Originally Posted by
TouringMN
How do you experienced commuters deal with the rain?
What do you wear or take with you to accommodate the rain?
Do you carry a laptop with you? I have what is claimed to be a watertight pannier system, but that accountability is high.
Anyway. It just feels too difficult to start out in the rain and expect that the ride might continue for the full commute.
My commute is 3 miles to the bus stop; a 30 min bus ride; and then another 45 minute bike ride. Sounds ludicrous to make that a standard plan. Despite the rising gas prices.
Looking for your feedback and input.
That's a good 90 minutes each way. People do it, but I moved closet to work to avoid that kind of thing.
Anyway I bring a laptop inside a water proof backpack. Why don't you take a hose to your pannier without a laptop in it to see how it holds up? For piece of mind you could always put the laptop inside another plastic bag before putting it in your pannier.
I have packable rain gear for my commute. It's nothing terribly special and I use it for cold/pouring rain. The problem with most rain gear, except for maybe the really high end stuff is that you sweat inside it, so you don't stay dry anyway. If it's warm I might just skip the rain gear. Often times I'll wear a water resistant shell because that breathes better.
The best thing to wear under the rain gear is moisture wicking materials. Wool and some synthetics fit the bill. Avoid cotton because that just stays wet.
Fenders on your bike help too.
My goal isn't really to stay dry, it's to stay warm.
I change when I get to work.