May i suggest a new balance rain/wind coat for under 50. I use it when it rains every time, when im running or riding...

No. I'm heading to freewheel when I get off work and I'll see what they have. I almost stole my roomates this morning, as revenge for him borrowing my bike yesterday.

hey adam--- dont pay for a fender! i got an extra, will bring tonight.

Oh cool, thanks!

well, dont say thanks too quick... its not the best! but it works. :)

I don't care, i'm only using it to keep my ass dry :)

The Rapha jacket is water resistant, not waterproof, so it will breath but it won't keep you dry if it is really pouring out. I have a similar jacket, it's great for the typical Seattle drizzle, but not much use in a downpour.

i've been having great luck with my schoeller wb-400 softshell jacket all winter. even when it's damp, it breathes and keeps me comfortable. i don't know of any decent breathable fabric that can withstand a heavy rain, so i just throw a cheap light raincoat over my jacket and leave it unbuttoned.
works like a charm.

I just ware stuff that drys fast. really there is no other good solution for me. I just look for stuff that drys from completely soaked in 10 minutes. That is all I have been able to come up with. wools and silks keep you warm even when you and the cloth is wet. It is a great base layer. I like silk because it drys fast.
jogger pants and jackets are great. I change when I arive at my destination,( when I have to look nice.) other wise I just wait 10 minutes or so and I am try anyhow. That is how I go about it.
I live in oregon by the way.

I love my Rapha jacket, but you'll still sweat in warmer weather while wearing it (I'd guess anything 50F+). Not as bad as a raincoat or anything, but it's still a jacket. My warmer weather precipitation recommendation is merino wool. Rapha has some in a lot of their stuff as does Swobo and Icebreaker. Just plain wool works well too. I have some wool sweaters that do a good job of keeping me warm when it's wet. Wool just keeps you warm though, not necessarily dry.

Edit: You will sweat in warmer weather, but probably not on a 3 mile commute. The fabric is amazing, water just beads on it.

Yes, but having your body cold slows your immune system and makes you more susceptible to the "normal" germ assault. There's an ancient Chinese saying my parents used to say to me that literally translates to "don't suck wind (cold)" if your hot and sweaty (i.e. after working out or riding hard). Now that's 10,000 years of wisdom there.

REI usually has decent rain gear on the cheaps

id say go for some thin type of shell and wear whatever you normally would underneath.

The thin shell also helps break wind, which is good for non-rainy rides too when you don't want to carry a bunch of layers.

I've found this combination the best way of staying dry during this years funky rain season (anything with covering will work, warm cheap food is a bonus :D). If its raining hard, its usually not for too long. And if it rains for a while, it usually won't get you soaked, as long as you have basic protection.

Those big cheapie plastic panchos work pretty well in an unexpected downpour.