In praise of... rain capes

[youngoldbloke]

Carradice sell their version, and waxed cotton ponchos.

 

[jongooligan]

You can get them at Velo Vitality too.

 

[Illaveago]

I was wondering if capes were still about. I found that they could be quite lethal things, they would billow up in the wind and make it virtually impossible to see behind you when making a right turn.

 

[ufkacbln]

I remember the inimitable Josie Dew standing on a table and showing how cycle capes were the ultimate modesty aid for cycle touring ladies with full bladders

We bought a Rotrax one shortly after that did sterling service

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I'm now possibly on the look out for another decent quality one, it rains a lot in Wales.

The Brough Superior of contemporary rain capes perhaps?

 

[mmmmartin]

Argos provided me with a bright yellow one for nine quid. It works, and catches the wind less than you would think.

 

[biggs682]

i had one in bright yellow when i cycled as a teenager so only a few weeks ago..................... not

they were great

 

[Bazzer]

Remember using one for riding to school. Successfully kept the rain off my upper body, but seem to recall water running down the front and then on to my trousers. It was also bloody harder work cycling into the wind.
Ditched it eventually for a cagoule and put up with the wet trousers.

 

[Illaveago]

I think I ditched mine in favour of an anorak. I found it a lot safer to cycle in although it might not have been as waterproof, your legs got wet nomatter what you wore.

 

[totallyfixed]

This brings back memories! I remember vividly cycling in a cape, it used to go over my handlebars and hang down to my front mudguard. I don't recall where it came from but given the size it was probably from my dad, as I write this I can remember how it felt when it was raining hard [it still does that a bit around Pendle in Lancashire], I loved the feeling of being completely dry no matter how long I was out in it for. Once, it was bucketing down so hard it was near impossible to see so I stopped and sat down in my own little tent, brilliant.
I was actually looking at getting one for when we go off touring next week but couldn't find one that accurately described the size.

 

[potsy]

I see a guy on my commute that uses one, mind you he also rides with his saddle far too low and keeps having to stop to sort out his dodgy dynamo front light.
Think I'll stick to 21st century rain gear

 

[Illaveago]

What I have found with a lot of the rain attire that seems to be on the market , meaning general purpose wear is that if you pull the cords on the hood it covers your eyes making it difficult to see.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Used mine (cheap one from Wilkinson) yesterday when I got caught in a downpour just as I thought the weather was clearing up. I won't claim it's an ideal waterproof but it is much quicker and easier to put on than coat and leggings if caught in a shower.

 

[Apollonius]

My abiding memory of the things is the smell. The primitive plastics of the 60s stank. The other thing is that the first gust of wind tore the thumb loops off and put the thing over your face. The technique was to sit on the tail, otherwise it flew out like a flag. If you could get the thing to settle in the right place, they did keep the rain off. Back in the day, the way to carry your cape was rolled round your spare tube and strapped to the back of your Brooks saddle with a spare toestrap.

The Altura Vapour I use today is ten times the price, but a hundred times better.

 

[RichardB]

When I commuted in the 70s/80s, I always carried a cape - rolled up tight, secured with a spare toestrap, and tied to the seatpost. It was yellow plastic, with a simple gusset and press-stud at the neck, and I wore a sou'wester with it, being the days when only racers wore helmets. It was brilliant for keeping the rain off and (rather masochistically) I used to love riding along in a downpour in my own personal tent. I got far less wet than I feared I would, although feet and legs suffered. I'm in Wales now, and planning to commute through the winter, so I need to think about weather protection. I'm very tempted by another cape ... (although not paying North of £70 for one)