In article <[email hidden]>, bpr
Quoted message said:I need to buy a waterproof (not just windproof) cycling
jacket. My preference is to get Gortex since I've never
found any of the waterproof knock-offs to be as effective.
So I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a
good Gortex cycling jacket.
I have found that Goretex always breath better than Ultrex,
Texapore or Entrant GII and other breathable waterproof
fabric. While Goretex maybe waterproof, you probably need
to expect some dampness since the fabric will not be quick
to vent with high aerobic exercise, like climbing a hill
with your bike. So what to do??
I own 3 rain jackets. For really bad downpour in the winter
months of the wet coast of Vancouver, I use a Goretex jacket
and will try to maintain my cadence so that, I don't sweat
profusely. For spring and summer time, I use a lighter nylon
jacket that has a coating of DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
and that works great. Both of these jackets have underarm
zippers and back vents built-in, which I considered them
essential, especially when I sweat easily. I am now
experimenting with an Arcteryx Gamma SV softshell jacket for
wet and snowy winter riding this year and it is so far the
best warm and breatheable jacket. This jacket is by no means
waterproof, but it is very water resistant and it is also
damn breatheable, much more so than my 3 ply Goretex. I
never felt wetter in this jacket than with my Goretex, which
I consider the next best thing and it is super wind
resistant, just like my pair of Aerotex gloves!
Quoted message said:Also, do you think these features are needed in a
waterproof cycling jacket:
* Detachable hood
This is not necessary. There is an accessory available from
Sugoi, Pearl Izumi and MEC that is made of Goretex and goes
on to cover the vent holes of your helmet to make it
waterproof. This is more ideal than the jacket hood since it
gives you full side to side vision -- a must if you need to
ride in heavy traffic.
Quoted message said:* Underarm zippers
YES, for me.. Also a plus is the back vent and a pair of
thumb knots. Remember that if you don't have thumb knots,
these vents are useless!! The thumb knots allow air to be
scooped in from under your wrist and the gets circulated
and out these vents. Most people use their Goretex
jackets without the thumb knots and wondered why the
jackets don't breath!
Quoted message said:* Front pockets
Front hidden pockets are useful, especially to store your
keys and money.
Quoted message said:* Rear pockets
I do have it on my jacket. I usually store a couple of
powerbars, but when it rains, it interferes with my back
vent and I don't like that.
Quoted message said:* Built-in pouch to store jacket (with waist strap)
It depends on how many ply Goretex you are buying. Typically
cheapee 2 ply jackets are foldable. The good 3 ply ones are
not as easily foldable, but these are the ones to get if you
want quality and durability. But, if you are not planning to
always cycle in a heavy downpour -- just enough to find
shelter -- you might want to consider getting yourself a
softshell. Softshell jackets are nice, form fitting and the
newer ones are very super water resistant, warm and way more
breatheable than Goretex.