Commute realistic?

[JohnCade]

I must admit that wearing a cape was not something I would have considered back in my road bike days. I rode in the rain a lot and wore tight light waterproofs.

I suspect it's that now people like to see cycling as a leisure activity, and even when commuting most seem to like to dress in a sporty way. While capes are associated with an older style and with fat policeman slowly trundling along. So fashion and perception too.

I can see they make a lot more sense on commuting bikes, and e bikes with the power to overcome the extra windage though.

 

[Black Dog]

This is great - an online meeting of CA. When I was commuting in my 30s, I had a cape all the time, rolled and strapped to my seatpost if not in use. It kept me dry on many occasions and never caused any drama (mine had a waist cord that I never used, and thumb loops to keep the front part in place). It perished and was thrown away long ago.

Mine was a plain yellow PVC number, but I imagine today they will have reflective details and all sorts. I'm rather liking the idea of a cape - I like old-school stuff in any case. Will investigate, thanks to all for the comments.

 

[flecc]

This Google link has loads of capes, many with integral hoods, something not included on the capes of yesteryear when many wore sou'westers.

They are still available too!
.

 

[Black Dog]

Hehe, cape heaven! If I can work out a way to fix the lights so the cape won't obscure them, I'll get one. In the rain is the time you need the lights most, of course. That Cyclepro one is remarkable value for £16 delivered.

 

[RobF]

Hehe, cape heaven! If I can work out a way to fix the lights so the cape won't obscure them, I'll get one. In the rain is the time you need the lights most, of course. That Cyclepro one is remarkable value for £16 delivered.

I'm not keen on hooded capes, they restrict sideways visibility too much.

Impossible to do an over-the-shoulder safety check, which is vital on a commute.

 

[flecc]

I'm not keen on hooded capes, they restrict sideways visibility too much.

Impossible to do an over-the-shoulder safety check, which is vital on a commute.

Not if you have an effective mirror! It was this restriction with a hood long ago which introduced me to having a bike mirror, and ever since I won't ride without one.

No other road users need to twist their head round, simply because they have mirrors.
.

 

[Black Dog]

Fair point. As a motorcyclist, I am in the habit of doing a shoulder check every time I move lanes. The habit is so ingrained I even do it in the car. Bikers call it the 'life saver'. I can see that being a problem with a hooded cape - back in the day, I had a separate cape and a sou'wester. I looked a total kn*b, but I stayed dry. Flecc, I was considering a bar-end mirror anyway, but that's yet another reason to have one.

 

[newboater]

memories I had a yellow cape and sou'wester in the 50s, you could not see the bike ,just a small boy going along at a fair pace

 

[jackhandy]

A hooded cape is ok if you wear it Under your helmet, as that keeps it from obstructing your periferals.

D8veh's comment about using the cape as a bike cover is a good point & I do the same.

 

[flecc]

Capes are capable.
.

 

[neptune]

I have been watching a second hand Carradice cape on ebay. This is the "Duxback" version which normally retails at £85. It just finished, at £52 ! It might be a very good cape, but I thought that was a high price, especially as it was a dull colour, and I would have preferred Hi-viz.

 

[OldBob1]

I used a cape 40+ years ago on my news paper round, kept me and the news papers dry and still keep one in my pannier bag now.
Wonder if you could fit your head light to a spring clamp and fit it over the cape to the handle bars?
OP1.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

They have capes in Wilkos for about £10. I haven't tried one of that type. I use one I got from Aldis when they did bike stuff, also about a tenner. I can recommend this one.

 

[Black Dog]

The light issue can be fixed with a bracket, I am sure. As for capes, I'm sinking £10 into one as soon as I can. Be rude not to at that price.

 

[jackhandy]

A cheap T-bar clamped low on the headstock gets your lights below a cape hem