The Ultimate Riding Jacket?

You sure they'll change their behaviour? they always do that no matter how much you increase your visibility, to them high beam prioritised over cyclists.

Half the drivers I meet dont seem to realise cyclists get just as dazzled as on coming cars. The amount of times I've had to pass an oncoming car with my eyes closed......idiots.

Yeah I think that's the case, I usually wear a cycling cap at night to block the beam with the peak.

Cheers for the feed back. I was wondering about getting a girls one for my GF... I might go and have a look at one.

No worries, I'm happy for the price, a bit of silicon glue stuff and a mate with a sewing machine and I'll be good for another year.

Speaking of, how is your Ventile holding up?
I just committed to the same jacket (2 actually, till I figure out the fit) and look forward to trying it out in the wet. Unfortunately around here that means March or April.

Withered
Only just saw this, maybe you'll see this response at some point.

I really really rate it. Of course, there are things I could improve, but I think when you wear something literally nine days out of ten for a few years in a row, you do stretch the limits of how good a thing can be.

I've worn a few bits bare on the cuffs, a couple of tiny holes here and there, but wouldn't hesitate to wear it in pissing rain and expect it to keep it out, mostly it is as good as when I got it. It really is one of the most trusty garments I own, like a good Guernsey woolie or a decent pair of shoes. Been meaning to buy some plusses or trousers for AGES. Part of the delay is I just can't decide which. But none of it is cheap, and money's not exactly easy these days...

Keep meaning to send them my Carradice waxed cape and ask them to make an (almost) exact copy in double ventile. Waxed cotton isn't easy to keep waterproof in comparison to Ventile.

Nice, thanks Skully.
I have a pair of grey herringbone plus twos in a 34, made for Jitensha
I just can't carry them off; would let them go for postage plus a tenner, but I'm in Canada. I also have a Guernsey that I will NOT be letting go of.

http://www.hilltrek.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_copy_of_Ventile.html

Withered
Only just saw this, maybe you'll see this response at some point.

I really really rate it. Of course, there are things I could improve, but I think when you wear something literally nine days out of ten for a few years in a row, you do stretch the limits of how good a thing can be.

I've worn a few bits bare on the cuffs, a couple of tiny holes here and there, but wouldn't hesitate to wear it in pissing rain and expect it to keep it out, mostly it is as good as when I got it. It really is one of the most trusty garments I own, like a good Guernsey woolie or a decent pair of shoes. Been meaning to buy some plusses or trousers for AGES. Part of the delay is I just can't decide which. But none of it is cheap, and money's not exactly easy these days...

Keep meaning to send them my Carradice waxed cape and ask them to make an (almost) exact copy in double ventile. Waxed cotton isn't easy to keep waterproof in comparison to Ventile.

^ Do try to keep up.

Do try shut upBOOM

^ Check out the 'Bertram dudley nomad jacket' thread, then we'll all be up to speed.

Any suggestions on something reasonably warm and water repellent for those with a more rotund figure?

Any suggestions on something reasonably warm and water repellent for those with a more rotund figure?

http://www.marquees-for-sale.co.uk/

Hmm, suspect they wouldn't be that breathable.

^^haha

Not so much of an 'ultimate' cycling jacket but I really rate the Levi's Commuter Parka for anyone doing less than say 50 miles a week. I just got one in the sales and it's the best thing I've ever had. Not really, but coming from a Superdry windbreaker... I just hope it performs as well as it does now in a few years.

Also got the Chrome De Haro (because 'Merica) and it's shit. Nice features and probably more of a spring/summernotsureifitsgonnarain coat. Very light and super packable though. The reason I say it's shit is purely from a price point of view, but maybe I'm a tight arse.

Gonna see if I can find a friendly yank to forward me on one of these.
Bargin for $100

http://swrve.myshopify.com/products/milwaukee-jacket

You could probably do a lot worse than this - http://www.mrporter.com/product/366618

Notice that swrve are one of the sponsors of the next washed out forum track day.
Any chance one of those jackets is the prize?

^
threeee hundred what know?
was sech hundred??

Already have the swrve prizes, no jackets unfortunately

Its prob been posted but I like the look of this:

http://www.vulpine.cc/Shop/Mens/Jackets-Gilets/ICAT1000/MENS-ORIGINAL-RAIN-JACKET/ITM1059

Brought this on a whim and i have been very happy with it.

http://www.hm.com/gb/product/21083?article=21083-B#article=21083-A

^^ Yep, one page back.
Got their shorts, but it's been too cold to try them out.

Brought this on a whim and i have been very happy with it.

http://www.hm.com/gb/product/21083?article=21083-B#article=21083-A

boil in the bag, no?

... I have been quite disappointed by the longevity of the waterproofing / 'epic cotton'. I followed the Vulipine washing instructions but the waterproofing just isn't that epic any more.

http://www.howies.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/100x133/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/l/cloudburst-m-131-licorice-parent_1.jpg

Despite Joe.S' warnings I thought I'd give 'epic cotton' a go by way of the Howies Cloudburst cycling-ish jacket that is £89 at the moment. It has just arrived and I am trying it on now - with the labels still on so that I can return it should I decide I don't want it after all.

I'm having doubts wether to keep it or not. Mainly as it is a bit constricting over the shoulders as I reach for the bars. Will the 'epic cotton' soften and possibly even expand over time?

And would you agree that £89 decent value for that level of water resistance vs. breathability? There is no way in hell I am cycling in Gore Tex ever again, I've got 'boil in bag' written into my genes. And I am not a fan of Swerve kit in any case. The only alternative as I can think of it is finding a bit of extra money and going for a geeky and not very cycle specific e-vent jacket.

Those Vulpine rain jackets are reduced by about £50 at alwaysriding, and there's a further £10 off for the next week with code JAN10.

I just got the Hilltrek Greenspot: consistent with my MO, it's currently at the tailor having the zipper shortened and a few other changes. Ventile will be better than Epic at keeping water out.

boil in the bag, no?

So far it seems really good. Im wearing it with a base layer and a fleece and it has been perfect on my 15 mile commutes.