The Chainlink

Dressed for the rain?

I must admit fellow bike addicts to being a complete woosy when it is about to rain before I head for work - I often chicken out, get in my work clothes, and hop a bus.  It is not biking in the rain itself which turns me off - in fact I would probably enjoy the experience of the cool rain on my face (I actually have biked in the snow quite a bit too through the winter days).  And I wouldn't care less biking home in the rain.  It is simply that while my work clothes are in a plastic sealed bag in my backpack, I just don't like the idea of arriving to work all soggy. I don't like typical synthetic body-hugging biking clothes like you see those bikers wear who work out in the morning - though I bet they probably look the least wet when they are.  I try to go dressed in normal clothes (tight jeansy type pants, a button up colorful summer shirt that cars would likely notice) on the way to work - and they would get positively soaked if I biked in them in the rain.  But I know it doesn't really matter what I wear - so long as I have dry clothes to get into in the changing room (I am lucky my workplace even has one, so who am I complaining?).  The thing that gets me is that half the time it looks like it is going to rain or the media states it will, and I chicken out, the rain doesn't even start to come down until after I have arrived at work - I could have MADE IT, I yell at myself all of that day!  So why am I so damn neurotic?  Why does my Super Ego keep me from biking on those days - since when did a little water hurt anyone?  I want to get over this!  I could wear a simple raincoat, but imagine how drenched one would be biking in this heat in a coat?  So come on, you brave girls and boys, tell me what I should wear to get through this without worrying so much?  I'll do ANYTHING - I'll even look like those bikers who work out in the morning - okay, any ideas EXCEPT that!

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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on July 8, 2013 at 4:21pm

Invest in good rain gear, stuff like North Face, Craft, Gore, Pearl Izumi or others.  Get light weight bike specific jacket and pant, good ones with vents to help keep you from sweating to much. 

I rode this morning in my Marmot coat with the vents open ans was no more sweaty than I am on a usual summer day.

Permalink Reply by WillG on July 8, 2013 at 4:25pm

I used to be the same way when I first started commuting by bike. I decided that I was missing more days worth of riding than it was worth. I would HATE it when it never ended up raining.

I would suggest that you wear whatever type of clothing you are most comfortable in on the ride. Throw your work clothes in your bag along with a towel (a quick dry camping type towel is best) and just towel the rain water off (if you actually get wet) and change at work. It really doesn't need to be any more complicated than that. If you plan on getting wet, then getting wet stops being a big deal.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on July 8, 2013 at 4:27pm

I would rather be wet than sweaty.  If it is raining, I put a baseball cap under my helmet to keep the rain out of my face.  I wear bike specific clothes that are intended to wick but I do not wear spandex.  The shorts and top seem not to feel so soaked.  I change when I get to work every day, whether it rains or not.  You can do it!

Permalink Reply by dan brown on July 8, 2013 at 4:41pm

the saying in chicago is : "If you don't the weather, just wait 15 minutes". I completley relate to all your comments. but we can often not (except for temps) expect precipitation conditions to remain constant.

 

for me the key is flexibility and creativity.

 

good thread

Permalink Reply by David Barish on July 8, 2013 at 6:09pm

Rain still effects me for a commute as I have to wear the suitntie uniform on many days. I have the appropriate clothing to ride dry. However, if I have to look a certain way the conditions will still make it tougher to look fresh. I could probably do it but opt out.  However, if I don't have to care about that I am amazed at how well modern products keep you dry.  In January I rode to a Chainlink generated gathering at a bar in a heavy, driving rain.  I wore rainpaints, waterproof hikers, a new breathable rain coat with a good hood and reasonably waterproof gloves.  I also have a waterproof pannier.  I was completely dry as was my stuff when I got to the bar and then home. The only casualty was my chain as I got home late and hanging the bike on the stand was not enough. I should have wiped the chain.  It took a few minutes work a day later to wipe off the early rust accumulation. Fenders helped deal with any spray. Frankly, knowing that I was prepared made it a pretty giddy ride.

Summer rain rides are more flexible.  You can ride and be dry and modern fabrics should make you as Doug said, not any sweatier that you would have been.  Sometimes, its  nice to just indulge and get real wet.  Its just water and on a warm day it really doesn't matter.  However, if you have to be dry at your destination, that may not be such a good idea.

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on July 8, 2013 at 7:49pm

I agree with Lisa. Wet, schmet. I do not care if I get wet - rain or sweat - as long as I stay warm. Wear wicking fabric while on your bike and when you get to work you can towel off in a stall. As the temperature drops you will need rain gear that keeps you warm. Even 33 degrees and rain can be done, but you have to plan a little more. I have been doing this since the Civil War, so you can do it, too.

Lisa Curcio 6.5 mi said:

I would rather be wet than sweaty.  If it is raining, I put a baseball cap under my helmet to keep the rain out of my face.  I wear bike specific clothes that are intended to wick but I do not wear spandex.  The shorts and top seem not to feel so soaked.  I change when I get to work every day, whether it rains or not.  You can do it!

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on July 8, 2013 at 8:05pm

Don't believe him.  He has only been doing it since the Great War.

Gene Tenner said:

I agree with Lisa. Wet, schmet. I do not care if I get wet - rain or sweat - as long as I stay warm. Wear wicking fabric while on your bike and when you get to work you can towel off in a stall. As the temperature drops you will need rain gear that keeps you warm. Even 33 degrees and rain can be done, but you have to plan a little more. I have been doing this since the Civil War, so you can do it, too.

Lisa Curcio 6.5 mi said:

I would rather be wet than sweaty.  If it is raining, I put a baseball cap under my helmet to keep the rain out of my face.  I wear bike specific clothes that are intended to wick but I do not wear spandex.  The shorts and top seem not to feel so soaked.  I change when I get to work every day, whether it rains or not.  You can do it!

Permalink Reply by SlowCoachOnTheRoad on July 8, 2013 at 8:13pm

Thank you all for showering so much great advice on me, and getting my feet wet.   I may be a little wet behind the ears right now but in time, I promise you, I will have a dry run!

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on July 8, 2013 at 9:05pm

I will admit to being one of those spandex-clad guys.  I believe the correct technical term is MAMIL: Middle Aged Men In Lycra.  :)

I don't mind my top half getting wet, but don't particularly like wet feet.  I do have access to a health club in the building so I can shower and put on my (rather casual) work clothes.  I keep a pair of shoes under my desk.

Fenders.  That's the ticket. Make sure you have fenders.  Full fenders, not a rack with a basket pretending to be a fender.  Especially in front, full fenders will keep a lot of water off your feet and lower legs.

Permalink Reply by Michael A on July 8, 2013 at 9:54pm

I admit to not looking so great in lycra, but I do not understand why folks are so adverse to using a product that is specifically designed for your comfort and performance on a bike. Do not give me the cost crap either, those skinny swerve jeans you are wearing cost more then most high end cycling shorts. Nothing will keep you 100% dry, I would rather arrive wet from rain that soaked from sweat. While some gear can be used for multiple sports a rain jacket designed for jogging is not going to be optimum for cycling. Keep your contact points with the bike as dry as you can and you will be much happier about riding in the rain.

Permalink Reply by Bez on July 9, 2013 at 3:09am

I admit to being bad about the cold (as in, I just kind of don't notice it until it's really cold), but for gloves I've found full finger batting gloves to be pretty sweet.  They have the padding, flex, and grip that I need for riding.  Plus, a decent pair can be had for under $20 from any department store.  When I need just a bit more, a pair of thinsulate finger less gloves over those keeps my hands toasty.

Again, your mileage may vary, depending on how your body handles the cold.

Evan said:

For cold weather I use a Novara rain jacket from REI. If anyone has a good suggestion cold/wet weather gloves I'd love to hear about them.

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on July 9, 2013 at 7:24am

What are we becoming?  Lycra Anonymous? :-)

Jennifer on the lake said:

My name is Jennifer and I bike to work in lycra.

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