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waterproof cycling jacket

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Road Cycling
Published
22 April 2004
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24 April 2004
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Bpr
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  1. I need to buy a waterproof (not just windproof) cycling
    jacket. My preference is to get Gortex since I've never
    found any of the waterproof knock-offs to be as effective.
    So I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a good
    Gortex cycling jacket.

    Also, do you think these features are needed in a waterproof
    cycling jacket:

    * Detachable hood
    * Underarm zippers
    * Front pockets
    * Rear pockets
    * Built-in pouch to store jacket (with waist strap)

    Thanks for your input.

    bpr

  2. bpr said:

    I need to buy a waterproof (not just windproof) cycling
    jacket. My preference is to get Gortex since I've never
    found any of the waterproof knock-offs to be as effective.
    So I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a
    good Gortex cycling jacket.

    Also, do you think these features are needed in a
    waterproof cycling jacket:

    * Detachable hood

    Eh.

    Quoted message said:

    * Underarm zippers

    Absolutely.

    Quoted message said:

    * Front pockets

    Generally not the best. I ride a road bike, so front pockets
    in the coat kind of suck.

    Quoted message said:

    * Rear pockets

    This is reasonably necessary.

    Quoted message said:

    * Built-in pouch to store jacket (with waist strap)

    I carry a trunk bag everywhere, so I've never needed
    this. YMMV.

    --
    Dane Jackson - z u v e m b i @ u n i x b i g o t s . o r g
    "Are you police officers?" "No, ma'am. We're musicians." --
    The Blues Brothers

  3. Quoted post said:

    Originally posted by Bpr
    I need to buy a waterproof (not just windproof) cycling
    jacket. My preference is to get Gortex since I've never
    found any of the waterproof knock-offs to be as effective.
    So I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a good
    Gortex cycling jacket.

    Also, do you think these features are needed in a waterproof
    cycling jacket:

    * Detachable hood
    * Underarm zippers
    * Front pockets
    * Rear pockets
    * Built-in pouch to store jacket (with waist strap)

    Thanks for your input.

    bpr

    If you are capable enough you can make a jacket quite easily. There are great materials at a store in Seattle WA, USA (they have orders online). My husband is a larger size and it is nearly impossible to find jerseys, jacket etc. that are right for him. As far as the hood, zippers etc. On a Gortex jacket underarm zippers are a must, pockets are always a nice option, the hood you will probably never use unless you are a cyclist from the great NW, even then I rarely used one.
    Good luck in your endeavors.

    SB

  4. "bpr" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    I need to buy a waterproof (not just windproof) cycling
    jacket. My preference is to get Gortex since I've never
    found any of the waterproof knock-offs to be as effective.
    So I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a
    good Gortex cycling jacket.

    If you ride reasonably vigorously, I wouldn't bother with
    Goretex/Activent, it doesn't keep up and is very pricy.

    Quoted message said:


    Also, do you think these features are needed in a
    waterproof cycling jacket:

    * Detachable hood

    Some people like them, I don't.

    Quoted message said:

    * Underarm zippers

    Good, venting is the key.

    Quoted message said:

    * Front pockets

    I find them handy.

    Quoted message said:

    * Rear pockets

    I have these on one jacket, they have a tendency to fill
    with water when it rains.

    Quoted message said:

    * Built-in pouch to store jacket (with waist strap)

    This can be handy if you dont have any place to store
    clothing. I'd rather bungee to a rack, bag, or pack if
    I have one.

    Another very useful feature on a rain jacket is a 2-way
    zipper, it's really nice to open the bottom while keeping
    the neck and shoulders sealed.

  5. Peter Cole said:

    "bpr" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

    Quoted message said:

    * Rear pockets

    I have these on one jacket, they have a tendency to fill
    with water when it rains.

    Really? That's nasty. My cheap-ish REI DWR nylon cycling
    jacket (in vividly ugly hi-viz what-the-hell-do-you-mean-you-didn't-see-me-you-
    blind-car-driving-left-hooking-weasel yellow-green) has
    never had that problem. And it's certainly seen plenty of
    rain out here in Seattle.

    --
    Dane Jackson - z u v e m b i @ u n i x b i g o t s . o r g
    "Uncle Cosmo ... why do they call this a word processor?"
    "It's simple, Skyler ... you've seen what food processors do
    to food, right?" -- MacNelley, "Shoe"

  6. "bpr" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    Also, do you think these features are needed in a
    waterproof cycling jacket:

    * Detachable hood

    How would this work? You wouldn't want it to go over your
    helmet, because when you'd turn your head, you'd see the
    inside of the hood, not the traffic. But to wear a hood
    under a helmet sounds uncomfortable.

    Quoted message said:

    * Underarm zippers

    Needed.

    Quoted message said:

    * Front pockets

    Not important -- they aren't that accessible while on the
    bike.

    Quoted message said:

    * Rear pockets

    One zippered rear pocket is useful.

    Quoted message said:

    * Built-in pouch to store jacket (with waist strap)

    Not useful -- I have no problem cramming my jacket into my
    handlebar bag -- if totally desperate, I can roll it up and
    stick it in a back jersey pocket.

    --
    Warm Regards,

    Claire Petersky
    Please replace earthlink for mouse-potato and .net for .com
    Home of the meditative cyclist:
    home.earthlink.netWelcome.htm
    See the books I've set free at: bookcrossing.comCpetersky

  7. I have the burley rain jacket. it works pretty well the
    older model has chest zippers too so you get good
    ventilation. my only real complaint is some water gets past
    the zipper. You can make nay non cotton material rainproof
    using nikwax. it works great for beading up water on most
    things and it is water based.

    --
    Knight-Toolworks & Custom Planes Custom made wooden planes
    at reasonable prices See knight-toolworks.comknight-toolworks.com For
    prices and ordering instructions.

  8. On 22 Apr 2004 08:05:30 -0700 in rec.bicycles.misc,

    (bpr) said:

    I need to buy a waterproof (not just windproof) cycling
    jacket. My preference is to get Gortex since I've never
    found any of the waterproof knock-offs to be as effective.
    So I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a
    good Gortex cycling jacket.


    if you want *waterproof* don't buy goretex! in windy
    situations, the seams *will* leak.

    i recommend the burley rainsuit. waterproof, rugged, good
    ventilation. it's the choice of cyclists here in Rain
    Country(tm).

    burley.comdefault.aspx

  9. "bpr" <[email hidden]> schreef in bericht
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    I need to buy a waterproof (not just windproof) cycling
    jacket. My preference is to get Gortex since I've never
    found any of the waterproof knock-offs to be as effective.
    So I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a
    good Gortex cycling jacket.

    Also, do you think these features are needed in a
    waterproof cycling jacket:

    * Detachable hood
    * Underarm zippers
    * Front pockets
    * Rear pockets
    * Built-in pouch to store jacket (with waist strap)

    Thanks for your input.

    bpr

    There is no such thing as a waterproof cycling jacket in
    which you can also cycle comfortably. You must either accept
    to get wet from the rain from the outside or accept to get
    wet from the inside from your transpiration (like when using
    a plastic bag).

    Bert

    --
    Posted by news://news.nb.nu

  10. In article <[email hidden]>,

    (bpr) said:

    I need to buy a waterproof (not just windproof) cycling
    jacket. My preference is to get Gortex since I've never
    found any of the waterproof knock-offs to be as effective.
    So I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a
    good Gortex cycling jacket.

    I luv my traditional, cheap, ol' cycling rain cape. Except
    when I've gotta take it off to go into a store or something,
    and then put it on again while it's still wet <ugh>. It also
    stifles the abilty to do hand signals. But in the rain, I'm
    more inclined to cautiously do box left turns anyways. For
    coolness + dryness, nothing beats it. It also keeps some of
    the bike dry-ish -- especially the drive train. One other
    minus about rain capes is, they'll drape over handlebar-
    mounted lights. The solution is to simply mount your lights
    lower than on the handlebar.

    The 25 bux for the rain cape is, for me, a better investment
    than a hi-tech fabric jacket. Maybe it's something for you
    to explore. Or not. It's up to you. But it's an option that
    might be worth considering.

    good ride, Tom

    --
    -- Powered by FreeBSD Above address is just a spam midden.
    I'm really at: tkeats [curlicue] vcn [point] bc [point] ca

  11. bpr said:

    * Detachable hood
    * Underarm zippers
    * Front pockets
    * Rear pockets
    * Built-in pouch to store jacket (with waist strap)

    My new jacket comes with a "rain tail." It deploys down
    from the back over the seat, keeping it (and my butt) dry
    in wet weather. (Normally it is velcroed out of sight
    inside the jacket.)

    It seems like a good idea (especially since I do not have
    fenders to heep the splatter off my back), though I haven't
    had occasion to try it out yet.

  12. Dennis P. Harris said:

    On 22 Apr 2004 08:05:30 -0700 in rec.bicycles.misc,

    (bpr) said:

    I need to buy a waterproof (not just windproof) cycling
    jacket. My preference is to get Gortex since I've never
    found any of the waterproof knock-offs to be as
    effective. So I was wondering if anyone has a
    recommendation for a good Gortex cycling jacket.


    if you want *waterproof* don't buy goretex! in windy
    situations, the seams *will* leak.

    Good quality Goretex garments have taped/sealed seams which
    don't leak.

    However, I don't think Goretex is of much value for cycling.
    It doesn't breathe enough to make a difference. You'll be
    just as sweaty as with a vinyl raincoat. A better solution
    is a totally waterproof (and cheaper) fabric with big vents,
    such as...

    Quoted message said:

    i recommend the burley rainsuit. waterproof, rugged, good
    ventilation. it's the choice of cyclists here in Rain
    Country(tm).

    burley.comdefault.aspx

    On dealing with rain, listen to our friends from the Pacific
    Northwest!

    Matt O.

  13. Quoted message said:

    There is no such thing as a waterproof cycling jacket in
    which you can also cycle comfortably. You must either
    accept to get wet from the rain from the outside or accept
    to get wet from the inside from your transpiration (like
    when using a plastic bag).

    My burley did pretty good. If I did not have my backpack on
    it would have been great. but that was at temps of 55 and
    below.any warmer and I usually don't use a jacket. but it
    did not have a hood so my neck always got wet.

    --
    Knight-Toolworks & Custom Planes Custom made wooden planes
    at reasonable prices See knight-toolworks.comknight-toolworks.com For
    prices and ordering instructions.

  14. On Fri, 23 Apr 2004 01:51:32 -0700 in rec.bicycles.misc,

    (Tom Keats) said:

    The 25 bux for the rain cape is, for me, a better
    investment than a hi-tech fabric jacket.

    they're useless if it rains a lot, or if it's very windy.

  15. Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    i recommend the burley rainsuit. waterproof, rugged, good
    ventilation. it's the choice of cyclists here in Rain
    Country(tm).

    burley.comdefault.aspx

    On dealing with rain, listen to our friends from the
    Pacific Northwest!

    yep (G) ventilation is the real key the more the better.
    last years burley coat had breast vents too. I really like
    it. I just vary what I wear under it to keep from getting
    too hot. the only reason I would sweat was from my backpack
    on top of it. portland oregon home of liquid sunshine.

    --
    Knight-Toolworks & Custom Planes Custom made wooden planes
    at reasonable prices See knight-toolworks.comknight-toolworks.com For
    prices and ordering instructions.

  16. In article <[email hidden]>,

    (Dennis P. Harris) said:

    On Fri, 23 Apr 2004 01:51:32 -0700 in rec.bicycles.misc,

    (Tom Keats) said:

    The 25 bux for the rain cape is, for me, a better
    investment than a hi-tech fabric jacket.

    they're useless if it rains a lot,

    Nope. Mine's endured many Vancouver downpours with nary a
    problem. I even prefer to ride than walk in the rain,
    because I stay so much drier. Periodic applications of
    ScotchGard seems to help a lot. I just wish the neck zipper
    was accessible from the inside.

    Quoted message said:

    or if it's very windy.

    A 'string' waist belt and hooking the thumb loops onto
    the brake levers keeps it quite secure in the wind. In
    more horizontal rain, a cheap pair of gaiters keeps my
    ankles and shins dry, if I'm doing a grocery run and
    wearing long pants. With the vented back, wind actually
    assists cooling quite nicely. As for speed - I write that
    off in the rain anyway.

    good ride, Tom

    --
    -- Powered by FreeBSD Above address is just a spam midden.
    I'm really at: tkeats [curlicue] vcn [point] bc [point] ca

  17. In article <[email hidden]>, bpr

    Quoted message said:

    I need to buy a waterproof (not just windproof) cycling
    jacket. My preference is to get Gortex since I've never
    found any of the waterproof knock-offs to be as effective.
    So I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a
    good Gortex cycling jacket.

    I have found that Goretex always breath better than Ultrex,
    Texapore or Entrant GII and other breathable waterproof
    fabric. While Goretex maybe waterproof, you probably need
    to expect some dampness since the fabric will not be quick
    to vent with high aerobic exercise, like climbing a hill
    with your bike. So what to do??

    I own 3 rain jackets. For really bad downpour in the winter
    months of the wet coast of Vancouver, I use a Goretex jacket
    and will try to maintain my cadence so that, I don't sweat
    profusely. For spring and summer time, I use a lighter nylon
    jacket that has a coating of DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
    and that works great. Both of these jackets have underarm
    zippers and back vents built-in, which I considered them
    essential, especially when I sweat easily. I am now
    experimenting with an Arcteryx Gamma SV softshell jacket for
    wet and snowy winter riding this year and it is so far the
    best warm and breatheable jacket. This jacket is by no means
    waterproof, but it is very water resistant and it is also
    damn breatheable, much more so than my 3 ply Goretex. I
    never felt wetter in this jacket than with my Goretex, which
    I consider the next best thing and it is super wind
    resistant, just like my pair of Aerotex gloves!

    Quoted message said:

    Also, do you think these features are needed in a
    waterproof cycling jacket:

    * Detachable hood

    This is not necessary. There is an accessory available from
    Sugoi, Pearl Izumi and MEC that is made of Goretex and goes
    on to cover the vent holes of your helmet to make it
    waterproof. This is more ideal than the jacket hood since it
    gives you full side to side vision -- a must if you need to
    ride in heavy traffic.

    Quoted message said:

    * Underarm zippers

    YES, for me.. Also a plus is the back vent and a pair of
    thumb knots. Remember that if you don't have thumb knots,
    these vents are useless!! The thumb knots allow air to be
    scooped in from under your wrist and the gets circulated
    and out these vents. Most people use their Goretex
    jackets without the thumb knots and wondered why the
    jackets don't breath!

    Quoted message said:

    * Front pockets

    Front hidden pockets are useful, especially to store your
    keys and money.

    Quoted message said:

    * Rear pockets

    I do have it on my jacket. I usually store a couple of
    powerbars, but when it rains, it interferes with my back
    vent and I don't like that.

    Quoted message said:

    * Built-in pouch to store jacket (with waist strap)

    It depends on how many ply Goretex you are buying. Typically
    cheapee 2 ply jackets are foldable. The good 3 ply ones are
    not as easily foldable, but these are the ones to get if you
    want quality and durability. But, if you are not planning to
    always cycle in a heavy downpour -- just enough to find
    shelter -- you might want to consider getting yourself a
    softshell. Softshell jackets are nice, form fitting and the
    newer ones are very super water resistant, warm and way more
    breatheable than Goretex.

  18. In article <uXVhc.4397$aQ6.527723@attbi_s51>, Peter Cole

    Quoted message said:
    Quoted message said:

    * Rear pockets

    I have these on one jacket, they have a tendency to fill
    with water when it rains.

    Good Goretex cycling jackets have these as standard
    equipment.

    1, Rear pocket or pockets with seam taped and laminated
    zippers for ultimate water proofness.

    2, Rear pocket or pockets come with a rain hood with a
    drawstring to keep rain out.

    Most Goretex cycling jackets I considered these days are
    just junk. More are concerned about flashy looks and
    foldability rather than on weather performance.

  19. In article <[email hidden]>, Dennis P.

    Harris said:

    On 22 Apr 2004 08:05:30 -0700 in rec.bicycles.misc,

    (bpr) said:

    I need to buy a waterproof (not just windproof) cycling
    jacket. My preference is to get Gortex since I've never
    found any of the waterproof knock-offs to be as
    effective. So I was wondering if anyone has a
    recommendation for a good Gortex cycling jacket.


    if you want *waterproof* don't buy goretex! in windy
    situations, the seams *will* leak.

    i recommend the burley rainsuit. waterproof, rugged, good
    ventilation. it's the choice of cyclists here in Rain
    Country(tm).

    burley.comdefault.aspx

    Again.. People seemed to make an outright false and
    unsubstantiated claims. A good and properly made Goretex
    cycling jacket has *ALL* the seams taped. Another feature
    that made Arcteryx brand so famous is laminated zippers,
    found only on top end jackets and some panniers made by
    Arkel. When both are combined, the jacket won't leak.

    The problem is, Goretex jackets are hard to sell nowadays,
    unlike when it was introduced in the early 80s. Everybody
    seemed to have one and if they are properly cared for,
    last a long time. So, some companies I found cut corners
    to make the jackets "cheaper" and thus give the good name
    Goretex a bad name.

  20. Quoted message said:

    However, I don't think Goretex is of much value for
    cycling. It doesn't breathe enough to make a difference.
    You'll be just as sweaty as with a vinyl raincoat. A
    better solution is a totally waterproof (and cheaper)
    fabric with big vents, such as...

    It also depends on whether the jacket itself have the
    supplied thumb knots or not and if the user of the jacket is
    using them properly.

    Most jackets don't come with thumb knots, but they are
    essential in making the jacket breath better in high aerobic
    exercises.

    When used properly, they allow openings underneath both of
    your wrists and these served as air ducts. As you cycle, air
    gets scooped into these ducts and circulate around your
    body, carrying body heat away and then out the supplied
    vents (underarm and back). The more vents, the better the
    circulation. If the circulation is too much, adjust the
    vents' opening.

    Unfortunately, most people just velcro these up, so how do
    you figure air is going to circulate inside your jacket??
    Essentially, your jacket becomes an oven and thus the
    feeling of dampness from your sweat. Opening these vents up
    just serve no purpose whatsoever.

    Venting does a fine job to a certain point, but I cycle in
    the wet coast of Vancouver and I sweat profusely, my Goretex
    jacket has never failed me. I also used it on the Queen
    Charlotte Islands, world's rank
    #2 as being the wettest and survived.

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