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Madison size chart:
Interestingly that does not agree with the size table on the Balfe's site where the DWR tights were linked above, they list L as being for a 35-37.5" waist.
Annoyingly Biketart, who are in driving distance of me, had a pair of Large 3-layer waterproof ones in stock, I was going to try and go and try them on, but they're now changed to "In stock with supplier".
This is the size I ordered in the bibs. I'm 5'11", 32 waist, 33/34 leg as mentioned before and around 87kgs - see pic further up the page for how they fit me
Chiefgrooveguru - I've never found a reporoofer that worked!
MTBing.
UK.
Waterproof.
Breathable.
Pick two 😀
I'm too tight to buy an expensive waterproof and then liberally spray it with grit and clart. In the last few years I discovered that when it's really wet and cold I can get away with wearing my old Buffalo shirt. But for most rides a decent riding jersey and a windproof gilet does the job.
I think we have problem with our commitment to bike branded waterproof apparel. If you look at sites that provide outdoor clothing for bushcraft etc you will find much better quality items. They will often have reinforced seat pads which is handy for us being sat in the saddle and jackets etc tend to come with ample ventilation options and a good length that stops them riding up your back when hunched over.
Also gives you some clothing you can wear on dog walks and whatnot.
Chiefgrooveguru - I've never found a reporoofer that worked!
Do you mean “worked as well as the original proofing” or do you mean “worked at all”?
I don’t see how you can be reviewing breathable waterproofs in the magazine and suggesting they’re worth buying, but also stating that none of them breathe after six months of use. To me six months old is NEW! It feels similar to reviewing a bike where the shock’s damping fails after a year but it can’t be serviced so you have to buy a whole new shock if you want a spring (waterproofing) and damper (breathability) - and then saying that’s the case with all bikes…
Old style toxic factory-applied proofing works like magic - the chemicals repel water, dirt, oil, grease and more and are remarkable durable.
Eco (and human-friendly) reproofing only repels water so it gets contaminated much more quickly. You have to (correctly) wash them much more. You have to reproof more frequently too. That’s why I only wear waterproofs on a MTB when it’s so cold and wet I actually need a waterproof - a windproof or softshell over the right base layer(s) is a better solution most of the time.
Chiefgrooveguru - I've never found a reporoofer that worked!
Do you mean “worked as well as the original proofing” or do you mean “worked at all”?
I don’t see how you can be reviewing breathable waterproofs in the magazine and suggesting they’re worth buying, but also stating that none of them breathe after six months of use. To me six months old is NEW! It feels similar to reviewing a bike where the shock’s damping fails after a year but it can’t be serviced so you have to buy a whole new shock if you want a spring (waterproofing) and damper (breathability) - and then saying that’s the case with all bikes…
Old style toxic factory-applied proofing works like magic - the chemicals repel water, dirt, oil, grease and more and are remarkable durable.
Eco (and human-friendly) reproofing only repels water so it gets contaminated much more quickly. You have to (correctly) wash them much more. You have to reproof more frequently too. That’s why I only wear waterproofs on a MTB when it’s so cold and wet I actually need a waterproof - a windproof or softshell over the right base layer(s) is a better solution most of the time.
This ^
For riding round a trail centre, the woods for a few hours, etc I use light wind proofs if need be or a cheap/old vaguely waterproof cycling jacket. You get damp or even wet but it doesn’t matter as you are warm and also muddy and sweaty anyway.
For longer rides in the hills and bikepacking and touring, if I don’t just take the above approach, I use a Paramo smock. Yes it can be a bit hot in the summer but usually it is fine. It’s the only coat I can find that keeps me dry enough to get in a tent and wear the same top after riding and I have tried loads of jackets in the past and had given up on the idea I could stay dry.
I mentioned above that I’ve decided to have a change of heart, and really try to get on top of the reproofing thing. If I wear them when biking in properly filthy weather (which is not really a choice here in Belfast) then waterproofs need washed quite regularly. In my experience, no matter how expensive or cheap the jacket, that means the DWR will need to be revived.
so far, I’ve found that the spray on Grangers does work well. Im no longer really concerned with how long it lasts, since I’ve now accepted that his is something I will have to do reasonably often. My jackets are beading perfectly after the reproofing with Grangers.
Im still new at this, but tumble drying after spraying on the Grangers seems to be absolutely essential to getting the thing to work.
the madison bibs are epic.
bit hot for non-motor rides but then its a waterproof babygrow so its always going to be a bit warm! but they are not bonkers hot (i`m a sweaty bastard)
Not sure how long the waterproofing lasts and i got them ridiculously filthy last weekend so teh repellent finish (really - whats the point??) is almost certainly gone in 2 rides.
but they are comfey and kept my arse dry.
PS - - i`ve never managed to successfully reproof anything. Ive tried a range of proofers (even one for tents!!) and it just never works.