The Chainlink

I had the pleasure of biking home during the downpour. Was glad to have checked the forecast this morning. Waterprood panniers, rain pants and my regular cycling jacket kept me unstressed and dry; I was able to focus on the amazing lighting show. . . and dodging the enormous potholes and curb puddles.

Anyone else drenched but dry, or just drenched and drenched?

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I'm fearing I'll be drenched and drenched.... despite my supposed waterproof gear.
What brand kept you drenched but dry today?
I could only sit in the shop and watch the light show out the window... :(
I'll be wet on my way home :)
Although I got home before the thunder kicked in, it was raining pretty steadily while I was out. Finally got to try this - it worked very well.

I like the cape idea, but not in the vicious Chicago winds! Glad it worked.
I have to check re: jacket and pant brands, but my panniers are ortliebs. (sp?) Not cheap, but they'll give years of service. My pants need to be re seamsealed I think. Some water always sneaks in through the right inseam. But given the deluge, I am not complaining. That's why I always go for water proof, not water resistant.

E A said:
I'm fearing I'll be drenched and drenched.... despite my supposed waterproof gear.
What brand kept you drenched but dry today?
I was mostly just damp riding around all day. Got stuck in the downpour on my way home though. Stopped to get a coffee. Walked in, shoes squelching, water pouring off every inch of me. Got a few good stares, paid with 2 wet singles and went on my merry way.
got soaked and turned my white seat blue....


My wet clothes! But I thought the ride was super fun. As long as it's not too cold, I don't mind getting wet.

@lindsaybanks
i rode with a dry upped body but a soaked bottom half. After awhile I started to treat it like a dangerous log ride.
I have a pair of Specialized Sub-Zero gloves that thus far have proved my most waterproof, although in heavy rain make sure you have the gauntlets under your jacket sleeves or you'll get water in the gloves, even if the gauntlets are cinched.

My beef with the Sub-Zeros is that they're only for sub-zero-celsius weather--they are not warm enough for true Chicago winter riding (as is the problem with most cycling gear--cycling companies don't make very good truly foul-weather gear, I guess since year-round riders really are a tiny minority).

Gloves that have failed me include REI's Minimalist glove, made of their allegedly but not remotely waterproof Elements fabric, and Pearl Izumi's Zephr glove, which claims to be water-resistant but isn't good for anything remotely damp. (Not a bad wind barrier, though.)

If it's pouring when I leave the house, I usually wear Gore-Tex oversocks and booties. But if I get caught without them, I have a ratty older pair of SPD shoes that I can use in a pinch the next day. I stuff my shoes with wadded-up newspaper to dry them out more quickly.

BK said:
Drenched but dry. I took the brunt of the rain, as I rode home from 6:14-6:45 PM. I was delighted to find out that all of my rain gear held up. I hope it stops raining before tomorrow morning. The only problem I haven't solved yet is getting a pair of good waterproof gloves. Like Lindsay, I get a kick out of cheating Mother Nature by staying dry while cycling in the rain. Don't worry, however, I know she always wins.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the helmet compatibility on my winter jacket's hood means that I can pull it over my bike helmet. With the high collar, it creates sort of a waterproof balaclava which is nice. It'll come in handy next winter.

I did notice that the rain meant that drivers seem to have forgotten how to drive. Wasn't so happy to look up at the intersection and notice a van making a left turn straight into me. It was even more surprising since I was in the right most of two lanes heading south. Luckily, the driver figured out what was the deal and crossed two lanes over to his side of the road.

And now....ice.....

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