Waterproofs for use in the 7...
Discussion
After about 250 miles in my 7 on Sunday in torrential rain driving up the A1 with an aeroscreen fitted I have come to the conclusion that my so-called 'Waterproofs' are not so waterproof after all!!!
Does anyone know of any good waterproofs to purchase for a modest budget - I have heard that sailing and fishing waterproofs are supposed to be good - but I don't really want to look like either a sailer or a fisherman while driving the 7. All I want is waterproofs that are bloody waterproof!
I do have a windscreen and full weather gear but I just love driving the 7 with an aeroscreen and helmet. Even in the rain its great fun - that is until that your 'waterproofs' start to leak and then it just becomes a quick acceleration to hypothermia!
Cheers in advance!
Does anyone know of any good waterproofs to purchase for a modest budget - I have heard that sailing and fishing waterproofs are supposed to be good - but I don't really want to look like either a sailer or a fisherman while driving the 7. All I want is waterproofs that are bloody waterproof!
I do have a windscreen and full weather gear but I just love driving the 7 with an aeroscreen and helmet. Even in the rain its great fun - that is until that your 'waterproofs' start to leak and then it just becomes a quick acceleration to hypothermia!
Cheers in advance!
On recommendation from several other 7 drivers I've recently bought a motorcycle all in one suit but haven't tried it in anger yet. They are supposedly completely waterproof. The downside is that they aren't at all breatheable and you can get quite sweaty in them when moving around but it's not really a problem in a Caterham.
something like this, it's similar to what i have for golfing and does do a pretty good job of keeping me dry and clean. I'm assuming that it will do the job
http://www.direct-golf.co.uk/golf_clothing/sunderl...
http://www.direct-golf.co.uk/golf_clothing/sunderl...
Decent sailing jackets/smocks will have taped seams and very high close fitting collars, which do a really good job of keeping the water and wind away from the neck. In addition they are usually not lined allowing you to put 0-5 fleeces on underneath depending on the temperature.
The downside is that they will not be cheap but should last as salt water is a particulary harsh environment for clothing.
The downside is that they will not be cheap but should last as salt water is a particulary harsh environment for clothing.
Problem with golf clothing is the same as for other types of breatheable waterproof (Goretex, etc.) in that it is fine so long as you aren't sitting in water. In a seven, especially with Tillet seats, you will have pools of water in your lap and under your bum which not even the best Goretex will keep out over time. Another issues is that the harnesses on a seven will soon damage any decent waterproof.
The cheap motorcycle suits (or the karting suit) are completely impervious to water and they are pretty tough as well.
The cheap motorcycle suits (or the karting suit) are completely impervious to water and they are pretty tough as well.
That's a very good point Shaun_E! Half the issue with my waterproofs giving up (especially in the arse area) was because of the small bond at the bottom of the tillet. Its is quite surreal to look down and see a lake in your lap - and the handbrake cut out in the tunnel full of water. I think in the short term I'm going to go with your recommendation and buy a cheap Bike Suit...
If anyone wants one of the cheap bike suits, I have a five left over from the recent bulkbuy that Shaun mentioned. I think I have got XXL, small and maybe medium. Priced at £23 for a new one or there are a couple that have been tried on and used for the Anglesey TD but swapped for another size so they can go at £20. Both prices plus P&P.
Go to a motor bike shop and buy a 1 piece water proof. I have a Frank Thomas breathable suite cost about £75 4 years ago, its light weight, folds into its own pocket and doesnt suffer from condensation inside.
I wear mine allot and its never let me down. Does make my bum look big though
There are MUCH cheaper versions but they generally don't breath.
The problem with 2 piece suits is you have more to get comfortable and avoid snagging as you climb in.
I wear mine allot and its never let me down. Does make my bum look big though
There are MUCH cheaper versions but they generally don't breath.
The problem with 2 piece suits is you have more to get comfortable and avoid snagging as you climb in.
casbar said:
Drill some holes for drainage in the seat of your Tillets then invest in a m/cycle all in one, gortex of course.
Was great for me during a 1000 mile dash through France
As some who lives in scotland i highly recommend holesWas great for me during a 1000 mile dash through France
If the idea of a drainage hole doesn't sit well with you then think of it as a lightening hole
Catchpole, writing at the end of term overwinter test of the roadsport 150 [edit - in EVO, Google "caterham 150 winter"] recently (he had only a tonneau cover) said
"To be honest, the saving grace as far as the weather was concerned was the sailing smock that I sourced from Henri Lloyd. It proved equally adept at keeping out spray on the A43 as storms in the North Atlantic, and its enormous collar was wonderful to shrug down inside on a freezing night. At £300 it wasn’t a cheap thing, but it meant I enjoyed rather than just endured my six months with the Seven."
I note the £300 and no mention of trousers.
"To be honest, the saving grace as far as the weather was concerned was the sailing smock that I sourced from Henri Lloyd. It proved equally adept at keeping out spray on the A43 as storms in the North Atlantic, and its enormous collar was wonderful to shrug down inside on a freezing night. At £300 it wasn’t a cheap thing, but it meant I enjoyed rather than just endured my six months with the Seven."
I note the £300 and no mention of trousers.
Edited by nomisesor on Tuesday 11th November 19:07
There is a good example of just how stupid you can look in a Sparco waterproof race suit here http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/steve.carroll64/Croi...
Its available here http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/ProductDeta...
Its available here http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/ProductDeta...
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