Pearl iZUMi Men''s Elite Barrier Covertible Cycling Jacket

This jacket has everything I was looking for in a cycling jacket. The fact that it''s convertible into a vest was an extra feature that wasn''t on my list of must have''s, so to me that''s just an extra bonus. It is very comfortable, and I really appreciate the length of the sleeves, and the extra length in the back.

There is a medium size pocket in the back of the jacket that opens via a zipper on the right side. All of the zippers are ''sealed'' off, which increase the wind and moisture protection. As far as ventilation, because it is convertible, air is able to ventilate the jacket from the back although this area (across the back of the jacket) is covered by the upper part of the jacket which is removeable, transforming the jacket into a pretty nice vest. The material is lightweight and soft.

It took me a long time to find the jacket I wanted as I don''t like to spend this much on something I will regret getting later on. The quality is excellent, and I would highly recommend this jacket to all my fellow cyclists.

I bought this jacket at the Pearl Izumi factory store. It boasts SUPERIOR water protection. This is true for approximately 5 minutes. In fact you can put your arm in it and run it under the faucet and it will not get wet. But after a few minutes when the material becomes saturated it seems to suck water through more than it repels it.

THIS IS NOT RAIN GEAR

I have worn this 3 times not in light rain and it soaks through in about 15 minutes. After my 40 minute commute I was able to WRING OUT about a pint of water from my wool base layer, not good.

THIS IS NOT RAIN GEAR

I was told by the sales clerk that this was the best available without going to an impermeable barrier. Um, No. If you are looking for a light jacket that will keep you dry through a passing shower then this is great. In fact, as a wind breaker it is excellent but it was marketed with SUPERIOR water protection and I think it bears repeating:

THIS IS NOT RAIN GEAR

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I''m in my late 20''s and recently got into cycling. I began riding to and from work in September and, with the season change, the temperature kept getting cooler and cooler in the mornings. I had bought Pearl Izumi cycling shorts at my local bike store over the summer and really liked them. So when the season''s started to change I stepped up and bought their Elite Tights with the chamois. I was still riding in a long sleeve cycling jersey, but would wear an Under Armour Cold gear base layer under the cycling jersey. That would keep me warm but my chest and stomach would be cold to the touch after my ride. So I thought about buying a barrier vest to block the wind and keep my chest warm. I settled on the convertible barrier jacket for two main reasons. 1) I was familiar with and happy with my other Pearl Izumi gear. 2) I thought that it was worth the roughly $30 extra for a convertible jacket that I could use as a vest or a standard jacket.

When I first bought the jacket I used mainly the vest option but now with the season''s changing again to winter I keep the sleeves on. I went for a 30 mile ride over last weekend in 40° temperatures and a 10-15 mph wind and I wasn''t cold at all. Most cyclists tell you that layering is way to go and I tend to agree with that viewpoint. There was one time it was around 50° and I wasn''t sure if I would need the jacket so I packed it in the back pocket of my jersey and about a mile in I was cold and took it out and put it on. The remainder of the ride I was totally comfortable.

When I was deciding whether or not to buy the jacket I wasn''t able find any picture of it without the sleeves as a vest. So I was a little unsure when I bought it how that option would look. Well it looks great and it is easy to convert into the vest option. There are two zippers, one on each shoulder under that grey strip that runs from the neckline to the underarm on the jacket. There are a few Velcro pieces that then hold the back of the sleeves attachment in place. One Velcro under the collar in the back of the neck and three across the mid back where the sleeves attachment meets the back of the vest portion.

Of course this is the first cycling jacket that I have bought so I have no history to base it on however I am pleased with it. It wasn''t disappointing and actually exceeded my expectations. I''m giving this a 5 out of 5. I''m sure there are better jackets out there but those are probably over double the cost. I''d be curious to know what makes those jacket so much better. I would assume they''re probably lighter but other than that I would think it would be hard to improve on this design.

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Used this jacket in about 40-50 degree weather; it does a very good job of blocking wind. I was, in fact, too warm and had to remove some layers. The ability to convert to a vest is nice, but a litte gimmicky and probably not warranting the cost. If this was $10-$15 cheaper, it would be 5 stars.

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Aerodynamic, ultra-visible, mildly cool weather jacket. Great for trying to prevent getting hit by a vehicle. Your safety is worth it!