thermal cycling jacket question

It's a good strategy buying anything out of season. As far as riding in cold weather goes, I prefer layers of general athletic clothes, with nylon shell on the outside. The one bike specific item is neoprene shoe covers. Cold feet are no fun.

Riding in winter should be more about building base miles than going for speed records. You DON'T want to get dripping sweaty because it will wick energy out of you.

I really like these two (both on sale right now as well)- If you end up liking them, the code in my signature will save you another bit as well!

http://www.trisports.com/castelli-privilegio-cycling-jersey-fz.html

http://www.trisports.com/castelli-men-s-espresso-due-jacket-.html

Have not tried it, but training buddy of mine uses this one and likes it.

http://www.trisports.com/pearl-izumi-mens-pro-thermal-ls-jersey.html

There are a lot of options out there, but I'm like you. I like to buy things in the off season when they go on sale. I think pretty much all 2012 tops are on sale at trisports.com right now:

http://www.trisports.com/2012-winter-tops.html

Best of luck in your search, make sure you let us know what you ended up going with when you do choose something!

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Matt, how have the zippers on your castelli jackets held up? the reason I'm looking for a new jacket is that the zipper on my last castelli jacket (which I really liked, but it didn't have all the features I've now learned that I want) broke after about 10 uses.  That Espresso jacket seems to have everything I'm looking for, and that's probably what I'll order....

I was strongly considering the Pearl Izumi jacket you linked, but decided against it because it didn't have the vents I was looking for.