Rain Wear Question

[Python]

Mr Silver's "Rain Ride" has inspired this question.

What do you ladies wear if you go out on your bike and it's raining?

I remember seeing cyclists years ago with these bright yellow capes and Sou'wester hats which covered rider and bike. I actually saw them in one of our supermarkets recently. Not the most becoming of apparell (both for the rider and the bike!)

[IFjane]

I don't have specific rain gear because, if it is actively raining I choose not to go out. We have so many hills/curves on our roads that I do not feel safe out there in the rain. However, if the forecast is like Mr. Silver had and I decide to take a chance on it, I usually pack my PI Zephyr jacket. It is not water proof, but is water resistant and will keep me pretty warm & dry until I get back. It is also that lovely neon yellow/green color & can't help be be seen.

My biggest complaint about rain riding is my glasses - I have Bolle wraparounds with prescription inserts. If it starts raining, I have to take them off and ride "blind" because the water gets between the lenses & I can't see a thing!

[Eden]

It depends on how you intend to ride too. If I am going out for a more touring pace ride or on errands I prefer to wear a good waterproof rain jacket - waterproof, but vented - pit zips and the like. If I am going out for a fast training ride I prefer a very breathable soft shell, since if I'm going hard I sweat too much in a waterproof jacket, no matter how beathable it claims to be. Then if I slow down I'm all sweaty and I freeze... The soft shell remains warm even when wet.

[RoadRaven]

I pretty much do what Eden does.

I don't do looong rides...

50-80km would be my longest rides. I wear only a soft, breathable jacket in light rain/drizzle.
I have a long sleeved water-proof jersey/jacket for heavier rain.
But really heavy stuff i just don't ride in...

[Python]

I'm really asking because I'm about to ditch my car. I'm hoping to sell it shortly. I haven't been using it so much, mostly because of the expense of keeping it on the road (UK). I'm only 3 miles from my workplace so having two cars in the family isn't really viable anymore. In any case, I can get to work far quicker on the bike - and that applies to going home too even though it's uphill all the way. It's just that we have typical British weather. We can have all the seasons in one day LOL.

[KnottedYet]

Another Seattle-ite chiming in: I generally just wear wool (pants, socks, shirt, jacket) for speedy rides as I sweat too much in rain gear.

For my 4 mile commute I wear a light rainjacket and when it's really raining I wear a cheap pair of nylon rainpants over my work pants.

I have a pretty decent water-resistant pannier on my commuter bike that keeps my stuff dry. i have taken dry socks and such to work with me on wet days.