My Alta 2 Jacket is great. I've used it in all sorts of bad weather and its always kept me dry and warm. Its well designed and Paramo will do FOC repairs, provided you've not abused the garment.
Similarly, my Paramo reversable shirt is a winner for me. Its a rather shapeless, ugly garment in some respects but its very functional. You turn it inside out for warmer weather and, when combined with an outer garment such as an Alta or Quito, it works very well. Unlike other barrier systems condensation is minimal and, as others have said, you never sound like a crisp packet; useful of you are doing a spot of birding. They hate crisps
I've heard of others happily using Paramo smocks for cycling purposes but have not tried one myself. For me a Holy Grail type cycling jacket might be something like a Quito but with better cuffs, a wedge- shaped design and a detachable hood whilst still retaining a high-ish collar.
