Rain Cape?

When it rains, I usually end up with a rain jacket and a spare set of clothes. I've been searching for an alternative and discovered rain capes via Sheldon Brown. Not sure how it'd handle a downpour, but looks like it'd do well in light to medium rain:

There's some general info on this site, and Bike Forums has a thread. It seems to be a good solution: use your bike and body to make a mobile rain tent.

Aside from looking silly, this might not work well at all if it's raining and windy. I'm curious if any chainlinkers have used one. Please share if you do.

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Permalink Reply by Bradford Smith on October 25, 2011 at 6:32pm

I have one that I picked up in Europe and have been quite happy with it. Kept me and my saddlebag dry during the soggy portion of last spring's Lake Pepin 3-speed Tour. Have not used it in strong winds. It has elastic loops for the wrists to help keep it under control. Is a great thing to take along "just in case".

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Permalink Reply by igz on October 26, 2011 at 4:55am

ive been packing a reusable poncho, but havent had the opportunity to use it yet. i imagine it would work quite well. i really didnt think about the wind, though. maybe some well placed straps to hold it down to the handlebars would work. some leg straps?

im not too concerned of looking too silly. most foul wether events, we end up looking silly regardless. most rain gear isnt sexy, and looking like a drowned rat definitely isnt sexy.

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Permalink Reply by A.K.A Paul on October 26, 2011 at 5:36am

I like the idea.

Being a large guy already, I wonder how much more wind resistance that would add.

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Permalink Reply by MK on October 26, 2011 at 5:57am

Thanks for the link h, I'm sure I'll end up with one eventually. Any chance there's a Chicago shop with them stock?

Haha, for sure. If the only con is looking silly it's definitely not going to be a deal breaker.

iggi said:

im not too concerned of looking too silly. most foul wether events, we end up looking silly regardless. most rain gear isnt sexy, and looking like a drowned rat definitely isnt sexy.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on October 26, 2011 at 7:06am

I'm a big cape fan. You'll need show covers though - try rivendell splats

Try thrift stores, or generic sportswear outlets - ponchos work fine.Also, Campmoore has a very nice cape, for about $35. http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___50258

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Permalink Reply by mike w. on October 26, 2011 at 12:32pm

Used my old Bikekit cape for the first time this spring on the Lake Pepin Tour, and was very happy to have it. It's great if you're not fighting Big Wind and/or on an upright bike, and nowhere near as hot and clammy as most rain jackets i've used. Just my $ .02