We will introduce recommended rainwear and related products for those who commute by bicycle even in the rain.
Thisarticle was originally featured on our old blog. We've updated the content and links, and are reposting it here for those who commute by bicycle even in the rain.Please refer to this when commuting by bicycle during the rainy season.
Many people commute by bicycle on sunny days and by car, bus, or train on rainy days. Have you ever felt anxious about not knowing how long it would take to get to work when using unfamiliar public transportation?
Commuting by bike in the rain isn't enjoyable, but we hope this article can be of some help to those who do.
Here, we'll introduce the cycling commute styles, bicycles, and apparel of our staff, Ikeda and Enomoto.
Staff Ikeda favors the poncho & front basket style.
This video introduces Staff Ikeda's rain commuting poncho style.
His beloved poncho is 7 years old! More details on the poncho are available in the YouTube video above.
Carradice Duxback Poncho Super Price: ¥19,800 (tax included)
Lightweight and made from waxed cotton, offering high water resistance.
Reflective tape is applied throughout, ensuring visibility during night rides.
Equipped with a strap to prevent it from flipping up. It's cool in summer and warm in winter.
It's easy to change into, making it a popular style for utility bikes and other recent popular styles.
Here's a comparison video of ponchos available at Grumpy.
Shorts are recommended for summer.
If you use a leather saddle, a rain cover is essential for sudden downpours.
BROOKS RAIN COVER NYLON M Rain Cover Price: ¥1,980 (tax included)
Fenders are indispensable for the poncho style.
The fender is PDW's Full Metal Fender. Its greatest feature is this mud flap, which suppresses water splash and protects your shoes and rider. The price is around ¥13,000 to ¥15,000.
This fender comes in 3 sizes.
For the Sig.rando 650B specification, the 650 Beast 65mm is recommended.
Please note that 650B and 700C versions are not interchangeable when choosing a size.
PDW Full Metal Fender 650 Beast 65mm Price: ¥16,999 (tax included)
PDW Full Metal Fender 650 Beast 55mm Price: ¥16,999 (tax included)
PDW Road Plus Full Metal Fender 700x37 Price: ¥15,000 (tax included)
The F basket is a specially modified WALD37. The F bag is a SWIFT INDUSTRIES SUGARLOAF BASKET BAG Horizon Line.
Although this bag is not completely waterproof, it uses water-repellent fabric to protect its contents even in the rain. For heavy rain, it is necessary to take measures such as putting the contents in a plastic bag.
Staff Enomoto opts for a rain jacket & backpack style.
His top is the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket #85240. The color is mango to improve visibility when commuting in the rain.
This is the new Torrentshell jacket, updated in spring 2020. The internal structure has evolved, making it even less sticky than before.
7mesh MEN'S SIGHT SHIRT SSare recommended.
The bottom is also Torrentshell.Men's Torrentshell 3L Pants (Regular) #85265
These Torrentshell 3L pants feature zippers on both sides, making them easy to put on and take off even while wearing rain boots.
The most unpleasant thing about cycling in the rain is getting your socks wet. Previously, I protected my shoes with shoe covers, but I now use the Japanese wild bird society's rain boots, which are easy to move in and can be folded compactly.
Since I wear a hood on rainy days, I recommend quick-drying caps such as thePatagonia Duckbill Capor theEldoresso cap.
Originally designed for fishing, this fully waterproof backpack is recommended for those who commute by bicycle with a backpack. In summer, sweat doesn't soak through to the inside.
With a capacity of approximately 25-35L, the roll-top construction allows for flexible adjustment of volume. Its seamless design prevents water from entering the interior.
The secret to making high-performance rain gear last longer is fenders (mudguards).
The fender used is the SKS Bluemels from Germany, 700C, 45mm width. Aluminum material inside the fender provides excellent durability and makes it less prone to cracking.
On rainy days, debris from the road washes into the roadside, increasing the chance of punctures. These tires are highly durable and immensely popular among travelers. If you want to avoid punctures on your commute to work or school, we recommend Schwalbe Marathon.
Fenders and rain gear (apparel) are crucial for making your rainy bicycle commute even a little more enjoyable.
Please refer to this when commuting by bicycle during the rainy season.