Winter Softshell Jacket
Moderators: robbosmans, Moderator Team
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- Posts: 545
- Joined: Mon Jul 11, 2011 8:20 am
- Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Thanks for all the replies. I ordered a Castelli Zoncolan last night(Wiggle had it for a great price) so will see how I get on with that. Now to decide on a proper waterproof...
campbellrae: let us know how you like it (although you'll probably not have to start using it right away for temps too high?). Been lusting after a Zoncolan for some time, but rationality tells me to get a Mortirolo instead, for the vents. Don't fancy the looks of the latter very much, though.
Bikes: Raw Ti, 650b flatbar CX
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- Posts: 545
- Joined: Mon Jul 11, 2011 8:20 am
- Location: Glasgow, Scotland
It's unlikely to see any consistent use until October. Although there are usually a few days in September where the temperature doesn't get above 10oC, so I might use it then. I went with the Zoncolan because it has fewer vents, and should in theory be a little more water resistant. Our winters are usually cool and very wet, rather than cold and dry, so thought the extra water resistancer would come in handy. I will report back once I have it, then once I have used it a few times.
campbellrae: I've been finding the chest vents on my Gabba LS and Confronto jackets work so well, hence the hesitation. Water through the vents hasn't been a problem so far. Of course the Zoncolan also has thicker fabric on the back, so there will definitely be more protection against the elements.
The other cause for hesitation is that I would really prefer a very visible winter jacket, so maybe the black/lime Velocissimo should be added to the short list. Or I'll try to save some money and tough out the winter in the Gabba with a neon vest on top.
The other cause for hesitation is that I would really prefer a very visible winter jacket, so maybe the black/lime Velocissimo should be added to the short list. Or I'll try to save some money and tough out the winter in the Gabba with a neon vest on top.
Bikes: Raw Ti, 650b flatbar CX
I'm a big fan of my Showers Pass Softshell Trainer .https://www.showerspass.com/products/mens-softshell-trainer. They have a few in L on closeout; I think the replacement is the Skyline Softshell.
Only drawback is I could only get my L in black; I'd like something brighter for winter season use.
I do have a Castelli Gabba in fluoro SS and there may be a bit of an overlap at the high end of the SP range and the lower end of the Gabba range, but I still think of them as distinct garments.
Only drawback is I could only get my L in black; I'd like something brighter for winter season use.
I do have a Castelli Gabba in fluoro SS and there may be a bit of an overlap at the high end of the SP range and the lower end of the Gabba range, but I still think of them as distinct garments.
Good reading on understanding fabrics.
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/rainwear.html
My take is by the time a softshell becomes waterproof and windproof with seam tape it becomes as breathable as a hardshell with the weight of a softshell.
Gore makes fairly trim fit Gore-Tex Active shell with the Alp-x 2.0 as recommended earlier.
http://www.goreapparel.com/gore-bike-we ... pe-jackets
You can easily find them for $200 or less.
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/rainwear.html
My take is by the time a softshell becomes waterproof and windproof with seam tape it becomes as breathable as a hardshell with the weight of a softshell.
Gore makes fairly trim fit Gore-Tex Active shell with the Alp-x 2.0 as recommended earlier.
http://www.goreapparel.com/gore-bike-we ... pe-jackets
You can easily find them for $200 or less.
thp wrote:My take is by the time a softshell becomes waterproof and windproof with seam tape it becomes as breathable as a hardshell with the weight of a softshell.
That is why I would never consider a jacket without zipped vents. All those promises about high tech fabrics, and jackets at steep prices. Just open the vents, they always work as advertised.
The new Castelli Mortirolo got fresh looks now also, so if I'm to get a winter jacket that will be the one.
Bikes: Raw Ti, 650b flatbar CX
I'm no Rapha slut, but this is the best thing they make IMHO
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/ ... eam-jacket
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/ ... eam-jacket
Has anyone tried the Capo Padrone HV jacket? That's the one that is dark grey/black under normal lighting, but reflective at night?
The pictures are pretty impressive: http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/latestnew ... A_8HmCSzCI
The pictures are pretty impressive: http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/latestnew ... A_8HmCSzCI
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- Posts: 545
- Joined: Mon Jul 11, 2011 8:20 am
- Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Thought I would bring this one back from the dead with a quick bit of feedback on the Castelli Zoncolan I ended up buying. The weather was really good in September, and has only started to change recently so it hasn't seen much use, but I have ridden with it a few times now. Mostly with temps around 5oC, where with just a jersey beneath I have been overheating a bit, so it should be great for the winter. Also been caught out in a few short showers where it has felt good and water resistant. Overall, I'm happy with the jacket, it's well made and the fit is good. Not sure I would pay the full retail for it, but I managed to get it around half price online, and for that it seems to be good value as well.
In an unexpected turn of events we were provided with club kit winter jackets, they are Castelli "Servizio Corse". Is that similar to their Velocissimo jacket maybe? Probably similar to this one (albeit in club colours), although it does have the raised rear collar flap http://serviziocorse.castelli-cycling.c ... er-jacket/
Bikes: Raw Ti, 650b flatbar CX
Living in the Portland Oregon area, Shower Pass is proven
Let's finish the ride with a 20% grade.
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2011 Scott Addict R1 DA 7900 Matt black
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- Kermithimself
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Bought a Castelli Espresso Due last season for the same weather conditions, and loved it. I remember a ride I had with my club where it was raining, and one of the guys noticed that the water gathered in small drops on my jacket, while he was soaked.
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- Stolichnaya
- Posts: 2621
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I have the Espresso Tre and there is not much of a change in the design from the Due.
This jacket is described as Castelli's warmest and they are not wrong.
However, it has two excellent and functional vents on the front as well as two covered slots on the back shoulders so the jacket has a broader temperature spectrum and limits overheating when going uphill in the colder months. Its fit is very race oriented and the jacket is surprisingly warm and variable through proper baselayer choice. It is a bit counterintuitive to have a jacket that fits so closely be this warm. Plus, I have to admit it looks stellar.
This jacket is described as Castelli's warmest and they are not wrong.
However, it has two excellent and functional vents on the front as well as two covered slots on the back shoulders so the jacket has a broader temperature spectrum and limits overheating when going uphill in the colder months. Its fit is very race oriented and the jacket is surprisingly warm and variable through proper baselayer choice. It is a bit counterintuitive to have a jacket that fits so closely be this warm. Plus, I have to admit it looks stellar.