Reply With QuoteJust commenting so I can find the thread later, as I was looking for the same gear today.
Be interested to read some recommendations.
I know we have quite a lot of cyclists on here so I thought you may be able to help me choose some gear for cycling in the rain.
I plan on cycling to work from now until the real bad weather in the winter comes, don't mind so much the rain but as I live on the coast it just gets to windy to consider cycling in the winter.
I just need something for those days it rains, the commute is only 30 minutes, so I was thinking maybe a merino baselayer and just a showerproof jacket? I want to keep away from waterproof gear as I find it makes you sweat, I can get changed at work so the gear is mainly just to stay comfortable on the bike, any recommendations?
edit to add a budget, sorry should have said as it's only around £50 I want to spend and no I'm not bothered about looking stylish, I'm even drawn towards the bright yellow jackets!
Last edited by jegger; 13th May 2014 at 15:14.
Just commenting so I can find the thread later, as I was looking for the same gear today.
Be interested to read some recommendations.
For me the key is easily packable so i have it whenever im likely to need it. That means it rolls up and fits comfortably in the back of my jersey. You want a little breathability so its not a boil in the bag scenario. A light colour for visibility is important too.
For spring-autumn I use a Castelli Squadra lightweight jacket which does the job and was all of £30. You can get better but will need to spend more. The Rapha packable is very good.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...acket-ec027333
I recently bought a Castelli Gabba Rain Jacket best money I have ever spent. Keeps you warm and dry .
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-gab...FeZz2woda48AUA
I have a Rapha softshell (bought at one of their very first sample sales and something of a bargain - not sure I'd want to pay the full price) and it affords me enough weatherproofing - the research I did at the time suggested that anything completely waterproof was likely to make you wet from the inside out regardless. I've no reason to believe that the technology has changed in the 7 or so years that I've had it.
In the Sotadic Zone, apparently.
I will go along with that and recommend the Rapha Rain Jacket, not your cheapest but it is very light and the most important thing, it keeps you dry when it's pissing it down.Originally Posted by Josh B
http://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/rain-.../product/RJK04
How much are you wanting to spend? Do you want to look stylish?
There are quite a few different options out there and living near the coast also it seems to be always breezy. I am on my 3rd jacket from trying different ones out, Pearl Izumi WXB seems to be doing the job, I was going to go for a softshell like the Rapha one and have previously had the City Rain Jacket I decided against it, mainly due to the cost and no matter what I wear I sweat a lot anyway so nothing is really going to be breathable.
What you have said about a merino baselayer is spot on and best to see if you can try some jackets on before hand as some of the cuts from different manufactures vary a lot.
Or keep a look out in Lidl and Aldi often get some good deals in there and their stuff is very good for the money! Picked up a City Rain jacket, just like my old Rapha one for £2.99 in their sale!
Last edited by burton; 13th May 2014 at 15:12.
I never bother with a base layer. Its a jersey and either winter waterproof Castelli jacket or a jersey and the Squadra water resistent.
Not sure why you'd be worried about getting wet honestly, esp in the summer? But if you're that averse to it, and for chill spring/autumn mornings then I'd suggest a super lightweight nylon rain jacket from any of the main players like DHB, Altura etc. Even that will be too hot most of the time. By the way, none of them is truly waterproof, especially once they've been washed a few times.
I normally have a long sleeve BaaBaa base layer in the winter with a long sleeve jersey and then in the spring a sleeveless base layer with short sleeve jersey and then in the summer the base layer goes all together.
They are a mixture of Endura, Craft, Specialized and Pearl Izumi which are the brands I find fit me the best, being just over 6' 2"
But I always wear baggy shorts! Unless it drops too low and then just running tights with baggy's over the top..
The Gore jackets are pretty good and not too pricey
You are going to get wet but an hour in the evening when wet and cold isnt much fun so some mitigation is worthwhile. Of course the main concern is keeping the iphone in the jersey pocket dry!
Breathable jackets are often over 50 GBP. When you invest in good quality gear, the chance is, that you'll keep on cycling even in foul weather. Like the saying goes: 'there's no bad weather, only bad clothing.'
I would opt for a thin gore-tex like jacket, not too tight. Fairly loose. Why? So you can put layers of clothing under the jacket when it's cold. Lots of brands to choose from. Make sure that the back is longer than the front and choose a high vis colour.
What about proper pants? Surely, you don't want to work with wet trousers all day?
Finally, install a mudguard above the rear wheel.
Menno
I should add that my advice is predicated on riding in cycling gear and keeping suits and shirts etc at work.
I think its the only way to really do it, or carry your work wear each day. I ruined 4 shirts buy wearing them under my jacket in the wetter months, but that is do to me just getting too hot all the time, hence why I am in shorts nearly all the time.
I'm guessing you just skimmed over my OP as I did say I didn't want a recommendation for a waterproof, for the reasons you state. I also said I'm not bothered about the rain some much but would like to say "comfortable", I think there is a middle ground here, I'm not expecting to stay totally dry but likewise I don't want to arrive at work dripping wet with my clothes clinging to me. Even in the summer, on the coast it can be windy and a bit more than a summer shower when it rains.
I'm carrying a change of clothing with me, as Josh B says cycling in the wet is not much fun when wearing the wrong clothing.
I'm using one of the topeak beam racks, just arrived today so not tried it out but I may not need a mudguard, I beleive there is a mudguard attachment for it tho.
I've got one of these and it has taken everything the past wet winter could throw at it...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...acket-ec020024
If you get on the mailing list they often have discounts, think I paid £128 for mine
thanks all, some good suggestions.
Been searching and came up with this http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-wisp-windproof-jacket/
no good for winter but like I say, I doubt I will be cycling in the winter wind.
When you buy it not to 'fitted', you can put layers under the jacket and use it all winter long. Thin layers of clothing are always better than one thick layer.
I try to sail as much as possible, even in the winter. Specialised brands like Musto sell eyewatering expensive underlayer garments. The same quality garments can be bought for less than 50% at builders' shops: builders use them to keep on working on site during the colder months. Perhaps you can find something suitable for your winter cycling as well: just put it under your goretex jacket.
About mudguards: I have one with a adjustable velcro-ish strap at the end so that it fits every bike's seat post. The only problem are these saddle pouches (is that the word in English?) that will interfere with the velcro strap.
M
Its the right type of thing but please keep looking for something a bit more high-vis.
as to winter, you never know, most of my riding buddies ride right around the year but if you do then you will anyways need a different jacket so don't worry about that.
I found that DHB stuff wasn't very long in the body, you maybe ok.
Can always try it and send it back..
Was just about to suggest the Gore Windproof zip-off jacket, which is small and light. Doesn't claim waterproof ( and it isn't ) but it is pretty useful all year round as the arms and hood zip off for when it gets warm. It's hugely easier to wear and lighter than my genuinely waterproof and breathable Goretex jacket, which is for monsoon conditions only.
Then I saw that they are now ~200 quid at Wiggle ! Crikey. I'd probably just take a cab
Agree about the mudguard comment though, front and rear, full coverage if possible. No idea why so many bikes don't have mudguards !
Paul
how about this http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-wisp-flu...dproof-jacket/
yeah I'm thinking things may change once I get into cycling to work, I may carry it on in winter.
looks good - note the sizing concerns in this short review and order accordingly!
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/c...cket-13-47124/
cheers, good find, I'll order the next size up then.
just thought I would update the thread.
Cycled home in the rain today so a jacket had to be ordered today, found one of the recommendations from this thread at less than half price so had to go for that one (well price was a factor but it gets great reviews too), so thanks Burtons for the suggestion.
This is the one in case anyone else fancies a bargain http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...acket-ec053154 add the code CL10 for an extra 10% off.
came into thread looking for ladies in wet pants, left disappointed,
thread does not deliver,
I got an Altura Pocket Rocket a few months ago and have been wearing it fairly regularly. it is great - very light, not too warm and very foldable. good reviews too. And comes in under your budget.
http://www.blissbikes.co.uk/1893359/...FVHMtAodz34A2g
The 2014 model is a bit better than previous models.
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