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finally....


I got my Gore-Tex pants and Fox breathable rain jacket weeks ago, and though it's rained, I didn't see a bloody drop until today. This morning, on the way to my Saturday class (which is now over, increasing my joy), I got a nice steady rain for the entire 6.5 miles. It was awesome - so peaceful, and so relaxing in addition to the triumph felt over finally being ready for the rain.

The pants and jacket performed very well, as did my excellent new Soma Folsom messenger bag. The jacket's hood and mini-visor, along with my helmet's visor kept my head and face/glasses dry (did the soap film trick, which helped greatly with fogging), and I wasn't too hot (it's a hell of a lot cooler than wearing the hood of my LLBean anorak up)... though it was only 55•F or so. The pants performed perfectly, and there was nary a droplet in my bag. Really glad I picked up that bag, I looked at dozens before finally finding one that's the perfect size, comfy, and waterproof.

I'm not sure how long I can wear the hooded jacket, however. I'm going to have to start making concessions to heat. Wearing the hood down, and letting my head get wet should make a huge difference in cooling, but for longer July/August rides, I'm going to have to dress to get wet and bring a change. I managed to strap the Folsom to my rack the other day, and I'll start doing that in the meantime as well, since it allows for air flow within the jacket.

David =

wrenchmonkey

I just started commuting about three weeks ago and it's rained more than not. I love riding in the rain. I feel quite invigorated by the time I get to work. I have yet to find the right pair of pants though. Where did you get yours and what kind are they?

Boogs

I got mine at the LBS, and they are Gore-Tex brand pants - baggy to fit over clothes when necessary, with covered zippers from just below the knee to the ankle.

Yeah, riding in the rain is awesome!

Hickabod

I recently ordered a nice rain coat and today I picked up a pair of pants and I was all ready for a downpour. The clouds were threatening rain all day but never produced a drop for me. So I was forced to ride around in perfect weather.
Earlier in the week I was able to make my first ride in the rain with a thick choker rain suit that I lifted from an old job but it was still a blast. It's nice to know that I'm now ready for the next rain. Though now I need to get a front fender or something else to keep my feet dry. Any suggestions?

vrkelley

With an inseam of 34, it's hard finding rain pants that are long enough.
I attached a gaiter like what people wear for walking in snow to keep shoes from filling with water. That works great but the pants are getting worn out in the seat. Lots of rainy rides.

Any one know of vented rain pants that can be ordered by inseam?

lilHinault

Man isn't Gore-Tex great? I love that company!! They make the finest microwave cables in the business too - there's a lot of Gore goodness in every military spy "bird" watching us so next time you look up at the sky, smile and say Hi!

Hickabod

I had that problem too, except I have a 38" inseam. I only weight about 165 pounds so I knew the pants I got would either big baggy or too short. I bought mine at a local shop so that I could try them on and see how easy they were to get in and out of. The have the zippered leg bottoms so you can leave your shoes on.

Actually last night turned out to have a nice rain. My friends at the bar thought that I was drunk when I refused their offers for a ride home and I was glad to see the rain. I'll have to check into those gaiter things you mentioned because my feet still got soaked. Though I still need that front fender. Otherwise I was pretty dry.

vrkelley

The problem with rain here is that the shoes don't dry in time for the next ride.
Campmor sells those gaiters but I just made mine out of a waterproof fabric for about $7... and stiched it to the bottom of the cuff (in less thing to loose).


=========Campmor Late Spring Catalog 2005 - Page 140
Trailstar Gaiter #11606C $13.99
Outdoor Research Crocodiles Gore-Tex Gaitors #00170C $49.99
Tekmore PackCloth Gaiters #54784C $19.99

WWW.campmor.com just enter the item number or do a search