If you've never tried modern rain gear, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Protected by waterproof
wonder fabrics that breathe to prevent overheating, you can ride for hours remaining warm, dry and
comfortable. Spinning down the road and trail in the rain, you'll feel like you're a kid again
jumping in every puddle you see. Instead of dreading wet weather, you'll appreciate the variety it
brings to your cycling.
Rubbish Bags and Ponchos
In a pinch, you can make a cycling raincoat out of a rubbish bag by cutting holes for your neck and
arms. This works pretty well for keeping dry, however, you generate so much heat pedaling that you
get soaked with sweat. Yuk.
Another standby is the 2 dollar shop poncho, a cape-like raincoat that does a fair job of keeping
the rain out. Unlike the rubbish bag, ponchos flap around enough to provide some cooling
ventilation. Unfortunately, this flapping catches lots of wind too, which makes it harder to
maintain your pace.
Rain Relief
Good bicycle-apparel makers recognize the importance of reliable rain wear and they've created
impressive materials and clothing designs. Today you'll find everything from basic plastic rain
jackets that a century rider (160km rider) or racer might carry for lightweight protection to
full-blown rain suits with high-tech fabrics and features.
Waterproof versus Water Resistant
To be truly waterproof, rain gear must be made of waterproof fabrics and have sealed or taped seams
so that rain cannot leak through the small perforations made by sewing needles during construction.
Sealing and taping seams takes special equipment and extra time and adds to the garment's cost.
If the gear features water-resistant fabric, it usually means that a coating has been applied to
the material to help repel water. Water-resistant fabrics work well for light rain and drizzle.
But, they won't handle steady rain. If you're looking for real protection, get true waterproof
fabric.
Breath-ability and Moisture Management
Being waterproof means that moisture won't pass through the fabric so rain can't come in. But --
and this is a big but -- sweat can't go out, either. Cycling generates so much heat and sweat that
the only way to stay dry inside and out is to have a garment that's not only waterproof but that
breathes and wicks moisture, too. Breath-ability and moisture management are obtained through
venting and/or fabric construction.
Venting
Vents allow air into the garment preventing overheating. Vents can be simple mesh panels or
specially designed zippered openings or Velcro vents which you open and close to adjust your body
temperature. Simple mesh panels that can't be opened and closed let air in, but are not designed to
keep water out. More sophisticated (and expensive) vents allow air in and keep water out. Apparel's
cost is affected by the number and type of vents it has.
Cycling rain-gear fabrics fall into one of the following three categories:
1. PVC or poly-vinyls
Completely waterproof, but can't wick moisture or breathe without exterior vents or mesh panels.
These fabrics are generally used in basic plastic rain jackets.
2. Coated fabrics
Nylons or polyesters with waterproof coatings. Fabrics that are coated rather than laminated tend
to be a little softer... less noisy, too. But they're not as waterproof. Some examples of coated
fabrics include: Hydro-No, Power-Tex, Ultrex, Breath and Hydroflex.
3. Laminated fabrics
Nylons or polyesters laminated to a microporous membrane (2-ply laminate), and sometimes to an
additional layer of fabric designed to wick moisture (3-ply laminate). Laminates are layers of
fabrics glued or heat bonded together. Laminates are more waterproof than coated fabrics but they
tend to be a little stiffer and heavier. Examples of laminates include: Aqua-No, Bosui, Challenge,
Dermizax, Gore-Tex (see illustration), XALT.
Here's how Gore-Tex works its magic
Features
Here are explanations of the great features you'll find in today's rain wear:
- Elongated tail: Cycling-specific rain jackets sport elongated tails. This
means the jacket's back is cut long to cover and protect your lower back and butt when you're
bent over the bars.
- Fleece-lined collar: Jacket collars are often fleece lined. This adds
comfort and keeps the wind from blowing down your neck. Plus some fleece wicks moisture.
- Reflective tape and piping: Visibility is important on rainy days. Most
wet-weather wear is produced in bright yellow or other highly visible colors, which helps. That's
changing, however, and companies now offer alternative hues. For optimum visibility, most
manufacturers place reflective tape or piping on apparel, too. Reflective material is great for
safety but it's expensive and adds cost.
- Cuffs: Price-point garments usually sport simple elastic cuffs. More
expensive, and technical jackets and pants have adjustable cuffs, which allow adjustment for a
snug fit (with and without gloves) so wind doesn't balloon the sleeves/legs while you're
riding.
- Bungy cord-adjustable hems and waists: Bungy cords allow adjusting the
jacket's girth (usually at the hem or waist; sometimes at the collar) keeping the wind from
inflating the jacket. And they make pants more comfortable, too.
- Underarm vents (also called: "pit zips"): These are great for adjusting body
temperature while riding. Good pit zips are easy to open and close with one hand while riding.
More expensive jackets have mesh panels or other methods of preventing them opening and flapping
in the wind.
- Covered zippers (also called: "wind flaps"): Rain jackets and pants need
zipper covers to keep the wind and rain from blowing through. These covers can be inside the
garment or out.
- Hoods: Most high-end rain jackets have hoods that fit over helmets. These
store in the collar or are detachable.
- Portability: If you need to pack and carry your rain jacket for a surprise
rain or long trip, it's important to have a model that stuffs or folds small for storage in a
pocket or pack. How small a jacket (pants, too) folds depends on the type of fabric and
construction. Usually, the more features it includes, the more space it requires.
- Pockets: Most rain jackets have rear pockets handy for storing items you may
need during a ride. Alternatively, they have rear openings that allow access to your jersey
pockets. Pants sometimes sport pockets, too.
- Articulated elbows: Some manufacturers contour jacket sleeves to follow your
natural arm bend while cycling. This bend is called an articulated elbow and it adds
comfort.
- Taillight clip: Jackets often have clips on the back for mounting
taillights, a nice safety enhancement.
Don't forget the booties!
Booties are snug-fitting waterproof or water-resistant shoe covers, which help keep your feet warm
and dry. They protect the shoes, too, which helps them last as long as possible.
Now that you've poured over our rain-gear advice, come visit to try some on!