Commuting - Annoying RAIN!!! gets you wet no matter what you wear...

So, yet again another rainy week.

I though i was prepared, I am, or I was...

I am apparently prepare for light drizzles and light rains, but it was quite clear my gear was not good enough to handle the downpour of the last few days... :cry:

i was covered in waterproof gear from head to toe, the only thing exposed was my face; and yet water managed to soak right through and into me everywhere, even the undies.

what used to be the water proof booties, ended up being a water bottle....

Anyways... anyone got a good gear recommendation to ride under heavy downpour of rain?

Extra set of clothes in something truly waterproof: a plastic bag.

Its a fact that you can only get so wet, then it just rolls off. Extra clothes at work. But I have a locker and dressing area.

I'm right across the lake from you, Luigi. With the temps we've been having, I go without and just get wet.

As you're discovering, with raingear you still get wet--if not from leakage then with sweat.

Changing my mindset works much better for me than any raingear ever has. I tell my bike, "Let's go get wet!" and charge off into the downpour. Last night's gullywasher of a rain was a real pleasure. Felt like a fish in the running streams that had been roads before the storm hit.

And the bonus is that I don't have to wash the bike now. That dried-on goo on the downtube from coffee and Gatorade was getting nasty. It's gone now!

It also helps that I always commute in cycling clothes. Arriving at work, I can wring 'em out and put on fresh, dry work clothes. Eight hours later, my cycling clothes are dry for the ride home. (I also keep a towel in my locker.) Shoes can be troublesome, but life goes on and I dry them at home.

Last week I dodged a fast moving spark spitting thunderstorm.
I diverted a mile away and watched it from under a tree.(cheep)
One mile from my house ready to ride into a deluge and passed on
the rain suit. Was warm enough to feel ok.
Cold wet rain I put my rain suit on.

To the original poster, this is a question (not a statement, just to be clear) - do you know whether it's that your rain gear leaked, or if it's that you got hot and sweaty inside your rain gear and that soaked you?

F rain. Get wet.

Get a drying cloth (ShamWOW baby!!) for those cramped bathroom stall changes. Handicapped stalls are perfect. I've tried lots of rain gear over the years on the bicycle and the motorcycle, and frankly, all it ever does it make for one hell of a greenhouse effect.

Fenders

Fenders

This.

And a cycling cap under the helmet to keep the glasses clear.

Dry clothes double bagged, fenders help.
Bottom line: You will get wet. You just to decide if it is going to be a cold wet (no raingear) or a warm wet (raingear).

Embrace it.... and if you can, keep a change of clothes at work. I used to keep a spare riding kit, and a spare set of work clothes in a file drawer. Now I live so ridiculously close to work, I've only been drenched by a frog strangler once, on the way home, so it was no big deal. Beyond that, I actually enjoy riding in the rain. You know who the idiots... I mean hardcores are as you encounter them on your way in/home.

There is a tradeoff. Waterproof means wet from sweat. Water resistant with vents/buttons means damp. Damp beats soaked with sweat. Riding more slowly helps a lot.

Paul

So, yet again another rainy week.

I though i was prepared, I am, or I was...

I am apparently prepare for light drizzles and light rains, but it was quite clear my gear was not good enough to handle the downpour of the last few days... :cry:

i was covered in waterproof gear from head to toe, the only thing exposed was my face; and yet water managed to soak right through and into me everywhere, even the undies.

what used to be the water proof booties, ended up being a water bottle....

Anyways... anyone got a good gear recommendation to ride under heavy downpour of rain?

This is exactly why I ride in my swimming trunks and sandals in the downpour.

To the original poster, this is a question (not a statement, just to be clear) - do you know whether it's that your rain gear leaked, or if it's that you got hot and sweaty inside your rain gear and that soaked you?

the water just follow my face down into my neck, and well... .it works the rest of the way from there.

if i tight in my necklace any closer i'll technically hung myself :lol:

that's why i'm annoyed by the rain, no much we can do, you either love it or hate it as TSL puts it :love::mad:

personally, not a big fan of heavy rain, light rain no problem.
i love biking in the snow, because you don't get wet.

I guess what i'm really trying to find out, is some sort of gear / wear to prevent water from coming in through neck without suffocating oneself.

it might look silly, but i was thinking about using a Motorcycle helmet... will that cover well enough to prevent water from coming down via the neck?

This is exactly why I ride in my swimming trunks and sandals in the downpour.

indeed, i started to use my swimming trunks and undies as well, at least those dries real quick after you get back into a warm place

but still clothing wise, i still have yet to find some good Tshirt that can stay warm when wet.

I've been pondering the idea of using the dry suit for scuba diving :lol:
but wasn't so sure if they are comfy enough for biking.

I always have a change of clothes, suit and all at the office, and yes i finally recognized using biking "panties" are the way to go.

even when they get wet, they don't feel weird, at least it doesn't get in your way, as jeans, and other sort of pants do.

Even if you wear a swimming trunk + a waterproof pant, eventually the sweat gets it all sticky and into your skin, and it gets annoying like wearing jeans on a rainy day.

i hated using that stuff for biking, it just looks "superman" as they call it LOL :lol:
but heck, less wind resistance, and less friction with your wet skin, makes pedalling sooooo much faster.

now that i do a 40+ km commute every day, the effects are much more felt, than before when it was as short commute.


I'm right across the lake from you, Luigi. With the temps we've been having, I go without and just get wet.

As you're discovering, with raingear you still get wet--if not from leakage then with sweat.

Changing my mindset works much better for me than any raingear ever has. I tell my bike, "Let's go get wet!" and charge off into the downpour. Last night's gullywasher of a rain was a real pleasure. Felt like a fish in the running streams that had been roads before the storm hit.

And the bonus is that I don't have to wash the bike now. That dried-on goo on the downtube from coffee and Gatorade was getting nasty. It's gone now!

It also helps that I always commute in cycling clothes. Arriving at work, I can wring 'em out and put on fresh, dry work clothes. Eight hours later, my cycling clothes are dry for the ride home. (I also keep a towel in my locker.) Shoes can be troublesome, but life goes on and I dry them at home.

Getting wet or damp from sweat is pretty much unavoidable in the rain. What you want to avoid most is getting cold as well. Cotton loses most of its insulating properties when when, so you want to avoid cotton when riding in the rain. Wool and most synthetic fibers will keep you warm even when wet.

When I commuted this morning there was a pretty strong rain, and temps were around 10C. I wore a polyester base layer, wool gloves, wool socks, mostly waterproof E-SM450 SPD boots, goretex rain pants, reflective velcro ankle straps, and a goretex rain jacket with a built-in hood. I wore the hood, brim folded inside, under my loose-fitting hardshell skate helmet.

http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Cycling/5011761s_v1_m56577569830711376.jpghttp://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Cycling/4000887s_v1_m56577569830705447.jpg
http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/WaterproofBreathable/5005012s_v1_m56577569830708877.jpghttp://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/WaterproofBreathable/5004997s_v1_m56577569830708871.jpg

When I arrived at my destination, I was a little hot - the goretex certainly keeps the heat in - and a bit damp due to my own sweat. I could have kept much drier if I had cycled slower.

I used this setup for rides of a couple hours in the rain, and it has kept me warm and reasonably dry.

the water just follow my face down into my neck, and well... .it works the rest of the way from there.

if i tight in my necklace any closer i'll technically hung myself :lol:

that's why i'm annoyed by the rain, no much we can do, you either love it or hate it as TSL puts it :love::mad:

personally, not a big fan of heavy rain, light rain no problem.
i love biking in the snow, because you don't get wet.

I guess what i'm really trying to find out, is some sort of gear / wear to prevent water from coming in through neck without suffocating oneself.

it might look silly, but i was thinking about using a Motorcycle helmet... will that cover well enough to prevent water from coming down via the neck?

What are you using to keep your head dry right now?

I have a Showers Pass Elite 2.0 rain jacket:
http://showerspass.com/products.asp?ManId=1206&ProductId=6&Product=Elite+2.0

http://showerspass.com/photos/1206474_M.jpg

With that jacket, I've used two things:
1. Their velcro-on hood:
http://showerspass.com/products.asp?ManId=8006&ProductId=8&Product=Hood

Velcros on the jacket and goes under the helmet. Did a surprisingly good job of not obstructing my visibility (didn't get in the way of turning my had and looking way back). Probably the most likely to avoid water running down into your jacket. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to test it in any real heavy rain. Definitely hotter, temp-wise, then option #2 though.

(Also, Gore Bike Wear sells a similar "universal" hood though how well it works I have no idea - http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite/PROD_HUNIVS?landingid=1208436871979A)

http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=image%2Fjpeg&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1224330594399&ssbinary=true


2. I prefer to use the Gore Bikewear Helmet cover:
http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite/PROD_HHELMC?landingid=1208436871979A

http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=image%2Fjpeg&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1224330599337&ssbinary=true

Definitely less hot than the hood. In warmer temps with a Specialized helmet you put it above the "air port" or whatever and still get air scooped into your helmet (perhaps the front of your hair might get wet). The back of my hair got wet but didn't get into my jacket - though 8 miles in the pouring rain was the longest I've had a chance to test it out in.


I also wear the Shower's Pass rain pants when it's raining. It kept me completely dry so far (same 8 mile trip in pouring rain at 40 degrees is all I've used it in, though). For keeping my feet dry, they're rediculously priced but I have to admit the Gore Goretex City Overshoe really kept my feet dry:
http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite/PROD_FCITYF?landingid=1208436871979A

http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=image%2Fjpeg&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1224334180076&ssbinary=true


But they're like $90. It really seems to be difficult to find truly waterproof shoe covers though, and I got them on clearance - you know. :-)

Showers Pass makes a waterproof shoe cover but it's "cleat adaptable" whatever the heck that means. I didn't want to order it and find out it was a pain to use with a cleat on a shoe. The other model I've seen in stores definitely wouldn't have worked with a cleat:
http://showerspass.com/products.asp?ManId=9025&ProductId=4&Product=Club+Shoe+Cover

Endura (endurasport.com) makes a pair of shoe covers they say is waterproof for about $50 if I remember right. I'd post a link but there website isn't working for that page for me for some reason.

EDIT: The Endura page came up for me, they're $45 for the waterproof overshoes:
http://www.endurasport.com/Product.aspx?dept_id=107&prod_id=213

http://www.endurasport.com/UC/GetImage.aspx?file_id=1163&im=5

This is exactly why I ride in my swimming trunks and sandals in the downpour.

Not quite the same, but I ride in synthetic dress pant (adventure khakis or the like), dress shoes, light jacket (if it's chilly) and merino everything else (socks, undies, polo / shirt)... I dry off in short order once I get to my cubicle...

Haven't had a true downpour yet, but enough to be glad I had fenders to keep road grime off of me...

so yet again, i just came back home, all wet...

i was caught off guard this time, as the weather forecast said "no rain" (sure whatever)
Morning was great!
Afternoon was even better!
Evening leaving work was nice.... until half way in my commute and WHAM!!!! the rain hits harder and harder....

i had no place to stop by and change into my rain gear, luckily i was already on biking on my swimming trunks and swim undies.

so to take a break for a snack, i stopped by a friends house, and few minutes later the swimming gear was already dry again.

my Tshirt never got wet because i had my yellow waterproof jacket on (it was a just in case thing), my hair was still all wet, didn't have time to pull out the helmet cover.

the only thing that sucked big time, was my socks + "waterproof" shoes got totally submerged.
it was fine the first 30min of rain, but after 60+ minutes drinking water through the ankle opening, everything got wet inside.

i pedal and ride fast, so all the water goes in easy.

Good thing is today the rain was not as hard, and it did not get in through my neck via my face.

http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Cycling/5011761s_v1_m56577569830711376.jpg
http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/WaterproofBreathable/5004997s_v1_m56577569830708871.jpg



i wanted to buy those boots, but the reviews said it was not waterproof.

the jacket is way too hot for summer (now) even my super light waterproof jacket is too hot for today.

i already got waterproof pants, but on very strong rain the water just soaks up and down your neck all the way down to your pants.... sigh...

I'm starting to get into the same mentality as TLS :lol: "it's okay to get wet" or something like that.

one thing is for sure, today my dirty loaded bike, got a total wash out, it's nice and clean right now :thumb:

i have the same red jacket but on yellowthe, the neck cover goes really high up all the way to my chin, but is very suffocating, i don't like to zip it that high up.

the problem with the water coming down your neck is from the back where your hair line ends.
also from following your chin down.

got the Gore Bikewear Helmet cover, but doesn;t really work that well, it keeps your hair dry, that's about it, water still gets to you as mentioned above.

the "ski" mask although it might help with the front, it still leaves the rear hair line exposed.

shoe covers doesn't work, water still gets through via the neck, if you want it to work, you have to fasten the elastic or straps so hard to the point of cutting circulation, which is exactly why i find them rather pointless.


What are you using to keep your head dry right now?

I have a Showers Pass Elite 2.0 rain jacket:
http://showerspass.com/products.asp?ManId=1206&ProductId=6&Product=Elite+2.0

http://showerspass.com/photos/1206474_M.jpg

With that jacket, I've used two things:
1. Their velcro-on hood:
http://showerspass.com/products.asp?ManId=8006&ProductId=8&Product=Hood

Velcros on the jacket and goes under the helmet. Did a surprisingly good job of not obstructing my visibility (didn't get in the way of turning my had and looking way back). Probably the most likely to avoid water running down into your jacket. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to test it in any real heavy rain. Definitely hotter, temp-wise, then option #2 though.

(Also, Gore Bike Wear sells a similar "universal" hood though how well it works I have no idea - http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite/PROD_HUNIVS?landingid=1208436871979A)

http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=image%2Fjpeg&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1224330594399&ssbinary=true


2. I prefer to use the Gore Bikewear Helmet cover:
http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite/PROD_HHELMC?landingid=1208436871979A

http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=image%2Fjpeg&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1224330599337&ssbinary=true

Definitely less hot than the hood. In warmer temps with a Specialized helmet you put it above the "air port" or whatever and still get air scooped into your helmet (perhaps the front of your hair might get wet). The back of my hair got wet but didn't get into my jacket - though 8 miles in the pouring rain was the longest I've had a chance to test it out in.


I also wear the Shower's Pass rain pants when it's raining. It kept me completely dry so far (same 8 mile trip in pouring rain at 40 degrees is all I've used it in, though). For keeping my feet dry, they're rediculously priced but I have to admit the Gore Goretex City Overshoe really kept my feet dry:
http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite/PROD_FCITYF?landingid=1208436871979A

http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=image%2Fjpeg&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1224334180076&ssbinary=true


But they're like $90. It really seems to be difficult to find truly waterproof shoe covers though, and I got them on clearance - you know. :-)

Showers Pass makes a waterproof shoe cover but it's "cleat adaptable" whatever the heck that means. I didn't want to order it and find out it was a pain to use with a cleat on a shoe. The other model I've seen in stores definitely wouldn't have worked with a cleat:
http://showerspass.com/products.asp?ManId=9025&ProductId=4&Product=Club+Shoe+Cover

Endura (endurasport.com) makes a pair of shoe covers they say is waterproof for about $50 if I remember right. I'd post a link but there website isn't working for that page for me for some reason.

EDIT: The Endura page came up for me, they're $45 for the waterproof overshoes:
http://www.endurasport.com/Product.aspx?dept_id=107&prod_id=213

http://www.endurasport.com/UC/GetImage.aspx?file_id=1163&im=5

I fondly remember my first good soaker ride. After I realized I was gonna get wet no matter what, it was much more enjoyable.

Being prepared is the key. I always kept an extra change of clothes at work, a couple of nice towels and some extra riding gear for the start of the return journey (nothing sucks more than pulling on a wet bib).

HEY GTA,

A couple things: I have those boots from mec. They work well. I do not know if they are waterproof or not as I only wear them in the winter. HOWEVER, try this next time. Put on the shoe rain covers, and then put your water proof pants OVER the shoe cover. That way, rain can't inside. It will slide down your pants and over the shoe.

Also mec has a helmet cover with flaps that hang behind it. I have it but have never needed to use it...so I don't know how well they work.

Furthermore, mentioned you have the yellow showerpass elite... where did you get it from? I thought it was not available in Canada.

Lastly, bitter cold rain is do-able...ultra humid hot rain is great, as it's nice to cool off and get all soaked. The rain I dislike is the rain we are getting now. Mid-teens to early 20's and rain.....argh... dressing up means you sweat, and having the rain contact your skin means you get cold.

I try to avoid riding during spring/fall rain.... and how come you are riding 60 minutes +. that's far

re: jacket, ordered it from uk
and i was browsing around, and found even a better jacket, with build in hood for cycling, too bad it's just grey with reflective stuff.

re: commute, i live far east north markham

i did order the helmet cover from MEC it has not arrived yet!!!! :mad:
also a matching pair of rain pants from MEC

what i really need is something to strap my waterproof pants to my waterproof booties, to prevent water from coming in.

the problem is when you are pedalling the 2 comes apart and leaves open the ankle area.

but the waterproof pants are long enough to stay with the shoes, it just needs some sort of clip.... i'll probably stick some velcros between them LOL :lol:


HEY GTA,

A couple things: I have those boots from mec. They work well. I do not know if they are waterproof or not as I only wear them in the winter. HOWEVER, try this next time. Put on the shoe rain covers, and then put your water proof pants OVER the shoe cover. That way, rain can't inside. It will slide down your pants and over the shoe.

Also mec has a helmet cover with flaps that hang behind it. I have it but have never needed to use it...so I don't know how well they work.

Furthermore, mentioned you have the yellow showerpass elite... where did you get it from? I thought it was not available in Canada.

Lastly, bitter cold rain is do-able...ultra humid hot rain is great, as it's nice to cool off and get all soaked. The rain I dislike is the rain we are getting now. Mid-teens to early 20's and rain.....argh... dressing up means you sweat, and having the rain contact your skin means you get cold.

I try to avoid riding during spring/fall rain.... and how come you are riding 60 minutes +. that's far

So long as it's above 60 degrees, I actually welcome a light rain. Helps keep you cool and waters down the sweat a little. Heavy rains get to be annoying when it becomes hard to see. Also, riding in heavy rains is dangerous as you become pretty much invisible. All the goretex in the world isn't gonna help you when you're under the tire of some soccer mom in her tahoe.

as per my previous post this is the new jacket i ordered for the rain.
http://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx?dept_id=122&prod_id=239
http://www.endura.co.uk/UC/GetImage.aspx?file_id=755&im=5
lets see how it performs.... when it arrives.

still waiting for MEC to deliver these

MEC Splash Cycling Pants (Men's)
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=Ts1fKkmQZvr0L2NMmQp4GnyCKkg2v1lv9dYNm6b1d3DPydTGVvLS!-949802678!1243915920181?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692411&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442619474

and

MEC Downpour Plus Helmet Cover (Unisex)
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=Ts1fKkmQZvr0L2NMmQp4GnyCKkg2v1lv9dYNm6b1d3DPydTGVvLS!-949802678!1243915920181?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302885010&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442628993

I always found that if it was reasonably warm, raingear just makes me hot and sweaty. If I have to choose between getting rained on, or sweaty, I'm going to take rain. I'll need to change either way, and I'm sure I'll smell better. Dry clothes and a bathroom stall are the secret.

Quick question. What do you do if it doesn't feel right? Do you feel comfortable sending it back for a refund?

The jacket looks good overall ...my only concern is the hood might create a lot of drag and I don't like the fact that it cannot be removed. A velcro detachable hood would be more useful. I also read it can't go over a helmet and not comfortable on the head....so I wonder about it. Please do let us know how it works out for you as we are all anxious. If the mec woosh jacket had a hood it would be a good deal.



as per my previous post this is the new jacket i ordered for the rain.
http://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx?dept_id=122&prod_id=239
http://www.endura.co.uk/UC/GetImage.aspx?file_id=755&im=5
lets see how it performs.... when it arrives.

still waiting for MEC to deliver these

MEC Splash Cycling Pants (Men's)
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=Ts1fKkmQZvr0L2NMmQp4GnyCKkg2v1lv9dYNm6b1d3DPydTGVvLS!-949802678!1243915920181?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692411&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442619474

and

MEC Downpour Plus Helmet Cover (Unisex)
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=Ts1fKkmQZvr0L2NMmQp4GnyCKkg2v1lv9dYNm6b1d3DPydTGVvLS!-949802678!1243915920181?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302885010&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442628993

Yesterday, I just got wet (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=9032797&postcount=378). Fenders kept me clean, though.

by the way these
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442628993&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302885010&bmUID=1244063008987

works great!
unfortunately.... they are too big for both my head+helmet

it's too lose, it'll fly away on stronger wind + fast ride.

it'll be great if they made a smaller version. :thumb:

I fondly remember my first good soaker ride. After I realized I was gonna get wet no matter what, it was much more enjoyable.

Being prepared is the key. I always kept an extra change of clothes at work

:thumb:

I've given up on rain gear for the time being. It's summer and there are only two things I know of that melt in rain, I'm neither.

http://www.yehudamoon.com/images/strips/2008-02-02.gif

I just had my first rain refresher...since I'm not currently commuting and only training. Sucked for about the first 5 minutes. The only thing that really bugs me is how dirty my legs get from all the grit and stuff on the road.