Quote Originally Posted by KSH
Here's my question... when looking at jackets... how can you know what will perform in what type of weather.

For example, how will I know if a jacket will keep me warm when it's 50 and I am riding 20 MPH? I don't want to "test" a $120 jacket to find out it doesn't keep me warm.

BTW... I am a whimp. When it's 70, here in Dallas, I wear sweaters. When it's 70 and I am riding, I have my leg warmers on, with a long sleeve top and a jacket.

So, what does a whimp like me get in the way of a jacket... to stay toasty warm?
I'd recommend wearing layers. For example, one of my layers is a mid-weight long underwear tank from REI. When it feels too chilly for a jersey and a wind vest or even a jersey and a wind jacket, then I add the long underwear tank. Three relatively light layers, comfortable to wear, and it takes me down to lower temps... As it gets colder then I switch my jersey for a long-sleeved shirt, sometimes a heavier layer like a Patagonia R.5 shirt, or when it gets really cold an R1 shirt. Or combinations...

I wouldn't recommend relying on a single jacket layer - plan on adding layers underneath too.

--- Denise