2026-06-19 17:34 UTC
Replies (12)
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@enobacon@urbanists.social 2026-06-19 17:56
@Steffi@toot.wales rain cape (bike-specific poncho) works well for falling rain, less well if it's blowing sideways or if you're just riding fast into it. My #umbrellaBike is a bakfiets with rain canopy on top, which gives good frontal coverage, combined with a rain cape and wool pants for most of the winter. A front rack with a large crate and backpack rain cover stretched over it gives similar protection for your knees/pantlegs to not get soaked. Breathability beats rain pants above ~freezing.
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@RadtkeJCJ@mastodon.scot 2026-06-19 17:57
@Steffi@toot.wales I gave up on mine because it acted like a sail in the wind - I didn't feel safe in it on the road. Hand signals didn't really work either. It did work for the rain though, at least the sort that comes down, so I hung on to it for other things :) I'm in Glasgow.
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@szakib@freeradical.zone 2026-06-19 18:00
@Steffi@toot.wales you probably have a rain jacket. Get a pair of waterproof trousers to go with it. It will be better because it protects you from the side too.
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@doboprobodyne@mathstodon.xyz 2026-06-19 18:04
@Steffi@toot.wales Not cheap I'm afraid, but I think Carradice are the best. Will handle Welsh rain. All of my family members use them. I even wear mine just when I want to be REALLY visible (London!). https://carradice.co.uk/products/proroute-raincape #cycling #weather #clothing #carradice #rain #raincoat #raincape
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@milesizdead@mementomori.social 2026-06-19 18:05
@Steffi@toot.wales I think these guys have had some videos on poncho style solutions. @pathlesspedaledtv?si=bCFxFmieG75IcCNk@youtube.com
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@MikeFromLFE@cupoftea.social 2026-06-19 19:15
@Steffi@toot.wales I used to use a lightweight Lidl poncho (and have a spare I don't use - if you want it - DM me). I also had a heavy cotton proofed one back in the 1970s There's pros and cons! They definitely keep you dry, although splashes from puddles will wet your lower legs! They get you noticed and you'll get more space. The hoods on mine were a complete pain in the neck (as it were) Yes, they can act as a sail in side winds and can be tricky in head winds - it's not insurmountable. Heavier weight capes definitely work a lot better (someone else mentioned Carradice which are probably the gold standard these days). Hand signals can be extremely difficult while wearing a cape. Definitely worth trying, but I don't think you'll find much choice.
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@Frantasaur@mastodon.ie 2026-06-19 19:17
@Steffi@toot.wales the Dutch way is wear regenbroek (rain trousers) over your clothes, and then a rain coat with that. It really keeps you safe from all the splashing around your ankles. I see guys in suits going to work in the rain like this all the time here in Amsterdam.
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@denisbloodnok@mendeddrum.org 2026-06-19 19:35
@Steffi@toot.wales I've got a Carradice one. I'm glad I have it, but it's only really good when it's cold and wet (if it's warm and wet then keeping the wind off you means you get warm and sweaty under the cape), and it's a nuisance in the wind, and you get wet from the knees down... ... but when it is cold and wet, there's something about being cosy in your own little tent which is much more pleasant than ordinary waterproofs, I think something to do with it being away from your body more. Sorry this is not very coherent.
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@tommoree@mastodon.social 2026-06-19 20:58
@Steffi@toot.wales I don’t like capes because they’re a pain whenever the wind is against you, as others have said here. My favourite solution is a waterproof jacket and ordinary shorts. Then towel off / get changed when you get there. Unless it’s really cold, then waterproof trousers are good.
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@edd@freeradical.zone 2026-06-19 21:04
@Steffi@toot.wales I've got a People's Co rain cape and it's generally good, though I need to reapply some waterproofing on it. My only real complaint is that it's a sail in heavy wind, but otherwise I find it nicer than a coat for keeping water off without sweating my ass off. The bike features work well. No link, site's busted? Clever Hood [1] also does bike jackets and capes and has regular discount coupons with @TheWarOnCars@mastodon.social [1] https://cleverhood.com/
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@EF@mastodon.bsd.cafe 2026-06-20 07:28
@Steffi@toot.wales perhaps getting overclothes would be easier rather than a poncho. A decent long rain proof jacket with hood and over trousers. Or just ride at the same speed as the rain! Bad joke.
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@dain@hachyderm.io 2026-06-20 12:15
@Steffi@toot.wales I have a regular rain jacket for when it isn't too bad, but for when it's chucking down, I got the biggest poncho from Decathlon that goes over the handlebars because that way my trousers and shoes don't get (that) soaked and the air can circulate under it so I don't get cooked inside! Oh, and I take my daughter to school sitting on the rack with a cushion, she also likes to pull the poncho over her head so it protects both of us 😸