Newbie and Waterproof question

Daryl_C

Hi all!

i am new here (in so much as i am now registerd and not lurking!!)

just wondering what waterproof trouser/shorts people wear?

(will also have some bike choice questions later....)

thanks Daryl

Wallace1492

waterproof top, non waterproof shorts, dont care if they get wet, usually do somewhere down Maryhill Road!!

Daryl_C

hmmm interesting...just wondered if there was any way of avoiding putting on wet gear for bike home!

Aidy

Daryl_C wrote:

hmmm interesting...just wondered if there was any way of avoiding putting on wet gear for bike home!

I hang stuff up in the office.

Also stash a pair of cycling socks in my drawer, nothing worse than putting on wet socks.

Avoneer

Yep - I think thats' the norm - good waterprof top and let eveything else get wet.

Dry socks at work are a must.

You'll find that you only get "really" wet a few times a year, despite what you might think.

Pat...

Wallace1492

Avoneer wrote:

Yep - I think thats' the norm - good waterprof top and let eveything else get wet.

Dry socks at work are a must.

You'll find that you only get "really" wet a few times a year, despite what you might think.

Pat...

You obvioulsy don't commute in the West of Scotland, change "year" to "week" and that is more like it up here.

I keep spare top, jacket and socks in work in case ones I cycle in on are not kinda dry by way home. Putting on damp stuff is ok, as it warms up quite quickly, and if you are doing a decent pace you will sweat anyway. I quite like cycling in the rain, but hate starting when it is raining, but ok if it starts after I have.

prawny

I don't usually bother with waterproofs at all. I just wear stuff that drys quickly and hang it up at work so it's dry for the home leg. Waterproof jackets are far too hot for me I just get soaked in sweat instead.

cjcp

Aidy wrote:

Daryl_C wrote:

hmmm interesting...just wondered if there was any way of avoiding putting on wet gear for bike home!

I hang stuff up in the office.

Also stash a pair of cycling socks in my drawer, nothing worse than putting on wet socks.

+1. Brought some in with me today just in case! Take a spare pair of shorts too, if necesary.

mudcovered

prawny wrote:

I don't usually bother with waterproofs at all. I just wear stuff that drys quickly and hang it up at work so it's dry for the home leg. Waterproof jackets are far too hot for me I just get soaked in sweat instead.

Same for me. Used to hate cycling in the rain (when wearing a waterproof) but now I don't bother I really enjoy it. If it looks like its going to be really wet I might stick a spare pair of shorts and socks in the bag. They are the slowest thing to dry.

Mike

R_T_A

It's best to invest in some quick drying materials. I've got some Endura Singletrack shorts: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=13217

I've used them for a year, and they're brilliant.

I can't stand waterproof jackets - I overheat massively in them, so I go for a windstopper soft shell. You're going to get wet anyway

Mike400

prawny wrote:

I don't usually bother with waterproofs at all. I just wear stuff that drys quickly and hang it up at work so it's dry for the home leg. Waterproof jackets are far too hot for me I just get soaked in sweat instead.

Tried waterproof trousers - waste of time as the sweat / condensation made my legs just as wet, and slowed me down as I just wasn't comfortable.

I really like the air around my legs when cycling, and I quite like the rain on my legs as it seems to cool them down a bit? Either way some of my fastest commutes have been in the rain.

The only disadvantage with not wearing the trousers is wet socks - my socks soak the water up and it gets into my shoes, so if its really pouring down my shoes are full of water by the time I get to work / home.

Wouldnt mind trying waterproof socks as Im not keen on overshoes?

Other than that I stash a light waterproof jacket in my panniers, which only comes out when its really heavy rain or really windy. I find my helmet keeps enough of the rain off, and any water that gets through cools my head down so is welcome enough.

I have close fitting SKS mudguards, which keeps most of the spray off.

Apart from that you will get wet. Its more about adjusting your perspective and enjoying it rather than trying to stay dry as it just wont happen.

I live in Northern Ireland where it rains every other day.

solsurf

as others you will probably find waterproof tops too hot in the summer so I find a water shedding gilet ideal for this time of year it keeps you warm without toasting you.
As for your legs, just let them get wet, they warm up if you pedal hard enough. I always find once I'm out I enjoy the fight against the elements. Although I do think motorists tend not to see you as clearly in mirrors etc. so take care!

hope this helps.

R_T_A

Mike400 wrote:

Wouldnt mind trying waterproof socks as Im not keen on overshoes?

Try Sealskinz - they've worked for me. I've also got shoes with a leather shield over the tops of the laces which really work well too. I had bone dry feet even yesterday

tiny_pens

I use rainlegs. Won't keep you dry all day but are adequate for short commutes and don't feel hot and sweaty like waterproofs. The other advantage is they roll up into a sort of belt so you can strap it to your waist if it looks like it might start raining and then roll down the legs if you are caught out mid ride.

Regards

prawny

tiny_pens wrote:

I use rainlegs. Won't keep you dry all day but are adequate for short commutes and don't feel hot and sweaty like waterproofs. The other advantage is they roll up into a sort of belt so you can strap it to your waist if it looks like it might start raining and then roll down the legs if you are caught out mid ride.

Regards

Are you taking about Chaps? :shock:

Aguila

Have a look at this thread:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... highlight=

I think overshoes are essential, I hate wet shoes to ride home in.

Some waterproof trousers are fine BTW, I have some endura eVent ones which I do not get too hot in even now, reserved for really wet days just because of bulk. You get what you pay for though, they are £120+.

Mike400

R_T_A wrote:

Mike400 wrote:

Wouldnt mind trying waterproof socks as Im not keen on overshoes?

Try Sealskinz - they've worked for me. I've also got shoes with a leather shield over the tops of the laces which really work well too. I had bone dry feet even yesterday

I had a look at sealskinz, but was reluctant to part with £10 a pair as I didnt know if they were worth it? I might buy one pair and see how they go.

My cycling shoes are velcro strapped and dont seem to let water in that way. Its just the socks soaking it up and transferring inside the shoes

TheRevOlutionary

I use an Endura eVent jacket, very breathable and not a drop of rain gets through, plus a cheap pair of lightweight Regatta overtrousers which keep most of the rain off. Also keep spare socks at work.

Oddjob62

I just wear shorts and tshirt pretty much all weather. Obviously i always have plenty of warm dry clothes at work.