[Mandy]

Originally Posted by Sector

I don't have a car and work is not on a bus route so yes I often cycle in the rain.

I keep two sets of waterproofs. I have a set of lightweight breathable water resistant outer clothes. I wear the jacket most of the time, and put the trousers on at the slightest sign of rain. They were cheap and are only effective in light rain. They get grubby pretty quickly and they get washed and re-proofed. They are good for stopping windchill and I can pedal hard and not get wet with sweat. I wouldn't want to spend hundreds of pounds on top quality breathable gear because I would want to keep it clean rather than wearing it.

I also carry some non-breathable waterproofs for more serious rain. They beat any of the "breathable" fabrics for water-tightness but I have to use the battery more and avoid putting any effort into the pedalling to minimse sweating.

Hoods are an essential feature on the waterproofs. The hood is put up first, then the helmet covers it. The helmet clamps the hood down and stops the wind getting into the hood. This is quite a comfortable arrangement, particularly if the helmet has a peak to reduce the rain reachnig your face. The hood keeps your hair dry and stops water trickling down your neck, which makes rides in the rain much more tolerable.

This combination works for me, but then its only 2.5 miles to work. That is far enough however to get drenched or soaked with sweat, as I know from experience.

Thanks Sector

Your breathable waterproofs sound similar to mine? Mine get real muddy due to the paths I take and I shower them down in the bath to get the mud off.
I was thinking of putting them in the washing machine but if I would need to get them re-proofed I am not so sure? Would I have to?

I may look into the non breathable one's for the heavy rain and I need to do a bit more research without spending too many pennies
I do use my bike in motor only due to a health issue but do like to pedal all the time too which keeps me fit and enables me to go faster without the need for breaking into a big sweat, but here come's summer and maybe a different story on the sweat front

I didn't notice a hood with my set but that would probably be the best set up that you have mentioned and will opt for a jacket with a hood on my next purchase, or a helmet with rain cover as that is my main problem, wet hair together with the stinging eyes

I have the peak on the helmet and try and keep my head down but still get it in my face but maybe I have sensitive eyes or something?
I only have 5 miles each way so not a huge distance as 10 miles round distance all told.

Thanks for your help Sector as it has been very useful.

Thanks Mandy