Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

The windjacket really takes the edge off Cold wind, and light showers.

Its going to be travelling With me everywhere.

Right now the PTJ seems to cover everything. Cant say its better than a Gabba, or a Bonka. But it fits me better. The thing thats been impressing me of late is the merino arm/knee warmers. Temperatue regulate like you'd expect merino to, yet dont suffer from causing windchill like I would have expected.

I would recommend either the rain jacket or classic wind jacket, recommend the latter as it fit quite small in a jersey pocket.

Where are you that it's always cold and wet?

I'm in Gloucestershire...obviously the cold/wet was in Jan/Feb...hence me looking for something more lightweight & un-sweaty now.
I've got the wind jacket...which is great for chucking in the pocket "just in case", but I was wanting a jacket to wear when it's already raining...so fully taped seams etc

The wind jacket's not taped?

I think the Castelli pocket liner is supposed to be a really good item for waterproofing and breathability.

The wind jacket's not taped?

only on the shoulders...so great if caught in a shower, but not really for heavy downpour
I'm trying to MTFU this year and get out even if the weather is shite

what would you suggest wearing under a hardshell jacket?
it's for use in wet cold conditions, so just baselayer isn't going to do the job.
The jacket doesn't have any pockets, so you have to stash your kit in the pockets of the jersey...and the jacket rides up over those.

A base layer is up to the job. I know, I've done it.

The hardshell does have pockets too.

From what I have read on here and other places, it seems the Hardshell is the best in total downpours. Doesnt let a drop in.

My softshell also is extremely waterproof. Jacket was soaked but I was bone dry during the bad rain a few months ago.

Isn't the wind jacket supposed to be the best compromise between water proofing and breathability?

why not classic softshell?

why not classic softshell?

Of course excellent shout, but I thought the OP wanted a lighter jacket as he had so much trouble with sweat with the Hardshell.

Softshell is equally hot but not as waterproof.

I actually really enjoyed riding in a merino baselayer and softshell during the cold. Kept me warm and didnt overheat like I usually do with jackets which i was really surprised about.

Got a Gabba on order so wondering whether its worth going for the PTJ too, as they will be very similar?

@ rolyateel...

The softshell is quite thick/heavy/warm for spring.

If you're too warm but want some rain protection a lightweight goretex or windstopper (the same just untaped) jacket seems like the obvious choice. I guess with Rapha that's the wind jacket?

Little dosh of HTFU should sufficient.

Doubt you will need a ptj with the gabba.

^^^ Alternatively it's roubaix/nanofancypants armwarmers and gilet – the magic combo...

Doubt you will need a ptj with the gabba.

Yeah i definitely wouldnt wear them together unless i was riding in the Arctic! I was just thinking whether its worth splashing out on both...

Yeah i definitely wouldnt wear them together unless i was riding in the Arctic! I was just thinking whether its worth splashing out on both...

They are very much the same thing. But With different fits IMHO.

If it fits get the zip off arm Gabb. Job done.

didnt fancy the zipp off arm version but thanks for the shout...

Bit of brushed lycra style insulation, bit of windproofing at the front, and a hydrophobic (if not actually waterproof) coating.

That covers half a dozen Gabba style tops. Dont do much when you're standing around. But when you are riding at a half decent pace. Its a functional Level of insulation, and the windproofing comes into its own. All while fitting much like a long sleeve jersey.

I actually think the material of the Gabba is better. But even the XL dug in under my arms.

Did you manage to clean up your PTJ?

Did you manage to clean up your PTJ?

Yeah. Came out lovely. Gave it a little soak, washed it at 30C, added some waterproofer and gave it a little tumble dry to bond it. Seems as good as New.

I have powdered tarmac everywhere though. Had to dismantle everything, even my saddle clamp. Happens every fecking year when I get excited, and take the road bike out too early.

Me and my Rapha are riding into the Mountains Friday. Weathers beautiful. But it'll be way below freezing in there. Hoping a long sleeved merino base, PTJ, Thermal proteam bibs, roubiax leg warmers, Winter gloves, and overshoes will do the trick this time.

Rapha must love you....have you been contacted yet to be in one of their product photo shoots yet?

Rapha must love you....have you been contacted yet to be in one of their product photo shoots yet?

Rapha must love you....have you been contacted yet to be in one of their product photo shoots yet?

Well Fridays suffering was certainly epic. But unless they want folk to aspire to be short stocky strava-pros. I wont quit my day job.

Add hi-viz and that would be scarily Close.