Best cycling jackets for men according to redditors

I've been bike commuting for a while in Denton. I used to do 6-7 miles one-way, but since my move, I'm down to 2-3 miles one-way :( I do it five days a week, 52 days a year, with maybe 5 days skipped a year due to severe weather.

You can definitely do 4 season commuting in Denton, but there's nothing wrong with 3 season. Winter commuting in Denton is great, as we rarely have ice or snow. Since you don't have to worry about road conditions, the thing to worry about in winter is going to be wearing proper clothing to keep comfortable. Dress in layers for your body, and get a balaclava/face mask/scarf/etc for your face. Winter commuting is great, in my opinion.

Summer is going to be the worst, as we will routinely hit a heat index of 100°+ F, but for a short commute like that, you can totally make it happen. It's best if you can shower when you get to your destination, or you can do a shower right before you leave and let evaporative cooling work in your favor without sweat. If you can't do that, get a [giant wet wipe]( https://www.amazon.com/10-pack-massive-biodegradable-residue-free-substitute/dp/B01NB09UJI ) to wipe yourself off before you get to work. Remember to stay hydrated, and bring a change of clothes for any weather where you will work up a sweat.

Rain is not fun, but I have a [rain suit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CPDJ4TW/) and some rain boots/galloshes/Wellingtons, and that keeps me mostly dry through the torrential downpour. If you don't want to bike in the rain, that's totally fine! But on light rain days, it's rather enjoyable :)

For a 6 mile commute, an eBike might be overkill. If you haven't been riding your bike much, your first few days of bike commuting will suck, but you will get used to it quickly. Just stick with it for 5-10 rides before you commit to any major changes or purchases. Denton is pretty darn flat, so we don't have any giant rolling hills to work against (but you'll probably find some flatter routes if you try), so you won't need an eBike to help you up the steep climbs.

If you haven't yet, check out /r/bikecommuting for some more in-depth information and people who can provide more help as well :)

Ride happy!

I have a jacket from Proviz which is pretty ridiculous in headlights. Expensive, but you’ll definitely be seen.

http://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Proviz-Reflect360-CRS-lit-up-e1469739990172.jpg

Proviz PVR360JM Reflect360 Mens Cycling Jacket, Fully Reflective, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LD82CEK

50F? HAHA, I just rode to work and it was 20F out.

At 50F I wear a windbreaker and shorts.

In all seriousness though, this jacket is what I wear as an outer layer all the time. Its only a windbreaker with no insulation but it has vents so on a 50F day you can open some vents to let the breeze in. I got it on sale when it was only $60.

Sure thing! I try to be as frugal as possible. Amazon has been good to my wallet.

Base Thermal Kit

Windproof Jacket

Overshoes

Balaclava Mask

Windproof Gloves

The thermal kit is very comfortable and perfect for riding in the 40s and 50s. Once it dips to the 20s and 30s, I add the jacket on top and switch from regular winter skully to the balaclava mask. My feet were noticeably warmer with the overshoes too. If you buy any items, order 1 size bigger. For example, I'm normally XL by American standard. These are Asian manufacturers, so I order XXL.

Happy [warmer] cycling!

I like a poncho more. They usually roll pretty small and can just be brought with you even if you just suspect rain.

https://www.amazon.com/Leger-Durable-Unisex-Reusable-Raincoat/dp/B07S621BX6/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?hasWorkingJavascript=1&keywords=rain+coat&qid=1562212801&s=gateway&sr=8-9

Also sweet bike! Love the look of the klunker bars.

For some budget options:

I can vouch for the Przewalski brand soft shell jacket (https://www.amazon.com/Przewalski-Thermal-Cycling-Softshell-Windbreaker/dp/B075DSGQTY). It's thicker in the front and sleeves for wind protection, lighter in the back for breathability, with back pockets which are very convenient when commuting.

Someone on here last year mentioned cutting up a tyvek envelop (woven plastic fiber) to use as booties inside a regular shoe can really help keep feet warm until you figure out a more elegant solution.

I've gotten by with inexpensive balaclavas (something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Fabrics-Motorcycle-Cycling-Skateboard-Balaclava/dp/B074RBN864/).

I rode my commute pretty much all of last winter in DC , it really wasn't too bad. A few days of really nasty wind, and one with ice. This year might be worse, but don't be too scared!

I've been very very happy with this cheap ($35) rain suit from RockBros: Rockbros High Visibility Cycling Rain Jacket Men's Windproof Rain Coat Motocycle Rain Suit Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073WQ68BW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_41naCb1P6QH74

My commute is 11 miles each way. Don't know that I'd want to go further than that in them... I'm pretty damp on the inside by the time I get home. But that's true for me for anything. They're light weight but durable. Highly highly visible. If my current set gets ripped it something, I'll buy this suite again, easily.

I am going to suggest investment (especially if you live in Chicago and want to ride outside) into a decent winter jacket.

https://www.amazon.com/ARSUXEO-Thermal-Windproof-Waterproof-Breathalbe/dp/B01MXQE3UK/

this is very cheap for what it claims to do, so it's worth the chance in IMHO.

Beyond that I would suggest you look into a couple of pieces that will make your life MUCH more comfortable on the bike

• under helmet scull cap
  
• one or two neck warmers in a pile backed lycra or merlino wool
  
• long sleeve base layer for winter
  
• two winter gloves sets one for very cold, one for moderate cold
  
• nice insulated cycling tights
  
• winter cycling shoes
  
  Each of these will allow you to regulate your temp much better than other alternatives. Feel free to message me if you have other questions. I'm originally from Texas, but the first time I invested in proper cycling gear for winter I was super impressed at how it made my life much better. Now I live in Europe and can ride full year round comfortably.

Amazon is a great spot to find cheap cycling gear, especially if you go with the "made in China" route. You can use a men's chamois to start with; something like this one in US size 3X would likely fit OK!

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07BBMX2F7/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_ryqSCbHCCP43J

Light-weight windbreakers are good for riding, you can totally start with something from the thrift shop. A cycling-specific one will be longer in the back (to cover your buttcrack) but I got started with an oversized one I got from the local Goodwill.

Maybe you could go for something like this as your outer layer, then layer warmer tops (especially thermals) underneath:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Santic-Cycling-Jersey-Bicycle-Windproof/dp/B01C5GLXZW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=cycling%2Bjacket&qid=1555105397&s=gateway&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1

It's nothing special, but it is breathable and provides some decent protection against the wind. Adequately water resistant too, biked home in a light rain and was dry save for my own sweat.

Get at least one size up from what you usually wear, it runs small. I'm 5'9" and 260 lbs, and normally wear XL, but in this jacket the XXL is barely big enough. I have to suck in my gut to zip it up -- I call it my girdle! Comfortable once it's on though.

I got this one: ARSUXEO Winter Warm UP Thermal Softshell Cycling Jacket Windproof Waterproof Bicycle MTB Mountain Bike Clothes 15-K Orange Size Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015H1SNGO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Fwx0Db2H9EF9Q

It does the job, keeps me warm and has nice vents. I'm a broad shouldered lady so I was happy it fit there but could be better.

This

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How about you get three of these jackets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LD82CEK/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2YJGAXHYHRFCM&colid=2CM9E7TH4MH1

Hi, welcome to the club :)

• Actually the way your saddle is set up is best for cycling, and on stop lights most people get out of the saddle to stand down or tilt the bike to the side to tip-toe-stand. Just a matter of getting used to it. By the way: Make sure the saddle post doesn't hit the spring of your suspension, I just checked your bike and that could happen. That being said if it really is too high there is nothing wrong with cutting an inch or two off the bottom.
  
  
• Frankly just practice. Sometimes you have to just brake and get off, it's just something pedestrians do. It can be confusing, but after a while it became quite fun for me to try and judge who goes where and so on.
  
  
• Depends a lot. If you were racing in groups there are clear rules, but otherwise it's basically just common sense like you would use when on foot. People don't seem to like being cut off, and if you see someone is faster than you don't get in front of them at lights only to be overtaken a minute later. Running red lights is good ediquette, at least all the cheers I get from the cyclists who wait seems to say so. Maybe they are yelling obscenities, but I never hear it exactly because they are so far behind me.
  
  
• Invest in cheap waterproof pants and a jacket. I have had this set until I lost it somewhere, it did a fine job of keeping me dry. An extra set of shoes can't hurt if you use it to get to work, wet shoes suck. Get a strong clothes pin for your right pants leg so it doesn't get chain grease all over / stuck in the chain. If you want to upgrade at some point there isn't much you can upgrade on a folder, but a Brooks saddle is something I never knew I would love this much, super comfortable and transformed my 300€ singlespeeder into my daily driver of four years and counting.

It’s not a vest, but I use one of these in cold weather. Comfortable in about 10F to 40F riding:

BALEAF Men's Windproof Thermal Softshell Cycling Jacket Water-Repellent Lightweight Windbreaker Winter Jacket Size S https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3PUX0M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Jhg1Db4TX6G46

Underneath I just wear a thin long sleeve workout shirt like Nike Dri-Fit.

1. Gloves - Bar mitts are a necessity below 20F. I am able to wear light MTB gloves down to 20F with the help of bar mitts and medium gloves get me down to 0F.
   
   
2. face wear - Balaclava below 20F and just a skullcap from 20-35F
   
   
3. weatherproof pants / jackets - I just recently got some showers pass transit pants for rain/snow but if that is not in the forecast I just wear some thermal leggings under jeans when temp is below 20F. Otherwise my jeans are heavy enough to keep the cold out
   
   
4. lightweight winter wear - Also just recently got a Pearl Izumi Escape and it feels like it should be good down to around 25 with a t-shirt and much colder with proper baselayers.
   
   
5. socks - Now here is why I have struggled in the past. I have usually switched over to waterproof hiking shoes when things get cold but this year I am going to try to stay in my clipless shoes and use overshoes as the temperature drops. For socks, you can't beat some Darn Tough socks
   
   
6. wild card - When temperature is below 10F I have to wear contacts and ski goggles to save my eyes. This is also because I am usually going into a 20-30mph breeze in the morning.

A very famous runner from the PNW once said:

"There is no such thing as bad weather, just soft people"

With that being said, he was one of the founders of Nike and they seem to make a ton of gear for running in inclement weather.

I run in the rain a bunch. If its cool rain, I wear a long sleeve [compression top] (https://www.eastbay.com/product/model:140813/sku:6842302/eastbay-evapor-core-long-sleeve-compression-crew-mens/navy/navy/) with a [running rain jacket] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C5GLLVI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) over the top. I wear [3/4 running tights] (https://www.amazon.com/Tesla-Compression-Shorts-Baselayer-Sports/dp/B075QB3HVD/ref=zg_bs_2420199011_1?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=WHQDCGXQN7K7VGKH4GPT) with [running shorts] (https://www.fleetfeet.com/products/m-acclrt-7in-short) over them. I use a liberal amount of [2Toms Blister Shield] (https://www.amazon.com/2Toms-BlisterShield-Advanced-Waterproof-Protection/dp/B001FPYL8G) on my feet before I put them in [Injinji Ultra Run] (https://www.injinji.com/shop/ultra-run.html) socks to keep the blisters down. If it's raining hard, I wear a [long brim hat] (https://www.bocogear.com/product/run-hat-grey-dot-matrix/) to keep the rain out of my eyes and if its really cold I wear my [neoprene gloves] (https://www.amazon.com/Cycling-Waterproof-Touchscreen-Outdoor-Adjustable/dp/B01MQLNEO3?keywords=neoprene+gloves&qid=1540516035&sr=8-9&ref=sr_1_9). I make sure to start with dry shoes and dry them after each run. This time of year I rotate three pairs of shoes so that they have time to dry in between rainy runs.

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.

Don’t forget the the bell mounted on the stem! 😜
(I call it my “pedestrian bell”)

I ride my bike daily to/from work. I’ve been using this back pack for several weeks now and I absolutely love it. Not huge in size to where it gets in the way, but big enough to carry my essentials - lunch for the day, jacket, U-lock, saddle bag that has some tools in it (throw it on my saddle for longer dedicated rides w/o my backpack + with my clipless pedals on) + any other misc. small things that I may need to bring along with me to work.

For larger loads, I have a different back back that I use on occasion.