Aero cycling jacket for cold/wet weather

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m looking for a jacket to wear for cold and/or wet pacific northwest riding - mostly for racing long-course tris. I’m a FOP rider and need something very aero. The Castelli Aria Shell jacket looks like a promising option, but I wanted to see if anyone had anyone had experience with it or other ideas.

I’m mostly concerned with staying warm and not too concerned with staying dry as I’ll likely be sweating at some point anyway.

Any other tips or suggestions for cold/wet (and fast) racing would be appreciated.

Thanks

2

Get a deSoto two piece and leave top on and put bottom on over upper body for swim (not sure who well that will work), but the 2 mm top in the rain and cold should be awesome and aero.

Tape vents of helmet shut.

3

Wearing a jacket will take you from FOP to MOP. Ok maybe not that much but even the tightest will be minutes slower than a skinsuit. A jacket fundamentally needs a bit of airspace between your skin and the material to trap warm air. Flapping material is slow.

I would just use a piece of plastic or newspaper stuffed down the front of your skinsuit. Truly tho if you’re racing FOP and weigh more than 95 lbs you’ll be producing enough heat that you’re not cold in any triathlon conditions. 250w gets you pretty toasty in all but the coldest days. Remember the water has to be a reasonable swim temperature, limiting the air temperature somewhat. Whatever you go with just make sure you can quickly remove it for the run.

4

garbage bag under jersey

5

Instead of garbage bag, try an insulated space blanket, it’s terrific. I’ve done that at cold Oceanside and IMSG races.

6

Thanks everyone! I’ll probably go with a space blanket in the suit if the conditions warrant.

7

The tightest fitting, most aero rain jersey/jacket is probably the Castelli Gabba series. Consider the new Gabba R : Protection Cycling Men GABBA R - Castelli Cycling

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One the “up the jumper” front, I’m a fan of 1/8" packing foam. It’s a bit thicker than a mylar space blanket, so easier to move in/out and offers a bit more insulation. Either one can be easily removed and abandoned at an aid station trash zone as things warm up.
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1 Like
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Oh ya. Totally love this hack.
Of course I mean the packing sheet, not the Castelli.

9

In cold (sub 60) rain, I get cold too, even riding 3+w/kg, especially on longer rides. Being cold and miserable wears away at your mental stamina.

Take a look at the Assos Liberty Aero Rain Jersey. If it fits you, it rocks. I’d also check out the Assos AlleyCat Clima Capsula. They cost a bit more than a trash bag, but they’re high quality kit and if the fit is spot on pretty aero.