Winter jacket question

[Ocho]

Hello, new guy here.

I tried searching and found no answers.

So I have this mesh spring/summer jacket (Alpinestar Viper Air), seems to be the perfect choice for the current weather, and more than enough for a just about chilly morning/night classic of the South Bay.

I have a preorder for the Valparaiso Air Jacket and wondering if I need it atm or if I should wait until November/December, or maybe January to look for a colder weather jacket?

I don't plan to ride in the rain atm.

I know it might sound dumb and the obvious answer would be fall/winter, but our falls aren't that cold (compared to other places), which is why I ask. At what point of the year do you guys usually need more layers here in the bay?

Thanks.

 

[cfives]

Regardless if it is raining, throwing an impermeable layer on top of your mesh jacket will noticeably increase your core temperature.

 

[Blankpage]

When the temp starts dropping to 70 and below you want to have a warmer jacket. Be weary of those skimpy nylon zippers in such jackets as Dainese. If its a snug fit the zipper might not last long.

 

[zixaq]

You'll want something that will block the wind out. If it doesn't have a liner you can always have a layer underneath.

Also, heated grips are magic.

 

[fubar929]

Also, heated grips are magic.

Meh. Heated grips are nice when it's a little chilly out. When it actually gets cold heated grips keep your palms warm while your fingers get frostbite. In those circumstances, I'd much rather have heated gloves. Having both, like I do, is ideal

 

[Roadstergal]

When it actually gets cold heated grips keep your palms warm while your fingers get frostbite.

This. What worked for me was combining heated grips with hand guards - keeping the wind from stripping the warmth from my hands and letting the grips warm them through.

Of course, it rarely gets cold in the Bay Area.

OP, there are a lot of good options, but my favorite two are a 'stitch for easy commuting, and/or a perforated leather jacket with a thin thermal underneath (the latter works for a massive range of temperatures if you vary the layering).

Don't forget the pants - it sucks to be nicely geared up everywhere else and end up with leg roadrash.

 

[Sofa88]

for me starting around mid-late November I need to add a layer under my jacket. I don't have winter or rain gear either, if it looks like rain I take the car. What really makes me uncomfortable is the cold wind at my neck so I'll try some sort neck guard or scarf this year, and taller socks. I'm in the same area OP.

 

[mean dad]

Even when it's hot in the afternoon, mornings can be cold. Gotta layer up in the AM and then carry a bunch of extra clothes in the PM. :laughing

 

[07chuck]

Go to a thrift store, find a not so goofy looking coat that will fit over your regular gear.

In the end you will be warmer and have only spent $8-10...

 

[David919]

Time of day can really effect your riding environment temps. Many mornings can start sub 50° in the hills and come up to over 70° before noon, like last weekend. Jackets with easy to remove liners are nice and yes, same for pants. I start with winter gloves and switch to summer gloves later during the ride. Tank and tail bags are nice for these extra articles, along with water & road snacks, if your not into saddle/side bags.

A jacket like this is very versatile for cooler and cold even wet weather.
http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=517529

 

[madmax650]

Use a down mid layer. Very compressible and the warmth to weight ratio is the best. I have a couple I use when temps get under 60. I use that instead of whatever crappy quilted liner that most jackets come with.

 

[ctrvl]

Regardless if it is raining, throwing an impermeable layer on top of your mesh jacket will noticeably increase your core temperature.

^ This right here. I often will throw on a fairly loose-fitting and only mildly-lined snowboarding jacket on top of my leathers and it works wonders both for keeping warm and for keeping somewhat dry during light rain. For heavier downpours I'll put on dedicated waterproof over layers both top and bottom.

 

[danate]

Use a down mid layer. Very compressible and the warmth to weight ratio is the best. I have a couple I use when temps get under 60. I use that instead of whatever vappy quilted liner that most jackets come with.

Yep. I picked up a down mid layer jacket a few years ago (for around $60 at Macy's during a sale) that stuffs into its own pocket and takes up very little space when not being used. It's usually enough warmth for me year round either under my stich or under my mesh jacket with rain liner in.

 

[bobl]

I use a windbreaker that folds into it's pocket, and has belt loops on it so you can carry it on your belt, or put in in the storage on the bike. Used over or under a mesh jacket it make a big difference. When it gets cold, I use an electric jacket liner. There are heaters for motorcycles!

 

[Pking]

I recommend getting a good winter/rain jacket that keeps air out overall. Then you'll do less layering. I'm still pimping a Frank Thomas winter/rain jacket I got from CG a few years ago and have literally worn short sleeve shirts underneath on 40ish degree days commuting. Jackets like that are a gem!

 

[Hoho]

Don't wait.

Coming back from the rally this past weekend, it was about 45F when I left Carson City, I was glad I had my heated jacket and cold weather gloves with me.

My heated gloves are on the fritz and need to be replaced though. But that's in the works.

 

[NoTraffic]

Like motorcycles, there's the right gear for your overall vision. Only you will know if you plan to take long trips, ride long rides (I chuckle when other riders think going to Monterey from the bay is a long ride), and have an overall investment in this possible lifestyle.

What happens if its overcast with possible chances of rain, do you not ride? I ride in everything - I can say if you have that mindset than get the best possible gear upfront for the worse weather conditions. Often you can sport a true rainproof jacket in the Spring and still get by without being uncomfortable. It doesn't work the other way, where you can sport a perforated jacket with warm garments underneath, you will eventually get soaked.

The valpariso looks good, if you get it now - what is the harm? At least you'll have something come winter time (and in the bay you may see temps in the 40s which for me is pretty chilly). It really sucks when you have a runny nose underneath a full face helmet.

 

[Ocho]

Thanks for the feedbacks, guys. I'll just stick to the preorder and get the jacket soon enough. I guess it doesn't hurt to have it ready.

 

[Hoho]

Thanks for the feedbacks, guys. I'll just stick to the preorder and get the jacket soon enough. I guess it doesn't hurt to have it ready.

:thumbup

 

[JimE]

I have one jacket for all of it: Klim Badlands Pro. From 110F to 25F. Touring the western states from Canada to Mexico, riding the LAB2V, touring the Himalayas of Pakistan for several weeks. Rained on, snowed on, cooked in and crashed on. Five years and still going strong. I don't regret the investment.