cold/rain gear?

I moved to Boston 2 years ago, tentatively started biking around the city last spring, and this spring jumped head first into full-time bike commute *addict*. I would bike EVERYWHERE if I could. I love it. I am free.

But then, this June happened. The dimmest June on record, rain 25 out of the last 30 days, wtf. Okay, nothing I can do about the weather, but I want to RIDE!

I know it's all about having the right gear, so what gear do I need? What outfits do you guys recommend for very wet rides? What about rides that are wet, but could be 65 degrees F one day and 50 degrees F another? And while we're at it, what about when it starts getting really cold in the fall? May as well prepare for that now...

thanks in advance for your advice :)

showers pass raincoat. for sale right here at TE.

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Originally Posted by Biciclista

showers pass raincoat. for sale right here at TE.

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+ 1

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Originally Posted by alphabetty

And while we're at it, what about when it starts getting really cold in the fall? May as well prepare for that now...

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You'll need knickers for the cool Fall, and warm long tights for the cold winter.
Learn how to use the TE search functions to find the many wonderful threads talking about cold weather biking clothes- tons of great recommendations there!

I don't mind getting a little wet in temps of 50's-70's if I'm wearing thin merino wool tops and knickers, but I do avoid biking in pouring rain, for sure.
Sometimes I just wear a water-resistant windbreaker vest to keep my core dry.

+1 on searching for cold weather clothing threads. Great advice here.

If you can't afford the Showers Pass (by most accounts the very best) right away, check out the O2 Rainshield stuff. You have to be quite gentle with it, and they don't claim it to be made for the long haul. But cheap, light, packable, bright yellow, and shockingly effective. I was converted after a 50 mile, 50 degree tour day on the KATY trail in MO when the 2 in our group who had them were dry and GoreTex-type folks were not.

And especially for the 50-60 degree range wet rides, my best answer is merino wool. Layering short or long sleeves w/ rain jacket is the way to go. I'm a Smartwool fan, other here love the Ibex, there are others, but definitely look past the initially steep cost of entry because the stuff is amazing, durable, stink-free (to a reasonable point) and generally a commuter's best friend.

oh yeah, check out the woolweenies thread.
I wear wool almost all year round.