Gilet? the best a man can get.

http://www.bicycling.com/gearfinderproductdetail?gfid=12926

It was never designed as a winter glove.
I would say perfect for this time of year.

I bought one of these off fleabay (couple of quid cheaper than amazon) earlier in the year RESULT 'CREW' GILET BODYWARMER - 3 COLOURS (S-XXL): Amazon.co.uk: Shoes & Accessories

It actually does what it says on the tin - it's very water resistant and windproof- pretty impressed all round for 20 quid. Have recently been wearing it over various layers of merino, depending how cold it is

I got a DHB one in the end, it was cheap (£30 delivered), and I get on well with my DHB bibs.

I'll give it a test tomorrow and see how it goes.

Ok so at first I was all... "a gilet is just an expensive consumerism-gone-crazy take on newspaper down the front of the jersey" and I bought this for very little money.

http://media.cascade-uk.com/Image.aspx?ImageUrl=http%3a%2f%2fmedia.cascade-uk.com%2fTennOutdoors%2fProductImages%2fA05800200.jpg&Width=413&Height=404&EnablePadding=true&PaddingColour=FFFFFF

They only cost £13. The cut is crap, the zip gets caught and the back is closed rather than mesh meaning sweaty-back is more than a Justin Timberlake song – it's an every day occurrence.

I've bought one of these Windstopper things which I'm hoping will be better.

http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/pict/2207954301554040_1.jpg

It is much better.

Picked up the Scott one that miro_o lists and so far really appreciating it and worth the price

Dammit - did you ever get the dhb gilet?

I am assuming you got the ultralight one and not the softshell version? ?

I got this one as it looked like it would pack down the smallest:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-race-gilet/

It stops the wind completely at the front, whilst allowing heat out of the back, so spot on I think.

I wore my Endura jacket yesterday when going round Richmond park, and felt rather overdressed- next time (if the weather is the same) I'll wear the gilet.

I can bring it in if you wish to have a look?

Unfortunately that one is unavailable in midget flavour, but good to know that it works.

The endura one you're talking about is also a gilet? I'm pretty much skin and bones so I may spring for a softshell one anyway, but obviously it wouldn't be as useful what with our mild winter so far. I think the mesh at the back is quite important, as you say.

Don't worry about bringing it round, just wanted some quick opinions. The dhb stuff looks like good value in general.

Not a gilet- I have one of these:

And had forgotten how good it is actually.

Laps of Richmond Park at ~8pm it's great, laps of Richmond Park at ~12pm, too warm, or at least if I'd been wearing my gilet instead I reckon I'd have had more thermal headroom.

It is much better.

Liking the look of the scott ones, hows the fit? Looks a bit "athletic" for my portley frame

Actually not athletic enough for me (I'm 5,11" and 60kg). The back lifts and billows a little – obscuring the light on my helmet sometimes.

It's very good though, and a bargain if you can still get them for < £30.

A multi-purpose option is a convertable jacket.

I've got a Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier Convertible Jacket.

**Quick review: **light weight, moderately waterproof (15-20mins in the rain) but fairly warm when wet, fairly wind-proof. Material isn't very breathable, but it's full of zips which double as vents (if you're not using them) so it's generally not too hot. The top part of the back is mesh, when in gellet mode.

Anyway, the fact that it converts into a gillet is useful. It also means it's cold and you want a windstopping jacket over a jersey it's good. It's also good for general outdoorsy stuff.

£45 in the link I posted seems like good value to me. I paid ~£55 at the time. Obviously ~£20 for just a gillet is cheaper. But I think the extra money is worth it for the overall versatilely. Also it comes in lots of flavours, from subtle and practical brown to a nodder yellow.

My only critisism is that for me the jacket isn't the best fit. I have a very large... ummm...trunk. So, I had to go up a size to get something that fitted my chest and sholder measurement, but the stomach area sags a bit when in gillet mode. There are toggles to tighten the bottom.

Anyway, whether people look at that one or another, I think there are merits to a windstopping jacket that converts to a gillet, and ideally with some waterproof ability. Also I tend to buy cycle clothing that can be a jack of all trades to reduce cost.

picked up the white version (I've banned myself from stealth wear on the bike after my accident)
http://www.startfitness.co.uk/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=0&P_ID=44444&strPageHistory=search&numSearchStartRecord=1
they have some good prices on there.
I'm impressed with the gilet, for £25 it's definitely worth it

I always swore I'd never wear a gilet, but I think as a layer one might be a good approach to my usual autumn / winter problem of feeling chilly and then overcooking on the first slight gradient.

I've been looking at the Castelli Perfetto gilet (or "vest" as they keep calling it). Gabba material at the front, nanoflex at the back, and available in pro nodder fluoro. Good for damp chilly days?

Bought one (on sale) so I'm going to answer my own question.

Very well made like all Castelli stuff, very light albeit not really as packable as they make out, blocks wind near completely, sees off showery rain, back gets less sweaty on hills, armholes not restrictive, pockets are functional, job done. It's cut short but there is an arsecovering flap of sorts.

The Castelli fit chart measurements do give a 'race' fit, so it'll look either pro / mildly uncomfortable / sausagefest depending on your body fat percentage.

Bought one (on sale)

Where was that from?

Here - all sizes, limited colours but a few quid cheaper than Wiggle

[Edit: better link]

I've got a pretty neat MAAP one from 2015 I think. Packs down to middle pocket size, offers me rain resistance and I use it to block wind on downhill. Combine with arm warmers and it's great.

Also have a galibier softshell gilet, but the fit is not right, it doesn't withstand rain, and it's waaay to heavy to pack down. Not so great.

Thanks!

Gah, no XL.

This is pretty good for the money.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-ultralight-windproof-cycling-gilet-white-id_8303725.html