What do i need to look for a cycling waterproof jacket

[samuel1604l]

I am sitting in front of my computer back from a long ride under heavy rain.. I usually just man-up and take ride through the rain but maybe I should be a bit smarter than that since I probably would get a cold or something after a while doing that too much.

So I am reaching for y'all if you can help me choosing the right cycling waterproof cycling jacket, I am willing to splash around £50/£70 if this is good value. I would rather those pocket ones that I can put back in my jersey back-pocket when rain stops.

 

[gaz]

If it's truly waterproof then it's also boil in a bag, not worth using until it gets cold IMO.

 

[endoman]

I went out today and it drizzled quite heavily, out for over 4 hours, and my new http://www.montane.co.uk/products/men/shell/featherlite-velo-h2o-jacket/167
was ideal for the job. Fits in the jersey pocket, yep it let a bit of water through, but kept me clean, warm and dry enough. Not too hot under it either,

 

[jayonabike]

I have this DHB Minima Jacket it is fantastic at keeping the rain off, with fully taped seams and is teflon coated. I wore it today and it is very breathable and you don't end up feeling like a bag of Uncle Bens finest. I also have this Castelli Sottile Waterproof Jacket a bit more expencive, packs down smaller and is lighter than the dhb.

 

[vickster]

I have asked the same question here https://www.cyclechat.net/ Albeit I don't want to spend as much and I only need it to keep me dryish for half an hour while I ride home from work

I have whittled it down to these...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-squadra-long-waterproof-jacket-2011/

http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Pro...er-resitant-cycle-jacket-high-visibility.aspx

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/124728.html

The Altura pocket rocket also gets good press but seem to be in very short supply

 

[MontyVeda]

I am sitting in front of my computer back from a long ride under heavy rain.. I usually just man-up and take ride through the rain but maybe I should be a bit smarter than that since I probably would get a cold or something after a while doing that too much.

So I am reaching for y'all if you can help me choosing the right cycling waterproof cycling jacket, I am willing to splash around £50/£70 if this is good value. I would rather those pocket ones that I can put back in my jersey back-pocket when rain stops.

I don't think one gets a cold from riding in the rain... it's a virus caught from other people or contaminated door handles and the like.

At this time of year I'd rather get wet (if just out on a ride or on way home). If cycling somewhere I'd end up sitting in wet clothes for while, I'd either try for a lift, take a change of clothes or not go.

edit... I do have a trek mates supposedly water proof, supposedly breathable one in my saddle bag which packs up tiny, but am yet to get caught in a shower heavy enough to bother with it.

another edit... addressing your question. arm pit vents are handy. And if you need it in the dark, plenty of reflective strips too. One which pulls over rather than a full length zip I also prefer.

 

[monnet]

It depends how long you're going to be out for. If it's a short commute I'll put on something like the above mentioned montane (I've got a Pearl Izumi equivalent). For anything longer I consider the temperature and dress for that rather than the rain.

 

[samuel1604l]

I don't think one gets a cold from riding in the rain... it's a virus caught from other people or contaminated door handles and the like.

At this time of year I'd rather get wet (if just out on a ride or on way home. If cycling somewhere I'd end up sitting in wet clothes for while, I'd either try for a lift, take a change of clothes or not go.

Yes yes true, but usually when I go downhill completely wet at 30 mph or on a flat at 20mph, not raining anymore but very wet and due very very cold no matter how's the temperature I am very cold and due easy target to get ill[1]

[1] Having say that for as long I have been riding I never had a waterproof bag and never got sick tho. but hey i am getting old

 

[Jezston]

If it's truly waterproof then it's also boil in a bag, not worth using until it gets cold IMO.

Not true. With increased cost you get increased breathability. But you are looking at spending £100+ for something that you can wear in warm rainy weather and not soak yourself in sweat.

I considered it myself when I was preparing for a 3-day 200 mile ride across the country. In the end I packed an ok hiking waterproof with the thoughts it would better to get a bit sweaty when it's pouring down, and a little damp when it's drizzling.

For shorter journeys, under an hour - I'd rather just get wet.

Here's my thoughts, with lots of others opinions
https://www.cyclechat.net/

 

[yello]

I also have this Castelli Sottile Waterproof Jacket a bit more expencive, packs down smaller and is lighter than the dhb.

How do you rate it joab? Particularly it's water resistance and breathability. It looks a decent enough spec, something I may be interested in since my pertex RAB (like the montane featherlite) is getting on a bit now.

Castelli have a number of similar jackets and I'm finding it difficult to determine the differences!

 

[captainhastings]

I bought one of these
http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Products/123/speg-360-dwr-cycle-jacket-slate-grey.aspx
but I haven't had the chance to use it in the rain yet. Very comfy when I tried it on and it folds up into its own bag. Need to watch the sizes though I am medium but bought a large and it is just right

 

[jayonabike]

How do you rate it joab? Particularly it's water resistance and breathability. It looks a decent enough spec, something I may be interested in since my pertex RAB (like the montane featherlite) is getting on a bit now.

Castelli have a number of similar jackets and I'm finding it difficult to determine the differences!

Oops, sorry for the late reply, just noticed this...

THe Castelli is a very water resistant jacket, it does stick to the skin a little but I think that is more to do with the material than breathabilty as I am not sweaty when I take it off. It is a very lightweight jacket, has mesh vents under the arms and a zip to the side so you can reach your rear shirt pockets.

 

[yello]

Thanks for you opinion joab.

a zip to the side so you can reach your rear shirt pockets.

Neat feature, I like it. Hopefully it doesn't let rain in too!

It sticking could be due to the nature of the material, as you say. I've read some describe it as like a cling film, but I think they meant for it's sheerness rather than it's stickiness! But it could be the kind of stuff that generates a kind of electro-static stick.

 

[jayonabike]

Thanks for you opinion joab.



Neat feature, I like it. Hopefully it doesn't let rain in too!

No it doesn't. To be honest I didn't notice the zip was there for the first couple of times I wore it.

 

[pshore]

Unless we are talking about winter, you will want airflow through the jacket. Pit zips are very good but all these features add size. Next up is cuffs - ones with elastic prevent airflow and make your arms seriously clammy and you'll be wanting to rip the jacket off asap.


I have owned two cycling specific jackets, a Montane Featherlite (£40 and windproof not waterproof) and an Endura Venturii (£140).

There is a world of difference between the breathability of the fabrics. The Endura is way better but too big to contemplate putting in a back pocket.


What kind of riding are we talking about anyway ? Commuting, recreational, full on road bike training ? Do you ride slow and keep cool, or fast and generate loads of heat ? If more at the hot end, I would agree with others (on the thread that Jezton linked to) that a gillet should be considered too.