More waterproofs

While helping to compile this magazine, I enjoyed reading Reg's article on waterproof clothing.

I agree with a lot of what he says: Cheap loose fitting jackets work well and shop assistants don't know much about breathability.

I own a car but prefer to cycle around Bristol, even in foul weather. With good waterproof gear, I can arrive at my destination surprisingly fresh, dry and happy.

Most cycle clothing is aimed at the off-road market with wacky colours and pockets in weird places. It is possible to wear non cycle-specific clothes but there are a few problems:

  1. Hoods restrict vision when checking for traffic behind. Cycle-specific hoods are rare. When fitted with flaps that link together below your chin, they move with your head so that you can see behind you properly.
  2. Waterproof leggings tend to be too baggy, though cycle clips, rubber bands, string can be used to restrain them.

I have used a few types of "Breathable" Jackets over the years. As Reg suggests, it is necessary to keep them fairly clean. They should be washed with a non-detergent cleaner.

My old Sympatex walking jacket breathes fairly well. I have a yellow Gore bike jacket (with weird pockets) which breathes very well. The Yellow attracts insects and I wanted a multi-pupose jacket for touring, so I bought a "cheap" £50 "breathable" jacket in a nice Blue colour. Unfortunately it was only slightly breathable and got damp inside after a few minutes riding . The rear vent seemed to make things worse by allowing the inside to cool and encouraging condensation to form. As Reg astutely said, a breathable jacket shouldn't need vents.

I eventually swapped it for a Blue Berghaus paclite goretex jacket which cost £130 (ouch!) but breathes superbly well and is incredibly light. The hood is a bit dodgy for cycling but otherwise it is perfect for touring and has sensible pockets for my keys and cash.

Unlike Reg, I use overtrousers for long, wet trips. I particularly like the Altura "Cascade" type as they have no lining to get stuck round your shoes and fit ok over trousers. Jeans get wet very quickly. Cords work much better.

Overshoes

Overshoes really make a difference to your comfort. There are three types:

  1. Supermarket bags with rubber bands/ string. Look naff even if they match! Work OK.
  2. Neoprene overshoes. Keep you warm and dry. Quite bulky and need to suit shoes well.
  3. Nylon with taped seams. Calf length preferable.

    Lighter to wear and carry. Mud dock sell these for £15. A bit thin and likely to get ripped but good for occasional use.

Capes

Capes are a bit of a blast from the past but work OK if it's not too windy. You usually have to support the front with your arms/ hands through loops so they can feel a bit dodgy around town. A dutch company Agu sell a range of capes orderable from bike shops.

Gloves

Gloves that keep your hands dry and warm are rare but a company called "Ascender" make them with a waterproof membrane that seems to work well. They are a bit bulky and soak up water a bit, so the outsides take a while to dry out. The inside stays dry for ages.

Adrian Hill