Gonna be a all aroud jacket i live in Chicago so gets pretty cold also ride a road bike all year round . So windproof is important waterproof not so much. There is way to many choices im pretty much setup for my under layer's have fleece and wool looking more for a shell. Just would like something that will last .
Legion,
I've been cycling for over 30 years, as well a backpacking for nearly as long. My road riding is mostly for fitness (not racing) and commuting and back in the day, long-distance touring (Seattle->Boston among others).
I've gone through more waterproof/breathable jackets than I can count and have concluded they all die eventually. Interestingly, I end up using the same shell system for riding that I do when backpacking/ski touring. Here's what works for me.
I use 2 lightweight but relatively inexpensive shells instead of one.
The first is a simple, single layer, non-waterproof wind shirt. My favorite is no longer made but I suspect you can find something similar. It is made out of Pertex polyester. It has a nice, close fitting collar, which I consider essential for cycling and pit-zips, which I consider essential for both. If the current OR Vigor had pitzips, it would be very similar. It is sized on a snug side and will just fit on over my thickest fleece. I've had this jacket for well over 10 years and there is just nothing on it to fail, other than the zippers and the fabric to wear through. Pertex polyester is more sun rot resistant than nylon, very windproof and will stand up to a drizzle just fine. It is also much more breathable than any WP/B jacket. If I need a shell while riding or hiking, this will be the jacket I use. If cost is a big issue, any unlined nylon windbreaker will do, even without the pitzips. I see them at Kmart, Target and Walmart for under $20 regularly.
In the pack (or panniers, when on the bike), I also carry a Marmot Precip. I hunt for them on sale. I've come to regard all WP/B jackets as disposable. Pack straps will destroy any jacket I've used in 3-5 seasons. I minimize this wear by refusing to wear the jacket unless I absolutely need to. The light weight means there's little penalty to carrying it. I like the Precip because a) it's cut long in the sleeves and doesn't ride up when riding, b) it has a fully constructed collar, which I consider essential and c) it has pit zips so I can blow off steam while riding. The hood works both over and under a helmet.
I've had numerous heavy duty Wp/B jackets over the years from makers like TNF, Patagonia and Lowe. I don't rock climb and do very little lift-served skiing, two things that I think might warrant heavy fabrics.
Hope some of this is helpful.
