Originally Posted by JT52
I'm sure this has been discussed before (what hasn't been?!), but what rain jacket(s) do you use and do you like them? I'm going to start commuting in the next couple of weeks, and I'd like something other than the cheapo plastic velcro type I picked up at Performance a couple of years ago...
Thanks for your input.
Colorado Cyclist has a good deal on the Shower Pass Double Century jacket. This is nice piece that is water proof, and breathes pretty good depending on the situation. It has pit zips and a vented back that really helps to evacuate body perspiration, which can get you just as wet on the inside. It is very packable and packs smaller than a water bottle. I bought it for road cycling because it packs very small.
I have a few other rain jackets that I wear while cycling, but this is one of my favs.
Originally Posted by paulrad9
While this may sound trivial, what's the advantage of a rain jacket? I typically wear bike gear whenever I ride and getting it wet isn't a big deal, so I never saw any compelling reason to get the jacket.
Do people ride in clothes and use the rain jacket to keep the clothes dry? Is there a risk of getting sick when riding in the rain? Does a rain jacket keep you warmer when riding in cold rain?
Thanks in advance
Paul
Paul, I like to be dry but I know what you are saying as well. One time at 20 Km into our 100 km club ride, clouds rolled in that made for a totally drenching ride for the remainder of the 80 kms. I was wearing a soft shell jacket that is water resistant, but not water proof. I thought I was dry in the upper body until I got home and tried pulling the jacket of. It must have weight 5 lbs water logged
I was soaked, however I didn't know I was as the jacket kept me warm much like a wet suit. I'm sure I would have been colder if I was just in a cycling jersey.
So I would say a rain jacket does keep you warmer, but having a jacket like I was wearing that day also can keep you warm, even though you are wet.