Autumn/Cycling jacket

The Wilch

This has probably been asked many times, but I'm curious what the best option is for an autumn/winter cycling jacket.

I'm torn between wearing regular layers and keeping a packable jacket such as the Montane Featherlite Velo H2O or wearing something more permanent such as the Endura Windchill. My order of importance is breathability~wind proof~water resistant.
My commute to work is so short (1 mile) that a regular rain coat is fine. In terms of leisure I'm more of a fair-weather cyclist so complete water proof isn't a major concern.

The Windchill is supposedly water resistant, wind proof and very breathable which seems ideal, it looks pretty cool too imo. But is it really that breathable? Are packables only for those moments when you're caught in heavy showers and thus not particularly breathable?

A nice softshell that won't boil me would be great, but am I being unrealistic in terms of breathability on long rides with the occasional sprint? I do heat up quite a bit. If anyone can tell me how breathable Vulpine softshell is compared to Endura windchill I'd appreciate it.

Thanks for reading and for any advice given

kajjal

Do you have a rough budget in mind ?

Check the current sales as well as there are good quality jackets with big reductions if you can find your size.

bsharp77

Ive had the original Windchill jacket for 2 years - one of the best pieces of cycle clothing ive ever bought! Fits like a glove and fairly breathable - perfect for autumn/winter when the temperature starts to drop, and as you mention, I also think its one of the better looking jackets out there. The front breast zip pocket also comes in seriously handy for storing a phone or anything else you want to keep close at hand.
I also heat up quickly, and to be honest any thicker jacket like this is always going to make you warm when temperatures haven't totally dropped....although a great addition is an endura baa baa merino base layer which does a great job of keeping the sweat away from your body (and doesn't smell even after a few days use!!).

For the in between times this autumn where its not too cold, im thinking of getting a Torm sportwool jersey and coupling it with a nice packable gilet which can save me from any showers (id love the Rapha Brevet with gilet, but its a horrendous price!).

Hope this is of some help.

fatsmoker

Aldi's cycling jackets, available from next Thursday according to another thread, aren't bad for 20 ish quid.

krogort

I've got a Castelli Transparante windproof jersey.
It has a windproof fabric on the front only and is very breathable.

It's not waterproof but doesn't get soacked easily.

Perfect for Spring/Autumn.

homers_double

Gore windstopper? Deffinately breathable, very warm and surprisingly shower proof.

I have one for mountain biking but am currently using it on my early morning road loop.

Mind you it's an expensive jacket, maybe the aldi version will be ok for a 1 mile commute.

prhymeate

Personally I'd probably go long sleeve baselayer, arm warmers and a windproof gilet, which probably comes up to a similar price as a jacket, maybe a bit more expensive. It gives you quite a few options, I find my baselayer/arm warmer combo to be pretty much windproof and a gilet is a must for any cycling wardrobe. I bought an endura windproof jacket last winter in case it got really cold and I think I wore it about 3 times, if that.

thefd

I have just recently got the Gabba and I have to say it is awesome - perfect for the cooler autumn days. I am still a little warm in it at the moment. I did go out early one morning and it was only 4°c (I was cold but not freezing). It is wind proof and water proof also, definitely worth the money.

The Wilch

Thanks for the suggestions, lot's to be looking at, there are so many choices. I should wait till the temperature drops to see how I get on but I'm impulsive.

I bought the rapha hooded jacket in the sale for £90, which is lovely, but it's too small unfortunately. Very light and stylish.

Hard to say what my budget is. I'd like to keep it under £100, but can go higher if needed.

A softshell might be too heavy for my needs and may see little use, but I could always deviate slightly and buy a good quality waterproof to use on and off the bike. The Vulpine epic cotton rain jacket has got my attention. Supposedly more breathable than gore-tex... hmmm

phil485

Can you wear the GABba as a jacket rather than a jersey.

I want to commute 4 days a week through most of winter but could only afford one long sleeve gabba.
Assuming wearing some form of base layer or a normal jersey underneath would the gabba work?

cougie

I'd not class the gabba as a winter jacket. Its good for fast rides in the wet where you are working hard though.

I'd seriously have a look at the Aldi jackets next Thursday. Last years was excellent.

Baby Trek

I bought a Castelli windproof jacket some months back in a sale because I had a training session at a really exposed racing track and knew I would freeze without it. It was a godsend and has been a life saver many times since...best £60 ever spent!

Simmo72

+1 for the gabba jersey. Without doubt it is the best clothing purchase I have made. I was out in 4 degrees with just a thin base layer and it was toasty but very breathable, and have ridden in up to 18 degrees and still felt comfortable. The design is good. I'm 6ft4 42Inch chest and went for xxl, slightly loose on the shoulders and chest when you put it on but once in a riding position it is really comfortable. I went for the short sleeve and purchase the matching arm warmers of the same material to give me the diversity for its use, I don't regret it.

It won't keep you fully dry in an extended downpour but you will stay warm so as mentioned above maybe not suited to long slow extended rides but there are plenty of other proper jacket options as discussed. Mavic jackets are really good for when its very cold, again a great fit. I am very impressed with my very well worn H20 jacket, very breathable and waterproof and warm if layered up. Must try this aldi jacket, I don't care about the brand, as long as it works.