Reddit reviews PEARL IZUMI Men's Elite Escape Soft-Shell Jacket
We found 1 Reddit comments about PEARL IZUMI Men's Elite Escape Soft-Shell Jacket. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
ELITE Soft-shell fabric is windproof with superior warmth and water resistanceFull-length internal draft flap with zipper garage seals in warmthTwo zippered chest pockets for additional storage with quick accessSingle zippered back pocketBioViz high visibility colors and reflective elements
Yea it depends on how winter is like for you.
Im in Chicago so things can get pretty dicey around here. I used to commute on a road bike with 23's. I would probably go through at least a handful of wipeouts every season. Its just hard to ride snow in them. It looks like you have some room for nice grippy tires on there though so you should be covered on that front.
If temperatures are <-5C I would seriously look into something liek a snowboard helmet with earflaps and a pair of good goggles. They make a big difference in keeping you warm. Standard things like balaclavas are recommended.
There are things called bar mitts that will go over your bars and you can stick your hands into them and operate your bike. I typically see them on bikes with road hoods but its possible they make something similar for your flat bar setup. Keeping your hands warm is important though you need to be able to operate your bike.
I would highly suggest some sort of cold weather cycling jacket. I ride with a pearl izumi elite escape softshell. This jacket plus base layer(s) can take me down to temperatures below 0C. I started with a normal snowboard jacket (which I still use when it starts getting closer to -10C) and it is less than optimal. The venting isnt the best and you spend a lot of time putzing around with the vents while riding to regulate your temperature. The venting on a dedicated cycling jacket is much better and much more comfortable. It also wont be a wind sail.
Neck Gaiters are fantastic little pieces to have. They are super light and can be used to seal off around your neck (Which makes a difference) or you can pop it around your head to use as a makeshift cap in case you need one.
Definitely be sure to grab some wool base layers.
I think the best thing I did for winter cycling is making sure I had gear for all the different temperatures that I would need to cycle in. I have gloves that I swap around for every 10-15 degree change in the temperature. different base layers + light jackets that I throw on underneath as the temperature drops. A light wind break jacket if its windy. A heavy snowboard jacket if things start getting crazy cold. Scarfs/balaclavas for my face and snow pants when things get real dicey.
If you just get out there youll get the hang of it though. Pick up things as you need them. Cycling in the winter isnt all that scary as long as you are dressed right.