I'm somewhat new to Road Cycling and want to purchase a Jacket which also converts to a vest. I would love to hear your recommendations. I don't plan on riding is extremely rainy weather so fully waterproof is probably not a necessity, although water resistant would be nice. So far I have been looking at the; Sugoi Versa, Cannondale Morphis and Pearl Izumi Barrier Elite. Any others to consider?
Thanks!
I have that Pearl Izumi one, although I have the men's one as the largest women's size was too small for me. But the men's and women's were pretty much identical except for shape/size when I looked at them. It's nice. Not super-warm, breathes well. In the size I have, I can't quite fit it in a jersey pocket, though, if I want to take it off entirely. (The sleeves, yes, but not the whole thing.)
The one I have (I think it is Cannondale) uses magnets to attach the sleeves to the vest, which I found to be much easier to get on and off than a zipper.
Gore and Canari both have excellent convertible jackets, as does Louis Garneau. I do like my Sugoi, though, as it uses magnets rather than zippers, and scrunches down small enough to fit in my handlebar bag.
I have the Pearl jacket. I love mine. The only thing I would change it is the scrunchability (that's totally a word). I can get the sleeves in my pockets, but not the body of the vest. If I carried a rack and bag or a larger bar bag, it'd be fine.
I am intrigued by the Versa, though. It's pretty...