hi guys,

 

Riding home tonight, weather damp/wet/rainy. Put on my water proof jacket and trousers, overshoes and gloves. 15 minutes in and I am smokin'...or steamin' might be more accurate.

 

I find that in mild warm sticky weather there is simply no way of keeping cool with this lot on, but if I were just to have on jacket and say shorts or stretch trousers, then I would get that horrible feeling of the soaked wet through crotch area if it did rain. I do find that I dont mind being wet anywhere as much as I dislike the 'soggy crotch'.

 

Does anyone have an answer to this, what do you guys do at this time of year?

 

Thanks

 

John

For commuting I wear a waterproof jacket, with shorts when its warm enough and long tracksuit trousers if not. I find that however hard it's raining my shorts and legs only get so wet and not to the point of being uncomfortable. I couldn't imagine the encumbrance of waterproof trousers and am sure it would be very warm.

 

Maybe you're wearing cotton shorts / trousers? I imagine they could get a bit soggy! If so, I'd try man-made fibres / specialist cycling gear.

Hi John

 

I tend to not bother a all with waterproofs as i cant bear the boil in the bag effect you refer too. I have a couple of mates who use ponchos and claim it is very comfortable with only the lower leg getting any wetness. one wears gaitors to combat this and the other just gets soggy.

Hi John

 

I tend to not bother a all with waterproofs as i cant bear the boil in the bag effect you refer too. I have a couple of mates who use ponchos and claim it is very comfortable with only the lower leg getting any wetness. one wears gaitors to combat this and the other just gets soggy.

 

So what do you wear in the rain Paul, how does your solution work, or not?

 

Cheers

 

John

The traditional cape gives very effective rain protection while allowing plenty of cool air circulation around the person:

 

Raleigh Cycle Cape

.

Hi John

 

I wear lycra shorts always. they come in for a lot of stick but are aerodynamic, sweat wicking, fast drying and most importantly to me as a fat git, padded. On my top half i wear a hi viz vest over my work shirt if commuting or a 20% lycra cycle shirt if pleasure riding. The bottom line is I get wet but my nuts generally stay dry. when the temperature is reasonable this does not really give too many problems. In winter i have to modify my apparel and wear a hi viz bomber jacket but never do it up. this tends to keep most of the moisture out. I also have some lycra tracksters for winter to wear over the shorts which never seem to get really wet.

 

glad to hear your enjoying the new wheels by the way

If you can afford it, then go for a good quality Gortex Jacket and a medium priced breathable bottoms.

When you buy, then go for a normal walking Gortex jacket. Then you get more wear for your money.

ie cycling, walking and other situations.

 

Or you could buy a breathable technical stretch jacket and for heavy rain, just a cheap'ish waterproof jacket to go over the top.

Good technical stretch jackets are from the likes of RAB.

 

Ive got a RAB cioch Jacket.

 

Rab - for the most extreme conditions in the world

Thanks for the replies guys. Just for your info, my jacket and trousers are both top quality eVent, perfect for the cooler months, but even with their breathability, I am still too warm at this time of year.

 

The rain cape / poncho does make sense and is practical to a degree, but its also as aerodynamic as a sandwich board.

 

I think I am going to have to try the 'just get wet wearing clothes that dry fast' method, but the one thing I really hate about that method, is wet or cold feet, and your trainers never dry fast enough (and smell too).

 

John

Stuff shoes with newspaper and leave them with the toes pointing down.

 

Mine were soaked when I took them off at 8am and virtually dry when I put them on again at the end of the day, having done this. The newspaper seems to draw out all the water.

Edited September 6, 200817 yr by frank9755

Found the solution !

Ride naked, apart from helmet.

No wet clothes, keeps you cool, no wet shoes, might get saddle sore though.

Found the solution !

Ride naked, apart from helmet.

No wet clothes, keeps you cool, no wet shoes, might get saddle sore though.

 

Shouldnt be a problem getting room from cars either Didnt some bloke ride the UK naked with his partner, and keep getting arrested, actually being locked up in stricter Scotland for 'indecency'?

 

John

Stuff shoes with newspaper and leave them with the toes pointing down.

 

Mine were soaked when I took them off at 8am and virtually dry when I put them on again at the end of the day, having doing this. The newspaper seems to draw out all the water.

 

Useful tip Frank, thanks.

Cheap ponchos and waterproof jackets won't help atall. Probably make it worse. You need good quality breathable gear. Try wearing a base layer underneath (Approx £10-15), this will wick away sweat as it forms on you, keeping your temperature normal and you dry. Then if its windy or cold a thin windproof. Again make sure its breathable. (£35 ish upwards). Finally get a breathable jacket. Dont skimp and get a cheapo Aldi job. It'll be like wrapping yourself in cling film and sitting in a sauna. Get one thats at least £40, make sure it's breathable, and if poss has ventilation zip by your pits. Very usefull. Using just these 3 thin layers(plus padded shorts and a breathable waterproof overtrouser) I managed to survive long commutes all year round for 3 years. Well worth the money, and really noticeable compared to my jeans and jumper I was wearing before!

Thanks for the replies guys. Just for your info, my jacket and trousers are both top quality eVent, perfect for the cooler months, but even with their breathability, I am still too warm at this time of year.

 

The rain cape / poncho does make sense and is practical to a degree, but its also as aerodynamic as a sandwich board.

 

I think I am going to have to try the 'just get wet wearing clothes that dry fast' method, but the one thing I really hate about that method, is wet or cold feet, and your trainers never dry fast enough (and smell too).

 

John

 

Just to note though John if you didnt know already.

The jury is still out about eVent material.

Its banned in the USA cus it catches fire much more easy than any other outdoor materials.

The EU is still waiting for further testing before they decide on a ban themselves.

The outdoor forums though, all feel this is rubbish.

Despite this though John, be careful as some eVent tents and sleeping bags have caught fire and have gone up, though within the "normal" times like other outdoor materials.

 

Regards Bob.

Edited September 6, 200817 yr by burncycle