Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

In the search for a resolution to my constant dithering for a winter(ish) jacket I'm now looking at the Classic Wind Jacket.

Which I think used to be the stoaway jacket or something. I was put off the Classic Softshell Jacket when the discount was on as I tend to run quite hot.

My main issue at the moment is the cold/wind on my chest when riding. So I am umming and ahhhing between getting a cheap softshell gilet or possibly the Classic Wind Jacket. The logic of the Classic Wind Jacket is that it should stop the wind and be warm enough with a jersey +base layer underneath. Also it would mean having a nice rain jacket.

Any thoughts on 1) how wind-proof it is, and 2) how breathable it is?

Cheers.

The Wind Jacket is excellent IMO. It is windproof and it is far more breathable than you might expect, I've happily worn it all day on long cold rides. Plus it easily stuffs into a jersey pocket. I reckon it's more versatile than a gilet.

It's about as rainproof as the classic softshell, i.e. it'll keep light showers off you but if it's pouring you will get wet. It dries quickly though. It's a bit cooler too, I'd say base layer + jersey + wind jacket is about the same as a softshell with just a base layer.

The first one I had was a Stowaway I got in the sample sale years back. I subsequently lost a lot of weight and needed to size down, and in the absence of a discount code or sale I paid full whack for a new one. And I've just ordered another one in a different colour in this sale. That's how much I like it.