The Ultimate Riding Jacket?

I have just ordered one of these but with a few tweaks

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

They make the jackets to order so are happy to take your measurements and make it really fit.

Nice choice, I have had a jacket from them in the past and did contact them about a single layer version of yours. They didn't reply but their service was superb first time, make of that what you will.

I'd like to see more companies making good gear out of ventile. I recently returned a Klattermusen Einride that I ordered in a fit of madness; beautiful jacket, would have been perfect for cycling but it was bonkers pricey even by my standards.

Has anyone ever used a Rapha winter jersey basically as a jacket in winter and just layer up underneath?

Looks pretty heavy duty and in terms of a jacket its not *that *expensive

Attrition = £260+.. I don't even need to convert that into pints to know it's too much!

mine was free, (well i got it as a manufacturer's replacement for a jacket i paid £100 for second hand in brand new condition) so over 2/3 years i've paid £100 and had 2 top of the range jackets, can't complain eh!

Rapha winter jersey is possibly the best thing they make.

Rapha winter jersey is possibly the best thing they make.

Cool, just pulled the trigger on one

I like my Rapha winter jersey a lot but it isn't windproof. I think the most recent version had some windproofing added to it? That would make it 531.

I'm about to the pull the trigger any suggestions?

I like my Rapha winter jersey a lot but it isn't windproof. I think the most recent version had some windproofing added to it? That would make it 531.

Features

• Excellent moisture transfer.
  
• Itch free.
  
• Windproof front and shoulder panels for additional warmth.
  
• Shaped collar for on-the-bike comfort.
  
• Zipped, mesh-lined vents for temperature control.
  
• Improved pocket configuration for flexible storage.
  
  
  

I generally get too hot even in winter when cycling in London so hopefully this will be enough to see me through winter

Ok, im sick of being cold and wet, and finally have monies to invest in a decent winter Jacket, anyone have/had a Cannondale Moto jacket? they look pretty good quality and wont break my bank account too bad, but a quick google i cant find any reviews....

I've been reading this thread and found it pretty useful so I'll share my thoughts.

After getting soaked working in the pre-christmas snow in London, my KWay jacket failed (seals unsealed and no storm flap on front zip) and I tore the seat of my waterproof trousers, I wanted to be fully sorted for work.

Blacks has a good sale on at the moment, I got the Berghaus Pac-Lite, it pacs away into a tiny ball, it is waterproof (gore tex), pretty breathable and very well cut for riding a bike (low at the back, long arms etc). I'm impressed with it, the collar is nice and tight so no rain falls down your neck, the hood is excellent, with a nice peak and good adjustments so you can still have full peripheral vision with it up, the best fold away hood i have seen. I am pretty happy with it, i got it for £75 after 50% off, rain drops bead off it, it has a year guarantee on waterproofness and any other failure, nice deep pocets with waterproof zips, really good cut, but after 2 hours in the rain this morning i did feel a little moisture when i took it off, maybe it was sweat but it worried my slightly, also it is in no way warm, it is an outer shell, you have to layer underneath.
http://www.berghaus.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=1353&Gear=2

Also I bought some waterproof trousers from the army surplus store on windmill street, they are excellent, extremely waterproof, no moisture on the insde, zip lower leg and velcro cuff on the bottom. I dont like camo myself that is the only downside for me, but its only in the rain. They had a matching jacket for £45. This stuff is really tough, and more waterproof than most hiking wear i have seen, another downside is the cut, they are ok more ergonomic than some over trousers, but not as nice as the north face ones i was looking at in blacks, but then they are twice the price.

Also i bought sealinz gloves form the army surplus place, these are excellent, very warm and waterproof.

And a dhb skull cap which was waterproof and windproof as well.

So basically I crush the weather now.

Received some MAVIC gear for Christmas which fits great and seems well made.

Anyone here have experience with their clothing?

What's the benefit of non-linear zips?

Ergo Zip

Assymetrical zip that is ergnomically positioned to limit irritation and pressure points in sensitive areas.

I always found non linear zips look a bit odd if the cut of the jacket isn't very fitted.

Icebreaker 150 or 200 baselayer
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:cY4mNUWeVTtGHM:http://www.gearandtraining.com/gearntrain/assets/product_images/crewmen.jpg
+
Rapha Lightweight Softshell (Rapha clearance item)
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:M0uAkYnZ_27EbM:http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/images/rapha-light-jacket-hi.jpg
+
Arcteryx Alpha SL GoreTex Paclite Shell (in my bag for when things get very nasty). Bit overkill.
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:fXnLAg-gzHl0oM:http://www.altimusonline.co.uk/images/F08-AlphaSL-jkt-M-BlackPS.jpg
= Full of win(d)

discussion on Gore Tex pac-lite material here - http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/Community-Landing/Forum-Landing/Forum-Categories/Topic/?&topic-id=16704

This jacket comes out most favourably - http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/mens-clothing/outer-jackets/waterproof/rab-latok-alpine-jacket-mens/COREOMACQWE--12#top

Yeah, did a fair bit of research on the merits of various lightweight shells, but couldn't bring myself to buy any of the various flappy monstrosities out there.

The cycle specific jackets are also pretty dire, featuring one huge logo after another.

I had a previous version of the Alpha SL. The cut is quite fitting and the low back and comfy high collar outweigh the slight difference in breathability.

Style over substance...

I agree, mavic seem the least offensive in terms of branding on cycling clothes, but even their stuff is too 'busy'.

hate to keep on saying it but Montane is a brilliant company making great sportswear

Cant say a word wrong about this baby...

rapha is better in terms of discrete than mavic

for road riding I would look at mavic, assos and rapha

for town use, rapha/swerve/ventile seem to be some of the best options

rapha is better in terms of discrete than mavic

Not when you're wearing it...

Received some MAVIC gear for Christmas which fits great and seems well made.

Anyone here have experience with their clothing?

Nicely cut, if a little small (the XL is a little tight on me and i'm 6ft), but overpriced for what you get. The full waterproof jacket doesn't have internally welded seams, which is a feature you see on most jackets in this price range.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300365597009&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

cheapest price on sealskinz gloves i have found, great gloves. warm and waterproof. bargain

cheers Snoops, i'm gonna buy them, just cos i want them to match my socks, the label that is.