Winter Cycling - waterproof pants

today was the first heavy rain in my town and I was quickly reminded of why I don't like riding in the winter this morning. by the time I got home after a 20 min commute across town.. I was completely drenched from the waist down. I am prepared for wind and all around cold temperatures but I seem to have be defeated by the rain.

I don't want to wear a bright yellow plastic poncho.. those things never work and they also tear easily. I currently don't have fenders installed so I am getting soaked from underneath as well as on top and front and to the sides.

after some research, I got the idea to use a sealing agent (thompson's watersealer) after reading reports on how it works miracles on outdoor canvas tents and lawn furniture and leather shoes.

I am currently making my very own pair of water proof pants that I can wear over my normal clothes. They should keep me warm and keep me from being soaked.

I started this thread let everyone know the progress of my new pants and how they perform. and to ask if anyone esle ahs done something like this or has a better alternative.

so..
:D
what is everyone else doing?

questions? thoughts? interesting anecdotes?

I don't ride in rain too often but you might try looking at the ICEBIKE web site. He reviews some breathable rain pants made by Foxwear that are well liked by the reviewer.

I don't mind the non-breathable rainwear. It makes me sweat more, but I always shower after my ride in. It's cold here, in the mornings, and the non-breathable is warmer. J&G Bicycle Clothing has both varieties. The breathable is about twice the price.

Mountain Equipment co-op in Canada has some great MEC branded waterproof/breathable stretch not-tights. these pants are GREAT.

I started this thread let everyone know the progress of my new pants and how they perform. and to ask if anyone esle ahs done something like this or has a better alternative.




thanks for the suggestions.. when I get some more cash I will try to get a pair..

here's waterproof test number one..

I think I'll put a second coat on and call it good.

we'll see how good they perform..

Last spring I got a pair of REI Novarra Stratos rain pants. They are cut for cycling which is good, loose enough for base layers, they say they're breathable, but they really aren't. Sweat builds up as it does in most waterproof pants. But they are warm, windproof, and totally waterproof. Under 40F they're my go to winter pants. Under 30F I wear a very thin base layer under them. Under 20F a medium base layer, etc.. you get the point. They arent' cheap, at $99 but they're sturdy and so far have performed really well on a daily basis.

Cool Idea, let Ius know how it holds up

I use a pair of TNF Mountain Light Pants. They are a 3 ply Gore-Tex pant. I love the way the fit and feel. The fit is like your favorite pair of sweat pants. They feel good next to your skin as well as the laminated lining keeps the clammy feeling away from your skin.

I have Fenders on my regular commuter bike, those really help keep you clean and relatively dry.

http://www.backcountrystore.com/images/north_face/light_pants-b.jpg

pants hold up well in a light drizzle, anything above that.. well.. its hopeless

not too much of a problem though, hasn't been raining here in northern California for a long time

My Pertex pants hold up well. They are not toally proof but the extra breathability makes them more comfortable than water-tight ones.
In cool conditions I can ride all day in heavy rain. When it gets closer to freezing I can ride for about 1/2 hr before feeling the damp in heavy rain. In lighter rain they tend to dry out quicker than they get wet.
In 10 years, the material has never been reproofed and seam sealant is not so critical.

The problem I still have to deal with is what to do with water draining off the bottom cuffs. You really need a high sided boot inside the pants but most high boots are padded or too heavy.

I use a set of these(http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0043986922889a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=dry+pluse+&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=dry+pluse+&noImage=0) pants and coat,no they are not cycle specific,but cut big and cover everything,there is no a rain i would be affraid to ride in and they roll up and go in my rear cargo bag.and breathable.