Windproof but breathable gilets?

crumliniano

It's feeling decidedly autumnal this morning. Looks like Gilet weather is upon us. I find gilets great in autumn and spring when it's too warm for a winter jersey but you need some windproofing. I've been using an Aldi Crane Bike one the last few years and while it is pretty windproof I find it is not breathable at the front. The back is meshed and therefore breathable but I find my jersey is sopping wet at the front when I stop. This gets uncomfortable on a long trip. Any recommendations on gilets that are windproof but also breathable at the front (or is that impossible). I like the Assos element zero ones but could never justify the €160 or thereabouts that they cost. So something between Assos and a newspaper up the jersey:D I'm not too bothered about waterproofing, just windproofing.

Lumen

My Rapha gilet doesn't give me sweaty nips but isn't cheap either.

An alternative is a windproof base layer. I got mine from Joe Dalys, €20 or so. It has a windproof front panel, lined with wicking fleecy stuff, and the back is normal non-windproof.

For spring/autumn rides where there is a risk of rain I wear both.

Haven't tested the boards gilet yet as it's not been cold/wet enough.

Zorba

I got a black BBB gilet that's nice and warm and breathable, find it great for this time of yr. Cost around €40 worth every cent.

markcroninbsc

i got a full rig out last year on www.cyclestore.co.uk giant 2008 team kit. shorts, shortsleeved jersey, long sleeved jersey and gillet all for around 130 euro i think. very good quality stuff too. the gillet is wind and waterproof all the way around (no mesh back) nice n warm but definitley not boil in the bag

daymobrew

I have a super light Look gilet, about 65 euro from Cycle Superstore. It has been one of my most used pieces of kit. I use it for running (see attached image).

If I am getting a bit warm I just open the zip a bit.

For an item to be breathable it has to let air through - which conflicts with your windproof requirement.

BeepBeep67

Seen various cycling stuff in a few Sportsworlds - Karrimor - had jackets and Gilets reasonably priced from €20 - €33, plus tops, LS and SS and shorts a bit hit and miss on the sizes but a good selection for ladies.

blorg

I am selling one of these in large. Light and breathable but the reflective stuff is very warm.

thebouldwhacker

This may sound simplistic and I might be missing the point of your post but why not open the zip a bit, if you that hot then chances are it time to take the gilit off. I'm currently using a Descente I must admit that I have never had the chest sweat issue. I'm not being smart but I only use the gilit while my chest is cold, as soon as I warm up I whip it off, if thats not an option just open the zip a bit, as soon as air is given a chance to circulate the sweat issue isn't a problem and unless your doing TT's I dont think the minimal drag should be one either.
Ironically I think what your seeking is a wind proof gilit that lets in a little wind, so one option is to get an old cycling jacket, the lidl ones would be perfect, take the arms off it, replace the back with a mesh panel and you have exactly what your looking for, if you cant sew a tailor will whip it up for you for a few quid, happy days!

crumliniano

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

This may sound simplistic and I might be missing the point of your post but why not open the zip a bit...

I do, but cold + wet = colder

I reckon Lumens windproof base layer advice sounds like it's worth a try.

blorg wrote: »

I am selling one of these in large. Light and breathable but the reflective stuff is very warm.

Thanks Blorg I saw the ad. I think the silver is a bit too bling, sorry.

ednwireland

+1 on the descente velom gilet

daymobrew

crumliniano wrote: »

I do, but cold + wet = colder

Open the zip before it gets wet.