Forum menu
Having discovered the training benefits of a road bike after finally taking the plunge a couple of months ago, I'm now looking for a good waterproof for both that and mtb-ing.
My road numpty-ness means that i don't even know if there are any differences, but assuming there are, and knowing the wisdom on here, what are the different considerations and what suggestions do people have for a good waterproof that will do both?
Thanks in anticipation...
road WORK?
all waterproofs are horrible on a bike, fit mudguards or MTFU
[img] 
[/img]
Good point GW, should probably have stuck with "bicycling"...
TJ - I think you've found the perfect answer! 😆
dunno how good they are but i was looking at a lovely endura event jacket yesterday i was amazed with the quality compared to my current endura one. was about 110 tho
[img] 
[/img]
venturi or something it was called actually
Depends how long you are out in the rain for GW. I did a 4 hr ride in an utter downpour and without waterproofs that would have been miserable. As it was I was nice and dry and warm with a full set including fedora hat.
Sorry but I cant compete with the advice you have already been given, but if you want to read on please do 🙂
In my opinion waterproofness on an MTB and a road bike are 2 different things
On the MTB I wear an event type shell thing
For MTBing its OK
Its a bit sweaty but not too bad
However on my MTB Im rarely flogging myself 'in the zone' like you do on a road bike
My MTBing is more social and less intense
Even riding alone Im usually stopping to take in the views frequently
On the roadie I just get on and hammer it
On the roadie the eVent just isnt breathable enough
My choice for road is a gilet to keep the rain off my trunk and I let my arms and legs get wet
For as long as Im giving it what for I generate enough heat for this to be OK
So there you go
And can I be the first to use the string vest or plastic bag but not both theory 🙂
Good point, Sproticus - thanks. Sounds like two items might be a good idea then...?
Some road kit might not be tough enough for off road riding - branches, brambles catching on it, mud getting ground into it etc.
Agree with Sporticus, gillet is ideal for spring summer and autumn. For the wimter I wear a winter training jacket over a vest, most of the big companies do them, well worth the money. I've had my Castelli one for about 7 years and although it leaks on the seams you don't really notice it.
I use an Endura Stealth for winter and wet rides.
Could be costly on a mtb as you get tears from branches and falling off.
Consider a shower proof jacket that is warm and take a water proof jacket that wraps up so you can take it along and chuck it on over your jacket in a downpour.
I use a gillet if it's cold and windy in summer or autumn but not for winter.
You want a base layer and jersey and a jacket for winter.
In winter I have ridden 40 miles on road with just a thin lycra type base layer and Stealth and I hate the wet and cold days with a vengence.
TJ - 4hrs? is that meant to be a long duration? 😕
oh, and gillets? eat more pies!! 😳
GW - long enough to get thoroughly wet and miserable without waterproofs. It was proper pishing it down the whole time. 4 hrs heavy rain. No way would it have been teh pleasant warm and dry experience it was without a full waterproof suit and hat 🙂
When were you last out for 4 hrs in heavy rain at less than 10 C?
sorry, I don't ever carry a thermometer, but Friday'd probably qualify.
or was it Thursday? 😕
GW in "Butcher than everyone" shocker 😮
Seriously tho, it's a v hard question to answer. Proper waterproofs are not that breathable, breatheable shower proof jackets let more sweat out but will not be waterproof.
Personally I don't use my goretex that miuch these days, more my windstopper, but I tend to do shorter rides and not go out if it's lashing down.