Raingear, so expensive, who's got good prices in the USA?
 

I am an American, yes, but I am basically kinda poor (Americans aren't poor, right?) Anyways, my bike riding will include commuting, it's a cheap Costco bike. I want some rain gear/clothes, not fancy shmancy pricey pants and shirt or jacket, not any competition stuff, more just a bright yellow or orange raincoat and pant (pullover) that I can use for my commute to school. Stuff I am seeing on online stores is for around 100 or so. Isn't there anything for about 50 that has both parts?

I suppose the primary differences between a regular raincoat and pant are they way the coat on a bike outfit rides lower for backsplash, low weight and bulk, and durability.

Sure, if I need to, in a pinch, get a regular rain outfit, but it sure would be nice to have something better if I can find it for an affordable price. What IS the markup on bike stuff, anyways?

I know most of you here have the money and are serious experienced cyclists, so my apologies for being a lowly bum, but that is why I will be going to school sometime next year. BTW, I'm an old timer.

My experience with cycling apparel has been that going cheap is false economy. You'll be shelling out again soon to replace it.
My foul weather gear is all over ten years old. It might not have been the most expensive available when I bought it, but it was right up there.
My advice is to buy the best you can afford.

O2 Rainwear. I have this jacket that I bought at the LBS. I also have a pair of Coleman rain pants that I got from the local outpost of the Evil Empire. Seriously thinking about getting these to match the jacket, though.

And I'll tell you this now, depending on where you ride, you'll be better off picking your poison- either wet by rain or wet by sweat. A bunch of the waterproof stuff doesn't breathe too well, at least at the price point where I shop :(...

Coated non breathable fabrics cost less than the breathable ones.

you cannot make cheap ready made things out of expensive materials ,
add sales , distribution , and marketing costs..
unless you cut out the labor, etc. charges by doing it your self..

Pick up a sewing machine, and take charge..

Several waterproofs about but most have the same problem and that is they don't breath. Even the expensive ones will accumulate sweat inside them but the better the breathing quality- the more comfortable you will be.

But how long is the commute? 5 miles and to be honest and a plastic bag would keep the rain out without you getting "TOO" sweaty. 10 miles and I would want a better quality coat on and I have one in a Goretex. Don't wear trousers over my cycling gear bit I do have a variety of top coats. Some are not waterproof and are just windproof. Some are showerproof and will last for gentle rain. I have one that always goes in the back pocket that is mainly a windproof but the outer coating is waterproof and there are plenty of vents under the arms and across the back----Ideal as it is lightweight- packs up small and is waterproof- but allows moisture to escape and fine for an hour or so.

But all of these cost money- some a lot of money. The cheaper rain clothing does work but is bulky and will make you sweat- but you can unzip to get air in and you don't have to ride at a high pace to get you just as wet inside as outside. You pay your money and it is your choice.

For decent budget gear check out J&G.

Fair prices, good quality, and made in the US.

http://www.bicycleclothing.com/

I like my Red Ledge Thunderlight pants. I found them on sale for $20, but usually found for $25-30.

You'll want a pants clip/band on the chain side.

They're black but I think that's best for pants. They've lasted forever but I only wear them maybe 25 days a year. I typically just wear my poly pro tights in the rain. Only break out the pants for REALLY cold rains.

You shouldn't ride your bike in the rain anyway. Kill two birds with one stone...

"Buy nice or buy twice"

showerspass rain pants and bicycle poncho. nothing ventilates like a poncho. but you should have fenders for it.

I wear a rain cape if I wear anything at all, also a wool layer is good in colder weather. I have never had any luck with most rain gear, regardless of how expensive.

Aaron :)

+1 on the campmor rain cape. I don't typically ride in the rain, but I take it in my commuting bag in case I'm at work when an unexpected storm strikes. Typically if it's warmer than say 60F, I don't wear anything for the rain as I'll be as wet from sweat as I would have been had I just let myself get rained on. My bag that carries my stuff though is waterproof AND has a rain fly.

Motorcycle rain gear I've found online is awfully cheap 39.95. Probably balloony with ample room for boots, but my mind has gone over this enough, time to act! I might just go out and order say an XS (I'm a large) in one of these suits, since they run big, just to see how it does. I put a post out here regarding riding with one, but people poo-pooed it, saying that it would not breath very well, too bulky, yatayatayata. Not like I couldn't modify it it in some ways.http://motorride.net/wp-content/uplo...-rain-gear.jpg

that's a very interesting idea. let us know how that goes. probably the best thing to do would be to start a new thread, but if you remember come back and put a link to it here so that all of us who're subscribed to this thread can see it.

I have Campmor house brand rain pants and jacket.Nothing fancy,cheap,keeps you dry.You'll sweat like a pig if it's a warm rain,just like in anything else.

I went to the local shop and bought a parka as for the guys that work outside along the road.
Color: Neon Lime and, a lot of wide reflective bands..
hood stows in collar so not in the way of your bike helmet
with a rain helmet cover on it.

f'bob- very generous of you! Did the guys appreciate it?

I got a rain suit from cosco once, of high quality. Wore that thing out in about a 2 year time!

On getting wet inside the suit: depends on how fast you have to ride!

This is a case where shopping for seasonal bargains will pay off.

The thing about a proper cyclist rain suit that makes them kinda special is quality rain gear will breath to allow body heat to escape which is important to avoid over heating.

A really good cyclist rain suit is an investment not an expense.

Why thanks guys for the all the great responses! I think what I may do is just get a pancho to get my by for now and save for something decent, but I am about to take a look at all those links you folks gave me.

http://www.thirdwave-websites.com/bike/rain-capes.cfm

http://wheelandsprocket.com/buyers-g...hing-pg104.htm

http://cycling-review.com/clothing/bicycle-raingear/

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I don't know where you are located. If you hold out till Thanksgiving Day sales, Bass Pro always has Frog TOgs on sale for around 30 to 40 dollars. I have two sets in the bass boat. I really like them. I fish in the rain but not bike.
BillMc

Frog toggs