Waterproof advice please

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nappadang

nappadang

Über Member
Location
Gateshead
thanks for all your responses folks. I've looked at soft shells both bike and mountain and always shied away because of the term "water resistant." I have and old Buffalo wind shirt that is "water resistant" but leaks like a tea bag. The likelihood is that I'll not spend more than an hour and a half in the rain so is there a soft shell that has that much water resistance?
My plan (desperately trying to sound like i have a clue) was to go hard shell with something that has good breath-ability and layer up underneath depending on temp. i'm beginning to think hard and soft but which first? The wife will go scatty if I shell out (see what I did there?) for two jackets at once.
 

Fab Foodie

hanging-on in quiet desperation ...
Location
Kirton, Devon.
Hi
After years of looking for a suitable (for me) winter waterproof I ended up with the Paramo Velaquez light smock, waterproof, breathable with loads of venting and rollable sleeves. It is bulky, but I reckon I can wear it for longer as it won't boil me to death.
Good off-bike for walking and casual wear.
 

CopperBrompton

Bicycle: a means of transport between cake-stops
Location
London
I don't think you'll get anything both 100% waterproof and ultra-breathable for that price. In my experience, only two fabrics really work properly for cycling: eVent and Gore Active Shell (AS).

I've just replaced a Montane eVent jacket (five years old, a few holes here and there) with this:
http://www.benlovejoy.com/cycle/kit/waterproofs/

I'd highly recommend both, but eVent seems not to be available at present - I'm told that something caused the price of the fabric to skyrocket.
 

steveindenmark

Legendary Member
I use a Helly Hansen rain suit, 10,000mm and I ride all through the winter and we get to - 15 during the day. I am not a racer, more of a commuter/tourer. I also have over boots and depending how cold it is I wear either a pair of neoprene kayak gloves if it is not too cold or a pair of woollen gloves with military over mitts if it is.

With the kayak gloves my hands do get wet but they stay warm.

Unfortunately, I have found staying warm and dry costs. It is better to buy good, which is usually expensive. Rather than buy loads of cheap gear. Having said that my military over mitts cost £6 on e bay and are the only gloves I have found that keep me 100% warm and dry on a bike or motorbike in torrential rain.

Steve
 

CopperBrompton

Bicycle: a means of transport between cake-stops
Location
London
That jacket looks good but alas not cheap, it is always the case.
If it lasts the same five years as the eVent did (which is still perfectly serviceable, just looking a bit tatty), it'll work out at 60p/week.
 
OP
OP
nappadang

nappadang

Über Member
Location
Gateshead
I've just bought the Gore Power Active jacket today from here.......
http://startcycles.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-power-active-gore-tex-cycling-jacket-black.html
though from the shop rather than online. I've just returned from an hour or so of quite strenuous (by my standards) cycling. Apart from a slight shower for a minute or two it didn't rain so I can't comment on how waterproof it is. TBH, waterproofing has never been an issue with Gore Tex so I'm convinced this will not be any different. Its the same with windproofing,any waterproof fabric will be windproof and this jacket did not disappoint, in blooming strong winds
Obviously, physical activity make me sweat but I doubt I sweat more than any average person. Tonight my hair has soaked, so I knew I'd pushed myself. When I removed the jacket, I was pleasantly surprised at how little perspiration there was in side. I only detected a tiny amount in the arms, which I consider to be an improvement on all (including my beloved Paramo) other breathable waterproofs I own.
Minor gripes time, The smart phone, plastic bag is a joke, my Galaxy S 3 with a Seidio case doesn't fit! I would have liked to see an elasticated draw cord around the neck as it's not a snug fit and could let rain leak in. At the minute though, I'd say it was a very good investment and I'm really pleased with my purchase
 
OP
OP
nappadang

nappadang

Über Member
Location
Gateshead
That's just god's way of telling you to get an iPhone, which fits perfectly. :-)
I've had iphones mate and quite frankly, Samsung wipe the floor with them. Not to mention the fact that being tied into itunes/appstore is the biggest con ever.
This debate needs a new thread!
 

Tribanite

Active Member
I've had iphones mate and quite frankly, Samsung wipe the floor with them. Not to mention the fact that being tied into itunes/appstore is the biggest con ever.
This debate needs a new thread!

Had both - current crop of iphones are over priced and not as good as samsungs imo
 
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