In my opinion, keeping warm while riding in the wet is more important than keeping dry. In fact, keeping dry, in really wet weather (be it from perspiration or leaks in fabric) is impossible, regardless of what any manufacturers say. That's why wool is such a great fabric: one tends to stay warm, even when wet. Therefore, I try to think of the temperature, rather than the moisture content in the sky, when choosing my apparel. (I live in Portland, OR, where it can be colder than many people imagine it to be! Winter time riding could be as balmy as 50 degrees F. or as cold as 20 degrees F. Quite a difference! Usually, this means layers of wool, combined with "waterproof" shell material. I have been very impressed with two jacket manufacturers: Burley (alas, no longer made) and Showers Pass.
Since my legs seldom get cold while riding, I don't often wear rain pants. When I do, any cheap old pair will do. The cheaper, the better, actually. If it's wet enough to wear rain pants, overheating doesn't much matter. Hands, head, and feet are important considerations, also. I ride clipless, so my feet get wet. Keeping them warm is a challenge. I use either old wool stocks with cleat holes cut out, which I wear over my shoes, or neoprene booties over my shoes. Both do a good job of keeping my feet warmer. Nothing will keep them dry. Why bother? Hands: wool gloves with half finger cycling gloves over them for snug fit and grip on the bars. It's got to be really cold and wet before I wish for more protection. Head: a wool bike cap or wood beanie under my helmet. I don't use a helmet cover. I do use a rain jacket hood when it's really wet, but I prefer not to most often, because it hinders my visibility and hearing. In the end, Iust embrace the wet season, realize it may be uncomfortable, and relish the days when it is not. On Thursday, September 13, 2012 11:55:57 AM UTC-7, tragicallyaverage wrote: > > As the rainy season approaches, I've been motivated to keep myself dry. My > former method of riding in the rain was to ride a fendered bike, and then > simply get soaked on my commutes. > I'd like to attempt to stay as dry and comfy as the fall season > approaches. Any suggestions or products that have worked well for anyone? > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/xAezELdSyy8J. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
