Cycling in Wet
As you read this I will be cycling through Ireland. I have gone on a cycling holiday and, undoubtedly, I will also be cycling through some rain…
It’s tough cycling in the rain, but, with the right gear not quite as bad as it looks from inside the comfort of your house.
Cycling gear. Umbrellas not very practical for cyclist
Jeans
Jeans are unfortunately the worst clothes for rain, soon getting heavy and take ages to dry.
Sometimes if the rain is light, there’s a lot to be said for just getting a little wet.
Essential Cycling Rain Gear
Waterproof trousers. For the commute into town, you want to keep your trousers dry, otherwise you will be uncomfortable for several hours at work. You get what you pay for, but, I prefer breathable trousers. See: long term test of endura waterproof trousers at: Waterproof trousers
Rain Cape. Most rain capes either are breathable and let water in after 20 mins or keep water out but make you sweat inside. Goretex jackets are not as breathable as manufacturers claim, but, is fine for short / non intense cycling. Waterproof jackets
Gillet. Easy to remove waterproof jacket, often sleeveless, useful for slipping in back pocket for longer rides. Useful for keeping wind out.
Other Waterproof Items I also use:
Girters – Is this the right word? I’m not sure. Anyway, my waterproof trousers were a bit short so I bought some ‘girters’ which go from shoe to around ankle. They keep the trousers tucked in and prevent water in the socks.
Plastic bags. You can’t beat a plastic bag in the shoe to keep your socks dry.
Cap. Rain in the eyes, can make cycling difficult, a good old fashioned cycling cap can keep water out.
Waterproof gloves. I prefer having an inner liner and a semi-waterproof glove.
The article seems suited to those undertaking a one or two mile inner-city hop, but those of us who undertake more sustained cycle journeys are disinclined to “crisp packeting” ourselves in a cape or full WPs. A waterproof jacket is OK, though can be sweaty if you get hot easily, while there’s no good WP solution for the legs, less the effects of mudguards (essential, ten minutes of rain equals hours of wet roads.) Normal cycling specific leggings tend to be comfortable when wet and those areas liable to chafe like the crotch or the back of the knees are well sheltered, so it’s not a huge problem. Certainly damp legs are a minor concern compared to riding into a headwind while wearing a rain cape…
If you’re e.g. on a longish commute you’re probably going to change at the destination anyway, so you’re better off arriving damp & being comfortable in the saddle rather than trying to arrive dry but being an overheated windsock on the way & still wet, only from perspiration.
The Dutch seem to manage with umbrellas, of course they have more upright (sensible) bicycles. I can’t imagine trying it on my mountain bike.
Girters? I think you way be talking about Gaiters – normal hiking equipment.