What's good in the world of cycling capes?
Now that the rain has started, and will doubtless continue until May, I'd like to stay dry on my bike.
Cycling trousers are all very well but I'd like to try out a cape.
What's good in the world of cycling capes?
Full mudguards.
Sorry can't help with the actual cape bit, (you could try asking the 1960's 🤣) but I do know it's a 2 part kit, cape and guards.Â
Cycling trousers are all very well but I'd like to try out a cape.
They're terrible for a number of reasons.Â
They catch the wind like nothing else, you may as well wear a sailboat. And since they're designed to fit over bars, they also cover your front lights, cycle computer, bar bag (delete as applicable). Depending on how long they are at the back, they can also cover your rear light.
Also as mentioned, you absolutely need full mudguards with them otherwise you just end up in a shower of gritty water from below, guided straight up into your little personal tent.Â
Leave the capes in the cycling books of the 1970's and buy some decent trousers and jacket.Â
they work best if you wear your pants outside your waterproof trousers
I have recently bought a Carradice proroute cape.
Decided it would be useful on days when I'm just popping to the cafe or out to the pub.
Not had a chance to play with it yet but this post has reminded me that today is the perfect day 🙂
I've had a cheap halfords-type cape for years but it didn't really cover the side and wasn't long enough at the back. You only live once, so I finally treated myself.
Another option is Rainlegs. They cover the thighs and do a decent job of keeping you relatively dry on the top of the legs.
https://www.cyclesense.co.uk/m74b0s733p27870/Rainlegs-Rainlegs
Finally ->
as already suggested, start with full length mudguards. Â Anyone who rides around other cyclists without them is an inconsiderate arse. London in the rain is actually a lot better in the wet now that you can tuck in behind some people riding Limes and avoid the cocks riding mudguard less and showering anyone behind them in filth.Â
+1 on Rainlegs. Â If it absolutely shits it down you going to end up soaked, but nothing other than full waterproof trousers and coat is going to work then (and you're still going to end up soaked through from sweat in most temperatures. Â Rainless are enough to keep enough water off your thighs to stop you being uncomfortable and getting cold in a lot of conditions (and they're pretty quick to put on/take off and small enough you can carry them easily)Â
Finally ->
The RF crowd probably used them as Bivvies
👍 😊Â
i have a Vaude cycling cape which i bought in Amsterdam a few years ago.
big, bright and waterproof. thumb taps inside which stop it from flapping.
brilliant on cycle touring when in and out of cafes and such. take it off, shake it and place over the bike to dry.
you dont sweat in it like in waterproofs and it keeps your legs dry.
wouldnt use it over here as car drivers come too close and i fear it getting caught by a passing car ****er.