Over the years, I have tried innumerable combinations of waterproofing in the hope of finding that perfect rain jacket. I have found that the perfect jacket doesn’t really exist. The best jacket really depends on the purpose of what kind of cycling you have done.
I’m always tempted by light, easy to pack, ‘waterproof jackets’. But, you tend to get what you pay for. In reality all waterproof jackets offer degrees of waterproofing and degrees of breathability. It is a matter of finding the best combination for your type of riding. I also find it is necessary to have more than one for the different purpose of riding.
Heavy Goretex, Waterproof jackets. These jackets are pretty good on being waterproof. But, I find them pretty poor on the breathability side. It is also quite heavy and bulky. I tend never to use this when training. However, when commuting slowly 2-3 miles into town it is fine. On the commute, I’m not looking to work up a sweat, but you want to be as waterproof as possible.
In reality, it can start to feel damp around the edges of sleeves. But, your main body is kept waterproof.
If I was cycle touring and stuck to a schedule or riding 5 hours through a Lake District rainy day. I would also be wanting this kind of jacket.
Good for Cycle Touring – too heavy and lacking in breathability for training and racing.
dhb Amberley Waterproof.
This is perhaps the most versatile rain jacket and pretty good value. It is light and small enough to fit in a back pocket (I also keep it in a cut off bottle cage). Yet, it offers pretty good wateproofing for 1-2 hours which is about as much as you want to do when its raining hard. When training, I tend not to ride for more than an hour in heavy rain; it does tends to be getting wet after this time frame. But, keeps the worst of the cold out. Panels in the arm help breath.If it is really heavy, I may use in combination with a cycle gilet which I nearly always carry as well.
- dhb Amberley £54.99 at Evans
Cycle Gilet. This is very useful for the days, with frequent small showers (on a recent ride in the misty hills of the Yorkshire dales, it was ideal for the top of the climbs where it always seems to be wet.). The cycle gilet is just very easy to put on and take off whilst on the move. I have a custom made one (Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team) by Impsport which is fine. A gilet keeps these small showers from getting your body wet and doesn’t interfere with your cycling and movement. It also can act as a layer of insulation for windy descents. True, your arms are exposed, but, you maintain a flexibility for cycling and training, which you often want. Without a gilet, you are thinking do I want to stop and get sweaty or do I want to keep going and get wet. A gilet helps fill the gap for those awkward showers where you just want to keep going. Definitely a good product to have.
- Cycle Gilets at Wiggle
If the rain becomes heavier and more persistent I may put on the mid level jacket or race cape. Two layers of thin waterproofing are obviously much better.
Race Cape
I bought this Altura race cape (£34.99, Evans) because I was attracted by how small you could role it up. But, for its small size you pay in the fact that it is less effective in dealing with really heavy rain. It is really insufficient for long persistent heavy rain. But, if you are training / racing through a few showers, it helps maintain a few more degrees in the body. Again I often wear it in combination with a cycle gilet. I tend to take this race cape, when weather forecast is reasonably good / warm. It’s an insurance against unexpected heavy showers, but isn’t too bulky.
Writing this post, makes me realise how many waterproof tops I have tried. Some of the most expensive Goretex ones have often proved a disappointing buy as I rarely actually wear it when training. But, if I was a slow tourer / commuter I may use them more often and a race cape less useful.
The thing is when it really pours down with rain and you still have 30 miles to go, you really need something pretty solid! I think every cyclist learns this the hard way at some time!
A good waterproof jacket is essential for any cyclist.
- A useful tip for carrying a lightweight jacket. Take an old plastic water bottle and cut it in half. The lightweight waterproof jacket will fit in here, then you can carry it in a bottle cage. Ideal, if you only need one water bottle and have 2 slots for water brackets.
Altura Jacket
- Altura Night Vision -(£48.99 – at wiggle) Waterproof, breathable and made out of the durable Altek fabric. This will withstand much more rain as it has a couple of layers and better material. It is very bright and great for winter riding. In summer it can be too hot.
Briko Jacket
- Briko Extra waterproof (£44.99) Ultralight jacket made of Nylon Dropshell that is completely heat taped and unlined.
Top of the Range Cycling Jacket
- Endura Venturi eVent (£134.99) This is a 3 layer fabric – Lightweight, fully waterproof and exceptionally breathable. All zips are fully waterproof.
- Rear shoulder vents for extra breath ability
Related
- Waterproof jackets at Wiggle
- Rain wear at Evans
- Waterproof jackets at Amazon
Do you go cycling in the rain?
Trying to stay dry on a bicycle in the rain is surely pointless….I’ve been riding for decades and realised a long time ago that the issue is staying warm when wet rather than staying dry. Water doesn’t hurt; having spent 18 hours in continuous rain during the 2009 London Edinburgh London Audax I’m immune to it now. My recommendation is that people just wear plenty of layers and a wind-proof top.
I own an Altura jacket – really has not done very well for me. The reflective material got wrecked within 6 months of using it (not heavy use and did not wash it in the washing machine). The pockets then got ripped so I could no longer store stuff in there. Should have taken it back to the store but one of those things you never get round to doing! Maybe it was just a one off bad experience but I know to always stay away from them now.
grrrrr
? (hopefully this isnt the 2nd time i sent this lol)
While sat at a college lecture and not realy paying attention, I passed a note onto a fellow classmate.
The note was asking him what I should wear whilst cycling in the rain (being a new cyclist).
The note came back and like a child at christmas, i eagerly unfolded the answer to all my suffering.
He had drawn a pair of wellies.
Recently I taped the junction of my waterproof socks, and my ankles with black pvc tape.
By the time i got home, my right foot was still dry.