is to sweat at the outset - you're more liable to chill down. So in my case I don't usually ride with more than a vest (once I get going) unless it's below freezing or I'm riding on the road.

But then again I take a jacket with me - don't forget about the possibility of a mechanical!

[johnbigbooty]

I learned something new last winter: your wicking layers only 'wick' as well as the least breathable layer. So fleece under something nylon is just wet fleece. I sweat buckets in all weather, and I found I was better off with no shell. Just fleece. I also found that shells may be 'breathable' but they can only 'breathe' a certain volume. I can sweat faster than they can breathe.

A shell is handy to have along, though.

[Jisch]

In the right conditions fleece is great. For me its too dangerous though. I find that if there is any wind at all, I end up FREEZING when I stop. I got caught like that once, and it was enough to realize I can't do fleece alone. For me a light shell and wicking shirt works best.

John

[spoon]

The job that i have deals with out side all day.I got a good windproof and waterproof jacket at wearguard. com.its light and compac to fit in your camelpack. The style is 366

[jsb2dc]

The only time that I leave anything on through the entire ride is when the temp is down below 10-15 degrees. Then I don't tend to sweat enough to make the shell a problem. Other than that, at least one layer will always come off during a ride. I usually take off the shell just as I'm starting to break a sweat and then I'm comfy and stay dry through the rest of the ride. If you remove/add layers when needed it's not a problem.