good winter cycling jacket,please

I tend to go one of three ways with winter jackets (all work, have their place, etc).


1: find a good shell and just layer underneath. Any winbreaker of the right size works here, and is my choice down to 30 ish or so a lot of the time. One with zip off sleeves is best, as you can just use the vest to keep the wind off (your arms are normally ok with a bit less). Pearl izumi makes them, frank shorter running gear does, as do many others. these are cheap, 35-70.

2: layers and a winter cycling jersey. this is normally semi wind proof, long sleeved bike jersey, normally ith a light fleece brushed inside. warm ish on its own (i could wear just this down to 45 or so, with layers much colder (the downside here is if you want it to fit without layers, it wont with). 70-150 normally

3: the real warm options, but hte most expensive is a good winter jacket. you can get fleece up through some pretty warm thremal ones (my choice here would be the jagged reversable one).
These on their own are normally good down to 30 or so depending on how you deal, and MUCH colder with the right layers (with the jagged one i've gone down to 10 or so with two base layers). these get pricey 150-300. (the jagged one is 155 i think).


Option 1 is a good way to at lest see how much you need. I rode tonight (35 ish) in a bike jersey and base layer with just the wind breaker vest. Having the wind off was plenty to keep me warm.


For any of the warmer jackets check probikekit.com normally free shipping to the US and a lot of great cycling jackets cheap.

I have a castelli jacket with zipper off sleeves. I really like having removable sleeves as you can zip them open to allow air in or take them off when the temps rise. Very versatile. John.

40 and above I really like windproof jacket's by Bike Gore Wear...very good prices at Performance Bike and Bike Nashbar often 1/2 to 2/3 off the normal price.

If you get one with windstopper fabric that is not softshell it does keep wind off which is what makes me the most cold.  I have a few Bike Gore Wear jackets and the shell type are great and one has zip off gloves.

The other option is softshell that has windproof fabric on front and front of sleeves. I have Pearl Izumi Gavia jacket and a Craft one that work well but if it is windy can be cooler than totally wind proof Gore jacket.

Add toe cover and wool socks or shoe covers and warm gloves and a hat under your helmet and you'll be good. I have some Pearl Izumi Amphib tights that go over bike shorts that are windproof material on the front and I wear them when it is 20-45.

I really like my Gore Phantom II bike jacket. Windproof, removable sleeves, etc. The regular US price is over your $150 threshold, but I found better prices by ordering from wiggle.co.uk (free or very cheap international shipping, and delivery is surprisingly fast).

I find that more important than the jacket is the foot covers - feet get terribly cold on winter rides. Don't skimp on the extremities. 

Thanks all.
I have foot covers etc and I also have been using "baggies" over my toes which have been a big help. So I will take all your recommendations and go shopping for a Gore jacket with removable sleeves!
Thanks again

I live in NC and it's rare that I would have to ride when it's less than 30 so I haven't invested in anything for really cold weather.

For 30s, especially low 30s:
Pearl Izumi Barrier
Gore Phantom

For higher 30s and low 40s
Novara jacket.  I have an older model but it's similar to the Novara headwind.  The men's version here is similar to what I have.

If you were just "OK" wearing all that in 51 degrees, you may want to get one of these:

I grabbed a nice Castelli jacket on ebay last year.  It's nice and not too bulky.  I can throw a couple base layers underneath and rock it when it is about mid-20s to mid 40s...starts getting hot in the 50 degree range.  It's basically just a windstopper type fleece that  a bunch of brands make but it has great pockets and fits perfectly.

This is on my wish list.  Gore Phantom Jacket.   I tried it on and loved it.  The sleeves are detachable.  It's a little pricey for me though.

http://www.sunandski.com/Gore_Bike_Wear_Men_s_Phantom_WINDSTOPPER_Cycling_p/7733021440215.htm 

your sick my man, and I bet HE shaves his legs

I bought a Giordana FormaRed-Carbon Jacket on Bonktown for $119 and LOVE it.  I would easily pay full price for it.  Very warm layered over a lycra top.  I highly recommend.  In think Bonktown has them or similar jackets fairly frequently. 

I have a castelli jacket, it's a few years old so don't remember actual model name. But it's windproof on the front and wicks out the back. very nice, but gets hot anything above 50. Today, I did what another mentioned, a long sleeve/fleece inside jersey with a long sleeve workout shirt. it was perfect for 55* and shorts.

just about finding different combinations and layering to the specific temps each day. watch bonktown or realcyclist for some decent deals on this type of stuff.

and no affiliation with bonktown/real cyclist, just buy gear there and it's great stuff.

newline!