I tend to go one of three ways with winter jackets
(all work, have their place, etc
).
1: find a good shell and just layer underneath. Any winbreaker of the right size works here, and is my choice down to 30 ish or so a lot of the time. One with zip off sleeves is best, as you can just use the vest to keep the wind off
(your arms are normally ok with a bit less
). Pearl izumi makes them, frank shorter running gear does, as do many others. these are cheap, 35-70.
2: layers and a winter cycling jersey. this is normally semi wind proof, long sleeved bike jersey, normally ith a light fleece brushed inside. warm ish on its own
(i could wear just this down to 45 or so, with layers much colder
(the downside here is if you want it to fit without layers, it wont with
). 70-150 normally
3: the real warm options, but hte most expensive is a good winter jacket. you can get fleece up through some pretty warm thremal ones
(my choice here would be the jagged reversable one
).
These on their own are normally good down to 30 or so depending on how you deal, and MUCH colder with the right layers
(with the jagged one i've gone down to 10 or so with two base layers
). these get pricey 150-300.
(the jagged one is 155 i think
).
Option 1 is a good way to at lest see how much you need. I rode tonight
(35 ish
) in a bike jersey and base layer with just the wind breaker vest. Having the wind off was plenty to keep me warm.
For any of the warmer jackets check probikekit.com normally free shipping to the US and a lot of great cycling jackets cheap.