Rain gear
04-30-08 | 10:52 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Australia
Bikes: Specialized Tricross Sport 2009
Rain gear
Just wondering what people wear when riding in persistent, medium-heavy rain in moderate temperatures (10-20 C) . In particular:
- pants. For commuting I just wear shorts and get wet, other times I wear thermals and get cold but stay warm, but for several hours, what do you do?
- jacket: is any lightweight jacket ok? I wore one on my last tour and it was much better than I expected, not hot and sweaty at all. But then, 30 mins or so in rain. Use the hood under helmet?
- shoes: no idea.
- gloves: in desperation, I bought some imitation leather padded gloves for $3, they saved my life. If it's not too cold, is it reasonable to wear non-waterproof gloves? Ski gloves? Any cheap solutions?
Do people ever ride for hours in really heavy rain? Why?
Steve
- pants. For commuting I just wear shorts and get wet, other times I wear thermals and get cold but stay warm, but for several hours, what do you do?
- jacket: is any lightweight jacket ok? I wore one on my last tour and it was much better than I expected, not hot and sweaty at all. But then, 30 mins or so in rain. Use the hood under helmet?
- shoes: no idea.
- gloves: in desperation, I bought some imitation leather padded gloves for $3, they saved my life. If it's not too cold, is it reasonable to wear non-waterproof gloves? Ski gloves? Any cheap solutions?
Do people ever ride for hours in really heavy rain? Why?
Steve
04-30-08 | 11:43 PM
#2
F*** Corporate Beer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage
Bikes: On-OneIROOlympiaYetiLeMondZanella
My current setup (tested in rainy/snowy Anchorage, AK)
Base: Wool or Polypro undershirt
Wool Sweater
Wool tights
Shorts
Boxers
Pearl Izumi Leg Warmers
Shoes: Some trail running shoes with Gore-Tex liner. I wear a thin pair of wicking socks and then a layer or 2 of wool over them depending on temp.
Rain Gear:
Marmot Precip jacket - hood under helmet if raining hard
Military issue Gore-Tex pants
Mtn Hardwear gloves with "Conduit" outer shell
I usually only break out the Gore-Tex pants if it's really coming down. I usually stay warm with wool even when wet. I plan to get a pair of Marmot Precip full zip pants (which are a lot lighter to lug around) at the REI sale starting 2 May.
I'm going to be riding up the Richardson Hwy from Valdez, AK up to the Denali Hwy and crossing that then continuing up to Denali National Park and on to Fairbanks in June. I'm sure I'll get dumped on so I'll be able to give a good report on the Marmot stuff.
Base: Wool or Polypro undershirt
Wool Sweater
Wool tights
Shorts
Boxers
Pearl Izumi Leg Warmers
Shoes: Some trail running shoes with Gore-Tex liner. I wear a thin pair of wicking socks and then a layer or 2 of wool over them depending on temp.
Rain Gear:
Marmot Precip jacket - hood under helmet if raining hard
Military issue Gore-Tex pants
Mtn Hardwear gloves with "Conduit" outer shell
I usually only break out the Gore-Tex pants if it's really coming down. I usually stay warm with wool even when wet. I plan to get a pair of Marmot Precip full zip pants (which are a lot lighter to lug around) at the REI sale starting 2 May.
I'm going to be riding up the Richardson Hwy from Valdez, AK up to the Denali Hwy and crossing that then continuing up to Denali National Park and on to Fairbanks in June. I'm sure I'll get dumped on so I'll be able to give a good report on the Marmot stuff.
04-30-08 | 11:54 PM
#3
Bike touring webrarian
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 112
From: San Francisco, CA
Bikes: I tour on a Waterford Adventurecycle. It is a fabulous touring bike.
Check out this earlier threads: https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/359181-what-do-you-wear-rain.html and this one at crazyguyonabike.com: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/forum...hread_id=74611
Both have to do with rain gear on tour.
Ray
Both have to do with rain gear on tour.
Ray
05-01-08 | 01:22 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 16,767
Likes: 85
I usually like riding in the rain. I just finished a day's work in the rain. Rain doesn't really bother me that much if I am prepared for it clothing wise.
Having a good quality jacket is a must for me. I bought an MEC one in Canada several years ago, and it has served me extremely well. But the key factor is that it has pit zips. They allow me to wear the garment as a wind jacket, wet-weather jacket, cold-weather jacket... the only time I wouldn't wear it is when the weather is fine, sunny and above 15 deg C. I very rarely get saturated with sweat on the inside of it.
I've been through the mill with rainpants. Currently I have a pair purchased in France last year. The biggest problem is allowing out the sweat that builds up on the inside. THAT can become quite old very quickly around the crotch.
On several randonnees, I have ridden without waterproof leg protection, relying on leg warmers or Target tights (women's section, used to be $17 a pair, in black of dark blue). At a pinch, I have put plastic supermarket shopping bags on the front of my thighs under the tights to ward off the cold.
The most significant issue for me is keeping my shoes reasonably dry or at least comfortable. Dare I say it, but mudguards do help to an extent, but if in a downpour, nothing will save the shoes. I have had various overshoes, but the problems with cleats and overshoes is that the water seeps up from underneath (less if there is a front mudguard). Riding with wet shoes even in moderate conditions can become uncomfortable because of the heat loss through evaporation.
Layering is, for mine, an essential element, and you should start riding on a wet, cool day slight colder than you would feel comfortable.
In wet conditions, it's almost a given that you are going to feel wet or at least damp on the inside no matter how expensive or "good" the outer garments are. The essential thing is that wind protection will reduce the heat loss as water evaporates. That's where the overshoes do excel.
Others may recommend SealSkinz, and they may work for you. I may be interested in using them if I ever get around to buying cycling sandals (but since Shimano changed the design of theirs, that is unlikely for the immediate future).
In moderate temps, just a good waterproof jacket will suffice. In warm weather, you might not need to bother with anything other than what you are riding in.
Just also be aware that whatever water that is soaked up by your clothes and shoes (shoes in particular), it will weigh a fair bit.
Having a good quality jacket is a must for me. I bought an MEC one in Canada several years ago, and it has served me extremely well. But the key factor is that it has pit zips. They allow me to wear the garment as a wind jacket, wet-weather jacket, cold-weather jacket... the only time I wouldn't wear it is when the weather is fine, sunny and above 15 deg C. I very rarely get saturated with sweat on the inside of it.
I've been through the mill with rainpants. Currently I have a pair purchased in France last year. The biggest problem is allowing out the sweat that builds up on the inside. THAT can become quite old very quickly around the crotch.
On several randonnees, I have ridden without waterproof leg protection, relying on leg warmers or Target tights (women's section, used to be $17 a pair, in black of dark blue). At a pinch, I have put plastic supermarket shopping bags on the front of my thighs under the tights to ward off the cold.
The most significant issue for me is keeping my shoes reasonably dry or at least comfortable. Dare I say it, but mudguards do help to an extent, but if in a downpour, nothing will save the shoes. I have had various overshoes, but the problems with cleats and overshoes is that the water seeps up from underneath (less if there is a front mudguard). Riding with wet shoes even in moderate conditions can become uncomfortable because of the heat loss through evaporation.
Layering is, for mine, an essential element, and you should start riding on a wet, cool day slight colder than you would feel comfortable.
In wet conditions, it's almost a given that you are going to feel wet or at least damp on the inside no matter how expensive or "good" the outer garments are. The essential thing is that wind protection will reduce the heat loss as water evaporates. That's where the overshoes do excel.
Others may recommend SealSkinz, and they may work for you. I may be interested in using them if I ever get around to buying cycling sandals (but since Shimano changed the design of theirs, that is unlikely for the immediate future).
In moderate temps, just a good waterproof jacket will suffice. In warm weather, you might not need to bother with anything other than what you are riding in.
Just also be aware that whatever water that is soaked up by your clothes and shoes (shoes in particular), it will weigh a fair bit.
05-01-08 | 01:54 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Eau Claire, WI
Full fenders and a cycling-specific rain cape. You really stay very very dry (and well ventilated) in even heavy rain. ...unless it's raining sideways, in which case, play hooky.
I bought mine from Campmor a few years ago (link). Thumb loops in the front, thigh loops in the back to keep it in place; it's basically like a tent that sits over you while you ride. I love my rain cape.
The only part of you that gets a little wet in heavy rain with this setup is the lower half of your shins, in which case you can get some gaiters if you really really need'm. I've never bothered, though. No real need for rain pants with the fender/rain cape setup.
Carradice makes a high-end looking setup like this (link) that I haven't tried.
I bought mine from Campmor a few years ago (link). Thumb loops in the front, thigh loops in the back to keep it in place; it's basically like a tent that sits over you while you ride. I love my rain cape.
The only part of you that gets a little wet in heavy rain with this setup is the lower half of your shins, in which case you can get some gaiters if you really really need'm. I've never bothered, though. No real need for rain pants with the fender/rain cape setup.
Carradice makes a high-end looking setup like this (link) that I haven't tried.
05-01-08 | 02:31 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 76
Likes: 1
From: Near Edinburgh
Bikes: Thorn Rohloff eXp
I have one of those yellow Carradice capes.
They do everything that 82times says. You ride along in a small dryish microclimate under one.
I find mine really good in steady rain which we seem to have had here in the UK for most of the last year.
The drawback is that they are not good in windy weather, they catch the wind and make cycling difficult or even dangerous.
They do everything that 82times says. You ride along in a small dryish microclimate under one.
I find mine really good in steady rain which we seem to have had here in the UK for most of the last year.
The drawback is that they are not good in windy weather, they catch the wind and make cycling difficult or even dangerous.
05-01-08 | 05:28 PM
#8
In the right lane
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,556
Likes: 8
From: Des Moines
Bikes: 1974 Huffy 3 speed
I have one of those yellow Carradice capes.
They do everything that 82times says. You ride along in a small dryish microclimate under one.
I find mine really good in steady rain which we seem to have had here in the UK for most of the last year.
The drawback is that they are not good in windy weather, they catch the wind and make cycling difficult or even dangerous.
They do everything that 82times says. You ride along in a small dryish microclimate under one.
I find mine really good in steady rain which we seem to have had here in the UK for most of the last year.
The drawback is that they are not good in windy weather, they catch the wind and make cycling difficult or even dangerous.
The big problem is that it can act like a sail on very windy days. Unfortunately, it behaves most like a sail when you are going headwind.
Mainly I use it for commuting. It weighs about 8 oz. and packs down very well.
05-01-08 | 05:52 PM
#9
Membership Not Required
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 18
From: On the road-USA
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Full fenders and a cycling-specific rain cape. You really stay very very dry (and well ventilated) in even heavy rain. ...unless it's raining sideways, in which case, play hooky.
I bought mine from Campmor a few years ago (link). Thumb loops in the front, thigh loops in the back to keep it in place; it's basically like a tent that sits over you while you ride. I love my rain cape.
The only part of you that gets a little wet in heavy rain with this setup is the lower half of your shins, in which case you can get some gaiters if you really really need'm. I've never bothered, though. No real need for rain pants with the fender/rain cape setup.
Carradice makes a high-end looking setup like this (link) that I haven't tried.
I bought mine from Campmor a few years ago (link). Thumb loops in the front, thigh loops in the back to keep it in place; it's basically like a tent that sits over you while you ride. I love my rain cape.
The only part of you that gets a little wet in heavy rain with this setup is the lower half of your shins, in which case you can get some gaiters if you really really need'm. I've never bothered, though. No real need for rain pants with the fender/rain cape setup.
Carradice makes a high-end looking setup like this (link) that I haven't tried.
Aaron
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ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
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Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
05-01-08 | 07:27 PM
#11
Macro Geek
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 12
From: Toronto, Ontario
Bikes: True North tourer (www.truenorthcycles.com), 2004; Miyata 1000, 1985
I so much admire all of you who brave rainy conditions. If anything more than a light drizzle is falling, you will find me whiling my day away in the closest coffee shop or greasy spoon!
But when it is not possible to escape the rain, I don a Gore-Tex cycling jacket (with armpit zips, which I regard as indispensable) and a pair of hermetically sealed plastic cycling pants (which do a reasonable job of keeping out the rain and an even better job of keeping in every drop of perspiration!) My shoes never seem to get more than extremely damp (perhaps because of my fenders?) I wear synthetic socks that wick away moisture. (The reason the last sentence sounds like advertising copy is because it probably is.)
I almost never ride in monsoon-like downpours, unless I have very close to my final destination and am not overchilled. I never ride in thunderstorms.
But when it is not possible to escape the rain, I don a Gore-Tex cycling jacket (with armpit zips, which I regard as indispensable) and a pair of hermetically sealed plastic cycling pants (which do a reasonable job of keeping out the rain and an even better job of keeping in every drop of perspiration!) My shoes never seem to get more than extremely damp (perhaps because of my fenders?) I wear synthetic socks that wick away moisture. (The reason the last sentence sounds like advertising copy is because it probably is.)
I almost never ride in monsoon-like downpours, unless I have very close to my final destination and am not overchilled. I never ride in thunderstorms.
05-02-08 | 03:15 AM
#12
Membership Not Required
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 18
From: On the road-USA
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
05-02-08 | 05:57 AM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
Bikes: LeMond Buenos Aires, Trek 7500, Scattante CFR, Burley Hudson
When on a long tour I plan my rest days based on the weather. If it is going to rain then I rest. When I am riding and it decides to rain then I get wet even though I have a rain suit that is impervious to water. In fact I have never put my rain pants on when riding, just the jacket. I don't really mind riding in the rain if it is not cold, but when it is raining hard I am convinced that drivers of the vehicles on the road do not see me. Just my opinion, and I always have the option not to ride. Touring is not the same as commuting to your job which is mandatory even on a rainy day.
05-02-08 | 08:19 AM
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Eau Claire, WI
...and now that I called it porn (when really it's not) a lot more people will check it out, further propagating the "style over speed" mantra!
05-02-08 | 08:27 AM
#15
abides and rides
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 471
Likes: 0
I've seen that site before, but after just checking out a few new pics then I still got a bit of a 'sketchy stalker guy hiding in bushes taking photos of pretty girls' vibe from it.
Last edited by dudezor; 05-02-08 at 08:45 AM.
05-02-08 | 09:19 AM
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Eau Claire, WI
from the site's FAQ page:
We aim to highlight that bike culture is an effortless pursuit. No lycra needed. No fancy gear. Just get out and ride. Style over Speed. Man or Woman.
...and this:ARE YOU ALL PERVERTS?
Invariably it seems to be Americans who ask this question or accuse us of being so. ...We choose to focus on the chic female cyclists of the city because, well, we like chic female cyclists. They embody the freedom of a bike culture. Cycling in high heels to work or a party, skirts a'flowing, hair a'waving. It is the complete opposite of bike 'culture' in other countries.
05-02-08 | 11:32 AM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
Likes: 9
From: England
I have cycled quite happily all day in persistant rain and my everday commute is sometimes wet. My "worst" touring weather was an unseasonally early winter storm in the Alps in Sept with 3" of wet snow on the passes and sleet/cold rain further down.
10-20C is too big a temp range for one solution. My divide comes at about 16C between cool and mild. I have winter cycling jacket that works up to 16C before I overheat.
My cool gear is usually a merino T shirt or wicking underwear, a lightweight full arm jersey /light woollen sweater (according to conditions) and a Paramo Cusco jacket. This is much more breathable than gortex and good for dry as well as wet conditions.
For 16C+ I use a well vented gortex (back and pit vents) in the rain but switch to an ultralight windshell when it stops. Modern softshells may work OK in these conditions.
My sealskin socks work well and I use fleece or woollen gloves. Waterproof gloves really dont work for me.
For 10-12C it is cold enough to need some neck insulation.
My rainpants are water-resistant (not proof) pertex which is more breathable than goretex.
10-20C is too big a temp range for one solution. My divide comes at about 16C between cool and mild. I have winter cycling jacket that works up to 16C before I overheat.
My cool gear is usually a merino T shirt or wicking underwear, a lightweight full arm jersey /light woollen sweater (according to conditions) and a Paramo Cusco jacket. This is much more breathable than gortex and good for dry as well as wet conditions.
For 16C+ I use a well vented gortex (back and pit vents) in the rain but switch to an ultralight windshell when it stops. Modern softshells may work OK in these conditions.
My sealskin socks work well and I use fleece or woollen gloves. Waterproof gloves really dont work for me.
For 10-12C it is cold enough to need some neck insulation.
My rainpants are water-resistant (not proof) pertex which is more breathable than goretex.
05-02-08 | 03:14 PM
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: no fixed address, Australia
Bikes: RANS Stratus XP (2008)
Has anyone tried jackets and pants using the EVENT fabric? Looks lighter and a lot more breathable than Gortex. Some examples:
https://www.montane.co.uk/productlist...11&rn=eVent%AE
https://www.pacecycles.com/product.a...=4&subcat=469#
https://showerspass.com/cart/product_...46c65a1cf53777
https://www.vaude.de/hps/client/vaude...lay_model.html
https://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx...22&prod_id=119
I notice the last one shows a waterproof rating of 30,000mm!
They look pricey but if they work as promoted they could be worth it.
https://www.montane.co.uk/productlist...11&rn=eVent%AE
https://www.pacecycles.com/product.a...=4&subcat=469#
https://showerspass.com/cart/product_...46c65a1cf53777
https://www.vaude.de/hps/client/vaude...lay_model.html
https://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx...22&prod_id=119
I notice the last one shows a waterproof rating of 30,000mm!
They look pricey but if they work as promoted they could be worth it.
05-02-08 | 09:49 PM
#19
The Endura Venturi stuff, in my experience, is as excellent as waterproof breathables get, which is to say - as long as there is a temperature differential between the interior and exterior environments, the humidity is not sky high, and the rain is not coming down in buckets; it really is very breathable.
05-03-08 | 02:18 PM
#20
Full Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 428
Likes: 4
I wear sandals on feet in rain. They double as camp shoes and shower and beach shoes. Then when rain stops put on dry cycling shoes. I wear a rain jacket and just nylon shorts as I get too warm with jacket on anyway and the nylon shorts dry really fast.
