"Michael Hoyt" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> It all depends on how water resistant you need it to be. The more water resistant the less
> breathable and thus the more venting is important.
>
> At 20 degrees and minimal or no chance for rain I never wear a full shell,
but
> rather a base vest or an outer vest. Next I have an Activent jacket and finially for real rain a
> Burley Rapid Rider. They all have their place.
>
> The bottom line is cold weather combined with percipitation and
significant
> exertion (like climbing), you're going to get wet from the inside.
> > Does anyone have any reccommendations as to a good cycling jacket or
shell
> > for winter riding (20-40 deg F) with good moisture management
properties.
> >
> > I use a DriFit base layer with a Merino wool insulator and a Climaproof
(
> > supposedly brathable) wind shell. After 10-15 miles I am soaked on the inside in 30 deg weather.
> >
> > Whats the deal with Gore Windstopper shells or possibly the REI One
Jacket,
> > or maybe PolarTec Fleece. Anybody have any experience with any of these jackets they would want
> > to share.
I find that "windfront" clothes work really well -- ones with windproof fabric on the front, but
breathable, plain fabric on the back. Down into the 20s F the problem is still not insulation per
se, but keeping the wind off. Bellwether makes some nice windfront tights. Windfront jerseys are
harder to find, but they do exist. Easier to find are vests with windbreaker material on the front
and mesh on the back. One of these over a couple of jersey layers should be fine.
Windstopper fleece is less sweaty than a windbreaker, but not as breathable as plain fleece. I have
a great Patagonia vest that's windproof fleece on the front, and wicking jersey material on the
back. It's neato for cycling. I think it's called a Flyer, or something like that.
Matt O.