Another cape/poncho fan here. I have never had a truly "breathable" rain suit and I have the receipts to prove it:p I have both the Campmor cape and an older Carradice model that I picked up at an estate sale for $1:D it is similar to the current Duxbacks line. As long as you aren't trying to break the land speed record, have decent fenders and flaps a cape works fine. Most of my bikes also have upright bars which helps.

Aaron:)

-i started 1980 with a "Sears" poncho, got wet, it flew around in the wind, not good experience. $12

-went with BIKE-WAREHOSE (bikenashbar) bike rainsuit chaffs/jacket, less sweat, got wet. $35

-in 1982 got first gore-text (gore-sweat) suit, big improvemrnt over the upper two listed, but more $. $145

-wife got me performance gore-tex suit 1997, i have commuted and toured with it, even today, 10 years later, well worth the cost! $230 / 10 years = $23 per/year (so far)!

-look at your stage/level of riding, commitment, and willingness to try options. are you getting wet on a 2 mile fun ride around the block or are you in the process of getting to your job/riding extended self- contained tour?

these are questions to ponder buying your rainsuit. stay dry!

A soft shell is better at keeping you warm than a rain jacket. It's really better in all conditions except steady or heavy rain.

You're probably right - I've never owned a soft shell but I'd like to someday - $$$. In the winter, I suspect that a W/B jacket would be more versatile, since there's a high probability of rain, and it's cold enough that sweating isn't much of a problem. I think a shell would probably be ideal for spring and summer though. Right now, I'm carrying my W/B stuff for the cold mornings and/or rain, and my lighter nylon stuff for the warmer afternoons. If a had a softshell, I'd probably just use it and leave the rest at home.

I wear the soft shell, and keep the W/B handy in case of a downpour.

Hmmm....seems like it would have to be very sturdy to not get turned inside out, but I'll give it a try. Does anyone know where to get one of these?

Go to this site. Click on "Bicycle Accessories".