Originally Posted by
TouringMN
How do you experienced commuters deal with the rain?
It depends on how heavy the rain is and how cold it is.
> 55 and light mist: wear a jersey and shorts.
50-55 and light mist: it'll be a long sleeve jersey
45 - 50 and/or somewhat heavier: short sleeve jersey and a "breathable" (hah) rain jacket and the knee warmers I'd already be wearing
heavy rain or colder still: jacket, pants, and shoe covers.
Add gloves as the temperature drops into the low 40s.
What do you wear or take with you to accommodate the rain?
I have a rain jacket, rain pants, shoe covers, long sleeve jersey, knee warmers, gloves, and a rain cover for my pannier in it. Fenders would be nice; I'm about to crack and have a radonneuring/light touring frame made (perhaps XACD by way of Habenero; perhaps go see Nelson Titanium Products) with long reach brakes or cantilevers.
Do you carry a laptop with you?
Yes. The Arkel Commuter pannier with its rain cover is sufficiently water-resistant (but obviously not immersion proof).