Serious waterproofs for touring

[Crackle]

My cutoff temp for Paramo is about 16C, much lower for other riders.

Good enough for a Scottish summer then.

 

[Cush]

In summer cycling, when the weather's bad/wet, I personally think that it's better to be warm than dry.

Having heavy weather rain trousers and jacket will only boil you, from your effort.

I would have overshoes, leggings, bib shorts (possibly with rain shorts on top), short sleeved shirt with arm warmers, gilet, and/or a jacket, depending on how warm it is.

Agree, not sure about bib shorts as i have never used them and i would appreciate it if any one can tell me where to get a decent pair of leggings as opposed to over trousers from.

 

[jefmcg]

I've not ridden in the sort of conditions described, but the only water proofs I've used on my legs are Aldi copies of Rainlegs. I was in reasonably heavy rain this weekend, without overshoes, and I stayed dry.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I've never cycled in conditions where I think that waterproof trousers would be beneficial. I've tried rainlegs and find then quite good, but annoying. I guess on a really cold day they'd be a bonus. In the warmer months I ride in shorts and just get wet, in the colder periods Roubaix fleece lined full bibs seem to cope with most circumstances with Endura neoprene overshoes. Granted the water gets in eventually but your feet stay warm. Leggings such as Ron-hills can be quite useful to slip on over the top of shorts for a convenieant bit of extra warmth, or cycling legwarmers..

 

[Dayvo]

Agree, not sure about bib shorts as i have never used them and i would appreciate it if any one can tell me where to get a decent pair of leggings as opposed to over trousers from.

Evans: http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/clothing/arm-leg-warmers/f

Wiggle: http://www.wiggle.com/arm-leg-warmers/

or any decent bike shop.

 

[Blue Hills]

It will depend on how much you sweat/overheat and how vigorously you cycle. Layers are good but there's nothing I've found that can keep me fully dry and avoid overheating apart from a poncho. The next best for me has been Paramo stuff.

Care to recommend a poncho macb? I've been looking for something light, tough, compact that can also be used as a tarp.

 

[rich p]

@robjh , just go south mate!
One of the tricks in wet weather is knowing when to de-layer, so you dry off in situ rather than stay moist. It does involve the wind chill element for a brief while. This probably won't apply in colder, northern conditions but only a fool wpuld tour in cold and et areas...

 

[psmiffy]

@robjh , just go south mate!
One of the tricks in wet weather is knowing when to de-layer, so you dry off in situ rather than stay moist. It does involve the wind chill element for a brief while. This probably won't apply in colder, northern conditions but only a fool wpuld tour in cold and et areas...

I assume that the fact that it is not raining is a clue to when to do this

 

[rich p]

I assume that the fact that it is not raining is a clue to when to do this

Good point - consider it amended

 

[robjh]

@robjh , just go south mate!
..... only a fool would tour in cold and et areas...

I quite fancy a bit of touring foolishness Rich, my bike tours have been far too sensible to date. Bring on the rain and gales!

 

[MacB]

What Poncho do you use?

Care to recommend a poncho macb? I've been looking for something light, tough, compact that can also be used as a tarp.

Sorry folks forgot about this, it's a Vaude one. Only had to use it a couple of times and has worked well, it is noticeable wind wise but if there is a need to stay dry.