since it is FINALLY that time of year again, in which the shorts and t-shirt must come off for pants and a jacket, what type of jacket are ya’ll using. i’m looking at getting something like the pearl izumi zephyr jacket (the vest is awesome) or the nike stretch jacket. any recommendations?
For warm and windproof that can be worn on it’s own, anything out of N2S (Gore Next to Skin). Incredible fabric and very comfortable to wear, I have the Concurve jacket/shirt and tights.
I have a pair of gloves made of this stuff, pretty good. I recently picked up a Nike Dri Fit pullover with a long zipper. I love it so much, I got another one (also, I found the second on ultra sale for $9!!!). It’s very light, windproof, I’ve worn it from 60 degrees to the high 30’s so far, with just a long sleeved shirt on underneath.
Check out the Craft jackets at Sierra Trading Post (www.sierratradingpost.com). They’re awesome and CHEAP!!! Best exercise clothing I’ve ever owned.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.25031/dept_id./est./qx/product.htm
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.25035/dept_id./est./qx/product.htm
i’ve got a zephyr jacket, and like most pearl stuff, its okay, but not great. the fit is a little on the loose side so it flaps a bit on the bike (and in a stiff wind when running). the jacket doesnt breathe that well either, so you get a bit of the green house effect.
Patagonia Midlayer Wind Shield Top
My wife and I both have them and they are great. The torso has a windproof material that allows it to double as a bike jacket. It also has extra long sleeves that you can roll down over your hands with a spot for your thumb to stick out.
I am cheap, I use my cycling jacket for running.
jaretj
…or you could get something that is more visible in the fading light of winter.
Here is two members of our cycling team from last season in their jackets:
And don’t forget to keep your ankles warm on those long rides:
is this why you guys advocate leg shaving?
is this why you guys advocate leg shaving?
Exactly. The last photo is of a man wearing cut-off jeans, who has not shaved his legs.
Sporthill XC Top. Expensive, lasts forever. I own stuff from Hind, Craft, and PI, and Sporthills 3SP stuff blows everything else away.
Look at the Illuminite stuff. It is often on sale at Performancebike and Campmor. The cars can really see that stuff aftef dark.
I’ll second the sporthill stuff - 3SP - the tights are great for cold weather x-country, running, cycling - they are awesome. Jacket very nice also.
Dave
Like this: Sporthill
**XC Top - Mens (2200)** The **3SP** fabric used in the XC Top is windproof up to 35 mph, and is a favorite of both serious and recreational cross country skiers and runners. Wear alone in temperatures from 20º to 40º F or with a vest or jacket in colder weather.
•3SP (85% polypropylene, 15% Lycra)
•12-inch auto-lock front zipper with chafe guard
•Slight dropped tail hem
•Lycra bound cuffs
•XC SportHill label
Suggested Retail Price: **$86.00 **
Navy
2203
Black
2201
I agree n2s may be great, but watch out if you’re a mec shopper, damn their n2s jacket has a stretch material at the end of the sleeves which let the air in. I bought the jacket thinking it would be great for cool cycling but my forearms get too cold. Grr.
What’s a mec shopper? Also, wouldn’t tucking the end of your sleeves into your gloves solve this?
MEC is a Canadian outdoor gear store, modeled after REI in the US. http://www.mec.ca
Check out www.mec.ca
Personally I’ve been a fan of their products as they offer cheap alternatives to the big names, using good fabric. Anyway, unfortunately no, the “stretchy” part of the forearms run up in a triangle shape almost up to the elbow so unless I’m wearing ladies’ dress up gloves…