Cycling clothing for rain: jacket, layers and splash protection

Where does the water come from

The cyclist gets rain from above, splashes of the front wheel and water from the road behind. Even a good jacket does not cover all the ways: the collar, cuffs, pockets and the joint with the trousers remain separate places. Therefore, compare not only the fabric, but also the cut of the whole thing.

Moisture under the jacket does not always mean leakage. During intensive work, the bottom layer may become wet, and the outer fabric may be saturated with water. To find the cause, it is important to remember when it got wet: in the rain, on the rise with the zipper closed, or after stopping. These observations help to choose between taking care of the thing, other ventilation and repairing the damage.

Impregnation, membrane and seams

A water-repellent surface treatment, often referred to as DWR, helps droplets roll off the fabric. This is not the same as a waterproof barrier. If the top has started to get wet with a continuous stain, this does not prove the destruction of the membrane. But the appearance of the drops also does not confirm the protection of all seams and zippers.

Check the declared purpose of the product, the design of seams, fasteners and manufacturer's recommendations. The number in millimeters of water column describes one indicator of the material, not the promise of dryness on any trip. Comparing two jackets only by the largest figure leaves unanswered questions of planting, moisture removal and ventilation. The principle of care of the protective fabric and its treatment explains GORE-TEX.

What to check when fitting a raincoat

• The back is closed in a tilt, and the front part is not going to be a big fold.
• Sleeves cover the wrists when gripping the steering wheel; cuffs are combined with gloves.
• The gate does not interfere with looking over your shoulder. The hood, if present, does not impair the visibility and fit of the helmet.
• The zipper and ventilation can be used with gloves on.
• Pockets or access to things remain comfortable on top of the selected bottom layers.
• The folded jacket is placed in the place where you will really take it with you.

For a short road to work with changing clothes and a long sports trip, the requirements will be different. Do not choose a tight racing fit out of habit if the jacket is to be worn over casual clothes.

Why is one jacket not enough

Think about the joints of clothes and the protection of feet, hands and shoes. Wings, if the bike allows their installation, reduce the flow of road spray and change the conditions for the entire set. But they require suitable clearances and fasteners; touching the wheel or clogging with dirt is unacceptable.

Sealed things also have inlets. Water can flow down the leg inside the shoe covers or get through the collar. Therefore, the promise of "waterproof fabric" should not be read as a guarantee of dryness of shoes for the whole day. The basic options for protecting hands and feet are listed Trek; details of fitting are disassembled in our guide.

How to check the kit on a trip

The first check is carried out on a short route, from which it is easy to return. Pay attention to the overview, the grip of the steering wheel and the ability to switch. Before a long climb, adjust the ventilation, and after a change of pace, re-evaluate the comfort. Do not open a complicated clasp with both hands on the go: stopping at a suitable place is easier and more predictable.

Clothing does not eliminate the limitations of wet roads. If visibility, grip, or handling deteriorate, shorten the trip regardless of the cost of the jacket. For a long route, prepare a dry shift and a way to protect your phone and documents. Check the package protection separately: a regular raincoat pocket is not necessarily sealed.

How to care and understand what it's time to change

Do not leave the wet kit crumpled in the bag. Inspect the fabric and seams, clean according to the instructions and dry. The restoration of DWR and the admissibility of heating depend on the product: the universal advice "be sure to iron out" can ruin the thing. In GOREWEAR memo The starting point is the label of a specific product.

If there is a local leak after the permitted care, take a picture of the place and contact the manufacturer or service. For the next purchase, formulate the exact drawback: there was not enough back length, it is impossible to open the ventilation, the cuffs are uncomfortable. This is more useful than searching abstractly for the "most waterproof" model.