Waterproof cycle wear
Discussion
Hi All
Can anyone recommend some proper durable waterproof cycle wear (tights and jacket)? This is for daily commuting, and also winter training/club rides. They'll get plenty of use!
I appreciate it's going to be expensive, but I don't mind spending money if the kit is good.
Thanks in advance!
Can anyone recommend some proper durable waterproof cycle wear (tights and jacket)? This is for daily commuting, and also winter training/club rides. They'll get plenty of use!
I appreciate it's going to be expensive, but I don't mind spending money if the kit is good.
Thanks in advance!
Waterproof cycle wear?
No such thing.
After over 30 years of trying, I've never found anything waterproof.
Water resistant wear is pretty good these days, but I wouldn't bet on it for a hot date in Winter. Soggy spots will happen, butt, crotch or neck.
I'd be interested if anyone has found something that really works.
No such thing.
After over 30 years of trying, I've never found anything waterproof.
Water resistant wear is pretty good these days, but I wouldn't bet on it for a hot date in Winter. Soggy spots will happen, butt, crotch or neck.
I'd be interested if anyone has found something that really works.
Fishtigua said:
Waterproof cycle wear?
No such thing.
After over 30 years of trying, I've never found anything waterproof.
Water resistant wear is pretty good these days, but I wouldn't bet on it for a hot date in Winter. Soggy spots will happen, butt, crotch or neck.
I'd be interested if anyone has found something that really works.
If something is truly waterproof, then you'll get drenched in sweat anyway.No such thing.
After over 30 years of trying, I've never found anything waterproof.
Water resistant wear is pretty good these days, but I wouldn't bet on it for a hot date in Winter. Soggy spots will happen, butt, crotch or neck.
I'd be interested if anyone has found something that really works.
On topic, my rapha waterproof jacket is great, and I wouldn't bother with waterproof bibs.
TKF said:
KeithR said:
However I would like something that doesn't feel like plastic bags to wear, that I won't overheat in and will leave the majority of my torso and legs comfortably dry after a long wet ride.
When you find it please let us all know.I may have to dispute this one.
I used to ride every Wednesday night with a mate around local trails. We really pushed it and did 12-18 miles depending on conditions, 95% off road.
With my "sealed" Sealskinz, a decent jacket, base layer and semi waterproof shorts, I'd get back for the post ride pint mostly dry - feet bone dry, body clammy but still largely dry. Hands wet as I don't like waterproof gloves but still comfortable. We rode in all conditions but heavy ice (we tried but fell off a lot) all Winter.
Similar at a recent very wet trail centre ride - I was 90% dry.
I used to ride every Wednesday night with a mate around local trails. We really pushed it and did 12-18 miles depending on conditions, 95% off road.
With my "sealed" Sealskinz, a decent jacket, base layer and semi waterproof shorts, I'd get back for the post ride pint mostly dry - feet bone dry, body clammy but still largely dry. Hands wet as I don't like waterproof gloves but still comfortable. We rode in all conditions but heavy ice (we tried but fell off a lot) all Winter.
Similar at a recent very wet trail centre ride - I was 90% dry.
I guess people's idea of being dry are different. Maybe the cynics expect to be completely bone dry. I know nothing can provide that because at the end of the day you still sweat to some degree.
I did a new forest ride the other weekend in torrential rain. I was not wearing any waterproof clothing of any kind. In fact, I was dressed like it were a summer ride (bib shorts, short sleeve jersey), which for the most part was ideal. Even though I was wet to the bone, I was at a comfortable body temperature (providing I kept moving), while all those with 'waterproof' gear were overheating. However, come puncture time, where I was stationery for a good 20 minutes, I obviously got very cold and never warmed up again.
So, what I'm after is a bib tight and jacket combo that will keep me dry enough so that in the above situation, I would have remained reasonably warm and comfortable.
I did a new forest ride the other weekend in torrential rain. I was not wearing any waterproof clothing of any kind. In fact, I was dressed like it were a summer ride (bib shorts, short sleeve jersey), which for the most part was ideal. Even though I was wet to the bone, I was at a comfortable body temperature (providing I kept moving), while all those with 'waterproof' gear were overheating. However, come puncture time, where I was stationery for a good 20 minutes, I obviously got very cold and never warmed up again.
So, what I'm after is a bib tight and jacket combo that will keep me dry enough so that in the above situation, I would have remained reasonably warm and comfortable.
I bought the cycle jacket at the last Aldi special. £15. It is windproof and keeps you warm. It is just about water resistant enough to keep the rain out. I find I don't sweat much in it and I am a sweaty b
d usually.
Overshoes are a must. Before I had those a wet ride home resulted in wringing out of socks and actual pouring out of water from my shoes.
d usually.Overshoes are a must. Before I had those a wet ride home resulted in wringing out of socks and actual pouring out of water from my shoes.
KeithR said:
I guess people's idea of being dry are different. Maybe the cynics expect to be completely bone dry. I know nothing can provide that because at the end of the day you still sweat to some degree.
I did a new forest ride the other weekend in torrential rain. I was not wearing any waterproof clothing of any kind. In fact, I was dressed like it were a summer ride (bib shorts, short sleeve jersey), which for the most part was ideal. Even though I was wet to the bone, I was at a comfortable body temperature (providing I kept moving), while all those with 'waterproof' gear were overheating. However, come puncture time, where I was stationery for a good 20 minutes, I obviously got very cold and never warmed up again.
So, what I'm after is a bib tight and jacket combo that will keep me dry enough so that in the above situation, I would have remained reasonably warm and comfortable.
Hmmm. For keeping warm in the event of unplanned halts, I think a gilet or lightweight jacket kept in you pocket whilst riding is the answer. It'll lock some of the excess heat in as your body cools during the inactive period. Then, when you restart the ride, keep the extra layer on until you begin to feel 'comfortable' again - at which point you should return it to your pocket before you overheat. A properly waterproof light weight rain cape may be an idea too, if it really chunders down, so you can stop riding and take shelter from the monsoon. Believe me, I've tried Rule 5/Rule 9 but sometimes riding IN a river whilst being unable to see 6 feet forward is the cue to stop riding and hide until the storm passes.I did a new forest ride the other weekend in torrential rain. I was not wearing any waterproof clothing of any kind. In fact, I was dressed like it were a summer ride (bib shorts, short sleeve jersey), which for the most part was ideal. Even though I was wet to the bone, I was at a comfortable body temperature (providing I kept moving), while all those with 'waterproof' gear were overheating. However, come puncture time, where I was stationery for a good 20 minutes, I obviously got very cold and never warmed up again.
So, what I'm after is a bib tight and jacket combo that will keep me dry enough so that in the above situation, I would have remained reasonably warm and comfortable.
I've been very impressed with an endura stealth jacket.
It reviewed very well and after the wettest ride thus far (Sunday before last) while my feet were literally sloshing while I pedalled, my gloves streamed water whenever I clenched my hands (you get the picture, I was as wet as it could get) the jacket held up.
My core was fairly dry, at worst slightly damp - which meant I was warm enough.
I was losing feeling in toes and fingertips though, so I need to find some decent waterproof gloves to keep riding through winter.
It reviewed very well and after the wettest ride thus far (Sunday before last) while my feet were literally sloshing while I pedalled, my gloves streamed water whenever I clenched my hands (you get the picture, I was as wet as it could get) the jacket held up.
My core was fairly dry, at worst slightly damp - which meant I was warm enough.
I was losing feeling in toes and fingertips though, so I need to find some decent waterproof gloves to keep riding through winter.
I've been very impressed with an endura stealth jacket.
It reviewed very well and after the wettest ride thus far (Sunday before last) while my feet were literally sloshing while I pedalled, my gloves streamed water whenever I clenched my hands (you get the picture, I was as wet as it could get) the jacket held up.
My core was fairly dry, at worst slightly damp - which meant I was warm enough.
I was losing feeling in toes and fingertips though, so I need to find some decent waterproof gloves to keep riding through winter.
It reviewed very well and after the wettest ride thus far (Sunday before last) while my feet were literally sloshing while I pedalled, my gloves streamed water whenever I clenched my hands (you get the picture, I was as wet as it could get) the jacket held up.
My core was fairly dry, at worst slightly damp - which meant I was warm enough.
I was losing feeling in toes and fingertips though, so I need to find some decent waterproof gloves to keep riding through winter.
I don't mean to be glib but- Turbo Trainer?
Unless its a ride I've paid for or charity event I'd train indoors, if you have to go MTFU and get wet.
Avoiding the rain is different from staying warm when wet- which is more important as the poster above who got a puncture pointed out. I carry a lightweight plastic disposable cape for such eventualities, Have toyed with one of those post-marathon bacofoil jobs too.
I've found my cut off is around 7-8degrees, above that I need only minimal clothes/shorts, below that I needs extra to keep warm :-)
Unless its a ride I've paid for or charity event I'd train indoors, if you have to go MTFU and get wet.
Avoiding the rain is different from staying warm when wet- which is more important as the poster above who got a puncture pointed out. I carry a lightweight plastic disposable cape for such eventualities, Have toyed with one of those post-marathon bacofoil jobs too.
I've found my cut off is around 7-8degrees, above that I need only minimal clothes/shorts, below that I needs extra to keep warm :-)
My non-extensive forays into bad weather riding have shown me that I sweat like a (exercising) rapist so in Scottish rain that doesn't come with a cold wind, wearing less and just being wet is the solution.
When it's windy and cold (or for punctures like you suggest) I've got a Rapha rain jacket that I'd just keep on all the time, accepting that I'll be wet but also warm.
When the temp really drops, obviously you won't get rain and then I've got a winter jersey and tights. Again, the rain jacket is a handy wind stopper for over the top.
So for me, I'd just ignore everything bar my core and try and keep that warm, if not actually dry.
When it's windy and cold (or for punctures like you suggest) I've got a Rapha rain jacket that I'd just keep on all the time, accepting that I'll be wet but also warm.
When the temp really drops, obviously you won't get rain and then I've got a winter jersey and tights. Again, the rain jacket is a handy wind stopper for over the top.
So for me, I'd just ignore everything bar my core and try and keep that warm, if not actually dry.
KeithR said:
I can't think of anything more boring than sitting on a turbo trainer. I just won't do it. I'd much rather brave the elements.
I've got a Gore Bikewear jacket and an Altura shell jacket. Both are breathable but neither can handle the sweat from a ride. I think a gillet would be more use, although the jackets are better when stopped to keep the wind off and stay warm.
944fan said:
I bought the cycle jacket at the last Aldi special. £15. It is windproof and keeps you warm. It is just about water resistant enough to keep the rain out. I find I don't sweat much in it and I am a sweaty bd usually.
Overshoes are a must. Before I had those a wet ride home resulted in wringing out of socks and actual pouring out of water from my shoes.
Agree re the overshoes, as long as my feet are dry I am fine. Although, if they aren't tight enough on I have found water runs down my leg and into my shoes, won't be making that mistake again.d usually.Overshoes are a must. Before I had those a wet ride home resulted in wringing out of socks and actual pouring out of water from my shoes.
I didn't think wearing normal bibs in the rain was ever a problem, but since buying some Castelli 'nanoflex' knickers I've changed my mine.
They're not waterprooff, but in light rain the water beads off them, and you don't get cold at all.
I have a Rapha hardshell for when it turns cold / monsoon like, but typically find a windstopper gilet and arm warmers are sufficient to stay warm and dry enough in the rain.
They're not waterprooff, but in light rain the water beads off them, and you don't get cold at all.
I have a Rapha hardshell for when it turns cold / monsoon like, but typically find a windstopper gilet and arm warmers are sufficient to stay warm and dry enough in the rain.
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