Originally Posted by
dokterd1
I would assume I could just spray a water repellent coating once in a while.
Correct.
Being "waterproof" is overrated and decent water resistance is underrated. The other thing to know with going the waterproof route is that even goretex paclite won't seem like it breathes well enough much of the time if you push yourself.
Save the $$, get a reasonably water resistant jacket, and you'll be happy. BTW, I own 5 goretex jackets, but I still never use them when cycling -- even in 33 degree rain.