GORE BIKE WEAR Men's Phantom 2.0 Windstopper Soft Shell Jacket - Breathable Cycling Jacket for Men, Water-Resistant, Windproof, White/Blaze Orange, Size L - Perfect for Road Biking, Mountain Biking & Outdoor Sports

I was looking for a jacket that would be suitable for cold weather riding in California, which means temperatures in the range of 35-60°F (2-15°C). The jacket had to be versatile enough to be useful in not-so-cold conditions without causing me to overheat, but toasty enough to keep me warm when the temperatures plunge.I considered a couple of jackets, including the well-reviewed and ever-popular Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier Jacket, but I skipped it because the water-proof shell causes me to overheat quickly, despite having a breathable back. Almost all jackets with that type of material make me feel muggy and damp inside. For that reason, I narrowed my choices to breathable, soft-shell materials, ones similar to Gore WindStopper (not GoreTex, as that one's for rain).Of the different Gore Bike Wear jackets made with WindStopper, the Phantom 2.0 struck a good balance of form and function. It has three rear stretchy pockets to carry essentials and detachable sleeves to dump heat but keep your core warm. I thought I'd miss the front pocket for personal electronics, but so far I've done without.The jacket has kept me warm in 40°F temperatures, with only a short-sleeved jersey as my sole "base" layer and the jacket as my outer layer. It did very well on descents, blocking wind effectively. The neck collar isn't too snug that it blocks wind completely, but it also doesn't let wind seep in too easily. About the only time I've had to unzip the front to dump heat is during sustained climbs. This will be suitable for all but the most inclement of weather.The detachable sleeves are a nice idea, but I think they can be improved on. The zippers can't be used as ventilation to dump heat. There are two zippers on each sleeve surrounding the armpits. While it's relatively easy to detach the sleeves while wearing the jacket, it's not easy to reattach them without removing them or having someone else help you. They fold just enough to be stored in the rear pockets, but you'll definitely notice the bulge while carrying them. When detached, there are built-in "sleeves", much like a regular cycling jersey.As for how they fit, the chest/shoulder area may seem to be tight, but it may have more to do with it having the sleeves more than anything else. They're sized like cycling jerseys -- somewhere in between pro (tight) fit and club (loose) fit. The sleeves tend to hug your arms more, unless you have really, really skinny arms. I'm 5'8, 195 lbs, 41" chest, and wear L-sized jerseys from Capo, Pearl Izumi, Voler, etc. I got the L-sized jacket and it still has room for additional inner layers. The XL version felt just a tiny bit too baggy, but not overly so.Compared to other similar jackets from Gore (e.g. Contest, Fusion Tool, Power, etc), this one has the fit (semi-form-fitting vs pro-fit or loose fit), material (soft-shell vs active shell), and pocket (stretchy vs zipper) combination that I prefer. The Alp-X and Xenon are the next jackets to consider, although they are much pricier.Really like this jacket! It's very visible (i got yellow) which is definitely nice for riding on the roads. It also breathes pretty well. Although it does seem to primarily dump air out the back, which seems to then be slightly impeded when wearing a backpack while mountain biking. But i still haven't felt like i'm overheating or drenching myself from the inside out. Since i use it mountain biking i've also gotten it pretty dirty and muddy and it cleans up really nicely as well - no stains or anything in spite of some VERY muddy conditions. (Although the cleaning instructions on the tag do not agree with the cleaning instructions that describe the garment). As indicated in the product details it is NOT water proof by any means, it seems to shed a little bit of light mist, but prolonged exposure to moisture will eventually soak through and get you wet and cold. (Which i know from experience). Also, because i'm a little daft, i suppose, i did not really realize this does not convert to a tank top, it converts into a short-sleeved jersey. No complaints, i actually rather like it, i just didn't realize it when i bought it (although it is clearly evident from the pictures). I will say this, and this is my main gripe, there are two zippers for detaching each sleeve, and, for me, at least, they're very awkwardly placed; it's very hard for me to detach or reattach the sleeves by myself while wearing the jacket. As a matter-of-fact, i have not been able to successfully do either without a little help while wearing the jacket. (While NOT wearing the jacket it's not a problem at all).When detached the sleeves are a little bulky to stick in the back pockets, but it still works. And putting the sleeves in my backpack works great.I've worn this in the 40ies through the 50ies without being too uncomfortable.I now live in Asheville NC now, moving from Tampa Florida, where the weather is above 60 degrees. I have slowly been building my Winter attire over the past two seasons. This jacket should have been my first purchase. I was needing a jacket to do everything. This jacket has the ability to be worn in 50 and 60 degree weather, with the arm sleeves being removable, all the way down into the low twenties. I waited to ride with this Jacket before i wrote a review. I normally do not write reviews but with bike items i buy i depend upon other's reviews so i figured i would start contributing. Over the past month i have worn this jacket down into the low-mid 20s, riding a few times in the snow and wind. I have also worn it above 50, and I would say above 40 degrees i have to open the arm zippers some to allow cool air into the jacket. I have not encountered rain. Though the sleeves are not easy to remove, and i have never tried to take them off during a ride I am sure it is next to impossible to put the sleeves on while wearing the jacket. Just like other reviews i read you do need to order this jacket one size larger. i am six foot 175-180 lbs and I ordered an x-large. This allows for under shirts. In the low 20s all i had under this jacket was a long sleeve base layer and a short sleeve cycling shirt. **i also have winter; pants, gloves, and now booties!**I love this jacket and may purchase a different color. I am not sure why i waited so long. I was just wearing some arm warmers and base layering with another jacket before i bought this one. The right gear changes everything....... Once i find a product i believe in I stick with it. Gore products I now own are this jacket, the shoe botties, and gloves. All Gore windstoppers. I would purchase again and do tell friends about it.Me enamoro, la calidad de los materiales es excelente y aun muy buen precio (pague la cantidad de $551.00 y ahora que conosco el articulo estaria dispuesto a pagar un poco mas) si bien los articulos de ciclismo son caros, este por la calidad vale cada centavo que inverti.Peso 90 Kg y mido 1.76 m. la talla XL ajusta perfecto, muy aerodinamicos los cortes y el desprendimiento de las mangas es increible (aunque siento que habria que practicar un poco para hacerlo mas agil). no tengo panza y si acaso algunos plieges en esta parte pero nada que incomode al pedalear, las mangas estan un poco mas largas pero eso es muy bueno por que a cada movimiento tus brazos siempre estas protegidas no importa los movimiento que realicesEs la opcion perfecta para las rodadas en temperaturas bajas, desendi a 45 k/h y no tuve problemas de frio, aunque si es necesario una bufanda para la cara, caso contrario una tarde soleada no es caliente y tiene buena ventila, por los materiale pareciera que es repelente al agua pero aun no lo compruebo.Es la primera vez que compro esta marca y volvere a comprar despues de comprobar la excelente calidad.AMAZON PRIME, siempre cumple con los envio del dia siguiente y eso me hace feliz.Gracias.Es muy buena la calidad de los materiales, es una tela que se siente resistente, no es ligera como para llevarla doblada en la bolsa de atrás del jersey. Compre talla Chica y me quedo muy bien, mido 1.70 m y peso 70 Kg por si a alguien le sirve de referencia. La ocupen en clima frió y no deja que entre el viento y después salio el sol y no tuve la necesidad de quitármela, solo le desmonte las mangas.El hecho de poder quitar las mangas hace de esta chamarra muy versátil… Muy buena para climas fríos, cumple su función de wind stopper. Gore mi marca preferidaI am very happy with this jacket. I looked at this jacket and some of its competitors in person, and decided this was probably the best solution for me. I bought it on Amazon because they had the size I wanted at a good price. It arrived promptly. I have only worn it twice so far - first on a cold day with an Assos base layer, and then again on a day that warmed up somewhat as I rode. On the cold day I remained comfortable throughout my ride, and on the day that warmed up I removed the sleeves and put them in a pocket....it was a perfect solution. Good quality, comfortable and versatile.My first time wearing this jacket was a windy day with temps around 6C. This jacket blocked the wind nicely and breathes enough that I wasn't sweating a lot. With a baselayer underneath this jacket was plenty warm enough. The detachable sleeves and back pockets are a nice touch too. I'm 5'11 190lbs and a large fit nicely.