What worked and what didn't in the rain and hail this morning

[Jay in Tel Aviv]

What worked
- Sam Hillborne!!!
- Longboards
- Supremes - 32F 35(37?)R
- $25 O2 rain jacket with hood
- Helmet, for keeping the hood on my head
- Gore gloves
- Grip King pedals and Keens, no pins and no problem at all with
slipping. The only time I have had an issue with these is when they
got caked with wet mud.
- Selle Anatomica saddle, which I don't find any more comfy than the
Brooks it replaced but nice not to have to worry about plastic bags

What didn't
- Nashbar rain pants
- Neoprene socks, after a few miles the water soaks through and they
act like a wet suit. Not so bad actually, but definately not
waterproof
- The electric gate of my building's parking lot, without electricity.
Glad I had a reliable vehicle available
- Half of the traffic lights between my home and office. How can
people drive in these kind of conditions when
the bike is so much faster and easier?

[Michael]

Nice ride report!

I am into logistics, so it is good to read about how and what works/doesn't. Very fun post!

 

I use a poncho. That keeps my legs dry. Only the shoe tops and front of my lower shins gets a little damp. I need to work on a solution for that next, if it becomes a problem.

 

Are you really in Tel Aviv? I have cousins there. My Great Uncle's descendents. 

[Ryan Ray]

I wish o2 made that same raincoat but in poncho form. Which poncho do you have Michael?

I have the regular old SKS fenders and they were a huge downgrade from my metal fenders... until I installed a mudflap in front and now they work just as well and aren't nearly as fussy. I did notice the front fender wobbles a bit on really rough terrain and can rub a little. I probably should have used a cheap plastic flap instead of the heavy leather one. I don't notice it much though and I'm an extreme princess-and-the-pea when it comes to fender rubs. Still, I probably should have just picked up the longboards.

I think I'm sold on the Selle Anatomica if I ever wear out my Brooks. Not as unlikely as it sounds as I am 6'6" 200 lbs and live in a rainy city. I broke mine in, in less than a week. 

- Ryan

[Bruce Herbitter]

Sealskinz.  They ARE waterproof. Put wool socks inside them and stay warm too.

Bike specific:   http://www.probikekit.com/us/sealskinz-thin-mid-length-cycling-socks.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=google_base_usd&gclid=CJjKyK711rQCFQeDnQodyBoA_A

I use the general purpose with wool socks inside.

On Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 8:43 AM, Jay in Tel Aviv <jayi...@gmail.com> wrote:

What didn't
- =

[IanA]

For commuting in the rain, I like to wear the shoes I work in (size 45 shoes take up too much cargo space) - I've had good luck with shoe covers similar to these: -

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cycling/ShoeCovers/PRD~5009-241/mec-cycling-shoe-covers-unisex.jsp

The biggest problem with these is that they wear out fast if walked on.

[ted]

re:

> - Neoprene socks, after a few miles the water soaks through and they
> act like a wet suit. Not so bad actually, but definately not
> waterproof

Neoprene is waterproof, but it's not breathable and sweat builds up
inside of them terribly.
Long ago I was told (and found it to be true) that neoprene booties
(as opposed to toe covers) are nearly worthless. They quickly lead to
soaked cold feet.
One way to warm dry feet that has worked very well for me is goretex
sox over fleece or wool liners. I think the pair I have were marketed
under the name sealskins, but they seem a bit different than the ones
Bruce linked to. Anyway really works well (though of course your shoe
still gets soaked).

[Michael]

@Ryan:

Wy wife brought back 2 from China last summer.

They are thick material and look like they can last a long time. Hooded, with a bill. Reflective strip on back. No thumb loops though. It has a clip in the front, but not sure where it is supposed to clip to on the bike.

Covers the bars well. Long at the back end.

Under the helmet, no probs seeing when I turn my head to look into my tiny rear view mirror on my glasses. Works pretty well. But I have nothing to compare it to.

I can feel air circulate under it so I don't sweat, except where the thing lays on my shoulders. But not much sweat.

 

I think they were like 10 bucks or less each. Her nephew said they last a long time.

 

Side note:

Curious thing about Cantonese commuter cycling culture is that they don't seem afraid to leave their bikes out in the rain all the time or care about helmets or bike fit. (my wife says bike fitting is an "American" thing - ha ha!).

Of course, doesn't seem like you could go more than 10mph in the city there on a bike. My wife used to cycle for 4 hour trips to other villages, but they never cared about fit.

 

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