Topic: Winter Jackets?

[Loudpipe]

I'm looking to buy a really good winter riding jacket and need some recommendations.  My legs don't get too cold, although if you have some good pants please recommend them, but mostly I'm looking a great jacket.  Also, if you know of some good cold weather gloves or other gear that'd be good too.

[super pasty white guy]

I'm starting my third winter of commuting.

I bought some Olympia waterproof snowmobile gloves from the local shop this year.  Crash protection is minimal, but I've been riding freeway speeds (up to 80mph) for up to an hour at a time in the 30s and 40s this week with only slightly cold hands when I arrive (grip warmers on the bike as well).

A bikers comfort in action windproof balaclava has been a godsend to keep the neck un-frostbitten.

I think that any leather or textile jacket that blocks the wind is fine.  The important part is layers underneath.  I use the jacket with the torso liner zipped in and either a thin sweater or a thin form fitting polar fleece jacket as a insulating layer.  Combined with a pair of windproof/waterproof pants, I've been warm enough through my daily commute here in DC.

spwg

[Ryan 550k]

Here's a post I have right now on craigslist.  Tourmaster layered winter jacket.  Honestly, it kinda kicks ass.

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/925413352.html

Let me know if ya dig it.

[tramp]

lots of layers
good thermal underclothes
and watch them cars
they tend to forget that riders still ride in cold weatheer

[Caaveman82]

I just wear my snowboarding gear lol, minus the snow pants. Thermal undies and long sleve, my work clothes, a sweat shirt, then my leather jacket. Throw in a neck gaitor, it's like a stretchy scarf that is sewn together. You slip it over top your head pull it up in the front up over your nose throw a beanie on top then throw on the helmet and boom your good. I rode like this yesterday at 25 degrees and I was fine. Oh yeah, I put ruber gloves on under my riding gloves, helps cut down on wind. Even "wind proof" stuff lets the breaze in, so the gloves help big time.

[Venturous]

On my touring bike, I use this Gerbings heated jacket liner under my normal gear. I can ride below
freezing temps and stay comfortable. I also use the pants and glove liners.

I have not checked whether the CB750 charging system could handle this load, but I suspect I will
be disappointed when I do. But these are the only way to fly in really cold weather!

http://www.gerbing.com/Products/Liners/heatedJacketLiner.html

[eldar]

You wanna know what helps a lot? Keeping the wind off you. A good sized windshield or a vetter style fairing are matchless when it comes to keeping the wind off.

[CharlieT]

I've ridden the Valkyrie 20miles to work as cold as around 16F. Best thing is that windshield......oh and it does help having all them cylinders sticking out sideways in front of your feet.

A set of tourmaster gloves, can't recall the exact name. THen layers. My work scrub shirt, a fleece vest, good old Carhartt insulated overalls, and my 3-season parka with its liner zipped in. In warmer weather...high20's-30F, actually get a bit to warm at times. Oh and the other potential problem with all them layers of clothes on is my fear if I happen to slip and fall walking to the bike, I'll be laying there on the ground like a turtle on its back and not be able to get back up.

[DavePhipps]

I'm in my 3rd year of winter commuting using something like this http://www.teknicgear.com/catalog.php?styleid=1&pid=175
I wear two or 3 layers under it and have not had much of a problem Even when it's in the 20's out. I also have a pair of slightly oversized Tour Master riding pants that I wear over my regular pants. Those 2 together keep the body pretty warm.
I  still haven't found a pair of gloves that will keep my hands completely warm. I'm thinking of getting some of these http://www.oldbikebarn.com/Helmet-Apparel/Hand-Warmer 
They seemed pretty popular with the winter commuters around the Seattle area.

[HondaMan]

Insulated Dickies coveralls, neck-to-foot, with stirrups. Wal-Mart, $50. Available in yellow, too, for high visibility.

Years ago: snowmobile suits, 1-piece type. Pricey, though...