Commuting - First time in the rain...any pointers

First off, the wx forecast for today was calling for rain this afternoon, so I decidedto drive (having never ridden in the rain). However, I made up my mind to go for a ride when I got home to see what it was like. I learned 3 things:

1)It is wet
2)It is cold (the air temp was 78-82)
3)I need fenders

I rode for an hour at speeds apx equal to what I ride to/from work, and under similar conditions. While I was riding, I was thinking about rain gear, and what everyone else does. So, my question is, when do you break out the rain wear? In my experiences hunting, I'm just about as well off getting wet from the rain as opposed to getting dreched in my own sweat; however, getting cold isn't exactly fun.

My commute is fairly short, so I'm flexible here. However, I don't really feel the need for rain gear in anything more than about 15 deg C (which is about 60F). I've been known to go with just a cycling jersey in as low as 13C this "winter". Temperatures below that are extremely rare around here, in fact, they never drop below than when it rains on the coast.

I generally wear rain gear because our rain tends to be cold.
If it's warm (say above 18-20 C), I wear long sleeves and trousers, but probably no raingear unless it's downright pouring. Under 10 C, I wear my raincoat, and under 4-5 C, I also wear rainproof trousers.
Sometimes, under cool fine rain or drizzle, I wear a long-sleeve shirt and a sweater, as I find this combination more breathable and thick enough to keep me warm.

Being in the PNW, we get rain throughout the winter. It's a slow constant drizzle. The rain gear usually comes on when the temps drop below 50F. My real problem with rain is water pooling up in my shoes. I hate that feeling of pedalling in wet soggy socks. Even if you have rain pants, water will hit your legs and run down it to collect in your shoes. Foot covers are recommended along with rain pants when the precip becomes constant.

My real problem with rain is water pooling up in my shoes. I hate that feeling of pedalling in wet soggy socks. Even if you have rain pants, water will hit your legs and run down it to collect in your shoes. Foot covers are recommended along with rain pants when the precip becomes constant.

Sorry for the stupid question, but what are foot covers? How do they work?

Sorry for the stupid question, but what are foot covers? How do they work?

Shoe covers... they are waterproof and slip over your shoes, socks and ankles to keep water out. they have a cutout on the bottom to allow them to be used with clipless pedals.

http://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi/image/product/9071-1.jpg

Being in the PNW, we get rain throughout the winter. It's a slow constant drizzle. The rain gear usually comes on when the temps drop below 50F. My real problem with rain is water pooling up in my shoes. I hate that feeling of pedalling in wet soggy socks. Even if you have rain pants, water will hit your legs and run down it to collect in your shoes. Foot covers are recommended along with rain pants when the precip becomes constant.

There's no use in rain gear if it'll just pool to shoes! And the shoes don't dry out for the return commute! The shoes or pants are NOT doing their job. It should go something like this.

A. Rain pants that cover the top of the shoe WHEN YOUR LEG is bent.

B. A waterproof shoe. Either cabellas, or lands end has 'em. If you have cleats the only waterproof shoes I've found are the Diadora H20s. I wear these with a gaiter that's attached to my rain pants
http://www2.paragonsports.com/Paragon/Shop?DSP=40000&PCR=1:102:1055:10436:100547&IID=5032-02/POBLANO%20H20 year 'round even in 90F heat.

But if you can't get a gaiter, these are cheaper and probably better $85 http://www.gitabike.com/cgi-bin/shop/sc_searchz.cgi?user_id=87539&database=dbase_shop.exm&template=dia_sr2.htm&0_option=1&0=di-explo-br

Almost always have my rain gear in my comuting bag, I have to carry work clothes anyway. Mine is a cheap Nashbar set from almost 15 years ago? I'll go by feel as to when to put them on 'cause I'll ussually get wet from the sweat no matter how well vented it is. Generally I'll ride slower, & the main purpose to the rain gear is the long hood/visor that keeps the heavy stuff off my glasses. Normally I'll take the fenders off by mid June, but I've left them on for the last two years. Last year I put on that rain suit more than I had in the previous 10 years combined! Once it poured so hard that I had to pull off & hide under a tree in a farmer's front yard for about 20 minutes. Glad I had a suit that day! The pants also keep the legs & knees warmer.

RogerinChrist is right, and your own sweat is cleaner than the muck that sprays up from the road. The rain gear isn't perfect but it's a must here in the Pacific NW

RogerinChrist is right, and your own sweat is cleaner than the muck that sprays up from the road. The rain gear isn't perfect but it's a must here in the Pacific NW

I only feel truly cleansed if I can combine the two.