Rain Wear

November 7, 2010

Esspea Photography

A rainy day on King Street

Get the Coat That's Right for You

By Jonathon Reynolds

Eventually every cyclist will ride in the wet stuff. If you don’t live in the desert and you want to ride your bike year-round, then you need to get good raingear. It makes the difference between enjoying your ride and hating it. In reality, it also makes the difference between riding or not.

There is no perfect rain jacket. We all come in different shapes and sizes, and some of us are naturally warmer than others. Your rain jacket has to match your lifestyle and riding style. Do you tend to get on a bus when it starts raining or will you ride no matter what? Do you live in an area where it rains a lot or only occasionally? Do you wear the same clothes to work that you cycle in or do you change? After you ask yourself these initial questions, the next step is to find a jacket that suits your needs.

There are many different types of waterproof and water-resistant fabrics. Some of the waterproof ones are also breathable, which is very important because sweat can sometimes make you just as wet as rain. For heavy rainfall you will need a jacket with waterproof material and, if you are cycling hard, it will need to be both breathable and have other features, such as underarm vents, an adjustable hood, adjustable cuffs and storm flaps on zippers – to keep rain from seeping through.

Taped seams are also important. Though more expensive, they make the coat completely waterproof.

Design features to look for in a jacket include a long tail, which in many cases can be buttoned up when not in use. This will keep your lower back and bottom dry. Reflective piping or strips that make you more visible to motorists are important – a loop to hang a light on is a real bonus. Look for adjustable waist and neck cords to keep wind out – adjustable cuffs are also useful here. Where possible, select a jacket with a fleece lining on the neck and wrists – a feature that will keep those areas more comfortable and warm.

Last but not least is style – after all you are more likely to pack and wear a coat you think will impress your friends and other riders in the bike lane. Get raingear that is good in quality and appearance and get out riding. Splashing through puddles is not only for children!

Tag Topics: biking in the rain, Issue 48, rain gear, Jonathon Reynolds

by Jonathon Reynolds

November 7, 2010

Latest Comments

Booties

Having a good rain jacket/cape and pants is great, but once your shoes are soaked the ride is much less enjoyable.

I recommend getting some cheap booties/shoe covers to keep out the rain and wind. Warm dry feet all day long. They also help keep water dripping off your rain pants from entering your shoes.

Posted by Shane Griffin November 19, 2010 00:30:19
Coat vs. Cape

I liked your article on finding a good rain jacket for riding. However, lately I've found the best covering is a cape. It has many advantages and only one disadvantage. Consider:
- Capes allow airflow, reducing the "drenched in sweat" quotient to nearly nil.
- Capes can cover the handlebars. I have yet to find a suitable glove that is warm and dry, but not stifling. With the cape I can wear warm, breathable gloves and not worry about soaky hands.
- Capes eliminate the problem of - sorry to be indelicate, but no way around it - wet crotch. Even with the best rain pants I find that the force of wind combined with rain makes for an uncomfortable (and embarrassing) spot.
- Capes can take the place of rainpants. On a moderately rainy day, with good shoes and fenders, I don't need any lower covering - the cape keeps most moisture off my legs. On a very rainy day I add rain spats, covering feet and shins.
- Capes can be very visible. Mine is made by Carradice in a bright yellow color, with a reflective strip on the back. Because the cape has a larger profile than jacket/pants, I make more of an impression on drivers (who are already vision-impaired by the rain on every window).
- The disadvantage? Capes are not very aerodynamic, so with a headwind I'm working harder to keep the same speed. But then, I could use the conditioning, so...
- The real disadvantage? Style points are a negative number. To be blunt, with my bright yellow spats and cape I look like Big Bird on a bike.

But then, I've always recommended that cyclists laugh at the rain - especially here in Portland. Now they can laugh at me too.

Posted by Timo Landia November 09, 2010 12:24:00