waterproof clothing

[Richard F]

Hi all
Any chance of some suggestions for some recommended quality waterproof jackets, bibs. For training on weekends and riding to work.
Cheers Rich

 

[Hacienda71]

True waterproofs will make you boil in the bag you end up wetter than if you weren't wearing them! I tend to go for a showerproof softshell and take a packable waterproof incase the weather really deteriorates as the best policy. Also merino base layers keep you warmer than artificial if they get damp. The recommendations as to what to buy will be influenced on budget. A softshell can cost from £25 upto £200+.
On the lower half I just use normal winter bibtights. I don't find my legs get cold if I am riding at a reasonable tempo.
For comfort on the bottom half make sure you have guards on the bike and a good pair of overshoes or winterboots.

 

[Richard F]

Thanks for the advice ive bought castelli waterproof gloves and overshoes. It was more the jacket which I dont mind paying £100+ for as I know you get what you pay for. Any suggestions with the soft shell waterproof jacket and bib tights.
Thanks again
Rich

 

[Herzog]

Thanks for the advice ive bought castelli waterproof gloves and overshoes. It was more the jacket which I dont mind paying £100+ for as I know you get what you pay for. Any suggestions with the soft shell waterproof jacket and bib tights.
Thanks again
Rich

GORE TEX ones are very good quality; pricey but, in my opinion, worth it.

 

[Hacienda71]

I have a Gore Oxygen softshell that is showerproof and slightly breathable, It retails iirc at £150 ish. Anything over 4 or 5 degrees though and it gets sweaty. It is a great fit and excellent when really cold but not a true allrounder. I have various other jackets and winter jerseys and layer according to the weather forecast. A small waterproof/windproof packable jacket in the back pocket is an excellent addition and has saved my bacon on rides when the heavans have opened. There are so many on the market though it is down to fit all, of the brands do them. Even the Aldi ones are worth having and pack small enough to fit easily in a jersey pocket.

 

[Peter Armstrong]

http://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/78828-buyers-guide-best-waterproof-cycling-clothing
Thats a good guide, expensive tho, im in the same boat, need some decent waterprrof gear.

I bought all cheap stuff and its poop, let me down after 45mins, got soaked.

 

[lpretro1]

We both have the Altura Night Vision Evo - very good and breathable and great to be seen with in the dark.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I'm currently in the process of replacing mine. I will be getting the Altura Night Vision Evo jacket as well, but I have also seen a Gore Bike Wear Goretex mtb top that looks interesting but well out of my price range.

Edit: leg wise I have an old set of NorthWave weather protect bibs that have a layer of 'rubber' between the 2 layers of lycra/thermal stuff. It works brilliantly and is only there for the areas of the legs that need protection/get the wettest when riding. They are what I wear when the weather is bad. Sadly after about 8 years of use, the lycra is giving up and I will soon need to replace them.

 

[evo456]

True waterproofs will make you boil in the bag you end up wetter than if you weren't wearing them! I tend to go for a showerproof softshell and take a packable waterproof incase the weather really deteriorates as the best policy. Also merino base layers keep you warmer than artificial if they get damp. The recommendations as to what to buy will be influenced on budget. A softshell can cost from £25 upto £200+.
On the lower half I just use normal winter bibtights. I don't find my legs get cold if I am riding at a reasonable tempo.
For comfort on the bottom half make sure you have guards on the bike and a good pair of overshoes or winterboots.

Exactly, I have a Gore Power Active Shell Jacket which is right at the premium end of the price scale and depending on how much effort you put it you'll eventually boil no matter how breathable it is. On a side note the jacket is completely water proof in showers with good breathability- you can see the water vapour/steam vent from the jacket in cold weather after a spirited ride.- almost looks like I'm burning up!

 

[fossyant]

Quite a few of us here have bought the Altura Varium jackets from Leckies of Falkirk - they may have some sizes left. They are a £140 jacket that was bulk ordered for £40. works great as a softshell, keeps the wind out, and allows temperature control, but is also 'rain' proof. Exactly how capable it is I'm not sure - I've been rained on a few times and it's been fine. Not sure it would keep out a monsoon, but it's always worth carrying a cheap waterproof for this.

 

[tuffty]

Another vote for Gore Oxygen here, I've had one for years and it keeps anything but heavy rain off nicely. A cheap DHB waterproof in the back pocket then for the worst downpours. I also have a GoreTex Proshell jacket for hiking and out of interest tried that on the bike - you still end up soaking with sweat after 10 minutes so I wouldn't bother buying a dedicated high-end bike waterproof, I don't think they've invented the material that lets out the quantities of sweat you will be emitting whilst cycling.

 

[musa]

Thanks for the advice ive bought castelli waterproof gloves and overshoes. It was more the jacket which I dont mind paying £100+ for as I know you get what you pay for. Any suggestions with the soft shell waterproof jacket and bib tights.
Thanks again
Rich

What size are you?