Do you cycle in the rain and if so what do you wear? Im aware of some people commute to work so i am interested to hear what they wear and how they find biking to work in these conditions on an ebike
Do you cycle in the rain and......
- Thread starter Jon
- Start date
On the outside, I wear a Gore-Tex lightweight top, cheap waterproof over trousers, SealSkinz gloves and socks, a thin skull-cap, cycling helmet and clear wind deflector glasses. Underneath, I wear cycling clothing appropriate for the daily temperature.
Once you get your head down and get going, you don't notice the rain.
Once you get your head down and get going, you don't notice the rain.
Head: ordinary helmet, but with yellow gaffer tape over the ventilation holes (you can always leave one or two at the sides open, if you wish).
Upper body: Altura Night Vision. Very expensive, although you can generally get them for about 40 quid if you spend an hour searching the net (watch out, don't buy the cheaper 'wind-resistant' ones, which aren't waterproof).
Lower body: I would love to be able to use conventional over-trousers, but disability means I can't stand by the roadside and whip my trousers off (or on), so I use 'Rainlegs', a Dutch product, which cover your hips and thighs, but not your bum, and your legs down to your knees. They are a variation on 'chaps' - cowboys used to wear them (maybe they still do). I've grafted a couple of bits onto the knees so they come down to my ankles, as otherwise your lower legs are still exposed. Fitted on with an elasticated waist-band plus velcro straps.
Shoes: bugger it, I can't be bothered; they just get wet.
Worst problem is my MIRROR, which in the wrong weather becomes impossible to see out of, a real safety hazard. I use 'Rain-X', a water repellent recommended on this forum, which works fairly well.
A
Upper body: Altura Night Vision. Very expensive, although you can generally get them for about 40 quid if you spend an hour searching the net (watch out, don't buy the cheaper 'wind-resistant' ones, which aren't waterproof).
Lower body: I would love to be able to use conventional over-trousers, but disability means I can't stand by the roadside and whip my trousers off (or on), so I use 'Rainlegs', a Dutch product, which cover your hips and thighs, but not your bum, and your legs down to your knees. They are a variation on 'chaps' - cowboys used to wear them (maybe they still do). I've grafted a couple of bits onto the knees so they come down to my ankles, as otherwise your lower legs are still exposed. Fitted on with an elasticated waist-band plus velcro straps.
Shoes: bugger it, I can't be bothered; they just get wet.
Worst problem is my MIRROR, which in the wrong weather becomes impossible to see out of, a real safety hazard. I use 'Rain-X', a water repellent recommended on this forum, which works fairly well.
A
If it's warm and raining then I don't put anything else on - I'd rather be wet than too hot. If it's cold (rain or not) then a soft shell or a cheap Aldi rain jacket goes on. I do carry Sealskin socks so if I get to work with wet shoes I can have dry feet for the ride home.
I usually don't notice the rain unless it's coming down really hard, that is rare. Wind is more of a concern than rain
The only thing I spent good money waterproofing (after trying cheap and mid price options) was my luggage, only expensive (£90ish a pair) roll top panniers seem to do the trick properly. Forget waterproof zips as they deteriorate after a few uses, the waterproof covers were pretty useless as well.
I usually don't notice the rain unless it's coming down really hard, that is rare. Wind is more of a concern than rain
The only thing I spent good money waterproofing (after trying cheap and mid price options) was my luggage, only expensive (£90ish a pair) roll top panniers seem to do the trick properly. Forget waterproof zips as they deteriorate after a few uses, the waterproof covers were pretty useless as well.
At the moment I have no real cycling clothes (Which I will change today)
Currently I just use an outdoor jacket from North face
specialized Helmet
Oakley MTB leightweight gloves
In the bad weather though I just use public transport. Its just nicer on the train than trudging through the cold / rain. I only every planned to ride 6 months of the year (April to September) but If the weather holds out might get about 8 months of cycling in.
Each day I save £4 in travel by cycling.
I could do with some cycling trousers / shorts and shoes. I hope to buy some today of the interweb's since Evan's is a rip off.
Out door clothes seem to work ok on bikes though... Not so wind fluid as such but not really an issue on an assisted bike.
Currently I just use an outdoor jacket from North face
specialized Helmet
Oakley MTB leightweight gloves
In the bad weather though I just use public transport. Its just nicer on the train than trudging through the cold / rain. I only every planned to ride 6 months of the year (April to September) but If the weather holds out might get about 8 months of cycling in.
Each day I save £4 in travel by cycling.
I could do with some cycling trousers / shorts and shoes. I hope to buy some today of the interweb's since Evan's is a rip off.
Out door clothes seem to work ok on bikes though... Not so wind fluid as such but not really an issue on an assisted bike.
Evans does have some stuff at cheap prices, the problem is knowing what's a good price and what's right over the odds. I don't remember seeing any reasonably priced clothing in there apart from helmets.
I've bough premium shorts before in the Cycle Surgery sale (Originally about £100) and don't think they were any better than the cheapo ones I have now.
Yeah they where selling stuff at £60 for some shorts and I thought there is bound to be much cheaper about. Its not even named branded gear. I don't mind paying that price if you give me a decent quality brand.
Just seem to take a punt on online stores like cycle store.
Just seem to take a punt on online stores like cycle store.
I was trying to remember the name of that chain, I went in there a few days ago and picked up one of the shirts, they have some stuff very cheap in their sale. Unfortunately they didn't have any cycling shoes in stock and I don't want to buy them online.
According to their website these are cycling shoes.
I also wear the Altura Night Vision jacket and it is a wonderful piece of equipment. Worth every penny. I got mine sent by Evans Cycles.
I use Rainlegs during the summer and full length rain trousers in the winter.
Steve
I use Rainlegs during the summer and full length rain trousers in the winter.
Steve
I am still using an Orange Poncho from Lidl that I bought years ago for £6.99.
What I really like about ponchos is that they let enough air flow around you. So you do not sweat a lot. I can easily flick it on in seconds when it starts raining.
If I have a child on the back they can just snuggle up and draw the poncho over themselves to stay dry. I can also quickly bring it on lunch-brakes, to outdoor concerts or walks.
For really good protection I should wear trousers as well. But I have, so far, managed by just making sure the poncho covers widely enough.
I have wondered, at times, if the glances mean I look a bit like Sancho Pancha's crazy brother. But I do not lose any sleep about that.
just my 2c.
What I really like about ponchos is that they let enough air flow around you. So you do not sweat a lot. I can easily flick it on in seconds when it starts raining.
If I have a child on the back they can just snuggle up and draw the poncho over themselves to stay dry. I can also quickly bring it on lunch-brakes, to outdoor concerts or walks.
For really good protection I should wear trousers as well. But I have, so far, managed by just making sure the poncho covers widely enough.
I have wondered, at times, if the glances mean I look a bit like Sancho Pancha's crazy brother. But I do not lose any sleep about that.
just my 2c.
Note. I have a 15 miles commute and showers where I work ...Took care of hands and feet ... In deepest winter I wore some water resistant boots (see my dirty boots in the charging post sub forum) with Sealskinz socks ... sometimes my feet did get damp having ridden through fords across the road .. any further then my feet would have been uncomfortably cold .... Nice warm long sky gloves ... Body: Endura bib, merino wool base layer, water resistant Gillet and shower proof coat.
I've dropped the boots, gloves and bib. If it rains now then I'll just get a bit wet ..
forgot about head and neck .. thinsulate beanie under helmet and sky neck warmer that can be pulled up over face when its reaaally cold ...
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I wear a baseball cap with a long peak because I wear glasses and it keeps the rain off them. I'm not worried about getting wet but I do find cycling blind inconvenient.
Thanks for the tip about sports direct. Ended up getting a few more t shirts to ride in. Some muddy fox shorts with the liners which make the saddle super comfy now. Some crap socks and cheap pair of lonsdale black trainers to ride in. Else i'd look like a right tool in my boots lol. All in all 50 quid down. Cheap as chips.
I've been very pleased with everything I bought to keep the rain and wind at bay, I think the coldest we got to where I live was about -6.
Endura Deluge Glove - Endura Deluge Glove | Buy Online | ChainReactionCycles.com
Polaris Surge Overtrousers - Polaris Surge Overtrousers 2010 | Buy Online | ChainReactionCycles.com
dhb Southsea Waterproof Cycling Jacket - I've worn it plenty off the bike and it's pretty smart too
Northwave Blade Shoe Covers - great for slipping over trainers then leave the covers to dry during the day
Vaude Aqua Back Waterproof Pannier - as with Mussels these keep precious things totally dry
Altura Windproof Skullcap - these last two are great when it's particularly nippy
dhb Hunston Face Mask
Endura Deluge Glove - Endura Deluge Glove | Buy Online | ChainReactionCycles.com
Polaris Surge Overtrousers - Polaris Surge Overtrousers 2010 | Buy Online | ChainReactionCycles.com
dhb Southsea Waterproof Cycling Jacket - I've worn it plenty off the bike and it's pretty smart too
Northwave Blade Shoe Covers - great for slipping over trainers then leave the covers to dry during the day
Vaude Aqua Back Waterproof Pannier - as with Mussels these keep precious things totally dry
Altura Windproof Skullcap - these last two are great when it's particularly nippy
dhb Hunston Face Mask
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