Recommendations for inexpensive winter/rain cycling jacket

After getting soaked inside my barely breathable cheapo rain jacket during the recent rains, I'm looking for something a little better designed. Since I want to commute as much as possible through winter I'm wondering if I can get away with breathable waterproof rain jacket to keep out the nastiest stuff and simply layer up underneath. On some of the absolutely bitter cold days I'll likely just be driving in to work or taking mass transit. I've been poring over numerous websites and reviews and just can't seem to come to a firm decision on any particular jacket. I like the idea of ones with hoods, particularly hoods that can fit over the helmet. I guess an alternative would be a hood-less jacket coupled with a waterproof helmet cover. Ideally I don't want to have to spend more than right around $100 max, since I'm still having to shell out a lot of money for other winter cycling stuff like heavy weight tights, long sleeve jerseys, fenders, etc. I know it's all about "you get what you pay for" but I can't believe that there isn't a decent quality jacket out there that costs less than $100. Suggestions?

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Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on November 8, 2011 at 10:35am

I posted this in the bike winter group.  http://www.lapolicegear.com/hitech-mystic-mountain-shell.html

 

 

Permalink Reply by David P. on November 9, 2011 at 4:36pm

I've also got a Marmot Precip. It's not my primary rain jacket for cycling, but it was the first rain jacket I used cycling, and it is the one I've been wearing lately until I renew the waterproof coating on my REI ain jacket. Somehow I got mine, used for one weekend and with no faults, for $7 at an REI garage sale. To kiltedcelt, I don't miss not having a long tail on it. I've never unsnapped the long tail on my REI jacket. While it is not cut with the extra-long tail that cycling jackets tend to have, it is cut a few inches lower in the back than in the front. I ride with about a 45 degree back angle and it give plenty of coverage. I have full fenders, so keeping my lower back wind-free and dry from above is the only need. It works well with layers - about as well as my other jacket. As far as the lower limit, I've not really tested it. When it was my only rain/winter jacket, it was my first winter riding and I stopped having fun at low 20s F so I stopped riding. It kept me plenty warm at that temp with appropriate dressing. My only complaint about it is that the collar, into which the hoods stuffs when you aren't using it, is rather bulky and can keep some sweat on my neck at times. I find that it works very well and it is versatile since, after all, it is not a cycling jacket. I use mine mostly as a rain jacket for hiking and backpacking.

 

David

Permalink Reply by Anand Kalelkar on November 9, 2011 at 5:46pm

Here's the opposite of what you asked for:

 

Criterion Cycling Jacket

 

Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on November 10, 2011 at 8:51am

Just picked this up at the thrift store on Elston and Kimball...I keep my eyes pealed for bargains...

$20...if it was Monday, it would have been $10(half price day)

Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on November 10, 2011 at 12:07pm

Awesome find!  High-vis yellow and everything.  Does it have pit zips too?  

Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on November 10, 2011 at 6:08pm

yes it does...I was blown away by this find. Everyone says I'm crazy...but I find some good stuff...gotta be faithful and willing to sift through the racks.

Brendan said:

Awesome find!  High-vis yellow and everything.  Does it have pit zips too?  

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