Need Help with Christmas Present for DH

[Blueberry]

All-

Apologies for posting here, but where else could I get such good advice??

DH just got a new job, and he will be able to bike commute every day (and plans to do so rain or shine). Yay!! One less person depending on a car to get to work... We're in NC, so we rarely have really brutal weather. However, he will need rain gear. He has a rain jacket, but I want to get him a cycling specific one (his regular one needs replacement anyway) and some rain pants.

Does anyone have an opinion on the Showers Pass Elite 2.0 for men versus the touring jacket? I'm thinking the touring model might be preferable for commuting because the fit is looser. I'm also thinking of going ahead and getting the hood.

Also - most importantly - I can't find the rain pants in stock in a medium anywhere!!! Anybody have any ideas??

I would also welcome suggestions if you think there are other rain clothes out there for the guys that would be preferable (I don't think Burley is still making them, but could be wrong...)

Many thanks,

CA

[Grog]

Such a wonderful spouse you are!

I don't know about other commuters, but I personally cannot handle a hood when I'm on the bike. I have yet to find a hood that doesn't get dangerously in my line of sight when I make a shoulder-check (which even people with mirrors will have to do before making a turn). In poor weather (i.e. rain) it's even worse.

I'm sure that more experienced, real commuters may have different opinions though!

[Blueberry]

I'm not sure I quite deserve that, but thanks I got to pick out all of my Christmas presents, and I'm getting spoiled too

Thanks for the feedback on the hood - I was thinking this one might be OK because it goes under the helmet and seems less obtrusive. How do you keep your head dry without one?? A rain cover for the helmet??

FYI he's also getting a new front wheel for his Bike Friday - he loves his generator light, but we wanted to get a lighter wheel for him for the really long rides with lots of climbing

CA

[mimitabby]

try REI for rainpants!

[SouthernBelle]

What about one of those helmet covers??

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=4222

[Velobambina]

The Showers Pass hood that TE sells is perfect. It velcros to the Showers Pass jacket and keeps your head/neck dry.

How about GLOVES for rainy/cold weather (I'm looking for some, too). LOL

Neoprene shoe covers to keep his shoes dry and wool socks to keep his tootsies warm. How about portable wipes so he can clean up his bike? Folks overlook how messy it can get, riding in the rain. Waterproof backpack? Fenders?

[Meaux]

Not to steal from the originator of this thread, but I'm looking for a decent alloy wing bar for DH for around $70. Any suggestions? I'm looking at the FSA Wing Pro. Thanks!