"Peter Clinch" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Ian wrote:
> > What do people use, which are best and which are best value?
>
> I find that for a fully waterproof jacket (generally one I'll be wearing for slow hacks around
> town or getting tipped on for long spells) then things like length, cut, pocket size/position and
> the like are all important things, and since everyone's a different size and shape and have
> different preferences that means there's no surfer suggestion. I use a Ronhill one that's okay,
> but I can't really recommend it 'cause they don't make it any more...
I agree. I'll only take a fully waterproof jacket out on longer rides when it's likely to tip down.
I use a GoreTex Century(?). It's cut for cycling, folds into it's own rear pocket ( and can then be
strapped around my waist), and is as good now as when it was new - about four years ago. It's very
waterproof but sweat does build up. As my general trundly/toury sort of pace is unlikely to be
increased on days when I need to wear the jacket, the sweat only really becomes noticeable after
working uphill or into a headwind. It wasn't cheap - c.£90 four years ago. On other days a very
lightweight pertex windproof keeps the chill off and repels light showers well enough.
>
> Overtrousers are IMHO pretty ghastly things and I usually do without, preferring something that
> dries out fast, but same argument as above for prolonged rain on cooler days, or when you're on a
> local trip and want to arrive not looking like you've just climbed out of a river. Because your
> legs are doing the hard work they'll generally keep warm better than upstairs.
>
> Pete.
I generally agree again. However, on one occasion I found over-trousers useful. When doing the
English C2C one November I woke up in Alston to a very cold wintry day. The rain seemed solid,
visibility was very poor. If I hadn't had the Gore troos I don't think I'd have left that day. Of
course they were waterlogged by the time I got off the hills - it didn't stop raining 'till Consett
- but they were instrumental in getting me going in the first place. Not worth the money for one
useful day though. And I know tougher types than me would have headed into the mist sporting nothing
but SPD sandals.......
tony R.