Rain - what to do.

[SpokeyDokey]

I took delivery of my nice new bike in November and managed half a dozen rides up to mid-Dec.

I have not ridden since then as it has either been snowing, raining or there has been salt all over the roads. On the odd day it has been fine I have been tied up with either social engagements or business.

Is there a cyclists version of Sod's Law?

I have become dispirited!

This weekend has been 100% free on the commitment front but it has rained virtually non-stop, at the moment we have a mixture of snow, sleet, cats, dogs etc! Aaaargh!

So.....

....I have decided that in future I must abuse my bike a little and ride in the rain or I'll never get out.

Any suggestions for a lightweight waterproof jacket please? Preferably one that does not cost the Earth as I have spent way too much money on some climbing kit of late.

Also, will my lovely bike suffer?

 

[numbnuts]

The trouble with cheaper waterproof jackets you end up as “boil in the bag” and you will end up wetter. You need to get a breathable one at the very least, as for your legs, just use tights after a while you will get use to wet legs.
And bikes are waterproof.......
PS one thing I haven't tried is a cycle cape but I have been told they are very good, but not too sure what they would be like if it is windy.

 

[Biker Joe]

Would that jacket be for you or the bike?

 

[SpokeyDokey]

The trouble with cheaper waterproof jackets you end up as “boil in the bag” and you will end up wetter. You need to get a breathable one at the very least, as for your legs, just use tights after a while you will get use to wet legs.
And bikes are waterproof.......
PS one thing I haven't tried is a cycle cape but I have been told they are very good, but not too sure what they would be like if it is windy.

I guess I should have said 'cheap-ish jacket that fits ok'.

From my experience of climbing jackets breathability is a relative term esp' in high activity sports. I have three hiking/climbing jackets and all get wet inside once you are on the move as they just cannot shift moisture that fast.

My 'best' jacket has long pit zips which save the day to a moderate extent.

And once they get wet on the outside then breathability is effectively stopped.

I was looking for something for the bike for less than £100 - that way if I come off and rip it it won't be the entire end of the world.

Nice and light + reflective would be a boon.

 

[vickster]

The Altura blitz seemed nice to me. £50 from Evans

 

[Deleted member 23692]

Check out Endura's Helium jacket - a very tidy design that's nice and light and easily fits in a jersey's back pocket. I can vouch it works OK in our county's distincitve weather too

 

[Norry1]

Choices:

Ride your new bike
Buy a cheap hack with mudguards
Do indoor turbo / rollers
Give up

 

[MattHB]

Altura night vision jacket.
Clean the bike regularly not forgetting to mickle the chain
Get decent tyres that aren't like riding on slimy cheese
Observe rule 5

Job done

 

[smokeysmoo]

Endura Gridlock, had mine a few years and it's been a brilliant jacket.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Endura Gridlock, had mine a few years and it's been a brilliant jacket.

That looks great, not seen those before.

 

[smokeysmoo]

That looks great, not seen those before.

They only did them in yellow when I got mine, but such time as it needs replacing I'll get a black one.

I must have had it over 3 years now. The waterproofing is starting to let it down a bit in heavy rain, but the jacket itself is perfect, (if a little faded now).

I've recently treated it with NikWax, (actually got mine cheaper from Decathlon, still expensive though IMO!), but I've not been really dumped on since to fully test it.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

They only did them in yellow when I got mine, but such time as it needs replacing I'll get a black one.

I must have had it over 3 years now. The waterproofing is starting to let it down a bit in heavy rain, but the jacket itself is perfect, (if a little faded now).

I've recently treated it with NikWax, (actually got mine cheaper from Decathlon, still expensive though IMO!), but I've not been really dumped on since to fully test it.

Yeah, I'd go for black. In fact I think I will go for black as today's wet ride was the final straw, I've had enough of my crappy Lidl condom jacket.

 

[paul04]

Choices:

Ride your new bike
Buy a cheap hack with mudguards

Thats what I have done. kept the road bike indoors till the weather gets a bit better,
And just got a cheap mtb bike for winter use

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Those crud catcher mudguards are pretty great.

 

[MattHB]

Those crud catcher mudguards are pretty great.

I've just put some raceblade longs on my roadie, and I recon they're better. More room for greater tyre choices too.