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I'm sick of my waterproofs. Unless it's pissing down I sweat. If it starts raining a bit, I have to decide when it's time to stop, get the waterproofs out of the panniers, put them on and even though I've optimised my set up (jacket, full length zip trousers, shoe covers that velcro up the back) it's still a pain in the arse. Inevitably it's stopped raining by the time I've put them on. So then I just sweat.
I've looked at cycling ponchos but have you seen the prices? Also, where's the big gap up the side? That's the whole point of a poncho.
I got my army surplus poncho out the attic and attached a couple of thump loops to the front and it's worked remarkably well. Because of my bar set up (ritchey kyotes with bar ends in the middle) the light wasn't covered because it was mounted at the top of the bar end. That was my main worry.
In terms of further modifications I'm going to make the thumb loops elasticated so they feel more secure. I also want to add an elasticated chord to connect the front and back to stop me doing a superman impression with the back of the poncho billowing in my wake. I still want the big vents all the way up the sides which is why I'm skeptical about the expensive ones
The main thing I want to do is shorten both the front and back since it currently comes down past my knees. I'm guessing around waist length would work but I need to experiment.
Anyone done this and got some tips?
I have no doubt I'm going to get flamed for this, but I've been commuting for 25 years and I've never figured out a decent waterproofing system that works for me and my experiments with the poncho have been the most promising so far.
I don't have anything to useful add, but interested to hear what you come up with. I've always wondered whether fashion is the only reason capes aren't used anymore (in this country). But if it keeps you dry, who cares?
I've heard it said they don't protect you from water from below, but that's what mudguards are for, no?
If there's a stiff tailwind, you presumably don't even need to pedal?
In my head, it looks something like...
If you look at Decathlon they have several ready made capes of various sorts for about £25 to £30.
I had a proper cycling cape once, can't remember where I got it from or what happened to it but the one time I used was in a massive downpour on my polo bike on route to a tournament. Polo bikes don't have mudguards. The wetness from underneath I achieved was quite spectacular😂
I don't think I've been as soaked by climbing into a path with my clothes on.
If you look at Decathlon they have several ready made capes of various sorts for about £25 to £30.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/100-city-cycling-rain-poncho/_/R-p-340456?mc=8759247&c=GREEN
Like this?
Looks fairly similar to my poncho except this one looks even bigger. Mine is already to big, I reckon.
In my head, it looks something like…
That's what it feels like as well. Hence my plan to connect the front and back with an elasticated chord.