What recommendations waterproof gear?

[Holdsworth]

I have decided that now is the time to invest in some decent gear to be used in less than perfect conditions (i.e. rain)

I have a few items of cycle-specific clothes; a jersey, winter jersey, shorts.

First off I need a pair of tights that will keep my legs warm in colder weather, ATM I'm using a pair of jogging bottoms over my shorts to keep the wind off. Hopefully the tights will keep the rain of as well for a short while if it is reasonably light. Can anyone direct me to a decent pair, not sure if I would be wanting bibs or not as I have never had experience with them and don't know what the advantages and dis-advantages are over waist ones.

And also I'd be looking at a waterproof shell to slip over my jersey for when it rains. I am looking particularly at the "Montane Featherlite Velo". It seems to get good reviews as a basic waterproof shell at budget price. I have noticed that CC-UK have their waterproof jacket on sale which also looks to be a good option.

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

If it would be worthwhile, maybe a pair of overshoes would be on the list as well. Maybe for £20 or so. I don't spd shoes so I hope that they work just as well on regular trainers.

I would be looking to spend £30-40 on each item and can't really afford to go much above that TBH.

 

[upsidedown]

Ron Hill Bikesters are good if you're not into the Lycra thing. Dry off pretty quickly and are surprisingly warm. Padded shorts work well with them.
As for the shoes I'd just get some mudguards and take your chances; I've tried overshoes and waterproof socks and theyve made no difference.

 

[Holdsworth]

I have a set of mudguards fitted (Crud RoadRacer Mk2's) so I am all protected on that front.

I do not mind wearing lycra and I would be open to any suggestions for tights in the region of £30-40. Maybe looking at the DHB Pace tights or Altura Night Vision tights. The DHB ones seem to be just a basic pair with a seat pad to increase comfort and the Altura ones have that and the added reflective strips but at around £5-8 ATM, some mixed reviews on their quality mind but I'd like to know if they are worth considering.

Still deciding on which waterproof jacket to plump for, Montane or Speg?

 

[Scoosh]

I guess it might depend on the type of riding you want to do.

I have been doing audax rides (I did a 200km yesterday) and have found out what works for me.

- shorts/bibshorts; thermal longjohns (I have some old ALDI ones which are still doing fine); running tights - non padded (mine are Karrimoor running tights @ £10 or so and long enough for my 33" inside leg)

- Spesh BG spd shoes which are big enough to wear thick woolly socks (but can still wear them with thin cotton sox in summer

); BBB Hardwear overshoes (£20 - warm and waterproof)

- dhb Amberley waterproof jacket (£55 but they don't seem to be doing the gents version any more

)

- ALDI waterproof overtrousers with extra ankle straps for when it gets really wet (my plan is to remove the running tights before donning the overtrousers, as it gets very hot underneath them. Fortunately, this plan has not yet been required

)


I reckon it is easier (and cheaper) to have good shorts with cheaper tights than have padded tights. I have also considered waterproof spraying the tights to give that extra layer but not tried it yet.

HTH

 

[Holdsworth]

I am not really fussed about getting special SPD shoes, I have flat pedals ATM and have no intention to upgrade anytime soon. Those overshoes look quite good though, something to consider.

Since the DHB jacket is out of stock in mens, what other jackets would anyone recommend?

I have had a look for unpadded tights on Wiggle and found a few running tights that look like they might do the trick with a pair of shorts underneath for comfort.

 

[Holdsworth]

Anyone?

 

[HLaB]

The Montane isn't 100% waterproof its water resistant water tends to find its ways to the elbows. Its my choice of jackets however to carry due to it size, excellent breath ability, I like its fit too and at what I think is a reasonable price. If I want to stay drier (in heavy rain) I'll wear a gilet also. I've got a dearer Endura which is 100% waterproof but its breathabilty isn't as good.

I've got the similar montane over trousers they work well'ish in drizzle but waterproofness let them down. I only ever use them for short rides (under 5 miles) I think if my journey was any longer I wouldn't bother you get more wet from sweat with them. For those journeys I'd prefer to wear shorts/ bibs. The advantage of bibs is they are more comfortable (no elastic round the waist) and they stay in place. The drawback of bib is toilet stops; especially no twos If you do a search on the forum, many threads lay out the advantages/ disadvantages of bibs on the whole I think most molk prefer them (I certainly do). In terms of waterproofness I find there's not much difference in the short/ bibs I've got but the more you spend the better the pad.

If you are going for overshoes with trainers you'll probably need a pair that has a velcro closure (Ive got an Altura pair like that) unless you have narrow feet; another alternative is waterproof socks but be warned although they are excellent for warmth/ water proofness if watter can find its way in (the ankles) it can't find its way out.

I hope that helps.

 

[Coco]

I'd recommend the Endura gridlock jacket, a bit heavier than the ones you are looking at, but it is waterproof rather than water resistant. 

For tights, look at Decathlon's range. They do some nice ones at various price ranges. I got some thermal tights in the summer in France for about £12, so keep an eye on the bargain rack if there is a store near you.

 

[Cletus Van Damme]

The BBB heavy duty overshoes that I got off ebay for around £15.99 delivered are great, I use them with flat pedals and so far they are holding up well. I have an Endura Gridlock waterproof jacket and also the waterproof overtrousers. I haven't had the jacket that long so cannot comment on how breathable it is, if any.