Rain Gear

[specialcross]

I need some advice on rain gear. I mean serious rain gear. In the past, have not had problems finding excuses for not riding unless its perfect out. But NOT this year! I have heard that they make biking rain pants that have no seam up the back - ie. the area covering ones behind is solid and not prone to having the seams leak. Does anyone have them? Also, I'm looking for the "perfect" rain jacket - advice?? I have a little time to buy, I'm in northern Wisconsin and just last week the mercury hit -22!

Thanks for advice

[mimitabby]

showers pass elite is the jacket of choice for many of us out in the pacific NW. (TE sells it)

But most people don't wear rain pants because they don't breathe. However, cheap rain pants that don't breathe are great on short wet rides, they DO keep you warm and dry.

[Zen]

You may be looking for Rainlegs (http://www.wallbike.com/oddsnends/rainlegs.html)

[KnottedYet]

Terry has some Gore rain shorts. Nifty idea, I really like it cuz I sweat too much to wear full rain pants (or even a rain jacket). Keeping my buns and thighs warm and dry would make the world a better place.

I'm too tired to go search for the shorts, but they are in my latest Terry catalog.

Oh, there's also a pants version.

[Zen]

Alp-X Lady Rain Shortshttp://www.terrybicycles.com/detail.html?item_no=2655

[indigoiis]

Last night I did my first "serious" rain commute. I knew it was going to be stormy and very rainy, in advance. I knew what the temp would be. I knew my route and how many miles I had to go (10 from the bus, with 3 big hills on dark scary back roads) and I knew it would be around 8 p.m. that I would be riding (I had a late meeting.) As the rain started, I watched out the window and thought, in an hour, I am going to be riding in that. At the end of the meeting, I made sure I had all of my layers, reflective gear, rain gear (pvc jacket but only nylon warm up pants... I know - they're not waterproof...) waterproof gloves, plastic bags in my shoes...

Suffice it to say that despite all, I was thoroughly soaked through. But I haven't had that much fun in a long, long time. And I will do it again. Maybe need pvc pants as well.

Here's a funny: I parked my bike on campus under cover, you know, to keep the foam seatcover dry. But then I took a bus 35 miles, the bike hanging on the front of the bus. Well duh.

[mimitabby]

indigo you are inspirational! I always carry a plastic bag in my little velo orange bag so i can cover the saddle with it if it is left exposed to rain.

[coyote]

Grant it, it does not rain much here and it is not really very cold when it rains. So, I just use regular bike tights, technical top, and a supposed rain jacket. The jacket does double duty for being very bright and for catching the splatter from the back wheel. The skin on my legs gets wet (and if it rains hard enough, my top gets wet too), but the fabric keeps the road grim off. I do have to pay attention to the weather report and plan ahead. I don't mind my body getting wet and the tights and jacket keep me plenty warm. I actually love riding in the rain. I'm sure I would not if it rained all the time.

[Geonz]

Gore-tex rocks. I got a rainsuit handmedown. It's really, almost as if it just isn't raining. It's amazing. Expensive, though ... and I can't find the pants now ;(