Waterproof for Sportive

[DaveK]

I've been searching around but cant really find much specific to Sportive use.

I don't have a waterproof jacket, only a windproof. Should I get one or do most just use a windproof and get wet if it rains?

Do any waterproofs actually hold up to 100 miles of rain (without spending a fortune)?

 

[Andrew_Culture]

In my own limited experience being wet on a bike really isn't too bad, as long as none of your clothing rubs and as long as you don't get cold.

 

[DTD]

I've got a wintery waterproof (Endura) that is a bit heavy and warm, but will keep me dry all day and a (Rapha) windproof/showerproof that's lighter and will fold up in a pocket, and will keep off light rain and as it's another layer will help keep me warm(er).
I think on a sportive you don't want something that will weigh you down too much and, as has been said, if you don't get too cold you can live with being a bit wet.

 

[DaveK]

Thanks guys. What I'll do is go out for a couple hours when its raining to see what its like (fair weather rider only atm) and make my decision from there. Hopefully being wet wont be a problem, like you guys say.

 

[SquareDaff]

I used this one all last year - http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=53855&categoryID=207. Didn't have any problems with it and would still be using it if I hadn't been wearing it when I went for a trip along the road sans bike!

 

[redcard]

In my own limited experience being wet on a bike really isn't too bad, as long as none of your clothing rubs and as long as you don't get cold.

Effect of rain is vastly overrated anyway!

The 2-3 times I recall getting completely drenched was on the commute home, and I only had a few miles to go. Having a place to dry stuff and a proper locker makes things 100 times easier in the other direction.

As long as you protect any valuables and take a bit more care with soggy leaves then riding in the rain shouldn't be much of an inconvenience.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Effect of rain is vastly overrated anyway!

The 2-3 times I recall getting completely drenched was on the commute home, and I only had a few miles to go. Having a place to dry stuff and a proper locker makes things 100 times easier in the other direction.

As long as you protect any valuables and take a bit more care with soggy leaves then riding in the rain shouldn't be much of an inconvenience.

In the summer I totally relish riding home from work in the pissing rain!

 

[Rob3rt]

I've been searching around but cant really find much specific to Sportive use.

I don't have a waterproof jacket, only a windproof. Should I get one or do most just use a windproof and get wet if it rains?

Do any waterproofs actually hold up to 100 miles of rain (without spending a fortune)?

Would you expect to find stuff specific to sportive use? What specific demands does a sportive place on equipment?

Cheap waterproofs either let water in via the seams, or you get soaked through with condensation.

 

[Slaav]

I would suggest - with limited experience I will admit - that even a windproof lightweight layer would help enormously. It really seems to be the wind that chills and when wet, this gets magnified.

If the wind is held at bay, then damp decent clothes underneath actually warms up!

Good Merino base layers and jerseys means you stay warm!

Water resistant seams the way forward if you are doing hard or long rides..... (IMHO)

Or an EXPENSIVE waterproof jacket - Rapha, Assos type stuff which does seem to stay dry and not boil you inside.

 

[HLaB]

I like the size of my windproof (a montane featherlite) and if there's a possibility of rain I put in a Gilet. I did the 105 Ken Laidlaw Sportive like that in the pouring rain without a problem

 

[PpPete]

I always carry a Tenn Vapor jacket. Can often be had for around £30 and waterproofness and breathability are (IMO) as good as many items costing twice or three times as much. It'll just about go in a jersey pocket, but it is bulkier than a montane featherlite.
Cut is fairly generous, so maybe not "streamlined" enough for "sportive use.

 

[vickster]

Altura pocket rocket, Endura pak a jak, Montane Velo H2O or I've got a Funkier one which isn't bad but not the smallest. The new Alura Blitz looks good roo

I find I get very cold very quickly when wet, especially hands. Take a spare pair of gloves / mitts

When is the sportive?

 

[mattobrien]

Thumbs up for me for the Castelli Pocket Liner jacket, not cheap but it does keep all the water out.

Would I wear it for a sportive, yes if it was likely to rain all ride long, but of there was only likely to be the odd shower, I would probably go without if it was warm enough. Cycling kit does dry out nicely once the rain has stopped.

 

[DaveK]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Sportive is mid April so generally a lower risk of rain. I will look into those suggestions, I particularly like the waterproof gilet idea.

 

[vickster]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Sportive is mid April so generally a lower risk of rain. I will look into those suggestions, I particularly like the waterproof gilet idea.

Erm, April showers? This is the UK - where is the sportive actually? If West of the North Sea, I reckon you'll want a waterproof. Not sure I see the point of a waterproof gilet?