The Ultimate Riding Jacket?

Finally pulled the trigger on a Rab Stretch Neoshell

will report back when it's arrived.

Rab are awesome.

You're gonna bake Laner.

JonD has one, quite likes it but it is not serious protection from the wet.
Looks to me like a nice travel jacket, when some time might be spent off the bike.

The Harrington keeps me dry on a wet commute, it's well cut, comfortable and doesn't look too bikey off the bike, which is grand. It also breathes very well. It's not massively warm though - even with a LS base and jersey underneath, the last couple of days the cold has gotten to me a little bit and I've gone off looking for a winter riding jacket. But through the summer and autumn it was brilliant.

The Harrington keeps me dry on a wet commute, it's well cut, comfortable and doesn't look too bikey off the bike, which is grand. It also breathes very well. It's not massively warm though - even with a LS base and jersey underneath, the last couple of days the cold has gotten to me a little bit and I've gone off looking for a winter riding jacket. But through the summer and autumn it was brilliant.

I would agree with this, but to add that 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.

I've not tried this jacket but got their shorts earlier in the year. Normally I find things like shorts hard to get excited about but they are truly amazing, I love them so I'm pretty sure this jacket will have the same attention to detail. Now I want their trousers but think I might be a bit lanky for them!

http://www.vulpine.cc/Shop/Mens/Jackets-Gilets/ICAT1000/MENS-HARRINGTON-RAIN-JACKET/ITM1060

I was perving at this today, any opinions?

Rab are awesome.

You're gonna bake Laner.

HA, i bought it to stop me baking! We'll find out...

"Rab" in russian means "slave". Just sayin...

Probably a good thing i didn't end up buying a pompino after all then, might have got some interesting questions on my commute.

I would agree with this, but to add that 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.

They should be using Ventile cotton. Really is epic.

leaving this here in case it's useful.
http://www.outdoorresearch.com/

although i have to admit i'd never use anything other than a cycling specific jacket for cycling. for the cut, fit and helpful feature.

old company known by many, but still best I've seen for cycling:
http://www.showerspass.com

I gave my Rapha softshell a Nikwax treatment over the weekend after a couple of winters use. Its seems to have done the trick and is keeping my dry again bar a few damp spots along the seams as you'd expect.

I really rate it in colder weather both on longer rides and on the daily 8 mile commute. Not sure whether I tend to run hot but anything over 6-7 degrees is too warm for me to consider it as an option. Anything under that right down to just below freezing it performs admirably coupled with a merino base layer.

Thanks for that, got a white one for 14 quid off the Halfords website along with some other Sportful bits in the sale. Looks great actually.

Not sure where to put this comment, but thought here was best.

I bought a Sportful reflex 2 windproof cycling jacket because I wanted hi viz (yeah), and it is good and cheap. If you want hi fiz for commuting in the dark, would recommend.

They should be using Ventile cotton. Really is epic.

As long as it's double-layered, and then it's quite heavy.

Not sure where to put this comment, but thought here was best.

I bought a Sportful reflex 2 windproof cycling jacket because I wanted hi viz (yeah), and it is good and cheap. If you want hi fiz for commuting in the dark, would recommend.
It seems that lots of people are switching to a hi-viz look at the moment. If only it could guarantee our safety.

Yeah, I've noticed this too. I think it's stopped being as 'frowned upon'.

A year ago, I would've never considered high vis, but I am contemplating it now, purely because I am shocked at how long it takes cars to notice I'm there on the lanes on the way home. Even with a steady light and a flashing light (bright lights!) they'll keep their high beam on until they're about 3 metres away from me.

Note: I mean reflective stuff, not just high vis.

No idea if it's the ultimate, but it's eVent meant to be slim fitting and £85 (death-ninja-black is £100)

http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-elite-alpiniste-2-event-jacket-mens-442087

I got the older version of this last year, it's pretty good. Waterproofing is good although the tape on the seams has started to come off and the velcro wrist ties are shit, they've never really stuck and one has come off. I have worn it pretty much every day it's not looked like it'll be sunny for over a year though, and that's in Manchester, so like every day.

It could also do with a bigger drop on the tail, but maybe they've sorted these things.

They should be using Ventile cotton. Really is epic.

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.

Finally pulled the trigger on a Rab Stretch Neoshell

will report back when it's arrived.

After loads of research into which outer shell I wanted for winter (everyday use). This topped my list. I ended up buying something similar on clearance instead. Should be awesome.

A year ago, I would've never considered high vis, but I am contemplating it now, purely because I am shocked at how long it takes cars to notice I'm there on the lanes on the way home. Even with a steady light and a flashing light (bright lights!) they'll keep their high beam on until they're about 3 metres away from me.

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.

Yeah I know. Cunts. Still doesn't hurt to wear a bit of reflective stuff at the end of the day. So long as it performs well enough. IMO.

Meh, been there done that, still the same old shit, even on primary they won't dip for you.

some pretty cheap packable waterproof jackets
£10 - 20
http://www.blacks.co.uk/mens/mens-clothing/jackets-coats/lightweight-packable-jackets/

I got the older version of this last year, it's pretty good. Waterproofing is good although the tape on the seams has started to come off and the velcro wrist ties are shit, they've never really stuck and one has come off. I have worn it pretty much every day it's not looked like it'll be sunny for over a year though, and that's in Manchester, so like every day.

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.