Riding a push bike

shimanobottombracket
shimanobottombracket Posts: 376
edited December 2015 in Road general
Is it reasonably possible to stay dry while cycling in the rain? I find that cheap waterproof over trousers and a raincoat will just make me sweat to the point I would be just as wet had I not bothered wearing anything at all. Never tried anything cycling specific in the form of waterproofs.

Comments

  • pblakeney
    pblakeney Posts: 27,347
    No.

    There is no other accurate answer.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Full mudguards make a huge difference.

    I'd never ride in waterproof pants. As you found out - you'll be as damp from sweat as rain.

    A bicycle doesn't make you invulnerable to the elements I'm afraid.
  • redvision
    redvision Posts: 2,958
    Nope.
    If you don't want to get wet don't ride in the rain.
    Simples :D
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    Decent clothing will make a big difference to what you have been wearing, and will keep you dryer for longer without making you sweat.

    Ultimately you will get wet if the amount of rain is high, and you are in it for long enough, but protecting yourself from light shower or a short time in heavier rain is very doable, just a bit expensive.

    Are you commuting or leisure riding?
    How long in the saddle?

    I commute to work and am always dry when I get there.
  • homers_double
    homers_double Posts: 8,291
    Did 60km on Saturday in lashing down rain and ended up soaking wet despite gore tex jacket and boots.

    Feet were freezing cold as the boots had filled up with water however the rest of my body was warm which is the most important part.

    Fitting mudguards will much improve any wet weather situation and if it isn't raining will keep you dry from any surface water.

    My riding buddy didn't have guards and his text later on complained that he was cold and miserable.
    Advocate of disc brakes.
  • graeme_s-2
    graeme_s-2 Posts: 3,382
    Before I started cycling regularly and cycle commuting (nearly 10 years ago now) I read an article called Commuting by Bicycle in the UK. The one quote I've always remembered from it is:

    "Rainwear is a matter of preference. If it rains you will, ultimately, get wet - it's just a matter of how wet, how quickly."
  • lakesluddite
    lakesluddite Posts: 1,337
    I'd only consider going out in the rain on my commute, as it's only just over an hour, but even then if it's lashing it down for the full hour then I'll be soaked in various places - always on the legs and most of the time the feet as well. The trick is to TRY and keep warm, even if wet. Merino seems to keep warmish even when damp, and I have recently bought some neoprene gloves which are a bit sweaty but were very warm even when wet. Neoprene overshoes are also a good option. I also have waterproof socks, but these sometimes let the water in down the ankle so can be counter-productive (as they don't let the water out again).

    For me a good waterproof (Rapha hardshell - not cheap mind, even if bought at 50% off at the 'Archive Store)over merino baselayer is the best option. It will still not let all the moisture out, but the moisture retained I can live with. It's getting the balance right between wet from the outside and wet from the inside - a fine art indeed.
  • darkhairedlord
    darkhairedlord Posts: 7,180
    I use a pair of endura waterproof over trousers with zip up sides that reach up past the knees. Now here's the important bit, I don't do the zips up but just the velcro straps. The overlap keeps the rain out but allow the air to circulate preventing condensation.
  • chris_bass
    chris_bass Posts: 4,913
    It depends if you want to stay dry or stay warm. If you need to stay dry because you are wearing work clothes or something whilst cycling you are going to struggle. If you want to stay warm, try windproof clothing, I fnd it keeps me warm without having to keep me dry.
    www.conjunctivitis.com - a site for sore eyes
  • whoof
    whoof Posts: 756
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19760887#p19760887]ShimanoBottomBracket[/url] wrote:
    Is it reasonably possible to stay dry while cycling in the rain?

    Yes it is and I've done it many times. The question is what do you mean by cycling?

    When I raced if it was raining on a Saturday and Sunday and I went out training I would make sure I had a decent base layer and some form of water resistant jacket together with neoprene overshoes and gloves. The result was I would be warm and damp. There was no possibility I could ride at any pace that could be described as training and remain dry.

    I have managed to commute or ride to the shops and stay dry. This requires a water proof jacket (one with side vents is good) and over trousers and some water proof overs shoes. You then need to ride at a pace that feels like it's no effort what so ever. Most would rather either ride quicker and get damp or drive but it's doable.
    You could even try one of these but almost everyone would rather get than wear such an item
    http://www.sheldonbrown.com/images/raincape1_gsm.jpg
  • whoof
    whoof Posts: 756
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19761266#p19761266]whoof[/url] wrote:
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19760887#p19760887]ShimanoBottomBracket[/url] wrote:
    Is it reasonably possible to stay dry while cycling in the rain?

    You could even try one of these but almost everyone would rather get than wear such an item
    http://www.sheldonbrown.com/images/raincape1_gsm.jpg

    That should have read "almost everyone would rather get WET than wear such an item.."

    And by 'such an item' I meant the cape and not the beard.
  • fenix
    fenix Posts: 5,437
    Is 'push' really necessary in the title on this forum ? What other kind of bike will it be ?
  • pblakeney
    pblakeney Posts: 27,347
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19761333#p19761333]Fenix[/url] wrote:
    Is 'push' really necessary in the title on this forum ? What other kind of bike will it be ?
    Most likely to be one of these....
    EZ-SKY-WH-W_Currie_ebike_1360269132.jpg
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • byke68
    byke68 Posts: 1,070
    According to a workmate, I ride a push-iron!
    Cannondale Trail 6 - crap brakes!
    Cannondale CAAD8
  • FJS
    FJS Posts: 4,820
    Just ride slower, less sweat
  • shimanobottombracket
    shimanobottombracket Posts: 376
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19760941#p19760941]Carbonator[/url] wrote:
    Decent clothing will make a big difference to what you have been wearing, and will keep you dryer for longer without making you sweat.

    Ultimately you will get wet if the amount of rain is high, and you are in it for long enough, but protecting yourself from light shower or a short time in heavier rain is very doable, just a bit expensive.

    Are you commuting or leisure riding?
    How long in the saddle?

    I commute to work and am always dry when I get there.

    1.25 hours each way typically. Dont mind the cold, its the wet that bothers me which is why I cycled to work most of December 2014 but yet to cycle at all in the past 3 or 4 weeks which is depressing. I cant stand driving but for me, getting wet simply aint an option. Looks like I will have to stick with this driving lark for a while longer and hope Dai Cameron dont add more tax to fuel, motorists seem to be irate enough as is.

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