Jackets?

[oldguy00]

So, for several years I've owned one of the Assos jackets. Not the original gator, but the one that would have been below it, with the Assos logos going down the shoulders. Really love it, but figure time for a new one after all these years.
I notice that a lot of the newer jackets are less like jackets, and more like thick jerseys, especially on the backs.
What jackets should I look at if I want form fitting, but still fairly stiff, windblock material all over, not just a soft jersey?

I was looking online at the Look offerings, and the LG Massimo stuff, but looking at images and reviews, again, these seem more like winter jerseys..

Anyone try the Gore Xenon SO jacket?

Thanks!

[PQJ]

Rapha softshell? I love mine and the free crash protection is an awesome added bonus.

[93legendti]

Fwiw, I have gone to a TNF Apex bionic softshell for winter cycling and it works great-the price is cheaper than Castelli, PI and Assos, so that's a plus.

[Alan]

I have been using the Showers Pass Elite Jacket for the past several years and it is great. The eVent fabric breathes very well and it is waterproof. It has pit zips and a lot of venting in the back. A very quality product and good in cold temps and rain.

See:

http://www.showerspass.com/catalog/men/mens-jackets/elite-21-jacket

Alan

[rnhood]

The Gore (http://www.goreapparel.com/gore-bike-wear/gbw,default,sc.html) jackets. They are top shelf in every way. Some are expensive though.

[dekindy]

Foxwear is not in the mainstream but they offer custom high quality wear at affordable prices.

http://foxwear.net/

[67-59]

I second the Rapha Classic Softshell.

I had been using an Assos jacket for the past several years (sounds like the same one you had been using), and recently got the Rapha. Best jacket I have ever worn; not even close. Used it yesterday on my 28-mile ride in sub-zero wind chills, and was as warm as could be. I even used one less layer than I usually used with the Assos. Pricey, but well worth it.

[skijoring]

The Gore (http://www.goreapparel.com/gore-bike-wear/gbw,default,sc.html) jackets. They are top shelf in every way. Some are expensive though.

Gore stuff is nice - but their zippers are weak sauce. Otherwise, quality gear.

[Ahneida Ride]

Foxwear is not in the mainstream but they offer custom high quality wear at affordable prices.

http://foxwear.net/


100% Custom to your specifications. at at very fair price !

Best keep secret in cycling.

Foxwear is a no- brainer

[559Rando]

This is a good discussion of jackets:

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=100837

[that guy]

You looking for a hardshell or softshell?

[jr59]

Foxwear is not in the mainstream but they offer custom high quality wear at affordable prices.

http://foxwear.net/

beat me to it

100% Custom to your specifications. at at very fair price !

Best keep secret in cycling.

Foxwear is a no- brainer

Very true

[Gummee]

Gore stuff is nice - but their zippers are weak sauce. Otherwise, quality gear.

I'll agree with that. Sorta. One of the 2 Gore jackets I have has a waterproof zipper (the half-sleeve jobbie whose name I forget) that's a real PITA to use. The other one is mo bettah. That one's an Oxygen.

When buying Gore, pay attention to their fit icons. I've got both 'slim fit' jackets in L and they're just big enough around for my 170-ish # torso.

The new AS stuff breathes much better than the older stuff, but its still not as breathable as it could be.

Jackets:
Assos 851: does great when its dry. Can be worn with a base layer or combo of base layers in varying temps down to the 20s. Built like a jersey, so you don't need one under.

Gore Oxygen: waterproof. Very. ...but you can wear a plastic bag and do the same thing. Not a lot of flapping 'cause its cut slim

Gore (something or another) half sleeve AS: breathes a lot better than the previous Gore jacket. Much better. That half-sleeve thing is a lot better than you'd think at helping regulate temps. Only thing that it needs is a pair of pit zips. Too bad mines black, black, and black with a few red stripes. I'd have preferred something more colorful, but I traded with a buddy and I got what I got.

I have a Specialized wind resistant 'don't hit me yellow' jacket. We all know about those, so I won't go into details.

I rode in a buddy's Hincapie softshell vest one ride last winter. Warm enough to be warm without being too hot. I'm looking to add to my collection, but the $ are keeping me away.

M

[oldguy00]

Thanks all, will check out the suggestions. This is the Gore model I was looking at:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/product-apparel/2012-gore-bike-wear-xenon-so-jacket-7430.11.1.html

[that guy]

I just want to give a shout out to the Showers Pass Softshell Trainer. SUPER warm. Made in USA. Competitive price. Love mine.

[Lovetoclimb]

Rapha softshell? I love mine and the free crash protection is an awesome added bonus.

Also just received an email offer, 25% off with the coupon code CLASSICO. They do a 30 day trial with no questions asked return policy for all their "classic" line garments and this in one of them. So you can ride the mess out of it right now in winter and see if you like it. And at almost $100 off list price that is a fine deal for such a jacket IMO.

[jpw]

Rapha softshell? I love mine and the free crash protection is an awesome added bonus.


This?

http://www.rapha.cc/repair-service

[PQJ]

This?

http://www.rapha.cc/repair-service

Yes, that. I speak from experience, sadly!

[oldguy00]

Although not super-fond of the colors, I think if I were going Rapha, I'd prefer to give the hardshell jacket a try. Looks like more of the type of thing I am looking for.
Again, looking for something that feels a bit more sturdy, but still form fitting. Not a softshell.
Oh, and while I don't doubt the quality, those prices are painful!

[oldguy00]

Also just received an email offer, 25% off with the coupon code CLASSICO. They do a 30 day trial with no questions asked return policy for all their "classic" line garments and this in one of them. So you can ride the mess out of it right now in winter and see if you like it. And at almost $100 off list price that is a fine deal for such a jacket IMO.

Tried the code for fun, didn't work.

Edit - Never mind, just realized, only works for the 'classic' softshell. Discount doesn't work for the hardshell.

[xjoex]

I just want to give a shout out to the Showers Pass Softshell Trainer. SUPER warm. Made in USA. Competitive price. Love mine.

Also a huge fan of the Shower Pass Softshell trainer, its what I wear 90% of the time in the winter. And it's on sale right now at Showers Pass. Review and more pics here:
http://robonza.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-showers-pass-softshell-trainer.html

-Joe

[rice rocket]

Also a huge fan of the Shower Pass Softshell trainer, its what I wear 90% of the time in the winter. And it's on sale right now at Showers Pass. Review and more pics here:
http://robonza.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-showers-pass-softshell-trainer.html

-Joe

I agree, this thing rocks. SO much ventilation, and in all the right places too. Keeps you warm and also keeps you from sweating up a storm.

I should pick up another one in black, so it hides stains better, I'm afraid my yellow one will stain too much when I eat **** on singletrack.

[slidey]

I didn't see a Craft being recommended on here, but since my Craft serves me wonderfully I thought I'd put it on here: http://shop.craftsports.us/cycling-clothing/jackets/mens/pb-storm-jacket-men-black-multi-color.html#.UNvDHolet8o

[VA-Scooter]

Also a huge fan of the Shower Pass Softshell trainer, its what I wear 90% of the time in the winter. And it's on sale right now at Showers Pass. Review and more pics here:
http://robonza.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-showers-pass-softshell-trainer.html

-Joe

Thanks for heads up on sale. Just ordered a jacket. Their stuff is fantastic.

[EDS]

Also a huge fan of the Shower Pass Softshell trainer, its what I wear 90% of the time in the winter. And it's on sale right now at Showers Pass. Review and more pics here:
http://robonza.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-showers-pass-softshell-trainer.html

-Joe

Looks like the reviewer in the blog has the wrong size jacket on as it looks way too big. Is that the way the jacket is supposed to fit?

[oldguy00]

Looks like the reviewer in the blog has the wrong size jacket on as it looks way too big. Is that the way the jacket is supposed to fit?

I was wondering the same. The pics I see online of the shower pass jackets make them look very loose fitting.
I'm looking for something in more of a race fit, like my current Assos jacket.
Colorado Cyclist has a nice sale on the Gore Xenon SO jackets, but their shipping rates to Canada suck.

[saab2000]

I have a couple of Gore Softshell jackets. Less than $200 (I don't remember what I paid but one was on sale and was in the $120 range I think) and they are excellent. Wind Stopper fabric does an excellent job and they are even resistant to some light water like drizzle and some spray.

[oldguy00]

I have a couple of Gore Softshell jackets. Less than $200 (I don't remember what I paid but one was on sale and was in the $120 range I think) and they are excellent. Wind Stopper fabric does an excellent job and they are even resistant to some light water like drizzle and some spray.

Just ordered the Gore Xenon 2.0 SO jacket from Competitive Cyclist. Looking forward to it!

[VA-Scooter]

Looks like the reviewer in the blog has the wrong size jacket on as it looks way too big. Is that the way the jacket is supposed to fit?

They are more of a Touring/Mt. Bike company. I reckon you could get a tighter fit but not real racy type stuff. I am kind of heading that way as I age-Loosening up a bit.

[eddief]

lotta people in my club wear these so I thought I'd give it a go. I always poo poo removeable sleeves, but got this thing anyway. Unllike most other, with the sleeves off it is still a whole short sleeve windproof jersey. Wore it today in about 55 degrees with a breeze. Just a smartwool light layer underneath. Comfy, quiet, and I think the windstop actually works.

http://www.probikekit.com/us/clothing/cycling-clothing/cycling-jackets/gore-bike-wear-phantom-2-0-so-cycling-jacket-1027661.html

[xjoex]

Looks like the reviewer in the blog has the wrong size jacket on as it looks way too big. Is that the way the jacket is supposed to fit?

That's me in the pics, I don't really think it is loose on me, any tighter and it would be uncomfortable while riding. I'm 5'10" 145 pds and that coat is a medium. No complaints about the coat at all.

Cheers,

-Joe

[VA-Scooter]

1

[jpw]

Rapha;

http://www.rapha.cc/images/gallery/3522-309.jpg

do folks think these jackets are cut and pattern shaped correctly for a good fit? they look tight at the bottom of the shoulders and loose on the upper arms (especially the right arm of the rider on the right of this photo).

[Climb01742]

i have it narrowed down to the showers pass softshell and the gore xenon SO jacket, but i can't decide which one. in conditions below freezing, any suggestions for which might be warmer? thanks.

[oldguy00]

i have it narrowed down to the showers pass softshell and the gore xenon SO jacket, but i can't decide which one. in conditions below freezing, any suggestions for which might be warmer? thanks.

If warmth is your top priority, maybe try the fugujack from Assos?
Was a bit too much for my budget, but I bet it is one of the warmest on the market.

[EDS]

That's me in the pics, I don't really think it is loose on me, any tighter and it would be uncomfortable while riding. I'm 5'10" 145 pds and that coat is a medium. No complaints about the coat at all.

Cheers,

-Joe

Interesting. Based on the sizing chart at 6' 170 lbs I think a medium would be big on me and I could fit in a small. Talk about vanity sizing!!!!

[OtayBW]

I just bought (ordered, actually...) a Gore Xenon SO. Been looking at it for a while and think this should do the job for me: ~15°F+ with proper layering. Colder than that I don't need! Will report back in a ~week.

[BumbleBeeDave]

Also a huge fan of the Shower Pass Softshell trainer, its what I wear 90% of the time in the winter. And it's on sale right now at Showers Pass. Review and more pics here:
http://robonza.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-showers-pass-softshell-trainer.html

-Joe

. . . and the jacket features seem really well thought out for real world riding.

If you're 5'10" and only 145 then no wonder the "medium" jacket looks a bit big on you. I'm 5'10" and 170 and wild about the jacket but wondering if that same medium would still fit me. Seems like a large would enlarge the height dimensions to the point it might become problematic.

And . . . oops. Just checked the site andthey're on sale--$145! But it looks like they only have L and XL and that 35-27 on the waist size is way too big for me. I'm a 31-32.

BBD

[67-59]

Rapha;

http://www.rapha.cc/images/gallery/3522-309.jpg

do folks think these jackets are cut and pattern shaped correctly for a good fit? they look tight at the bottom of the shoulders and loose on the upper arms (especially the right arm of the rider on the right of this photo).

I just got one, and it fits great - neither too tight in the shoulders nor too loose in the arms. For my money, a better fit than Assos.

That said, a cut that works great on one rider might be bad on another. The good news is that Rapha offers free returns (including postage), so if you think you might like it, it's truly a no-risk trial.

[Climb01742]

I just bought (ordered, actually...) a Gore Xenon SO. Been looking at it for a while and think this should do the job for me: ~15°F+ with proper layering. Colder than that I don't need! Will report back in a ~week.

just spoke with the folks at competitive cyclist. they had one xenon 2.0 SO left in my size in the color i wanted, and it was on sale, so i pulled the trigger too. fingers crossed! hope we both wind up warm and toasty.;)

[oldguy00]

just spoke with the folks at competitive cyclist. they had one xenon 2.0 SO left in my size in the color i wanted, and it was on sale, so i pulled the trigger too. fingers crossed! hope we both wind up warm and toasty.;)

Did ya go for neon yellow? :)
I have a black one on the way. 5'10 175, hoping the size large is a good fit.

[Climb01742]

Did ya go for neon yellow? :)
I have a black one on the way. 5'10 175, hoping the size large is a good fit.

black for me too. large, as well. the guy i spoke with at CC (who was incredibly nice and helpful, just like in the 'old' days of CC being in little rock) said that the black had lots of reflective bits on the back for visibility. wish there was a bright color for a jacket that didn't look hideous.

[Brucer]

If warmth is your top priority, maybe try the fugujack from Assos?
Was a bit too much for my budget, but I bet it is one of the warmest on the market.

I have a fugu, and I love it. It keeps me warm in sub-zero temperatures (sub-32 in the U.S.), even when it's windy. It was a gift, though, so I didn't have to mortgage the house to buy it.

[Lovetoclimb]

Rapha;

http://www.rapha.cc/images/gallery/3522-309.jpg

do folks think these jackets are cut and pattern shaped correctly for a good fit? they look tight at the bottom of the shoulders and loose on the upper arms (especially the right arm of the rider on the right of this photo).

In my experience the fit of the medium is spot on perfect. I tried some Showers Pass stuff on and felt like I was wearing one of those wing suits. Now I am rather lean at 6'3" and 160ish lbs. But I also spent my college years rowing so my shoulders, back, and arms are still larger than the average cyclist. Rapha tops in medium seem to work quite well for my build with proper length and not much bulk around the stomach and chest.

[oldguy00]

Well, got my Xenon SO jacket yesterday.
To be honest, not in love. It seems like a good quality piece, but apparently I've been too spoiled by Assos.
The Xenon is very thin, more like a jersey than jacket IMHO. It also bunches up a bit around the shoulders I find.
I really hate to admit it, but my 10 year old Assos Airblock winter jacket is nicer. I wish I could find another one NOS.

[Gummee]

lotta people in my club wear these so I thought I'd give it a go. I always poo poo removeable sleeves, but got this thing anyway. Unllike most other, with the sleeves off it is still a whole short sleeve windproof jersey. Wore it today in about 55 degrees with a breeze. Just a smartwool light layer underneath. Comfy, quiet, and I think the windstop actually works.

http://www.probikekit.com/us/clothing/cycling-clothing/cycling-jackets/gore-bike-wear-phantom-2-0-so-cycling-jacket-1027661.html

I ordered one from chainlove. For $60 I couldn't resist any more. I *thought* it was the slim fit and ordered a large. Nope. 'Regular' cut. I'm waiting on my Med. replacement.

M

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . but I have a Biemme Atex jacket from some years ago--team jacket from Backyard Burgers Cycling. It's been my go-to for some time. Not waterproof, but windproof, thick, fleece on the inside, elastic wrist cuffs, two zippered pockets on the back. Just warm and cozy as hell when it's really cold but nice big zipper pull so I can easily vent it with gloves on.

It machine washes totally colorfast and hang dries great and still looks just as good as the day I got it off eBay. I still see them from time to time there, but beware the item descriptions that say "winter jacket." Look for a photo of the back of the jacket and if it doesn't have the zippers on the pockets then it's not the Atex . . .

BBD

[OtayBW]

Well, got my Xenon SO jacket yesterday.
To be honest, not in love. It seems like a good quality piece, but apparently I've been too spoiled by Assos.
The Xenon is very thin, more like a jersey than jacket IMHO. It also bunches up a bit around the shoulders I find.
I really hate to admit it, but my 10 year old Assos Airblock winter jacket is nicer. I wish I could find another one NOS.
I've had mine as well for about a ~week now myself, and yes - it is a bit thinner than I would have expected. I've used a Descente winter jacket for years and I'm guessing that that will be warmer than the Gore which I am still deciding whether to keep or not. I do like the vent, the high collar, and the sleeve zips on the Gore a lot, though, and I found the fit just fine. In fact, for anyone who is considering the Gore, the size runs fairly true. I'm 6ft, 165lb, and the large is fine. XL would have been too big.

[pistolpete]

In my experience the fit of the medium is spot on perfect. I tried some Showers Pass stuff on and felt like I was wearing one of those wing suits. Now I am rather lean at 6'3" and 160ish lbs. But I also spent my college years rowing so my shoulders, back, and arms are still larger than the average cyclist. Rapha tops in medium seem to work quite well for my build with proper length and not much bulk around the stomach and chest.

Yeah I have a medium jacket as well and the fit is perfect though at times it does ride up in the back If some my pockets are full. I am 6'4 ~180 most of that is in the legs haven't had any issues with shoulders being tight- I will say the liner on the cuffs where you can put your hands through are delicate (at least the outter seam).

[Climb01742]

well, and i make it 3. got my gore xenon SO jacket too and i'm surprised by how thin it is. i've been sick, so haven't ridden in it yet, but it looks well made with nice details. but dang, i was hoping/expecting something with a bit more heft. having a hard time believing it will be as warm as imagined.

[67-59]

Following up on the multiple reports of how thin the Gore is...my Rapha Softshell is still keeping me warm in Minnesota. I've had no problems going out in sub-zero windchills.:banana: