Rain Cape for cool temps

I am looking for an affordable rain solution for my ride in October. I figure that there is a better than even chance that I will have some rain to deal with - and probably it isn't the best time in the year to not have something in mind. Right now I just get wet and don't worry about it. That might not be wise for a long ride in mid-October.

I've noted that Carradice has a rain poncho for about 15 pounds - and their products seem to have a good reputation. Any other solutions that others have found? I would prefer to have my legs free if possible.

Other suggestions?

Ponchos are big sails. Fine when the wind is behind you and faster than your ground speed ... not so much the rest of the time.

Wool for me. I probably sweat more than most people, but I have yet to find anything (including expensive "breathable" gear) that doesn't make me just as wet with what it keeps in, as it would with what I'm trying to keep out.

A light wool base layer and synthetic fleecy knee warmers were just fine for me on Columbus Fall Challenge last year - <scurrying back to SportTracks to see exactly what the weather was, besides wet> steady temps in the low 60s all day both days, rain varying from heavy to light. So yours might be a bit cooler, but if it were me, I'd just wear a heavier wool base layer and possibly wool tights.

If you really want a rainsuit, then I'd go for Frogg Toggs spun polypropylene. It's about as breathable as it gets, very lightweight and relatively inexpensive.

A few years ago I did a a 2-week bike trip in Belgium & Netherlands, in Ocotober where it rained nearly every day. I bought a Goretex jacket from Performance with zip off sleeves. I love that jacket and it worked out really well on that trip. I also bought some cheap Goretex rain pants from Sunny Surplus (sadly, out of business now). I wore the jacket every day on that trip, and wear it all winter when I'm riding at home. The pants I wore on many of those days on the trip but have not had them on since. Then again I don't normally start a ride if it's raining. If rain happens, that's another story, I'll deal with it, but I ride for fun and riding when cold, wet, miserable isn't so much fun for me.

Oh - you said affordable. Well, you can use a plastic shower cap over your helmet - will help to keep your head dry, and thus warmer. In a pinch you can use a plastic garbage bag as a ponch, but eventually that's a mess and you'll get soaked.

Good tips, thanks! Oakleaf that sounds like a great combination....I do like wool and I do sweat a lot.

I have given up on rain jackets- they always end up sweaty. Instead I have invested in long sleeved water resistant wind proof top with a wool underlayer. It's OK getting wet, it's just staying warm which is the important thing.

However I hate water in my shoes, so I have a pair of seal skin socks and water resistant shoe covers so I don't end up with water slopping around in my shoes. That's the worse feeling!

What about Showers Pass jackets?? I've been pondering one for a while but haven't..

Stay away from rain capes if possible. They flop and fly all over the place, and you still get wet from all the spray coming UP from the road. When it rains, you'll get wet. I really like my REI rain jacket, though. It's obnoxiously bright yellow, and visibility in the rain is more important than staying dry (because you won't). But my REI rainjacket is reasonably priced and comfortable and visible. Gore-Tex is the best, but it's not in my budget.

I've been very happy with my Showers Pass eVent jacket and I don't get all sweaty when I wear it. It's not a cheap solution. However after wearing it while doing the Sea Gull Century in a nor'easter, I think it's a worthy investment.

Catrin, I've had good luck with wool. It really does keep you warm even when wet.

Also, I second the shower-cap-on-helmet idea. It works.