New Commuter, anybody use waterproof over trousers regularly?

[Moodyman]

For 3km, I would not bother with the hassle and the downsides mentioned above.

Wear an old jean/trouser/jogging bottom whilst cycling, and put your smart trouser on at work.

Edit: You'll also avoid crotch wear on your nice trousers

 

[furball]

Not everybody likes them but Rainlegs keep the thighs dry without the hindrance of overtrousers.
I find them particularly useful in sub zero tempertures because they prevent the thighs from numbing in the cold.

 

[HLaB]

For a similar length of commute and sometimes a bit longer I used to use Montane Featherlite overtrousers. They're more wind proof than waterproof but are good on the breathability side, keep the trousers clean and compact off the bike (crush down to the size of an apple). Despite not being fully waterproof they will keep out the rain for 3km.

 

[Milkfloat]

Waterproof shorts if it is hot or waterproof trousers if cold. I very rarely wear the waterproof trousers over my normal trousers, just the waterproofs.

 

[slowmotion]

Waterprrof overtrousers don't keep your feet dry - a spare pair of socks at work is very useful on wet days. And old newspaper to stuff in your cycling shoes to dry them during the day.

Nothing keeps your feet dry, overshoes included.

 

[I like Skol]

a spare pair of socks at work is very useful on wet days.

x 2 bazillion!

 

[MichaelW2]

Nothing keeps your feet dry, overshoes included.

I am always looking for the ideal winter commuting footwear, a lightweight trail-shoe/boot style with a waterproof high boot length gaitor that functions only to keep water and dirt out, but not with bulky "support". I once saw a fell running boot like. Every boot high enough to keep water out also includes lots of padding and support.

 

[KneesUp]

Capes are great fun especially in a side wind.one of my club mates got blow of the road into a ditch. He was pretty light weight doubt if he weighed more than 8stone wet through.If using a cape a sowester is essential to complete the look.

I have a greasy flat cap a la Fred Dibnah.

 

[biggs682]

I use an earlier version of these

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/900-urban-waterproof-cycling-trousers-black-lime-id_8354732.html

and never had any issues

 

[pawl]

I have a greasy flat cap a la Fred Dibnah.[/QUOTE

Good idea greasy flat cap.Keeps the rain water out.

 

[Fab Foodie]

For 3km, I would not bother with the hassle and the downsides mentioned above.

Wear an old jean/trouser/jogging bottom whilst cycling, and put your smart trouser on at work.

Edit: You'll also avoid crotch wear on your nice trousers

I’d go with this. Just carry dry trousers and shoes and change at work. There are a zillion different ways to carry stuff on a Brommie. I know, I also cycle camp with mine.
By the way. You are a real cyclist.
Welcome!

 

[Brains]

Not everybody likes them but Rainlegs keep the thighs dry without the hindrance of overtrousers.
I find them particularly useful in sub zero tempertures because they prevent the thighs from numbing in the cold.

Another plus one for Rainlegs. A brilliant product, they live in my panniers or Brompton CBag all year around
I gave up with waterproof trousers on the bike years ago.

https://www.rainlegs.com/en/about.html

 

[User16625]

I usually do - the shins of the trousers get wet walking, so people don't look at you odd while they dry out. It's a sodden lap which is unappealing IMO.

When I use overtrousers, I have to slow right down to avoid saturating the trousers with sweat - and I don't even sweat much. When it's not too windy, a rain cape is better.

How would a cape work? It also sounds terribly un-aero whether its windy or not.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Another rainlegs user.

 

[mjr]

How would a cape work? It also sounds terribly un-aero whether its windy or not.

Oh, it is completely unaero. It just becomes hazardous over 30mph.

Capes work by covering the rider from handlebars to rear rack. Not sure how else to explain it.
https://jnyyz.wordpress.com/2012/10/24/in-praise-of-rain-capes/