Commuting - Rain Gear---pants, hooded jacket, etc.

Hi all,
I ride to work in NYC. It's only a 5 mile commute each way, so unless it's 5 degrees out or tropical storm type rain, I should be able to ride every day.

The only thing is, I don't. If it's raining out in the morning, I jump on the train. I'd like to ride to work even if it's raining, so can anyone suggest good rain pants or jackets, shoe covers, to wear to keep me dry and filth-free? (not only is it wet, but the grime from the city ends up all over you in the rain. Pretty gross) I've looked around at the links at the top of the forums page (they did their job!) but am not sure what to look into.

I've heard that rain pants are good to wear in the winter, cause they keep the wind off you. Good, cause I want to ride all the time. Even on January 21, which is inevitable the coldest day of the year.


Any suggestions would be great.

You may want to check Frogg Toggs out. I just received a set of their rain pants for my birthday. I haven't had a chance to try them out yet, but they were recommended by my Harley riding sister. If they can stand up to rain at 60 mph, I'm guessing they will be great for cycling. Very reasonably priced also.

http://www.froggtoggs.com/

Fenders keep most of the dirt off clothing. They really are essential for all-weather riding.
Lightweight trail boots will keep your feet dry. You can get racing style neoprene or goretex over-booties, but for a 5 mile ride they are too much hassle. Just use waterproof footwear.
Lots of choice for a waterproof/breathable top. If you already have one, use that. Otherwise look for one with pit zips, high collar, dropped tail, bright colours and reflective piping. Waterproofs do not make good tops for dry weather riding.
I prefer pertex for the overpants. they are not as waterproof, but much more breathable than goretex. They are about 1/4 the price and keep their performance for many years, compared to gortex which generally dies after 4-5 seasons.

Check out the winter forum and icebike.com.

I prefer pertex for the overpants. they are not as waterproof, but much more breathable than goretex. They are about 1/4 the price and keep their performance for many years, compared to gortex which generally dies after 4-5 seasons.


I love the Pertex Montane Featherlights. but the "waterproofing" didn't last. After about 4 washes with the Technical Wash, they simply cannot block the water. Esp. at the seams. A steady stream of water runs from the seams into both shoes! The shoes don't dry for the return commute.

The Showers Pass pants are vented and work well but are very hot in temps above say 55F. Anyone seen pertex pants that are really waterproof??

coney, although i'm sure the proper gear will work, it's the middle of summer now (though a cool summer at that). go out on a rainy day and break the ice. after that it's a breeze.

sd

I found the detachable hood that came with my rain gear useless but discovered it made a perfect cover for my leather saddle.

The best way to keep your clothes clean is to pack them in watertight bags and wear other clothes during the commute. If it's at all possible to change once you get to work, that's what I'd suggest.

I use a set of Marmot precip pants and jacket. You can get full zip rain pants or you can get the kind that has a zip up halfway on the calf. The only reason I don't have cycling specific raingear is that I also hike and backpack so I already have an outer shell. I don't use or need the hood, it's too hot in the summer, typically the pants would be too hot too, but it's useful in the fall rains or winter.

Jay

O2 makes cheap breathable rainwear. Works, just not durable.

I like my REI cycling rain pants (billed as water-resistant, not waterproof, but they haven't leaked yet) better than the Burley ones I had before.

Burley makes handy waterproof shoe-covers. They're also great for stuffing all the rest of your raingear into.

The best way to keep your clothes clean is to pack them in watertight bags and wear other clothes during the commute. If it's at all possible to change once you get to work, that's what I'd suggest. Oh, and if you do this, roll the clothes up, don't fold them. They'll come out looking much less wrinkly. (Or, do like me and just don't give a rat's patoot about wrinkles...)