Waterproof rain cape

[Globalti]

Good God, what a nightmare garment that must be. Cyclists need snug-fitting clothes that don't flap or billow out behind. I love my Castelli Sottile rain jacket because it's quite tight but elastic so it fits snugly. I first wore it for the London 100 that was shortened to 86 miles due to the American hurricane and despite riding about 40 miles in biblical rain I stayed reasonably dry, to my amazement.

We used oilskin cycling capes and sou ' westers when we climbed in the 60s and they weren't great. Someone called Peter Storm invented cagoules but they made you sweat like a nutter.

 

[mjr]

Good God, what a nightmare garment that must be. Cyclists need snug-fitting clothes that don't flap or billow out behind.

Who died and made you god of cyclist needs? Maybe if you want to prioritise speed over comfort, or you find that more comfortable, but hey, each to their own.

I love my Castelli Sottile rain jacket because [...]

This makes the best of a bad job; it is pretty waterproof so after a few miles you begin to boil in the bag. [...] You would not want to use it for commuting though, the white polymer material absorbs dirt and environmental chemicals and discolours quite quickly; I left a rubber band around mine and within three days there was a brown stain where sulphur compounds from the rubber had transferred into the jacket, marking it permanently.

Would the real Globalti please stand up? Or tell us if you've used a cape made from modern fabrics (and not a jacket called a race cape), which one and how it went?

 

[Elybazza61]

Well, they're generally cheaper and keep more of you dry than a tight-fitting jacket, while less sweaty than the full waterproof coat+trousers+overshoes set - plus they can look cool: http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/search/label/cape

I almost believed you about looking cool until I clicked that link.

Would still look ridiculous on a race style bike though;I'll stick to my Sportful etc waterproof kit I think.