cthenn

Looking for a good wind shell, as the one I'm currently using is not a cycling-specific shell (Patagonia Houdini) and it's more of a wind sail than a wind shell. It's super light, which I love, but it's a bit loose, and not really made for riding. So I'm looking for something that is much more fitted, and obviously cycling specific (good fit is my #1 priority). My other requirements are that it should be stuffable (folds up into it's own pocket), come in a color other than black, and as lightweight as possible. Price is sort of a consideration, but not the ultimate factor. I'm not necessarily looking for something to provide a ton of warmth, just enough to keep cold wind from getting to my body. Rain resistance is not necessary, and I'd also prefer no hood (mine has a hood, and all it does is catch the wind and choke me lol!). Any suggestions?

edit: has to also be a full jacket, not a vest.

RPK79

I have a running jacket made by Hind that fits that bill. Works good for temps in the 20-40 range.

PepeM

Highly recommend that you PM timtak.

winston63 

I can highly recommend the Gore Windstopper products. I have one of their jackets that really blocks the wind effectively and packs up nice and small.

mcours2006

That's awesome! Why didn't I think of that. Yet no fenders. Curious.

rm -rf

A few years ago, I got the Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Lite jacket. It packs extremely small, due to the very thin fabric.


But I rarely wear it now. It actually doesn't breathe very well, my arms quickly get damp from sweat.
I do bring it when there's a chance of rain on a ride, since it only takes half of a jersey pocket and weighs 65 grams!

If it's at all loose, the thin fabric is quite noisy flapping in the wind.

NOTE--I think the current version has been totally redesigned, with different fabric, and a multiple panel construction. No experience with it, though. The new version.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My favorite jacket is the Elite Convertible jacket.

(Probably not what you are looking for.)

It has a zip-off shoulder yoke with the sleeves attached. I'll leave the sleeves at home and just use the vest on cool mornings. Or zip off the sleeves during the ride, and stow them in the jacket's back pocket. (It takes me at least a minute or more to pull off the jacket, unzip, stow the sleeves, put the jacket back on, and go. Not too practical for impatient group rides.)

It breathes very well. (It's not terribly waterproof, but I'd be sweating anyway.)
The best feature is the huge mesh vent across the shoulders, under the yoke. I can pull down the front zipper and get a big airflow through, or zip up and be very warm. The big vent limits the ballooning/flapping too.

If I unzip the sleeves, I can roll them separately and fit the sleeves in one pocket and the vest in another. The pockets are very full, though.

It's "semi form fit" and mine is a little large. But I like that, I can layer up for cold rides. I've used it down into the 30F range, and it's perfect for 45-60F

datlas 

Why not a vest?? Vest is lighter and more versatile.

cthenn

Taht would require quite a tuck! Nice flipped stem too, gotta get even lower.

cthenn

thanks.

thanks.

Not picking on you, but why does this always happen with threads? I specifically said "no vest" and immediately someone responds with "a vest"...

Because I already have a Showers Pass vest that I really like. So I'm also looking for a jacket when I want just a little bit more protection. That's why I said "no vest".

1nterceptor

Been using my Pearl Izumi Convertible for a few years now. Quite happy with it.
Fitting will depend on your body type; but it seems the new model has more of
a riding cut/fit. Never tried stuffing it in one of the 4 pockets(1 chest, 2 side, 1
back); but might be possible - especially with the large back pocket. Material is
thin and easily compressible. Good for a light rain and blocking the wind. Price
is not too bad. No hood. I wear mine down to sub freezing temps with layers
underneath:

New York City 14F/-10C by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
it in

datlas 

You can pick on me, I can take it.

Reason why it happens in general here is too many newbies posting, they think they know what they want and have not explored other options. In this case, you already have a vest so it's my bad. I think vests are so useful that most people who have one may not need a full wind jacket. But of course, YOU are the best judge of that. YMMV.

JohnDThompson 

I have a Specialized jacket with removable sleeves that works well. Although you say you already have a vest you like, a jacket with removable sleeves is more versatile. You can start out with the sleeves attached, then remove them once you've warmed up.

FrozenK

Novara Stowable bike Jacket at REI. It works really well as a wind shell and packs small into it's own pocket, packed size is I don't know a banana? It fits on a jersey pocket without problems.

When I bought it, I was between the Novara and the Patagonia Houdini. The Novara has a more bike-friendly cut and was cheaper than the Houdini.

Owlex

I ride in a Mavic Helium H2O jacket when needed. Last year's model (the one that I have) can be found at this link. https://www.amazon.com/Mavic-Helium-.../dp/B009GIC81Q


Great rain and win protection, very well vented at the same time. White jacket with a few tasteful 3M reflective details and accents, so it's definitely safe and visible as well. Easily packs into a Jersey pocket due to the incredibly thin material.

Hiro11

I've found most hardshell stuff to be too flappy and annoying. IMO a lightweight Windstopper jersey like the Castelli Gabba is great. A wind vest / gilet is a great option as well. My favorite wind vest is the Garneau Course which has a cutaway back for pocket access. Both of these options are a bit expensive and racy, though.

Seattle Forrest

I have a Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer, not the down sweater but the wind shirt. It packs down to about the size of my thumb, with a full zipper and a hood. But it's not very breathable. So there have been times I've been cold and had it with me but not stopped to put it on. Also have an Arc'teryx Accelero wind breaker, it's heavier and bulkier but breathes very well and I don't have to take it off even for climbs.

Nachoman

pearl izumi pro barrier lite jacket. incredibly stuffable.

cthenn

I read some reviews on amazon that said the sleeves were kind of loose fitting. Also, because of the crinkly/plasticky material, it is extra loud when flapping in the wind?

cthenn

I'll check out the Arc'teryx wind breaker. I know their prices are hilarious sometimes, but I own a ton of winter jackets from all different outdoor companies and Arc'teryx is by far the best stuff. Every piece I own is just great for what it does.

f4rrest

I know you said no vest, but the vest + arm warmers combo really helps reduce wind flap and is tremendously versatile.

In case you change your mind...
Sportful hot pack ultralight vest,
Castelli nanoflex arm warmers.

But, if you insist on a jacket, sportful hot pack ultralight jacket.

Carbonfiberboy 

Voler Jet Wind Jacket: Voler: Jet Men's Wind Jacket
Note that everyone gave it 5 stars. Best jacket I ever used or saw. Also great rain jacket for me.

woodcraft

I use this also.

Somewhat flappy, but not that loud. Mostly for emergencies, getting caught out late (visibility + warmth), & occasionally cold mornings.

BenPS

I also own the Pearl izumi pro barrier lite jacket, and as far as jackets go, I think it's fantastic. That being said, I bought that prior to getting a vest, and now use vest/arm warmers 90% of the time I used to use that jacket. Same warmth and wind protection, but you don't get the sweat moisture trapped in like you are marinating in a bag after riding hard.

every noob starts out with the full jacket. just skip that step and get a good vest and arm warmers

my $.02

cthenn

well I appreciate the insult, but thanks anyway. This "noob" still would like a jacket.

Carbonfiberboy 

For the vest wearers, the Craft vest is the best I've ever used. A fave late winter costume here is LS Craft undershirt, SS jersey, arm warmers, and vest. But I also carry a full jacket. I think one's Z2 power needs to be up over 200 watts before one can ride 70 miles in 36° rain without a jacket. Sometimes I'll wear the vest under the jacket.