STumped
Because I usually am . . . .
I have the newer version called "R3" (for 3rd generation). It is the same outer shell and inner Gortex but without the nylon liner. It breathes much better in the summer and there is no nylon liner to stick to your sweaty skin. With the vents open and the collar locked in the down position (with little magnets), it actually inflates with air when riding and I surprisingly found it MORE comfortable than my mesh jacket...even in 100+ degree Texas summers. As long as I keep moving and have enough water in my tankbag-mounted CamelBak to keep me hydrated, I am very comfortable with the evaporative cooling. Now, if I get stuck at a stoplight I roast! But then again, any jacket (even mesh) sucks when stuck at a stoplight. However, as soon as the light turns green it's like air coditioning from the evaporative cooling! Ahhhh.....A Roadcrafter or Darien and pants is a good investment, that will last many years. But if you buy them new, they are a big investment, and the price keeps going up.
Bought my two piece Roadcrafter 1n 2002, used. It is a compromise between comfort and protection. It will boil you in the summer, and freeze you in the winter. I use it in Spring and Fall.
Also, it's completely waterproof. I have ridden through some torrential downpours and stayed nice and dry inside my suit. I agree, though, about the cold. It breathes too much to keep the cold out without a heated liner but I rarely ride if it's that cold.