Rain jackets (or: summer is definitely over)

[gnat23]

So, now that I have a flashy new roadbike and have been putting ~100 commuter miles a week on her, I definitely want to keep riding this winter. However, winter in San Francisco means rain. I want to start getting prepared.

What do you look for in a good waterproof biking jacket? Are they really worth $200-300, or are those $20 clear ones ok?

I like the look of the Gore Sportive and Paclite stuff (light for layering/stashing, covered zippers, extra long back). But should I look for something with thumbholes or a hood? Vents? Tension cords? Should I snag one of those Raphas that the fixie-heads oogle over?

-- gnat! (will deal with pants next)

[Eden]

the clear plastic ones aren't really all that comfy - they basically act like a sauna so even if the rain doesn't get you you still end up all wet...

Otherwise which kind of jacket you'd want would probably depend on what type of riding you do. I have a water resistant soft shell that I just love. Much of the riding I do is too hard/fast for most of the heavy duty rain jackets - even though they are breathable they don't breath fast enough - plus they flap. The softshell keeps me mostly dry, fits close, is warm and comfortable and it dries out quickly. If I were going touring, or knew I'd be doing a lot of stopping in pouring rain I'd probably choose a more traditional rain jacket - the butt cover is really nice.
I don't find a hood to be so useful, but a stowable butt flap and pit zips are the features I'd look for in a traditional rain coat.

[velogirl]

Hey, Gnat! Congrats on the new bike......what did you get?

Are you going to use your raingear for commuting or club rides or what?

Thumbholes and hoods are probably over-kill for SF and they will also compromise your mobility/range of motion (just try turning your head with a hood on).

In my experience riding here, I rarely need rain gear for recreational riding. I used it occassionally for commuting, but we really don't get as many rainy days as you'd think.

[gnat23]

Hey, Gnat! Congrats on the new bike......what did you get?

Are you going to use your raingear for commuting or club rides or what?

Thumbholes and hoods are probably over-kill for SF and they will also compromise your mobility/range of motion (just try turning your head with a hood on).

In my experience riding here, I rarely need rain gear for recreational riding. I used it occassionally for commuting, but we really don't get as many rainy days as you'd think.

Thanks, Lorri! I splurged on a Specialized Ruby Pro. It's lighter than a fart, I swear!

I'm thinking mostly for commuting, as I'm moving to skiing and gym rock climbing for the winter weekend, uh, "cross-training". I guess I just don't want to have any excuse to wimp out when the clouds get thick on those dark December afternoons. I didn't even think about the mobility aspect. Good to know!

So, I have a wind-proof and water-resistant shell already: if I layer that with a thermal layer underneath, you think that would get me through most of it without too much misery?

-- gnat!

[velogirl]

Sweet!

If your commute is short and kinda stop + go-ish, you'll want to be dressed warmer than if you get a long, sustained ride, Gnat. The temperature will also dictate what you wear (ie early-early morning it will be cold, coming home it might be warmer). I'd say cycling clothes with your jacket will be perfect (assuming you can carry your work clothes with you to work).

Congratulations again! I hope we'll see you out there once in a while when you're not in the snow.

Lorri

[Zen]

If your commute is short and kinda stop + go-ish, you'll want to be dressed warmer than if you get a long, sustained ride, Gnat.

A cheap plastic jacket may be just the thing for that. I'd have to save up a year for some of the fancier rain gear.

[Xrayted]

I got the Showers Pass jacket and love it. It keeps me dry while breathing really well so I don't end up cooking in my own juices on the ride. It's very wind resistant and you can get a hood for it as well. There are a couple of versions of it, but I have the Elite and soon will be adding the hood to it just cuz I don't like the cold Portland rain running down my neck and back. I put light layers under it when it gets cold out but otherwise, it's great for our temps. It has reflective strips and a very visible orangy-yellow color with some black on it. The 2.0 version also has a front pocket but since it's the newer version, it's more expensive. A good jacket that can be used for regular life and all kinds of sports is priceless.

congrats on the new bike and an attagirl for commuting. I hope you like it.