Really appreciate all this advice.
ATM I’m swinging towards the craft PB stretch jacket (and something like a pearl izumi barrier for heavier rain)
I was hoping to find one single jacket that would cover all winter conditions (ie breathable but proof against downpours), but I think that’s not going to happen in my budget.
My current “best” jacket is a Madison Telegraphe (too loose fit, too sweaty and I get wet arms when it rains, but still tolerable) and I think the night vision evo and the humps suggested would be similar in fit and breathability (hope I’m not being unfair to them). My “warm” jacket is an Aldi Winter cycling jacket which I really appreciate on the coldest days. I also really appreciate the coldest days in this jacket because they avoid the sweatiness of the milder days that are still too cool for just a (aldi) winter jersey.
I’m well up for layering, and could do with better base layers (bought my first merino base layer tonight from…you guessed it…aldi) as most of my bases are standard thermal undergarment tops from George at Asda. Looked at the gore phantom and would love one, but my internal pauper keeps telling to buy the Craft. And my external pauper agrees with me.
Anyway…going to check out the Decathlon stock tomorrow