banjo_mole 

Yep. A rain cape. El Nino is coming up, and now I remember why most americans aren't Yehuda Moon.

Umm... Hit me up, forum members! I'm on the prowl for a rain cape!

If you have a used one you don't use, PM me.

It's gonna be a very wet winter here in California, and I dont' want a poncho or a rainsuit.

-Banjo

gna

https://www.thirdwave-websites.com/bike/rain-capes.cfm
You can order one from Carradice directly.

bigbossman 

Performance, $20:

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._1009956_-1___

Amani576

Honestly, Nick, I use a rain cape everytime it rains and if you have drop bars they get kind of annoying. Perhaps it's different for Carradice or another brand, but I use a J&G cyclewear model and while the construction is great, the "thumb loops" are more like wrist straps, and there's not enough area in front of your hands when on the hoods to really cover the bars/levers, so the front likes to blow back up over your hands. Perhaps it won't be a big deal in Cali, but right now, where if it rains it's in the 40's and that is a not a good combination. And I really don't know how one would fair if you didn't have aero levers.
Just my 2 cents. Post a C/L ad and see if anyone local has one for cheap, and check some ecclectic or commuter oriented LBS's in your area to see if they have one you could try out.
-Gene-

sciencemonster

I tried a cape and didn't have much luck either. I wear my work clothes, so I can't have any leaks, at all.

I swear by the J&G rain clothes. I bought XL of the jacket and pants so it would fit over whatever I wear loosely, and they work like a charm. No mistaking, either, they are quality. Going on two years now and they look new. The only issue I have is that here in CA, sometimes it pours when it's an otherwise nice day - over a long distance, they are too sweaty. Going four miles, taking it easy, no problem. But I wouldn't want to do 20 miles in them. You arrive wetter on the inside practically.

I don't think there is any solution for long rides in the pouring rain - if the rain is kept out, then you will be sweaty when you arrive. For long rides, I ventilate as best I can and let a some rain in. Stripping down under the rain gear helps some - I still arrive wet, but at least my change of clothes are dry.

In any case, not to brag, but I get caught in the rain maybe a few times a year. The chances of it raining right when I have to ride, here in CA, are pretty remote. Nine times out of ten, I watch the radar for a break in the weather and alter my schedule a bit to take advantage.

banjo_mole 

Hmm... I like those Carradice ones. They're costly, though! Off to check the Craigslist it is. I hope the cheap (aka crappy) poncho I bought will work for a while, though. Maybe that'll get some thumb loops, heehee, to rig it for now.

Thanks guys.

-Nick

mike

The best rain capes I have found for bicycling are actually sold for motor scooters. I buy them in China for about a buck each. They are extra long both front and back. Although the body of the cape is a coated woven nylon fabric, they have a clear poly/plastic front that drapes over your handlebars so that your light can shine through it.

Check out your local motor scooter shop and see if they carry them.

mike

Make sure that the cape is long enough. It should go way over your handlebars and way past your butt when you are on your bike.

Here is a photo example of what NOT to buy. I don't know the brand, but this rain cape/poncho means being wet for sure - wet legs, wet crotch, and wet from your belt to your ass:

banjo_mole 

Good idea on the motor scooter shop. Really great idea! I"ll look there.

I mean, that's an AWESOME idea.

wahoonc

I have a Carradice, well worth the money. For a less expensive option check out Campmor. I can't find the link at the moment, but they are bright yellow and made of urethane coated nylon. I have a couple of them and keep them in the saddle bags of the bikes I ride the most.

Aaron

KDC1956

Here is a place that you can get one for 60" rain coat for horse back riding but it could be use for riding your bicycle as well I think.I,m going to try out one someday hope it works out if not back to looking around again.
www.ppprainwear.com

phoebeisis

In New Orleans metro area we have had 24" of rain in the last 18 days-all thanks to El Nino according to the weather people. I have been on my roof twice making futile attempts to stop leaks.Some of the rain is so heavy-and driving-that even a tiny defect will let water in..

If El Nino has the same effect in CA you guys are in for a wet year. You have been in a drought, right, so maybe it is for the better if it rains fairly far inland.Unfortunately, I would bet it will dump most of the rain on the coast, and not more inland.Your inland areas are shadowed by mountains, right?

Luck-
Charlie

banjo_mole 

Yep, but I'm on the coast. Actually, planning a tour down the coast at the same time, unfortunately. We'll see about that.