Showers Pass Elite 2.0 vs Touring jacket

[txbevo]

 I am looking at purchasing either the Touring jacket or the Elite 2.0, but I need some advice before I pull the trigger. First of all, I am new to the touring game but I am looking to do some touring in 2008. At first I am going to do some 2-3 day tours and will do probably both the Natchez Trace and Katy Trail and maybe the C&O/GAP. Eventually I would like to do the Lewis & Clark and the Underground Railroad. I will be doing light credit card type touring and might move into fully self-supported at some point.

I live in the DFW area of north Texas so it is mostly cold & dry in the winter. During the winter, if it is raining much I do not ride outside, but will hop on the trainer. I want something to help protect from the rain when I am touring, but think I would use the jacket more as wind protection during regular riding.

Do either of these jackets fit the bill or do I need to look a different direction entirely? Are the jackets too heavy or are they thin? Am I out of line to get a good rain jacket that would mostly be used to block the wind and guard against unexpected rain?Both are expensive but the Elite 2.0 especially so I know I will be spending a lot of money on something that might be used sparingly in the rain. I want something of good quality and that will last a long time. Your input is appreciated!

[JimF]

Hi, Tex:
I did the TransAm with a Gore windstopper jacket and a cape (for rain) from J&G Cycleware. Both served me well. The cape was especially appreciated on the Oregon coast! Good riding.

[RussellSeaton]

I used the Showers Pass Elite 2.0 Event fabric jacket on Paris Brest Paris.  Wore it almost continously from 10 AM Tuesday through Noon Thursday.  Except when sleeping.  Temps ranged from low 50s to low 70s.  I took it off when it got to the higher end of that range.  Rained off and on almosst all of PBP.  Especially at night.  And headwinds too.  Great jacket for these conditions.  Kept me warm with a short sleeve jersey and a long sleeve jersey underneath.  Was not concerned with dry since with that much continous rain and perspiration, nothing is going to be dry.  The first night of mostly rain I had a nylon wind breaker instead of the Showers Pass, same jerseys, and I was a bit cooler than I preferred.

I'm looking at getting some good quality rain jackets, wind breakers now.  But not the Showers Pass because its only useful for truely miseable conditions.  Under the vast majority of situations, I won't ride in truely miserable conditions.  Or can suffer long enough to get to better conditions.  I could have suffered through PBP with the lesser wind breaker but was happy I did not have to.