Tag: fall

As winter starts to wane and spring slowly makes its triumphant return, the weather changes from cold, snowy, and wet to warmer days with lots of rain. Here in the Midwest, spring rain occurs frequently during any given week. In the summer, there’s still rain but it doesn’t occur as frequently.

If it rains while you are on a bike ride, you may not have any place available to take shelter. If you continue to ride, chances are you’ll get quite soaked unless you’re wearing a hardshell jacket.

A wet kit, wet shoes, and wet socks is an unpleasant situation to ride in. While not a perfect solution, a softshell cycling rain jacket is still a ride essential that will mostly keep you dry through the spring, summer, and fall.

What is The Purpose of a Cycling Rain Jacket?

A cycling rain jacket is either a lightweight (softshell) garment or a thicker and heavier (hardshell) garment, usually zippered, that fits over top of your kit. It should be both breathable and waterproof. A good jacket should also work well in the wind. The ideal conditions for a rain jacket are when temperatures in the 50s to 60s range prevail.

A cycling jacket should be light enough so you can bunch it up to compactly to store it in a jersey pocket. In most cases, a softshell cycling rain jacket is not a garment you’ll probably start your ride with but an accessory that you’ll slip on quickly when the skies threaten rain.

Keep in mind that a cycling rain jacket will only keep you dry for a limited time. If you are riding in steady and consistent rain, you will eventually get pretty wet. However, you won’t get as wet as you would without a jacket. Plus, a rain jacket will keep the wind off so you stay warm.

Types of Rain Wear for Cyclists

Rain can happen in any season, of course. That’s why the cycling industry makes rain wear to address seasonal changes. A hardshell is perfect for early spring or late fall riding. It might even come with a hood.

That said, a hardshell rain jacket should be waterproof and breathable. Quick note: a hardshell rain jacket is usually not packable. This is a garment you’ll most likely wear during the entirety of your ride.

A softshell rain jacket (like the one pictured above) is great for late spring, summer, or early fall cycling. It’s meant to keep you dry in the very mutable conditions of spring where it may rain a half hour, then the sun will come out and warm you up and dry you out. That’s when you can pop off the rain jacket and place it in your jersey pocket.

Cost and Where to Buy a Cycling Rain Jacket

Rain jackets are sized items and the fit will be different between manufacturers. However, if you wear a large jersey, a rain jacket in the same size should work for you.

A softshell cycling rain jacket (like the one pictured above) can start at $100.00 and go up. Hardshell cycling rain jackets can start at $200.00 and rise from there. My suggestion, which I’ve mentioned before, is if you’re shopping online, look for deals and sales items.

Sites like Hincapie, Giordana, and Pactimo all offer both hardshell and softshell cycling rain jackets. If you’re on the hunt for a rain jacket but on a budget, subscribe to the newsletters of these and other cycling wardrobe creators. As mentioned, these companies always have leftover apparel from the prior season, end of season closeouts, or sales.

Last Thoughts

A cycling rain jacket is great to have with you on a spring ride. However, the fact that you can use it through the summer and into the fall makes investment in such an expensive item less painful.

A cycling rain jacket could last you many seasons, so whatever cost outlay you face, over time you’ll get good usage out of this item. If you’re confident about your size and have worn similar kind of jackets, then the internet can offer you a plethora of choices.

But if you want to save some dollars, bike shops and other retail stores may carry lesser known brands for a good discount. Just make sure the jacket has the elements mentioned above built-in and also allows for easy mobility.