Eggplant Jeff

Water.

Mt.Hoodlum

I would like to spend around $50, I could spend around $100 if I had to but I really do not want to spend that much. The first jacket I got from REI was $160, on clearance and then 50% for $40. But it was and XL and to big so i took it back. I found one at Burlington Coat Factory which is what I have now and that was only $30, definatly water proof but the fit is all wrong.

Flimflam

If it's in the colder seasons, I have a bandana or hat on under my helmet, so that helps. Otherwise, usually nothing. The hood on my cycling jacket works 'ok' but I'd prefer to deal with the rain than the hassle that having a hood on the helmet often causes - I find I get restricted motion and sometimes a restricted field of view so I ditch the hood most times.

Editz

Here's some rain gear from another Oregon company:

https://catoregon.qwestoffice.net/catstore.htm

vaticdart

Wool cycling cap when it's cooler (below 60 F), cotton cycling cap when it's warmer. I buy mine from Walz and they've been great. I also have a Pace cap that's very good.

I also have a waterproof, breathable helmet cover, but I only use that when I'm going to be out in the rain for more than about an hour.

For extended rides in the rain, staying dry is impossible, even with full fenders; the goal is being warm and comfortable.

Cyclist0383

Check out J&G; their stuff is really nice for the price, and made with the cyclist in mind.

becnal

Vaude Helmet rain cover: https://www.bicycle-parts.de/bekleidu...nueberzug.html

andrelam

I used their low end rain pants ($40) all winter long as a wind blocking layer. Good quality goods at a reasonable prive. As far as the a rain cover, I bought a Louis Garneau and us it when it is raining heavily (light rain in summer is no big deal), and will also add it to my helmet on extreamly cold days when just a beany cap under the helmet is not enough (only on single digit F temp days). My rain coat is a cheapy $10 Performance bike model. It is vinyl with mesh all the way down the sides to let some of the heat escape. This works fine in a downpoor. Light rain I tend to ignore and just wair my normal gear.

Happy riding,
André

Big_e

+1. I used a medium sized garbage bag under my helmet to block rain from my head and neck. Did the trick but hearing was muted. As bad as it rained, I wouldn't have heard much anyway.
Ernest

itsthewoo

In Florida, when it rains, you're going to get wet whether you like it or not.

Therefore, I don't bother with rain gear.

Besides, it feels good lol.

2wheeldeal

Just an idea for the jacket, since you're in Portland, check out the yellow&black Columbia "Pacific Ridge" at the Sellwood outlet store. For $39.90, it has everything the cycling jackets have, minus the pit zippers, and plus an attached hood. The best price I could find on a full-featured cycle jacket was the O2 3-pass for $65.
I just bought the Columbia jacket - I figure for $25, I can fold the hood under, and install zippers myself in a pinch.

Cyclist0383

^^^^

Pitzips are essential for a cyclist.

Mt.Hoodlum

Wish I would have seen this before I left the house yesterday. That was my first idea was to go to that columbia store in sellwood and then for some reason i totally forgot about it. I went to performance bikes, never even heard of it before yesterday. I looked online and they had quite a few lighter Izumi jackets in the $30-$70 range, when i got to the store though everything was well over $100. I ended up getting one of the cheap $20 (actually $17 cause all outerware is 15% off right now) clear jackets. It actually fits perfect all around, the arms are long, and the back is long so it doesnt ride up. I though heck, for $17 ill give it a try. Like i said my ride is only 3 miles and i am not concerned about warmth. They had 1 waterproof helmet cover left but it was $38 so I will keep looking. Plus the guy said they would be getting all of there winter gear in shortly as is every other place right now. Steal on the jacket though if it lasts even 6 months. I was reading reviews on the website and one guy said his seems started ripping in a week, and another said his seams didnt rip for a year so we will see.

Thanks for all the ideas.

vrkelley

Still raining here. This year, we had just a few days of dry summer...maybe a week total. Hey Mt Hood, what do you have lined up for footwear?

Mt.Hoodlum

Wow that sucks, we have actually had a very hot dry summer lately. Um, just got into cycling so alls i have are my stock pedals/straps. No more money for cycling stuff for a while. I bought a new pair of pumas, they are small with a very stiff grippy bottom, there perfect for now. They are strictly for riding so i dont care how messed up/wet/dirty they get.