Originally Posted by
Cyclosomatic
I live in what I consider an incredibly moderate climate: i don't think it's ever been less than 55 degrees when I've ridden, and usually when it rains it is closer to the low 60s. I commute on average about 25 miles a day. On a busy (but usually fair-weathered day) i can push 50. I prefer layering, so i feel that thermal insulation isn't my priority. 1) I've worn a nice (i believe it was an old Patagonia) shell on a few rides, which helped a bit- but I'm a bit on the tall, skinny side and ended up with a lot of water and grime sprayed up the back of my shirt and down my pants...
As for budget, 2) I could probably ultimately fork out up to 200 bucks on a jacket, maybe 250. But jeez it better be nice.
http://www.bicycleclothing.com
1) Bike specific clothing combats this by extending the back of jerseys and jackets well below one's waistline.
2) Got the WP/Breathable Jacket, pants and helmet cover. All for 200.00. W/o full coverage fenders, 'golf visor', neoprene gloves, neoprene shoe covers and w/p gaiters from REI, Campmor or STP they're WORTHLESS.
Anything over 10 mph and you get soaked from the inside...pick your poison.
The main thing is to try to keep your skin sweatness from reaching the outside wetness. That's when the purpose of 'rain gear' is defeated.
That being said the J&G stuff is
very high quality. It
does keep one as comfortable as one can be in 40F rain.