Gore Bike Wear Alp X Jacket - Men's

Sara, Thank you for asking the community a question about a great waterproof commuting jacket with a hood.

A hood over the helmet is not really ideal for a commuting cyclist. (Why? Side to side vision is important when looking both ways in traffic. A hood over the top of the helmet can obscure side vision and make it tough to turn to look for traffic. That being said, usually one would prefer a hood that is waterproof & thin enough to go inside your helmet.

Gore Bike Wear does make a wonderful water proof hood that goes with most all of their jacks including the Alp-X. This jacket has a nice loose fit for commuting. (tight, but not race tight). So I would recommend this jacket for your shopping situation.

Here is the link to the Gore Bike Wear hood that is sold separately, but integrates super well with this jacket. http://www.realcyclist.com/roadbike/Gore-Bike-Wear-Universal-Hood/GBW0042M.html?RSC_ID=CUS_GBW0042

Please feel free to click the "live chat" button at the top of this page (right side) to chat with a gear expert if you have additional questions.

I hope that this helps you out.

Mesh creates a void between skin/layers which allows air to flow more easily.

this increases active venting like Dave was Saying.

The Alp-X GORE-TEX® jacket has a mesh panel that runs the entire front length of the jacket. The mesh allows for active venting for when the wearer is seeking to dramatically increase the amount of air entering the jacket. When this is the case, the two extra velcro tabs on the front of the jacket are used to hold the underflap of the front placket open if the rider is not wearing a pack with chest strap. If the rider desires to close the front of the jacket the underflap and front placket lay over one another and cover the mesh panel and the velcro tabs can be covered Dave - GORE BIKE WEAR™

shells are great single purpose pieces, they keep you dry. You will need to make up for lack of insulation.

Try a long sleeve base with a Thick roubaix style long sleeve.

take into account body heat, if your chilly while standing, your warm while riding.

if you are comfy while standing, then you will be too hot while riding.

This jacket would be fine for commuting as it is waterproof, windproof and breathable however it is a shell and has no insulating value. Therefore on 20 degree days, you would need not only a baselayer but also a substantial midlayer which would provide insulation. If you are looking for a winter commuting jacket, I would recommend the Cosmo/Cosmo Plus or perhaps the Tool. Only drawback with these 3 jackets vs the Alp-X is that they are too warm for non winter months where the Alp-X is still very viable.

Hope this helps - Dave GORE BIKE WEAR(tm)