Riding in the wet - poncho or waterproofs?

[Aerate]

Yet another evening sitting indoors watching the rain while I should be training for a London-Paris in less than a month!

Knowing my luck, it will probably rain the whole way. We are doing it over four days, so a reasonably touring pace. Should I get waterproofs or is the poncho the answer?

NB. Depending on weatherforecast nearer the time, I will be fitting mudguards - in this case function before fashion seems to be prudent

[anonymous-user]

I can never cycle in waterproofs, I end up getting just as wet on the inside through sweat than I would without them. I don't think the key is trying to keep dry, the key is trying to keep warm. Accept the fact that you're going to get wet, and concentrate on finding materials that will perform better when they do end up soaking wet. Don't wear heavy cotton t-shirts as they will just saturate and get heavy and take a long time to dry. A long sleeve nylon/merino base layer and a wicking t-shirt would be useful. Bib shorts or full length leggings if it's really cold. Being wet is manageable, being wet and cold is miserable.

[anonymous-user]

If its not raining its not training....

[JustNeil]

Just get out on the bike, riding in the rain is never as bad as you think it's going to be, as long as you're not cold.

Fitting mudguards will help, as will some glasses to stop the water hitting you in the eye. As mentioned above, try to find some decent wicking base layer to avoid you being uncomfortable. Also, I've found that some decent shoe coverings are a god-send too, as my feet get cold quickly and it's horrible when they are wet and cold. They still get wet, but they will be warm.

[anonymous-user]

Good old fashioned cycling cape.. Keeps the rain off and the air still flows to stay reasonably sweat free..

[garrykiller]

Mac. said:

I can never cycle in waterproofs, I end up getting just as wet on the inside through sweat than I would without them. I don't think the key is trying to keep dry, the key is trying to keep warm. Accept the fact that you're going to get wet, and concentrate on finding materials that will perform better when they do end up soaking wet. Don't wear heavy cotton t-shirts as they will just saturate and get heavy and take a long time to dry. A long sleeve nylon/merino base layer and a wicking t-shirt would be useful. Bib shorts or full length leggings if it's really cold. Being wet is manageable, being wet and cold is miserable.

This.

Either get wet from rain or sweat. It's going happen either way.

[uncinqsix]

garrykiller said:

This.

Either get wet from rain or sweat. It's going happen either way.

+2. Get some merino baselayers and just get wet.

[Steve vRS]

For me it depends on the type of rain.

If it is constant rain, I prefer to wear good base layers with a waterproof shell jacket but let my legs get wet.

For showers, I get wet and dry out.

Steve

[TwistingMyMelon]

Depends on season as well

In summer I will probs just chance it with a SS jersey, although it does get see through...

In autumn & winter I have a DHB high Viz waterproof top that has done Stirling work

I had it on the other afternoon in rain and worked out I was wetter inside than out and it is breathable!!! Off it came and was soo much nicer.

Full wheel mudflaps are great if you train all year round, as soon as the rain stops you can start drying, its amazing how much water settles on the road and then ends up on your back/legs even though the rain stopped ages before without them

[S10GTA]

My uncle asked me a similar question 2 days ago. My response was this: Trying to stay dry is pointless, staying warm is important

[Jayfish]

Considering how much effort pushing through the air is wearing a poncho is going to slow you down, a lot.
If you don't fancy just getting wet (which would be my choice) a water proof gilet to keep your torso dry and let your limbs get wet, skin is largely waterproof

[yellowjack]

"Natural body oils, combined with dirt, can keep you waterproof."




(The late Klaus Löwitsch, as Unteroffizier Krüger in the 1977 film 'Cross of Iron')

[AyBee]

Steve vRS said:

For me it depends on the type of rain.

If it is constant rain, I prefer to wear good base layers with a waterproof shell jacket but let my legs get wet.

For showers, I get wet and dry out.

Steve

This