Originally Posted by gugie

In my experience, there are no breathable waterproof fabrics. Before I switched to wool last year, just commuting 12 miles in 50 degree rain, I'd be soaking wet when I got to work. When it gets down around 40 I can put a rain jacket on. I can ride long distances in off and on rain without a rain jacket. If it's a continuous downpour, I choose not to ride.

I don't go so far as leaving the rain jacket behind. Once rainy season starts (and I'm in Portland, OR, so there are only a few dry months) I always keep a jacket with me. I just don't use it that often. I see people wearing them commuting in the summer-I'd get soaked if I did that.

I'd rather keep at the pace I want to ride rather than slow down so I don't overheat. I don't ride that hard, either, but I do tend to sweat a lot.