I was thinking of getting a rain poncho, one to fit me, not me and my bike, for commutes in the rain. I ride an orange exklusiv folder, probably from the 60s or 70s.

My questions are: Does it keep rain off well and keep you cooler than if you wore a regular jacket?

And do you look or feel like a geek when you wear them and get yelled at much?

I ask because I already take a lot of abuse from motorists when I ride and I'm not sure I can keep my mouth shut if I get more.

Thanks

I bought one but have no experience with it so I can't say.

I use one and can say yes to both questions. As for comments, I have never gotten one. Most people understand when it's raining, one wants to stay dry. Needless to say if I ever got one, I would not have nice things to say in return.

I do suggest clipping the front down in some way as I have twice had it blow over my head, forcing me to stop quickly so I could see again. Needless to say you will need a bike made for operation in the rain, so fenders and wet weather brakes are a must. I normally get to work after my 8km commute mostly dry. FAR dryer than I use to be when I road the bus and just wore a jacket and carried an umbrella. I'd suggest one made for bikes so it covers you and most of the bike.

I use one all the time. They do keep you much dryer and cooler than a rain jacket. As far as appearance goes, well, they are what they are. Nobody has ever said anything about it. I don't notice people saying anything to me in traffic.

Marc

Thanks, gentlemen. I'm too sensitive about being yelled at. I like the idea of having something drape over me so my hands are still free. I never thought of the whole thing blowing over me. I just have an old 20-inch folder so I think the pancho that goes over the bike too would be overkill. Bike is below before I fixed it up.
Big ups to Kazoo, Marc. I'm from Detroit.

I just bought a big waterproof backpack, because personally i don't mind getting wet as long as my stuff is protected.

I also get frustrated wearing a giant plastic sail, i find it much more enjoyable just getting wet.

Same here! I just got a new rain one. I do have a cape that I love. It dresses up my outfit. Not sure if it is bike friendly yet, as our weather has been weird and I need to choose the right purse.

I got this one, only because it looked great and specified bike friendly:
Otto London

Bike capes/ponchos have loops in front that you put over your thumb, or retain to your hand in some way to stop them from flapping up over your head. Yes you have to disengage your hands from them to signal turns, if you do signal turns. I have one and my back still got sweaty, but it does that even when it's not raining. I don't use mine because it covers up my handlebar mirror, and because when I'm done riding I'm putting my bike on a bus and carrying a pannier over my shoulder, and it's awkward for stuff like that where you need your arms.

I really like mine for walking in a rain storm.

This morning I had a clear plastic poncho I just put over everything. A bit warm but did the job of keeping my upper body dry. Had shorts on so didn't care there and shopping bags over my feet . Going to get a more permanent poncho this weekend or next week. I did put the hood under my helmet which I won't do again. May just put a shower cap over it depending on temp.. I'm bald so doesn't matter!

Bike ponchos have fallen out of favor esp. with all the new fabrics (e.g., gore tex) that promise breathability and waterproofness. Guess what, they're not that breathable. Bike ponchos can be a bit of a sail in a wind but they are open underneath. Throw in some fenders and you have a pretty good system that will keep you dry and you won't sweat like a pig.

Adventure cycling sells a bike poncho, Vaude Covero Poncho II - Outerwear | Adventure Cycling Association

So does J & G cyclewear, Rain Capes from People Who Really Know Rain Capes!

NB : Cycle rain capes are not Ponchos.

Cycle Rain capes are A Cone shape , Ponchos are flat rectangles..

I Own one of the Capes Rivendell bike got Grundens of Portugal to make ..

Its a very rugged heavy Fabric , same as used on Open Ocean Commercial Fisheries Foul Weather Gear .

all seams welded , It flaps very little .. maybe some , with a 30 Knot Winter Storm Squall coming ashore ..

Those are some cool ponchos, Jade. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for the education, everyone else.

I see now that I meant cape, not poncho.

I just want one for my two mile commute to work. So it doesn't need to be too heavy duty. When I joy ride, I'd just as soon get soaked.

Thanks again, everyone.

I used a poncho last summer. It doesn't protect the legs from rain as much as I thought it would. May be I'm wearing it wrong. I have to sit on the poncho (not directly on the seat, as in there is poncho between your pants and the seat) or else too much wind catches inside. This is kinda awkward and there is a chance of slipping off the seat.
It doesn't cover my arms below the elbow well but I don't have a problem with that. My one came with a hood which I keep below my helmet, so head is completely dry as the torso. In significant rain and duration, your face will be wet and you definitely can't avoid the splash coming from under.

I wear one for commuting because it keeps you dry and doesn't make you sweat as much as a jacket. IMO the downsides are:
It's wind sensitive - best suited to riding at a slow pace
If heavy duty, it's bulkier than a jacket when off
The hood blocks your lateral vision. Better to cut the hood off and wear a rain hat (or a helmet cover if you wear a helmet)
I prefer a bright yellow one for added visibility. And no, I've never been yelled at.

The British know cycling in the rain, Carradice rain cape w/ full mudguards for my town bike duties:

https://www.carradice.co.uk/index.ph...&product_id=66

-Bandera

Those look great!