Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Rain gear

What type (brand) of rain gear does everyone have for rainy centurys and training? What web sites can I find them at?
Thanks
Richard

I have been exceedingly happy with my Showers Pass (http://www.showerspass.com/) century jacket. I typically don't have a waterproof coverings for my legs, and in the event of rain, usually just wear warm polypro tights to help retain my heat, then dry quickly once precipitation stops.

I use the cheap Performance microfiber jacket, I think they call it the Century now. It's not waterproof, but I don't like waterproof. What I like the most about it is that it easily stuffs into a jersey pocket. Often in the rain I just wear a PI wind vest and arm warmers, with a long sleeve Craft undershirt underneath if it's cold. Legs get leg warmers or tights if it's cold. No rain or wind pants. Head gets a polypro skull cap.

I just use REI branded rain gear. In a jacket I look for one with lots of zippers - one on the back, pit zips, and a full front zip. I'm also an advocate of not using waterproof pants; rather, I bought a pair and cut them off at the knees. If its a chilly rain I'll wear arm warmers under the jacket and leg warmers/polypro tights under the shorts, that way I can zip/unzip and rearrange to find the ideal comfort zone.

I came up with what works for me on a tour last year cycling from Texas to Alaska but YMMV.

My jacket is similar to this one, but mine is an older version:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442617573&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692501&bmUID=1178245036225

I also use this helmet cover which works very well:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442619473&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693161&bmUID=1178245181702

I have some rain/wind pants ... mostly inexpensive stuff from Walmart ... but I rarely wear them. It has to be cold and wet before they go on.

I have several pair of plain neoprene gloves ($3 from Walmart in the hunting section) and a pair of fleece-lined neoprene gloves ($5 from Walmart, hunting section clearout).

I've got two pair of booties. One is neoprene which I wear when the weather is cold and wet, and one is nylon which I wear when the weather is warmer and wet. I also wear wool socks most of the time ... not the tiny wool cycling socks many LBSs sell for a fortune, but big, thick, knee-high Kodiak wool socks. It has to be pretty warm before I switch to light little socks.


I should add that "cold and wet" is when the temps are just warm enough above the freezing point that there is rain instead of snow. :D

I have a rain jacket and pants made from silicone impregnated nylon that I made from a kit. It's waterproof, but like any jacket, you still get wet. Either sweat or rain is going to soak you on a long ride. There are no jackets I have ever used that will keep you from getting wet while cycling. You generate too much sweat.

For a helmet cover, I use a cheap pvc shower cap from walmart. $0.96 and it's perfect to cover your helmet. Get a second for a saddle cover if you have a Brooks.

For booties, a couple plastic bags from a convenience store work well. BTW, a lot of the best randonneurs I know use large trash bags from a convenience store with holes cut out for head and arms instead of fancy rain jackets.

In Texas from late spring to early fall, you really don't need much in the way of rain gear. It's usually hot enough that the rain is nice to cool you down.

I only wear a hardshell waterproof when the temp goes below 40 degrees - then even tho I'm wet on inside I'm warm. Above 40 degrees it is base layer (Craft makes great windblock long sleeve), jersey, vest (I've scored good deals on ebay for campagnolo raytech vests - but any windblocking vest works fine - it will be water resistant which means it breathes - REI also has lots of good vests on closeout), arm warmers. Gloves are the key in wet cold weather - your core will be warm enough even tho wet.

I love my showers pass elite for stormy rainy days and I may look like a dork but I really appreciate rain legs. They keep me warm when it is really coming down. I wear a helmet cover too. I have yet to find a good glove option that doesn't just pool the water. You might want to check out Kent Petersons comments as he doesn't drive and he has done numerous 1200 K rides. He lives in rain country and knows a thing or two or three about comfort in the rain. http://www.ultracycling.com/equipment/foul_weather_gear.html

I find the O2 rainpants are handy and lightweight. I use a gore windstopper jacket for my morning protection from the wind and rain too if need be.

I have an old rain suit that I bought from Performance years ago and it was on sale. It is just nylon and does not breath. I do not use it when it is warm (over 70 degrees). When it is warm, I prefer to get wet. When it is cold, it works reasonably well. It is interesting that many other people have taken a pretty low expense solution to rain gear on this thread.

In warm weather (above 55 F) a nylon windbreaker is sufficient even though it is not waterproof. One or more polyester layers underneath keep me warm even though wet. In colder weather, I have a Performance illumiNite Commuter jacket: it is waterproof, not breathable, but does have underarm zippers for ventilation.

In rainy weather, I wear Nashbar Windtights on my legs: the front is waterproof and breathable and the back is heavy lycra. I ride recumbent so the waterproof is a plus. My legs stay reasonably dry and warm, but I do not overheat.

I find a helmet cover works better than a cap under the helmet . With earmuffs, I can ride in cold weather (30 F and under), but have enough air flow for warmer weather. I guess I am not a hard core randonneur: instead of a shower cap, I use a Louis Garneau helmet cover.

I love my showers pass elite for stormy rainy days ...

Ditto.

I use a poncho. I might be stupid.

I use a large orange garbage bag, cheap, rolls up super small and certainly keeps the weather out. I have tried at least a dozen so called breathable jackets and none of them have ever stop me from getting wet due to condensation. The garbage bag keeps the weather out and if its super cold i just put a page from a newspaper up the front of my vest. I may look like a dork in the garbage bag but if it works (and it does) then i'm happy to use it. Also get major point on the Hard Core Scale...

I have been exceedingly happy with my Showers Pass (http://www.showerspass.com/) century jacket. I typically don't have a waterproof coverings for my legs, and in the event of rain, usually just wear warm polypro tights to help retain my heat, then dry quickly once precipitation stops.

I second the vote for ShowersPass. I've own 3 or 4 cycles jackets over the years, and none come close the breathability, fit and quality of this one. Pricey, but better value than the disposable stuff that doesn't last. eVent fabric combined with lots of venting = dry rider.

There is only one waterproof in my locker that has lasted the years- About 9 so far. I have showerproofs that are ok for showers-Polaris jacket that is fine for the cold and was waterproof when I bought it but became porous after the 3rd or 4th wash. Cheap waterproofs that never worked. and even Plastic tops that keep me soaked through sweat.

That true waterproof is a Cycling specific Goretex and it works. Done many wet rides in it and it is light- breathes and is waterproof. Last sunday went out for 4 hours in the rain and body remained dry.Incidentally- also had Sealskinz waterproof socks on and feet remained dry and warm- Have to get their gloves sometime.

No special treatment needed for it either. Wash after a ride at 40C and tumble dry at low temperature. If you ride in the UK- You need a waterproof.