Winter Jacket

harringtonp

This is a regularly discussed topic I know but need something fairly quick as my Galibier Mistral Foul II was nowhere to be found when went looking for it recently.

Want something to protect reasonably well against winter elements but it has to be breathable... owned a Galibier Colombiere before and it was horrible in typical Irish winter conditions, soaked inside when dry outside.

See a good looking price on the Rapha Classic Winter at CRC:

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/rapha-classic-winter-jacket-aw18/rp-prod177582

I presume this would do the job and a bright color would be my preference for winter. Any feedback on it ?

Also wondering about

https://galibier.cc/product/mistral-pro-jacket/

but it may be too warm in spite of the zip options.

Other well priced suggestions, I would generally be looking to wear just a single layer underneath ?

Borderfox

I ordered the Rapha one, i have the Castelli Alpha jacket at the moment and its perfect with one layer underneath. I have had the Alpha jacket about four years now and its starting to fall apart.

Great price on the Rapha one, too good to turn down

The Galibier stuff gets great reviews but its too dark to get in my house

Cee-Jay-Cee

I've been using along sleeve Gabba with compression vest and long sleeve base layer underneath. Its been more than enough for the last 2 winters.

I also have a winter jacket that I bought in Aldi two years ago, its very warm, windproof & shower proof but a bit bulky. I use it when out on the mountain bike during the winter.

The LS Gabba has now been renamed the Perfetto, I also have one of them, as far as I can tell its identical to the LS Gabba but with a slightly neater tail piece.

devonp

posted by Daroxtar in the bargain thread:


Castelli Perfetto €111

https://www.tweekscycles.com/eu/cast...mpaign=119535/


i got one its great but sizing is Italian....

benneca1

devonp wrote: »

posted by Daroxtar in the bargain thread:


Castelli Perfetto €111

https://www.tweekscycles.com/eu/cast...mpaign=119535/


i got one its great but sizing is Italian....

Second that but go one size up

Crocked

The Mistral is bloody fantastic piece of kit, for me its the perfect balance for Irish winters

seaviewphotos

What's the Rapha like for sizing, very tempted.

flatface

I have both the gabba SS and the Galibier mistral. I run quite hot so I find the gabba + galibier arm warmers just right for most of autumn winter spring as I can add baselayers beneath and take off arms to cool down.

Mistral I find its warm and a little short at the back - how is the sizing and fit on the Rapha? This review shows it as loose fitting
I think it has a storm flap at the back which is a nice addition.

C3PO

Assos 851 for the very cold days and a Castelli Perfetto (long sleeve Gabba) for the rest!

OleRodrigo

+1 on the Rapha Winter Jacket

Wore one on the Tara 200 last year. The day was as miserable as they come in an Irish winter - 12 hours of wind, rain and cold temperatures. It held out perfectly, keeping me warm and dry for the whole day. (Currently selling one as I have a second).

Eamonnator

OleRodrigo wrote: »

+1 on the Rapha Winter Jacket

Wore one on the Tara 200 last year. The day was as miserable as they come in an Irish winter - 12 hours of wind, rain and cold temperatures. It held out perfectly, keeping me warm and dry for the whole day. (Currently selling one as I have a second).

https://road.cc/content/review/215280-rapha-classic-winter-jacket

Ole,
The review, above is generally very good, but the reviewer doesn't like the fitting around the waist. Apparently, it's a bit bit loose. What do you think?.
I'm 185cms and about 87kgs,do you think the XL would fit me?

G1032

OleRodrigo wrote: »

+1 on the Rapha Winter Jacket

Wore one on the Tara 200 last year. The day was as miserable as they come in an Irish winter - 12 hours of wind, rain and cold temperatures. It held out perfectly, keeping me warm and dry for the whole day. (Currently selling one as I have a second).

Any reviews that gave a poor rating said the for around the waist is very loose and that the pockets on the back are very high up and difficult to access.
Have the found those criticisms to be true??

I've looked at a few pictures of the jacket too on Google images. The fit around the waist does indeed look loose

OleRodrigo

What's the Rapha like for sizing, very tempted.

Eamonnator wrote: »

https://road.cc/content/review/215280-rapha-classic-winter-jacket

Ole,
The review, above is generally very good, but the reviewer doesn't like the fitting around the waist. Apparently, it's a bit bit loose. What do you think?.
I'm 185cms and about 87kgs,do you think the XL would fit me?

Didn't notice the waist fitting as being loose at all and I didnt make any adjustment with the chord either. Can't imagine it being an issue.

It's a snug enough fit, for a jacket. You only need a base layer underneath. I think the XL would be fine. They have great returns service anyway.

OleRodrigo

G1032 wrote: »

Any reviews that gave a poor rating said the for around the waist is very loose and that the pockets on the back are very high up and difficult to access.
Have the found those criticisms to be true??

I've looked at a few pictures of the jacket too on Google images. The fit around the waist does indeed look loose

The pockets are slightly high, now that you mention it, but if you've been attending your pilates classes you'll be grand

I don't think any of the criticisms are significant, tbh, more a personal thing.

letape

C3PO wrote: »

Assos 851 for the very cold days and a Castelli Perfetto (long sleeve Gabba) for the rest!

Agree with C3PO - can’t beat the Assos air jack 851, although I think that model isn’t available anymore.

seaviewphotos

Missed out on the Rapha, raging.

Shedite27

Also looking for a new jacket, most of my cycling is city commuting, at least one way in the dark. What’s the Provest 360 like? I’ve seen plenty on the road and they look good. Are they a shell or is there heat in them?

bingobars

C3PO wrote: »

Assos 851 for the very cold days and a Castelli Perfetto (long sleeve Gabba) for the rest!

Snap

Stark

Have a Columbia Outdry. Totally waterproof and breathable enough so I don't need to check the weather forecast to see if it's worth bringing, I just throw it on regardless of the weather 9 months a year (excluding summer when it gets too hot for long sleeves). Had too many "boil in the bag" issues with other waterproofs I tried.

Macy0161

Shedite27 wrote: »

Also looking for a new jacket, most of my cycling is city commuting, at least one way in the dark. What’s the Provest 360 like? I’ve seen plenty on the road and they look good. Are they a shell or is there heat in them?

I assume you mean the ProViz 360? I have one for commuting. Not breathable (so I wouldn't wear it on a spin) but waterproof. Not very packable. But good for commuting, particularly rural.

I also have a Polaris RBS waterproof - they often have a sale on their site, I think I paid stg£15. Postage steep direct to Ireland, but addresspal/ parcel motel works well.

Plastik

Weepsie wrote: »

Hmm, my Vita was okay this morn. Sleeves soaked through, the rest held up better.

I've given thought to getting a Shakedry jacket or Castelli Idro, but I don't know if they'd even be much use on a day like today

Left Bray at 8am to Dublin 2 - bone dry top half with a Shakedry. It continues to be the best bit of cycling kit I have ever bought, period. They are phenomenal.

Stark

Weepsie wrote:

I've given thought to getting a Shakedry jacket or Castelli Idro, but I don't know if they'd even be much use on a day like today

I have a Shakedry jacket for running (North-face Hyperair). It does an excellent keeping the rain off and is great for running. The only technologies I trust for staying waterproof are Shakedry, Outdry or Nikwax Analogy (mostly found in Paramo jackets). The DWR coating which most jackets use is not fit for purpose imo. I'm wary using it commuting on the bike though as the material feels quite flimsy and would be worried about rucksack straps potentially tearing it. Also, they only make it in black which isn't great for winter evenings imo.

harringtonp

seaviewphotos wrote: »

Missed out on the Rapha, raging.

By the time I managed to measure myself up to decide on size missed out too. Back to drawing board

harringtonp

If anyone has direct links to bargain prices on jackets that fit the bill could they post here. Thanks

Shedite27

Macy0161 wrote: »

I assume you mean the ProViz 360? I have one for commuting. Not breathable (so I wouldn't wear it on a spin) but waterproof. Not very packable. But good for commuting, particularly rural.

What would you wear under it on a day like today? How's the fit?

Macy0161

Shedite27 wrote: »

What would you wear under it on a day like today? How's the fit?

Fits true to sizing chart, more in line with "normal clothes" than cycling. I'm medium in most cycling gear, border line S/M in normal clothes. I brought a small, as was a proper bargain, but it's aero. Medium would've been better, but was 2/3's more!

Today I would've gone winter base layer, winter jersey but I've circulation issues so I go overboard in keeping my core toasty (latest thinking is core temp does a lot for extremity temp).

nilhg

harringtonp wrote: »

If anyone has direct links to bargain prices on jackets that fit the bill could they post here. Thanks

I'm interested as to why you don't seem inclined to go for another Mistral? I have one of the first generation, it's my go to jacket from end Oct to early May since I got it in July 2015, it's still pretty much as good as the day I got it with a bit of TLC and occasional DWR re treatment I do at home here with the Graingers spray on product.

I have the pro jacket too, I doubt I'll ever wear it out, just because we don't get enough days really cold enough for it, though if I was out today I'd have it on.

G1032

Weepsie wrote: »

Hmm, my Vita was okay this morn. Sleeves soaked through, the rest held up better.

I've given thought to getting a Shakedry jacket or Castelli Idro, but I don't know if they'd even be much use on a day like today

Am, just looked up that Castelli Idro. It's around €400. That's just absolutely insane beyond belief.

G1032

harringtonp wrote: »

By the time I managed to measure myself up to decide on size missed out too. Back to drawing board

Mistral Pro. Just order that.
I had a Mistral before and found it fantastic. But was a tad too big and sold it. Guy that bought it is delighted with it too.
I'm going to order another now I think. My Gabba has totally lost all water resistance despite washing with Nikwax to try and restore it. But it owes me nothing at this stage. I've gotten a huge amount of wear out of it.

G1032

nilhg wrote: »

I'm interested as to why you don't seem inclined to go for another Mistral? I have one of the first generation, it's my go to jacket from end Oct to early May since I got it in July 2015, it's still pretty much as good as the day I got it with a bit of TLC and occasional DWR re treatment I do at home here with the Graingers spray on product.

I have the pro jacket too, I doubt I'll ever wear it out, just because we don't get enough days really cold enough for it, though if I was out today I'd have it on.

Interesting.
Is the Mistral Pro much warmer than the standard Mistral?
How often do you treat with DWR?
Might try that Graingers and see if it revives my Gabba

harringtonp

nilhg wrote: »

I'm interested as to why you don't seem inclined to go for another Mistral? I have one of the first generation, it's my go to jacket from end Oct to early May since I got it in July 2015, it's still pretty much as good as the day I got it with a bit of TLC and occasional DWR re treatment I do at home here with the Graingers spray on product.

I have the pro jacket too, I doubt I'll ever wear it out, just because we don't get enough days really cold enough for it, though if I was out today I'd have it on.

May well do, was just seeing what else is out there. I suspect there are others with the same breathability that are a little better at keeping out water.

Unknown Soldier

Crocked wrote: »

The Mistral is bloody fantastic piece of kit, for me its the perfect balance for Irish winters

Same. It is a fantastic bit of kit.

I just alter the base layer to suit. For normal winter, just a Lidl long sleeve base layer, but when proper cold, I think its an Aldi Motor Bike Base layer I use. I have been known to use a Galibier Gilet on top too.

Getting the Galibier winter stuff is a waste tbh, the Mistral does an excellent "witchcraft" job at keeping the upper body regulated.

I have and still use the original version, fwiw.

nilhg

G1032 wrote: »

Interesting.
Is the Mistral Pro much warmer than the standard Mistral?
How often do you treat with DWR?
Might try that Graingers and see if it revives my Gabba

My progression as you go down in temp would be longsleve baselayer/Mistral, the same with added gilet over the top, then the Mistral Pro, depending to some extent on how hard I'm expecting to go. For the Mistral Pro really you need to temp to be sub 5C and cloudy, and not be going to exert yourself too much.

I'd do the DWR twice to three times a season, I don't tend to wash the jacket too often though, generally wipe any dirt off with a cloth, and hang it to air out for a while after a spin, when it's getting proper dirty, I'll put it through the quick 30C wash.

harringtonp wrote: »

May well do, was just seeing what else is out there. I suspect there are others with the same breathability that are a little better at keeping out water.

Yeah, I'd agree the Mistral can let a little water in, but you'll never be cold, that's the beauty of it.

harringtonp

Looking at

https://galibier.cc/product/tempest/?currency=EUR

Its a packable but looks quite good at that. Not many reviews on it, anyone any experience ?

Macy0161

Have the quick step blue Mistral. Only time I struggled with the cold with it was when I needed it most in liege, but I was probably under layered underneath. I think you can send it back for re-waterproofing.

I also have the short sleeved Mistral lite, which gets as much use. I think they dropped it in favour of the gillet.

My packable is their tempest. Good waterproofing, and it was after the food stop in the tour de Kilkenny that I found it too sweaty to bother with (it was on and off with the showers until then).

All that's with the caveat I don't have the experience of many posters, and am obviously a fan of galibier. But fwiw, on a damp day, I'd pick my Mistral options over my perfecto gillet.

G1032

Macy0161 wrote: »

Have the quick step blue Mistral. Only time I struggled with the cold with it was when I needed it most in liege, but I was probably under layered underneath. I think you can send it back for re-waterproofing.

They advertise this service alright. Very clear about it. The practice is somewhat different however
I know someone who asked only yesterday if he could send back his 3 year old Mistral for retreatment. He was simply sent back a link with instructions on how to retreat it himself........
Bizarre to say the least

Plastik

G1032 wrote: »

Am, just looked up that Castelli Idro. It's around €400. That's just absolutely insane beyond belief.

The Pro version Idro is about €360, the regular version about €260. I haven't tried one. The Gore versions are priced similarly. I've been using a Gore C7 Shakedry Stretch since January that I picked up for €230, and you can regularly find the regular non-stretch version priced as low as €170.

There are no cheap Shakedry jackets.

Whether you think that's a reasonable amount of money to pay for a garment or not is subjective. I closed my eyes that day in January as I was clicking the confirm payment button on Paypal. But that is what you will be charged for a cutting-edge technical jacket.

It is the best garment of clothing I have ever bought, and it would rank in the top 3 cycling related products I have ever bought. And I don't even know what other two I would put in the top 3 with it, but it would be there.

You can fart around buying this and that, trying this layering option and that, wondering whether this companies claim is true, wondering how long you'll get before having to replenish the DWR treatment on other jackets, or how long a combination of clothing will keep the rain out, or you can rationalise it and buy the one that works and that never needs DWR messing. If you're someone that's regularly on the bike in foul weather you will immediately appreciate it - I commute 23km each way, five days a week. If something were to happen mine in the morning on the way to work I would have a replacement bought before lunchtime. I know it's at least 3 times the price of the Galibier one, but some things are just worth it.

(This post was not brought to you by a Gore-Tex, Shakedry, or Castelli employee or family member - but I know some of you will look at the price of those jackets and think that they are just massively overpriced hype.)

Breezer

Macy0161 wrote: »

I assume you mean the ProViz 360? I have one for commuting. Not breathable (so I wouldn't wear it on a spin) but waterproof. Not very packable. But good for commuting, particularly rural.

I’ve just shelled out for the upgraded, breathable version, the Proviz Reflect 360 CRS Plus.

My current jacket is about 10 years old, lets in all water and traps all sweat. It basically functions to stop eejits yelling “Hi viz” comments at me. After the last 2 days of being a drowned rat, delivery can’t come soon enough!

G1032

Plastik wrote: »

The Pro version Idro is about €360, the regular version about €260...........
.............- but I know some of you will look at the price of those jackets and think that they are just massively overpriced hype.)

Fair enough. Very difficult really to disagree with anything you've said there.
If it's as good as that and lasts for years then, ya, €360 would be money well spent. It's just an enormous amount of money for most people to fork out for a jacket.

Plastik

Absolutely, the range toppers are eye wateringly expensive for what they are, but you can get them substantially cheaper than that online. The only difference between €345 rrp Gore Shakedry Stretch and a regular Shakedry on sale for €170 is the fit, they're exactly the same fabric and will perform just as good as each other. I assume it's the same with the Idro Pro vs Idro. Having spent considerable time wearing one though, in my opinion, they're worth every penny. It's a gamechanger type purchase when everything else either eventually lets water in, or boils you from the inside out.

As an aside, that Pro Viz jacket linked a few posts ago for £150stg - it would absolutely break my heart paying that kind of money for something like that!

Macy0161

I'm just not sure I am that committed to riding in bad weather to pay the shakedry money for a jacket! Hard to ignore with the recommendations though... Added to the wish list.

If I was paying the proviz linked money for a reflective jacket - I recall seeing options that were black until light hit them, but can't remember the brand. My one I think I paid around €35. But again, maybe if it wasn't just for commuting it would be justifiable.

hesker

Macy0161 wrote: »

I recall seeing options that were black until light hit them.

Cool.....vampire jackets

Breezer

Plastik wrote: »

As an aside, that Pro Viz jacket linked a few posts ago for £150stg - it would absolutely break my heart paying that kind of money for something like that!

The one I’ve bought? As in you’d rather buy top of the line for big money, or just go cheap and save, rather than something in the middle? Haha, maybe a case of a fool and his money, but I’m looking forward to trying it all the same.

Plastik

Breezer wrote: »

The one I’ve bought? As in you’d rather buy top of the line for big money, or just go cheap and save, rather than something in the middle? Haha, maybe a case of a fool and his money, but I’m looking forward to trying it all the same.

Not at all, and report back what it's like.

Top middle or bottom doesn't bother me, you'll regularly find me commuting in AliExpress finest Spexcel gear. If something works it works. I will gladly purchase at a lower price point if it's fit for purpose, who wouldn't! I just saw the ProVis price of 150stg - you'd get one of the Shakedry variants for that money +/- few quid.

harringtonp

Just ordered in Galibier Mistral Foul Weather jacket.

It allows you choose price in Euros and comes out at 81. But when you go to checkout it switches back to sterling at 72.76 and there is no way to change to euro again. Started paying via Paypal and saw this translate to 87 which seems steep. Cancelled and decided to take my chances direct with the 72.72 on Visa.

I understood they are Dundalk based so not sure what is going on.

Really like the sound of the shakedry and thought I was on to something great with

https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Gore-Wear/One-Gore-Tex-SHAKEDRY-Active-Bike-Jacket/BBTB

until I saw the no longer available message. This jacket would fit well a Mistral back pocket so will wait and see does one turn up around this price.

koutoubia

Weepsie wrote: »

Hmm, my Vita was okay this morn. Sleeves soaked through, the rest held up better.

I've given thought to getting a Shakedry jacket or Castelli Idro, but I don't know if they'd even be much use on a day like today

Plastik wrote: »

Left Bray at 8am to Dublin 2 - bone dry top half with a Shakedry. It continues to be the best bit of cycling kit I have ever bought, period. They are phenomenal.

This.
I have a Gore Shake Dry.
WIthout a doubt the best rain jacket there is.
I wore the shake dry onmy commute home last Friday in the torrential rain.1hr 20min. Upper body was dry.
The lads on RAI also wore it in similar conditions.

harringtonp

koutoubia wrote: »

This.
I have a Gore Shake Dry.
WIthout a doubt the best rain jacket there is.
I wore the shake dry onmy commute home last Friday in the torrential rain.1hr 20min. Upper body was dry.
The lads on RAI also wore it in similar conditions.

New mistral foul arrived yesterday. Some slight design changes from mistral a few years ago. Colour change and flap at back probably positive. Ordered size L which seems to fit fine apart from it seeming a little short and not quite reaching hips. That may be by design as arms plenty long. It's not an issue but as mentioned in reviews pockets are surprisingly high. Will not expect to be a able to use them much on the move and don't remember this being an issue on the older version.

Breezer

Breezer wrote: »

I’ve just shelled out for the upgraded, breathable version, the Proviz Reflect 360 CRS Plus.

Plastik wrote: »

As an aside, that Pro Viz jacket linked a few posts ago for £150stg - it would absolutely break my heart paying that kind of money for something like that!

Breezer wrote: »

The one I’ve bought? As in you’d rather buy top of the line for big money, or just go cheap and save, rather than something in the middle? Haha, maybe a case of a fool and his money, but I’m looking forward to trying it all the same

Plastik wrote: »

Not at all, and report back what it's like.

Reporting back: I’m delighted with it. Bone dry this week, nice and warm, without sweating buckets. Admittedly I’ve also switched to a thermal underneath, from a Penneys cotton T-shirt, but I can sort of feel the breathability, or at least I imagine I can.

The fit is snug. I’m a 36” chest and am usually S or XS in anything. I got the S and I wouldn’t want it any smaller, but I can move around fine in it. The reflectivity doesn’t seem as good as the website makes out, at least not in the city with dipped headlights, but the green one is decently visible without being a builder jacket.

Having all the pockets is great, although the zips on the side pockets are too small for access while riding.

My commute is 7.5km each way, up and down hills, in all weathers. I love this thing!

G1032

Ordered a Mistral Pro on Monday day and it was delivered today. He also threw in an Alpe Bobble Hat for free ( that's £11.60 on the site). I was actually going to buy when one when I was buying the Mistral so was chuffed to get it for free!
It's my second Mistral jacket. They're a class piece of kit really for Irish winter rides. I hummed and hawed over whether or not to buy the Rapha linked earlier in the thread and then thought about buying another Gabba (perfetto I think they're called now) but happy now that I have the Mistral Pro (and a Bobble Hat 😉)

kingoffifa

Breezer wrote: »

I’ve just shelled out for the upgraded, breathable version, the Proviz Reflect 360 CRS Plus.

just curious - have a few proviz bits. hows this for sweat boil in the bag scenario? i have a switch jacket which just makes me sweat, and then freeze at lights.


still wear it because its so bright!

Plastik

https://www.wheelbase.co.uk/product/christmas-gifts/ultimate-gifts/gore-c7-gore-tex-shakedry-jacket-ss19gorec7gtxsdjacket/

Depending on where you get the FX rate, sub €170 for a C7 Shakedry in M, L, XL.