Has anyone tried a bike poncho, like the one that is linked ? They seem like they would mostly be a big sweaty wind break. However, if people have found their poncho's have kept them and their gear dry during a commute, without adding insurmountable drag, that would be great.
by Tooksbury
8 Comments
Yes they are dope. You need fenders.
I started my journey with plastic bags over shoes, sweaty rain pants and jacket, and snowboarding goggles.
Raincape and fenders are incredible
Edit : thought you meant a rain cape.
Jackets/ponchos are not the way.
Rain cape is the way.
I own one of the Carradice rain capes. On a warm rainy day it can’t be beat for keeping me dry while also allowing for a ton of air circulation under the cape. If I instead wore a rain coat and rain pants, I’d be a sweaty mess.
The cape is also long enough to offer some protection for my handlebar and saddle bags.
The only real downside is when it’s really windy out, because it will catch a lot of the wind. At least it has a waist tie and thumb hooks inside so that the cape stays in place in the wind.
Only $420?
Will signal boost the rain cape recommendations. If you have fenders (get fenders if you’re commuting) a rain cape is superior. They’re long in front to go over your bars and short in back so it doesn’t get sucked into your rear wheel. Lots of airflow reducing the sweaty garbage bag effect.
Have you taken a look at Cleverhood?
I don’t love this design because of the sleeves; it’s basically a long rain coat. The advantage of a normal rain cape is that it floats away from the body and you get airflow. A normal bike rain cape will also cover your thighs and a good part of the bike frame, so you really stay dry. I have one from a few years ago that Brooks made and it really made rain riding much nicer. I just popped it over my work clothes and road as normal. Pair it with some waterproof shoes and you’ll be very dry.
I’ve used the one from Vaude for one winter so far and it worked really well. Catches the wind a bit, but it’s not a big deal.
i have really thought about getting that a few times, and really it’s just *too much.*
It’s gonna take a lot longer to take on and off. I’m sure it’s amazing once it’s on and has a ton of cool features. Pockets, straps, yaddah yaddah yaddah.
But really this only makes sense if you plan on riding in the rain for long periods of time.
Fwiw, the other HOJA clothing is primo. Though I would skip the socks and Marino wool shirts.