I need one. I ride in temps down to zero, and have been wearing three layers, craft base, thermal jersey, Pearl jacket. This is a very warm set up, sometimes sweating in even the coldest situations. I really can't afford $600 for the assos fugu, though it is obviously brilliant. I would much rather go for say the Capo jacket at $200, than the $400 castelli mannagia if I could get approximately the same performance. Anyone have some useful experience?

 The Fugu I would guess is far too warm for the temps you're talking about. I have the 851 and it's good (I mean really good) down to -5.

 I ride in the same Chicago winters, and love my wool jersey. I wear a craft or under armor base, long sleeve wool jersey, and a medium weight jacket with a windproof front. I like the layers because of the flexibility to add or subtract as the weather changes and the wool because it provides warmth when wet

 O celsius or 0 fahrenheit ??

EM3

 0 fahrenheit

you should be able to get a fugu for a lot less than $600. its absolutely stellar with just a baselayer. had it on at -10C + windchill with a winter base layer. no problem.

greg66:

Ah. 0 Fahrenheit. That's quite cold - too cold for an 851.

Oh yes !

By this temperature the Fuggu jack is better, even if I'll hesitate to ride outside

 Maybe a Gore-Tex  shell, or other all-weather fabric which cost less than GoreTex,  from...Cabela's, LLBean, etc. I buy the Tall size for better fit/coverage. And then a polar fleece liner jacket inside that. The non-cycling-specific shells are better, in my opinion, because they have better extreme-weather protection and they cost lots less.

 A bit waterproof. I reckon in prolonged heavy rain you'd end up soaked. I've been OK in moderate rain for short periods.

 I don't think you'll regret it. My suggestion would be that if you find you are getting too wet, look at getting the sleeveless Climavest thing to slip over it.

Mrs G66 has been house bound this week and last recovering from a foot operation. Jaysus - you can't move in our Inbox for "your order has been accepted" and "your order has been despatched" messages.

I'm seriously thinking of unplugging the router to stem the torrent of spending...

 Went with a Capo LE jacket. Riding in 10 f with wind chill below zero, base layer plus test team insulated long sleeve, upper body was warm for the whole ride. Very effective wind block and useful pockets. It fits quite tight but makes sense in riding position. No rain so no way to tell about waterproof. Fugu is no doubt a superior product, but with the 400 dollars saved, I can get some extra warm tights and a coffee too. This Chicago weather is enough to make me get the trainer out of the basement, but I hate riding inside.

Cheers,

L