Comments on: Basic Ways to Stay Dry this Winter & Spring

By: RICK

RICK — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 07:18:01 +0000

Being wet and riding does not sound good. Here in Tucson, Az where I live rain is not a big issue. So mostly I just skip when it rains. To see some of the issues I do have take a look at my blog at http://www.ricksbikeblog.wordpress.com
Thanks, Rick

By: Columbus commuter

Columbus commuter — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:20:32 +0000

When there is any chance of rain, I carry a rain jacket, rain pants, neoprene booties and a hat with a bill in my pannier. I have a rain cover for my pannier as well. My bike also has full fenders. This does not keep me absolutely dry- water inevitably seeps in somewhere- but dry enough.

By: paul

paul — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:42:38 +0000

I’ve used the black rubbish bag tip when I got caught out in the reain once. Now I just make sure I buy specific cycling gear designed to cope with the rain. I never leave the house without a set of waterproofs in my bag. In England we can expect rain any time.

By: Bike Shop Girl

Bike Shop Girl — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:00:47 +0000

Researching overshoes now, never have heard of them!

By: John Smith

John Smith — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:43:35 +0000

Oh – and the helmet. I have switched to a Black Diamond Half-Dome Climbing helmet for the winter since it is low-profile and I can pull up the hood of my parka over it. That just takes the head right out of the equation – even leaving the house with hair still wet on a 5 degree morning.

I am curious on community opinion of the climbing helmet option (or non-option). I did the switch hesitantly, but it is just soooo much nicer being able to hood over it!

By: John Smith

John Smith — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:38:59 +0000

Lake used to make a fuzzy winter cycling glove (sort of like black grover hands) they didn’t look like they would be weatherproof – but they really are (cold/wet/whatever). I don’t often get them out since I need bright colors on my turn signals, so usually I wear the Manzella Hatchback (the high-viz model has a flare yellow flap in nylon which covers the glove turning it into a water-resistant yellow mitten).

I certainly agree with the comment about investing in shells – I run a Mountain Hardwear shell in the winter and couldn’t be happier with it’s performance in the weather. I switch to it early since the breathability of it makes it more comfortable in rainy November than my lighter-weight Columbia rain jacket (which is just for Summer packability really).

Pants – I really like the Frogg Toggs, the material is quite stiff and tear resistant. Stiff is good for rain gear in my opinion – it increases the airspace which remains inside the suit during use and minimizes the contact area where the fabric is laying on the next layer down. There are two main benefits from this (1) it feels less “wet” than comparable soft draping material (2) in extreme cold it is warmer. I would compare the warmth of these pants to my Burton snowboard shell pants.

I have always wanted to try the Lake winter cycling shoes they just look so bombproof. I normally go with a Gore-Tex Danner work boot (non-steel toe) they are heavy but I am a big guy and I like the locked-on feel they give with BMX platforms. My commute is at best half dirt and so the clunkers can come in handy.

By: Johnny

Johnny — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:49:38 +0000

It’s funny people mention feet over & over. For me I can have my head totally soaked and not mind, but wet feet and i’m miserable. I tried the plastic sack thing and probably did it wrong. What ended up happening is water got in over the top and down into my feet. The plastic bag did a real nice job holding water in. It was horrible. I started riding without anything for a long time, but that is really hard on shoes and you’re constantly trying to dry them out. The best thing I have found is the Sugoi booties like these: http://www.sugoi.com/usa/eng/Products/Bike/Men/Details/1526-95050U-Resistor-Bootie
They weren’t terribly expensive and fit OK over my MTB shoes. I’m sure PI & other brands work just as well. I bought these at the recommendation of a LBS person and they work well enough.

Oh, and good wool socks are the best gift a cyclist can get. Cotton is just not anywhere near as nice.

By: Paul in Minneapolis

Paul in Minneapolis — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:09:40 +0000

My winter/foul weather commuter/utility bike is a Trek L200. It also have full fenders w/mud flap, full chaincase and a coatguard. I also upgraded the lights to hub generator (never worry about saving batteries).

Then in rain I use my english cycling rain cape and in the winter it gets studded tires…

I am the most lazy fast cyclist out there.. Like Kevin Love with his Pashley, we just hop on and ride…. in any weather!

By: Kevin Love

Kevin Love — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:26:08 +0000

Here is how I keep dry. My Pashley has:

*Full fenders
*Chaincase
*Coatguard

And I wear a rain jacket.

I’ve thought about getting a Yehuda Moon style poncho, but so far it hasn’t gone much beyond thought.

By: J. Ryan

J. Ryan — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:18:19 +0000

I second the turning on your lights even during daylight hours statement!