Waterproof gear?

[CrazyCarl]

Was wondering what some members use for waterproofing themselves while they ride? Has anyone heard of a good solution to getting wet that doesn't require waterproofing every year or so?

CC

[Supersignet]

I use a garbage bag with 3 holes cut in it. It works well and matches the green colour of my bike. For my pants I spray teflon on my jeans so the water just rolls off. It works great!!







Actually I use a nice set of rain gear. As long as I don't end up on my ass it usually lasts a long time. I have a hard time finding what I need in China because of size and because I like to be able to use it over my aplinestar jacket.

[Chinggis101]

A very interesting question! In my earlier years of riding I was never able to stay completely dry, without riding in a car that is. :biggrin: If anyone has equipment that doesn't leak, especially something they've bought in China, please share the news!

[CrazyCarl]

I know China is full of those plastic rain suits/ponchos for real cheap but I don't think I could wear one for extended periods...I'd be sweating myself to pieces inside.

In China, if you smell around on TaoBao you can get some real riding suits which will stay water resistant for a while but it seems unusually hard to find a simple and comfortable but long lasting solution to the getting wet problem.

CC

[Brice]

In China, if you have a Decathlon sports shop in your town, you'll find some western sizes weatherproof gear at very decent price and pretty good quality.

http://www.decathlon.com.cn/

[CrazyCarl]

That's a v.good point. I've got a bunch of their t-shirts. Lots of snow and rain gear type stuff. Socks are not bad either. Even had English style saddles when they opened...that part is gone now. Price has gone up recently but the overall quality seems relatively good.

CC

In China, if you have a Decathlon sports shop in your town, you'll find some western sizes weatherproof gear at very decent price and pretty good quality.

http://www.decathlon.com.cn/

[chinabiker]

While browsing HansP's websit (he introduces winter riding there), I somehow stumbled across this website. After reading the product intro, I decided to give it a try - this guy's experience seemed enough prove that he knows what he is talking about. I ordered 2 pair S and 2 pair M size in the one finger version.

I tested them last weekend, February 15th, 2009 at temperatures blow -5 C and windy conditions. There was no rain of course, but as they are waterproof, they also keep the airflow off the back of my hands. It worked perfect.




These over gloves look ugly and the first meters of riding with them (pulled over my winter gloves) feel a bit clumsy, but they do a great job.

I also made some water tests at home in the shower - 100% waterproof!

The approx. 40 USD per pair are a good investment I would say.

Andy

[CrazyCarl]

Andy,

Those look like the real deal! Kiwis representin'!

They're about 50 bucks here in the US @ farklemasters.com.

CC

[Maux]

In the States I would use Aerostitch over gloves and boots to keep feet and hands dry. Usually I just give up on keeping my hands dry because most over gloves have too high of a dex penalty (DD'ish thing to say, I know). I would generally also use a Heily Hanson (SP?) suite that was a nice blinding safety lime yellow. I tend to favor very bright colors for my rain suits. Not sure what I'll use for my boots here but I've found something decent looking on TaoBao.

In general I'm not as picky about the suit as I am about my overboots (waterproof boot covers) because IMO no one has ever made a pair/piece of breathable/waterproof anything. I don't even look for waterproof boots or gloves because they are either not waterproof, not breathable, or neither. What's worse is that would-be waterproof gloves and boots tend to take longer to dry because once the water is in it's also harder to get out.

My two cents.

[felix]

Yeah seriously, i second that. Does anyone out there have any gear that's actually waterproof AND breathable? Goretex is bullshit. I have a pair of fairly expensive Dainese winter gloves i bought in france that are supposed to be waterproof. They can take about 15/20 mins of rain but are soaking throughout after that. And yes, they take days to dry...