Up until now I've been a very fair weather cyclist but, given that I'm in Scotland, that means I'm not getting out as much as I want to. I'm therefore looking for tips on what makes cycling in the rain slightly more bearable? Also, what do folk do regarding waterproof jackets etc? Wear them all day or get a small one that can fit in a jersey pocket? I've been looking at the Endura Helium or the FS260 race Cape ... Anyone got first hand experience of these? It's for my road bike and i only have a tiny saddle bag and my pocket!
Cycling in the rain
- Thread starter gillian
- Start date
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Profpointy
Legendary Member
Over the years I've come to the conclusion that a windproof fleece of some sort is a far betted bet than a waterproof proper for cycling. Altura do (or did) a nice high viz one for reasonable money and I've also got a significantly nicer, though only slightltly better Assos one (851 was the model name - almost reasonably priced as last years colours or some such). No longer even have a waterproof proper. The proper windproof fleece cycle jackets are somewhat waterproof if not actually pissing down, and your body heat tends to keep you dry or no worse than damp inside if you stick to syntheticsu derneath
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
Admittedly I'm not in Scotland but in the summer, I just get wet as it's far too hot with anything waterproof on. If the wind's a bit chilly, then I might put my Altura gilet on (purely for the extra layer to keep warm). Spring and autumn rain depends on the temperature and I've got a windproof that does nicely for light showers (same idea as with the gilet in summer - just for the layer). I've also got one of those hideous boil in a bag "pacamac" things that doesn't take up too much room so is convenient to take with me as a "just in case" jacket for short but sharp downpours.
Winter rain, however, is the problem as that's when I get wet and cold, which isn't just miserable, also sets off my body's over-sensitive defence mechanism (aka Reynaud's). I've got an Altura waterproof jacket that doesn't let any moisture in (or out: it's definitely a cold weather jacket) and a Mountain Warehouse one that's not as waterproof but is significantly more breathable.
Still thinking about winter, I've also got Altura waterproof gloves (brilliant) and some shoe covers that work for a few hours but their main role is to keep the wind off.
As I said, I embrace the rain in summer (or at least put up with it) as it never takes too long to dry out and only gets cold if everyone else you're with insists on stopping to shelter under a tree (I lost all the circulation in all my fingers, thumbs and toes. In August. Still not forgiven them.) Just keep moving.
Winter rain, however, is the problem as that's when I get wet and cold, which isn't just miserable, also sets off my body's over-sensitive defence mechanism (aka Reynaud's). I've got an Altura waterproof jacket that doesn't let any moisture in (or out: it's definitely a cold weather jacket) and a Mountain Warehouse one that's not as waterproof but is significantly more breathable.
Still thinking about winter, I've also got Altura waterproof gloves (brilliant) and some shoe covers that work for a few hours but their main role is to keep the wind off.
As I said, I embrace the rain in summer (or at least put up with it) as it never takes too long to dry out and only gets cold if everyone else you're with insists on stopping to shelter under a tree (I lost all the circulation in all my fingers, thumbs and toes. In August. Still not forgiven them.) Just keep moving.
D
Deleted member 23692
Guest
I've got an Endura Helium, and its a superb wee jacket that easily fits in a jersey pocket. Well worth the money IMO
T.M.H.N.E.T
Rainbows aren't just for world champions
- Location
- Northern Ireland
I usually have a gillet on or in my back pocket but on days where getting wet is inevitable or I leave the house and it's raining, I'd have the aero shell attached to my helmet(Spiuk Nexion) and a waterproof jacket on (if not also overshoes and tights rather than shorts)
I don't usually wear gloves once the mercury rises but for the 10months of winter in NI, I've often resorted to surgical gloves under my winter gloves or carrying a spare pair.
I don't usually wear gloves once the mercury rises but for the 10months of winter in NI, I've often resorted to surgical gloves under my winter gloves or carrying a spare pair.
outlash
also available in orange
- Location
- ice station zebra
I don't have experience of the endura jackets you've suggested, but I can recommend one of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-cosmo-waterproof-jacket-2015/ . It's not a boil in the bag type, and short of riding all day in constant rain it'll keep you dry.
Tony.
Tony.
- Location
- Glasgow
My clothing is mostly non branded shower proof stuff, like @coffeejo in the summer I tend to just get wet as long as it's not cold. Keep moving and you don't even notice. My biggest hassle is footwear, haven't found an overshoe that works yet.
In winter I tend to wear boil in the bag if it's just the commute, or layers, one fleeced and one shower proof. Sometimes shower or wind proof clothing can be made water proof temporary, until you wash it, by using waterproofing spray.
Whatever you wear, eventually the water will find it's way in, unless, I guess, you're prepared to spend a lot.
In winter I tend to wear boil in the bag if it's just the commute, or layers, one fleeced and one shower proof. Sometimes shower or wind proof clothing can be made water proof temporary, until you wash it, by using waterproofing spray.
Whatever you wear, eventually the water will find it's way in, unless, I guess, you're prepared to spend a lot.
ayceejay
Guru
- Location
- Rural Quebec
If it rains on the way back I put on the placcy boil in the bag thing but if I decide to go out in the rain I dress for that (minimum - no plastic). If you normally wear sunglasses put them in your pocket unless you have those $500 Oakleys with wipers.
Pat,you should have a look at Velotoze they work really well but allow an extra 10 minutes to get them on!
Pat,you should have a look at Velotoze they work really well but allow an extra 10 minutes to get them on!
Raining when i set off or likely to be soon : http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gore-bike-wear/oxygen-20-gore-tex-active-shell-jacket-ec06740
Water proof and breathes but is not cheap
Showers forecast: cheap and cheerful waterproof in back pocket
Water proof and breathes but is not cheap
Showers forecast: cheap and cheerful waterproof in back pocket
If rain is a regular feature of your riding, you should fit mudguards, pref full-length, bolt-on versions (SKS chromoplastic), but lacking the necessary eyelets and clearance, various clip-on ones suffice. They stop the dirty, mucky road-splash from covering you and your clothes. On wet roads, if it isn't raining, you can stay dry.
Outer layers come (in descending order of breathability) as windproof, water-resistant "soft-shells" and fully waterproof shells. Sleeveless gillets are useful options.
Feet are always first in line to get wet. Neoprene or waterproof over-booties are the usual solution for racing riders.
For rides of several hrs in changeable conditions, consider a larger saddlebag.
Outer layers come (in descending order of breathability) as windproof, water-resistant "soft-shells" and fully waterproof shells. Sleeveless gillets are useful options.
Feet are always first in line to get wet. Neoprene or waterproof over-booties are the usual solution for racing riders.
For rides of several hrs in changeable conditions, consider a larger saddlebag.
jonny jeez
Legendary Member
- Location
- Chislehurst, Kent, UK
I've never...NEVER found or been shown a jacket that is actually waterproof except two.
Castelli do a sliver, expandy thing that is very good (I believe the pros rave about it), inevitably though, it let's in moisture around the neck...problem is its about a million pounds.
@CharlieB once recommended a rohan jacket to me that was about £200 and seemed to do the job but was a bit flappy and I'll fitting for a chap of my build. I never invested in it but wonder to this day if it's still working for him (seemed to do the trick on a totally soaking ride to the coast...like stair rods for 8hours)
Castelli do a sliver, expandy thing that is very good (I believe the pros rave about it), inevitably though, it let's in moisture around the neck...problem is its about a million pounds.
@CharlieB once recommended a rohan jacket to me that was about £200 and seemed to do the job but was a bit flappy and I'll fitting for a chap of my build. I never invested in it but wonder to this day if it's still working for him (seemed to do the trick on a totally soaking ride to the coast...like stair rods for 8hours)
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
Thanks @ayceejay I duly Googled, it says "recommended for race day activity only" ... erm...
Mrs M
Guru
- Location
- Aberdeenshire
If it's a leisure ride just get wet and enjoy it. 
