Hi everyone,
I was doing research in biking in the rain and what gear to get, but it’s a bit of an information black hole. I was wondering based on the info I gathered will this be an okay combo for biking to the train, grocery store, etc? Also, great help if anyone has use the listed items below and are willing to give a quick review. I’m deadset on the poncho, but up to recommendations on the boots and socks, or if I’m missing anything.
Thank you!
Poncho:
Rover Rain Cape
Rain boots:
https://www.lechameau.com/us/women-s-giverny-jersey-lined-bottillon-11123#selection.color=5676&selection.size=5665
Waterproof socks:
https://www.dexshellstore.com/products/waterproof-ultrathin-crew-socks
by Aiishisu
4 Comments
^ No, no no on the boots / socks thing. Just No.
Water goes in through the top of the boot and can’t get out. Worst of all worlds.
+ Boots prevent your ankle bending which inhibits the cycling motion.
+ Flexible soles aren’t comfortable to cycle on for more than a short distance (cycling shoes tend to be very stiff)
I’m a roadie, so proper cycling shoes and overshoes work for me but I don’t expect to keep my feet dry. A change of shoes and socks at my destination is all it takes.
I would do rain pants that go over your shoes instead of boots and socks.
I’ve never used a poncho, but they seem like big sails, catching the wind and/or potentially getting tangled?
I live in the PacNW, where it rains 8months of the year, and have never seen anyone using this, FWIW.
A good rain jack is preferable probably.
Let us know how it works if you get one
I like my rain poncho/cloak a lot. After much debate between Cleverhood and People’s Co, I went with People’s Co because of the features (hand/waist straps, button clasps, etc). The only thing Cleverhood won in was that the good fits over the helmet instead of under.
Wind resistance. Yes, it does act as a windsail to a certain extent. Expect to around 5mph slower than usual.
Exposed legs. If the rain isn’t falling straight down or you’re biking more than 10mph, your legs will get wet. Seems like you’re already looking into rain pants so you have that area covered (literally and figuratively haha). In my case, I just bike in shorts and outdoor sandals and dry off when I get to work.
Visibility (for yourself). Your rain cloak and/or helmet visor may not provide enough coverage for your eyes. Rain in your face can hinder your vision. You’ll have to experiment with glasses/no glasses. For some, rainy glasses are worse than a wet face.
Visibility (for others).
Make sure you are extra visible to drivers. This means lights on the front and back of your bike, ideally one solid and one flashing on the front, and same for the back.