Wet weather gear for long(ish) commute

[flecc]

The waist strap height and lack of rear drop indicate to me that it may be a Chinese production, designed around a smaller figure.

Still, if no good you could part exchange it for a car which will keep you dry and warm.
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[neptune]

I think that you could be right about it being designed for a Chinese person. A bike cape, like so much in life is a compromise. I have actually given some thought to designing and making my own. Just up the street from me is a factory that makes marquees, lorry covers and suchlike, and I could probably buy offcuts for next to nothing.

The advantage would be that I can tailor it to fit my bike and my person, and make the straps to the size and position that suits me. I favour a heavier fabric, as it is less likely to blow about in the wind. Another idea would be curtain weight at the lower hem.

A car is no longer an option for me due to eyesight issues. If I really want to stay warm and dry, there is always my favourite armchair by the fire with my slippers and [vape] pipe, but I am not ready for that yet, or at least not full time!

On the plus side, I reckon that here in Lincolnshire, I probably ride in rain less than 12 days a year. Now I have bought a new cape, it will probably stay dry for a month. If I could guarantee it, I would buy a new cape every month.

 

[Black Dog]

Well, I had a second (proper) look in the coat cupboard, and I found my yellow bike jacket. Made by Agutech in Holland, made of Poray 5000 or something, and still wearable if a little creased from 10 years or so in its little pouch. Now to wait for a rainy day to try it out. I don't think I will be waiting long. Cape still on the wish-list, though.

 

[axolotl]

Of late, I've been using mainly gear that I've bought for hillwalking. For seriously wet weather, I wear a pair of Craghoppers goretex trousers which keep my legs and bum completely dry. On top I normally have a t-shirt or t-shirt and fleece if it's really cold, topped with a 3/4 length lightweight goretex Berghaus rain coat. This is just about long enough to cover the saddle properly and being breathable I don't get too sweaty.

Ideally, I'd prefer to go for a simple lycra bottoms / waterproof top combo but there are no facilities for getting dry or having a shower at work, so I need to be able to stay dry en route.

 

[neptune]

For me, the problem has always been keeping my feet dry. I wear waterproof overtrousers. At present I am using some cheap overboot things over my trainers. They do the job, but are a bit baggy, and untidy looking. I will be buying something better for the winter. Most cycling overboots have two problems from my point of view. They are not tall enough to fit inside the bottom of my leggings, and they have holes in the bottom for cleats that let in water. I do not use cleats, I use normal pedals.I am going to try these.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gripgrab-dryfoot-all-season-overshoes/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&utm_source=pla&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&kpid=5360525432

 

[Black Dog]

I have always disliked waterproof trousers because of the restrictive feeling and the constant noise of the rustling fabric. I have a super Berghaus Goretex jacket, but it is a dark green colour - great for the hills, not so good for the A40!

When I commuted before, I used to leave a suit and shoes in work, and ride in a track suit and trainers (plus cape or whatever) and with the shirt for the day in a rucksack. I had a large gents' toilet to change in although no shower, but at my present workplace I would be virtually changing in the office. That rules out anything involving stripping off. It's bad enough with the motorbike waterproofs.

Now that the evenings and mornings are getting darker, I have to confess that the idea of commuting is getting less and less attractive. Assuming an hour's ride (it will be a little more), I'll be on the road between 8 and 9 pm and 7 and 8 am - not the nicest time to be on the road in November!

 

[steve.c]

The only thing I have found with capes is that with the faster speed of an e-bike the dam things keep blowing back over the handlebars ??? and when its windy they act as a sail???.

 

[jackhandy]

Too true _ I only use mine when it's persisting down, a light gore bike path jacket suffices in showers.

 

[Black Dog]

The problem is predicting whether the light shower when you set off will turn into a monsoon by the time you are coming home. Seen on Facebook: in Wales we know all about the Ice Bucket Challenge - we call it Leaving The House.

My last cape wrapped up tight with a spare pedal strap round it and was kept on the rear rack until needed. The next one will be the same, I think.

 

[axolotl]

I have always disliked waterproof trousers because of the restrictive feeling and the constant noise of the rustling fabric. I have a super Berghaus Goretex jacket, but it is a dark green colour - great for the hills, not so good for the A40!

Yep, the trousers are a bit noisy but I wouldn't say they're at all restrictive. That said, they're top-of-the-range Craghoppers.

Like you, all my waterproof wear is in dark colours. Rather than re-do my wardrobe, I just add reflective armbands and serious bike lighting, even during the day. The front dynohub runs a Hermanns front and rear lamps with standlight - they run constantly. In reduced visibility I add a flashing 1W Cree front lamp and two flashing rear lamps, one down at axle level and one on the back of my helmet. I think I'm pretty hard to miss with that lot running...!