Bicycle clothing
Posted by: Mick P on 22 April 2007
Chaps
I am working in Swindon until October and the 5 mile drive takes over 30 minutes thanks to having to pass through the local school run. I am feeling guilty about using too much petrol and bunging out carbon etc due to the 2nd gear driving.
I am therefore going to cycle to work on my bicycle and my only worry is being caught in a shower.
When I was a schoolboy, I used a thing called a cape. They were usually bright yellow oilskin things and were worn in conjunction with a southwester. They resembled a mexican poncho and went over the rider with his head sticking out the top.
The rider then sat on the bicycle and the cape went over the handle bars in the front and over the saddle at the back. This kept one completely dry in rainy conditions.
I haven't seen one for years.
Do they still make them, if so is there a recommended make or what is the more modern weather proof attire.
I want to wear my normal clothing underneath.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 22 April 2007 by manicatel
Mick,
The capes are still made, my brother recently bought one for use on his motorised wheelchair. I have no idea where it came from.
As a more modern & smarter alternative, you may like to take a look at the lightweight waterproof, cycling specific clothing from respected shops such as "wiggle" or "evans". Both have extensive websites to get a feel of price & availability.
Gill & Endura are two brands which I use & recommend.
Well thats a start, anyway.
Regards,
Matt.
Posted on: 22 April 2007 by Mick P
Posted on: 22 April 2007 by glenda
Mick ,
why don't you just cut a hole in the top of a bin liner - it would look more stylish as well.
Seriously , just get a lightweight top from somewhere like
www.wiggle.co.uk or
www.sportsshoes.com . These fold up and can easily fit into a saddle bag, etc.
Happy cycling sir
Glenda
Posted on: 22 April 2007 by Stephen B
quote:
They resembled a mexican poncho and went over the rider with his head sticking out the top.
The southwester I used to wear didn't look anywhere near as cool as one of those.
In any case I always found them clumsy and potentially dangerous. It once hooked round the front wheel and nearly had me over the top.
I'd rather stick to a tighter fitting waterproof jacket. Check out
www.wiggle.comOh, and good for you for cycling to work.
Posted on: 22 April 2007 by Stephen B
oops - co.uk
Glenda beat me to it.
Posted on: 22 April 2007 by Diccus62
Well done for doing your bit for the environment .
Mind the cape looks like something from Rentaghost
Regards
diccus
Posted on: 22 April 2007 by manicatel
If a cape still appeals to you, I'd think about getting something lightweight & shower-proof as well. The cape will protect against monsoons, but if the theory of global warming comes to fruition, there may be fewer & fewer days where protection against seriously heavy rain is needed. A full-on cape may be a bit overkill.
Just a thought.
Matt.
Posted on: 22 April 2007 by manicatel
Oh, & one more thought.
Even with the cape, you may well still need water-proof trousers, to guard against puddle-splashes. Water-proof over-trousers aren't expensive, & also handy for winter-time dog walking, etc.
Matt
Posted on: 22 April 2007 by Deane F
Get a lined oilskin (waxed cotton) garment or, if you can afford it, Goretex. PVC will not breathe and you will be perspiring riding a bicycle. Simply sitting on a motorcycle wearing PVC is enough exercise to make one wet with sweat - so I hate to think of the result on a bicycle.
Posted on: 22 April 2007 by acad tsunami
I use
Paramo for cycling/hiking - very soft and comfortable - rain proof - highly breathable and they have zips everywhere to let in cooling air. Expensive but worth every penny.
Jacket Cycling jacketPosted on: 23 April 2007 by Diode100
Lets be sensible, take the car on mornings where it's wet or looks like it's going to be wet. And keep your waterproof jacket/trousers in your desk for getting you home on those days (and there will be a lot of them) where it rains late afternoon / evening. Wearing your work clothes on the bike is not the best of solutions though, you wont do much to improve your carbon footprint if you have to have your clothes dry cleaned twice a week.
Posted on: 23 April 2007 by JAB
Mick, I cycle the 12 or so miles each way to work and back almost daily. I keep my work clothes at work and ride in "proper" cycling kit - so much more comfortable. On very wet days I'll take the train and use that as an opportunity to swap the clothes for fresh. It works for me.
Posted on: 23 April 2007 by Nick_S
Given that you like well made British products perhaps the Carradice ones will be of interest:
http://www.carradice.co.uk/rainwear/index.htmlTheir cycling capes are available in high-visibility polyester or Barbour-style green waxed cotton.
My preference is to carry Gore-tex Paclite cycling overtrousers which fold into their own pocket (and will strap onto the saddle-bag loops of a Brooks saddle) plus to wear a breathable cagoule.
Posted on: 23 April 2007 by Jono 13
quote:
Originally posted by Mick Parry:
Matt
I have found this.
http://www.discountbicycles.co.uk/biz/product.php?xProd=923I admit it is not high fashion but it would keep me and the bicycle dry.
Regards
Mick
Just scroll down to see "other items purchased". My personal favourite is the Quick Release Wicker Basket". I can just picture Mick in his day-glo yellow cape with one.
Jono
Posted on: 23 April 2007 by Diccus62
Never mind the baskets have you seen the pedal cars.................... would i like to buy this for my kids.
Wow 
Posted on: 23 April 2007 by Mick P
Chaps
I must say that the cape still seems the best bet as it totally keeps the rain out and you still got ventilation.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 23 April 2007 by acad tsunami
Well a cape never did Batman any harm.
Posted on: 23 April 2007 by Deane F
Mick is more of a Boy Robin figure to me. Did the Boy Robin have a cape?
Posted on: 23 April 2007 by acad tsunami
First you buy the cape then you buy the Bat Bike!
Posted on: 30 April 2007 by Rockingdoc
Just returned from a week away to find this excellent thread. I don't think we have exhausted its comedy potential yet.
There are now thousands of cycling commuters in London, and they nearly all wear modern waterproof outer garments. Capes are the preserve of old codger cycling tourists who rarely turn corners, and loonies. A cape on a windy day in heavy traffic is a ticket to Casualty.
Posted on: 30 April 2007 by Nick_S
Yes, but they have a certain charm that matches a traditional roadster style bicycle rather well.
Posted on: 30 April 2007 by Diode100
I think mick said he was going to be doing his cycling in and around Swindon, do they have heavy traffic there ? If we're looking for the traditional roadster thing, then a flat cap and one of the original, semi-transparent, grey, Pac-a-Macs would cut a bit of a dash.
Posted on: 30 April 2007 by Rasher
Swindon's Magic Roundabout. Imagine this in the rain, on a cycle, wearing a tent.
Should be interesting
Posted on: 30 April 2007 by BigH47
Would make him an easy target though.
Posted on: 30 April 2007 by Chief Chirpa
I love that roundabout!!
If I remember rightly, you can go round it the wrong way.
