Cycling specific waterproof gear, or the lack thereof

[Tom]

I bought some neoprene paddling gloves from MEC today for wet winter riding and thought to myself, "In this part of the world, where there are so many people who ride year round in the cold and wet, where there are local manufacturers, why isn't there much waterproof cycling-specific gear?".

For example, there is no shortage of brands of waterproof-breathable hiking boots...why isn't anyone making a waterproof-breathable cycling shoe? Why is our solution to wear sealskinz socks, so your feet will be warm when your shoes are totally soaked?

Discuss...

[SkunkworkS]

Too small of a market, niche to engineer towards?

[freakonaleash]

Lots of peple dont get to ride lots, so when its in the rain, they dont care if they get wet or not caue there still riding

[stillgoing]

Strange as it may seem - I've always ridden in waterproof hiking boots. Grippy, good support, dry feet and they last forever.

~$200 @ MEC

[teflon_cock]

second that. I ride with gortex Nike ACG hiking boots that I bought 3 years ago for 70 bucks. Lucked out because they are the best riding shoe for wet winters. The soles are a bit stiff but the feet stay warm and dry, all the time. Because they are high-tops they give plenty of ankle support and keep out debris. When it gets really nasty I wear MEC nylon gators for extra protection.

Lots of chunky tread to conform to flats and gripping on uphill gnarly hike-a-bike sections - totally recommend gortex hiking boots over skate shoes or anyting else out there.

[Lady Gravity]

actually, mec has shoe covers that work really well for commuting. as for making waterproof riding shoes...i'm sure the majority of bikers dont ride in the rain, so yeah, niche market.

[SkunkworkS]

And the minority who do ride in the rain, like me here, don't really care if our shoes and feet get wet cause the harder one tries to keep something dry in an environment like the Shore, in the rain, on a mountain bike, flying through swamps, puddles and foliage is going to end up as one extremely sad, frustrated and dissappointed SOB at the end of the ride.

[Tom]

And the minority who do ride in the rain, like me here, don't really care if our shoes and feet get wet cause the harder one tries to keep something dry in an environment like the Shore, in the rain, on a mountain bike, flying through swamps, puddles and foliage is going to end up as one extremely sad, frustrated and dissappointed SOB at the end of the ride.

Wet...not a problem. Cold and wet...problem.

So what you're saying is, if a company like five-ten came out with a waterproof-breathable version of the impact shoe for example, you wouldn't buy it?

[pete@nsmb.com]

I bought some neoprene paddling gloves from MEC today for wet winter riding and thought to myself, "In this part of the world, where there are so many people who ride year round in the cold and wet, where there are local manufacturers, why isn't there much waterproof cycling-specific gear?".

For example, there is no shortage of brands of waterproof-breathable hiking boots...why isn't anyone making a waterproof-breathable cycling shoe? Why is our solution to wear sealskinz socks, so your feet will be warm when your shoes are totally soaked?

Discuss...

Two good options:

http://www.sidiusa.com/winter.html#a

http://www.lakecycling.com/category.aspx?categoryID=36

The Sidis use Gore-Tex so that would be the better option for the wet coast. Obviously you won't find anything that is truly waterproof and still breathes well - it's the same as with jackets - you gain breathability at the cost of water resistance, and vice versa.

The poor man's solution would be to use neoprene shoe covers and, depending on conditions, length of ride, etc, that might serve you well but I'm assuming you've checked out that option and found it wanting.

[pete@nsmb.com]

Wet...not a problem. Cold and wet...problem.

So what you're saying is, if a company like five-ten came out with a waterproof-breathable version of the impact shoe for example, you wouldn't buy it?

I just thought again after reading this about the five-tens and realized you are probably looking for shoes to use with flats - in that case I guess your best bet is a hiking shoe...but to be honest when freeriding in the winter, I use sealskinz or wool socks and suck it up. You're not traveling fast like on the road or xc riding, so windchill isn't really a factor. Or have I lost the plot here entirely?

[gotham]

I don't leave home without the following on a rainy day..

Torso
MEC Whoosh Jacket - Got this for Xmas last year and it makes a great riding jacket. Wrist to armpit zippers on either side keep me cool in summer and when I get to work I zip up the tail in the back and it doubles as a svelte looking jacket for everyday use.

Legs
MEC Whoosh Pants - I thought investing $100 in a pair of pants for riding was a little nuts at first but after a few trips to/from work and staying high and dry the whole time I'm sold on these pants. When the weather gets warm they have 3/4 length zippers up each leg and articulated knees.

Feet
MEC Waterproof Cycling Shoe Covers - Rain or shine these live in my bag all the time because nothing sucks more than having wet shoes the next day, or wet socks all day at work. I love riding through puddles with these on!

Head
MEC Downpour Helmet Cover - I don't wear it but my girlfriend swears by it. If you want your noggin to stay bone dry during a storm then pickup one of these yellow beanies. We haven't found a way to mount lights OVER the cover which is a bit of a pain.

Hands
I think I've run the gauntlet on gloves to ride in. First I tried the MEC Paddling Gloves but they don't keep you warm in cold weather and I found them really bulky otherwise. Then I plunked down $50 for a pair of "windproof/waterproof" gloves which are full fingered with a little flap that pulls over the fingers to make a mitten which is quite water resistant....until you ride the Sunshine Coast in a downpour. They have articulated joints which is nice, and they do a great job at keeping the hands warm too. For light showers or otherwise sunny days I've switched to the MEC Squish Full-Fingered gloves. If they get wet they dry pretty quick, and they breathe well.

Pannier
Not to be overlooked are a good pair of rain-flys for your panniers and I've found the stock MEC ones do the job admirably. Not everyone wants to shell out $200 for a pair of Serratus rubber panniers so if you're like me and you have the regular cordura panniers then these rain covers work great for keeping stuff like laptops dry.

[Sharon]

I've found for trail riding, the more waterproof cycling gear I wear the hotter I get. I wear something that I know will get wet but will still keep me warm but not too hot, then I hope I don't get a flat or have to stand around since then I will get cold...

The MEC overbooties get trashed on trails. Gortex socks over wool with something over the cuff to keep the water from getting in works well.

Your shoes will get wet, but your feet should be relatively dry.

for road riding, I have the MEC Gortex jacket and pants that keep you dry and not too warm if you just wear something light underneath.

[RossputiN]

...suck it up. You're not traveling fast like on the road or xc riding, so windchill isn't really a factor. Or have I lost the plot here entirely?

I don't think you're lost. I believe the OP was looking at trail riding in the winter. Most people I know that ride in crappy winter weather will drive/shuttle as close to the trailhead as possible, do one run, then jump in their warm vehicles and go home for some hot cocoa. Then again, I hang out with a bunch of pansies...

[pete@nsmb.com]

...MEC...MEC... ... ...MEC...

Gimme a break, dude. Not even Jaysin whores Oakley that much.

MEC makes some good stuff but you can spare us the catalog recital.

[enduramil]

My kit.

Rain kit:

Neoprene Paddling Socks MEC
Mil Surplus Gore Tex Pants
Race Face Jacket
Soon to be added Mil Surplus Gore Tex Pants turned to shorts

[4byrider]

Personally I hate wet feet

When I commute I use Taiga gortex overboots. They are relatively cheap $40??

When I am out on the trails I use gortex socks. They are the best. A little pricey $70-80 but worth every penny to me. Feet dry = warm feet

My .02 cents

[old_school_n00b]

Gimme a break, dude. Not even Jaysin whores Oakley that much.

MEC makes some good stuff but you can spare us the catalog recital.

Has anyone found a decent windproof/waterproof/breathable winter glove solution? I've been using my Helly-Hansen snowboard mitts with some success.

[LIPS]

That said, has anyone found a decent windproof/waterproof/breathable winter glove solution? I've been using my Helly-Hansen snowboard mitts with some success.[/QUOTE]

http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/03-3450-80.html I've used these with good results

[cam@nsmb.com]

He mentioned a whopping seven items, and also mentioned several drawbacks to those items. Frankly, that's quality journalism compared to the industry knob-slobbery that passes for "Gear Shots" on the NSMB front page.


Wow. That's a little harsh - but I guess Pete went a little overboard as well. If you think Gear Shots is 'industry knob-slobbery' I'd like to have some examples. Particularly because I have no idea what 'industry knob-slobbery' means.

I assume you are aware that Gear Shots isn't meant to be a review - nor do we try to disguise it as such. It's what we say about items we have just received. Essentially the goal is to give you an idea of what the manufacturer is trying to accomplish, what we can notice out of the box - and that's about it. You can compare it to bike mag's Fresh Produce - virtually every print mag has a section like that. There is probably a name for it - something like 'product intro' but I'm just guessing.

If 'industry knob-slobbery' is a knock at our integrity I assure you we have no motivation to cover up problems or exagerate positives. We do our very best to tell it like it is. We're not perfect, nor are we saints, but we tell the truth as we see it.

Some print mags write reviews without riding bikes, sell the front page to the highest bidder, and often they will print marketing material as submitted and pass it off as a review. This disgusts me - and I was very surprised and disappointed to find out that it happens.

We don't do that.

Sincerely,
Industry Knob

[pete@nsmb.com]

I was a little harsh - my apologies to gotham. Sorry, dude.

[yoonior]

For example, there is no shortage of brands of waterproof-breathable hiking boots...why isn't anyone making a waterproof-breathable cycling shoe? Why is our solution to wear sealskinz socks, so your feet will be warm when your shoes are totally soaked?

Plastic bags.

That's my cheap solution when it's really cold and wet :)
You can use them along with hiking boots in winter, or with low-profiled semi hiking shoes when it's not so cold. Even if shoe is totally soaked your feet will stay dry and warm.

I've seen some SPD compatible winter cycling shoes but not sure if they can last riding hard. But they're not good for riding flats I suppose.

[gotham]

I was a little harsh - my apologies to gotham. Sorry, dude.
No hard feelings, mail me an MEC gift certificate and we'll call it square?

In an effort to keep the thread on track, where would I find goretex socks?

[cam@nsmb.com]

No hard feelings, mail me an MEC gift certificate and we'll call it square?

In an effort to keep the thread on track, where would I find goretex socks?

MEC perhaps? I haven't had much luck with any water proof socks but the Seal skin ones are pretty good. They have some good stretch and they have some warmth as well. The problem with any waterproof sock is that you are unlikely to get more than a single year of actual waterproofness out of them.

At least that's been my experience.

[Sharon]

MEC perhaps? I haven't had much luck with any water proof socks but the Seal skin ones are pretty good. They have some good stretch and they have some warmth as well. The problem with any waterproof sock is that you are unlikely to get more than a single year of actual waterproofness out of them.

At least that's been my experience.

that's where duct tape come in, or its cheaper and perhaps more relevant duck tape...

[pete@nsmb.com]

No hard feelings, mail me an MEC gift certificate and we'll call it square?

In an effort to keep the thread on track, where would I find goretex socks?

Whatever is there left for you to buy? ;)

If it were me, I'd focus on keeping the shoes dry first - if they're waterlogged, you're carrying a lot of extra weight. If it's not that wet, you probably can't beat wool socks and they still insulate when wet.

[craw]

Here's some good stuff I scored that really works well:

MEC Hydrofoil jacket. It's light and more breathable than a full-on raincoat. It's got longish arms and is cut relatively slim by MEC standards. For $100 it's much better value than, say, a 3-ply goretex jacket. At $100 you also don't feel too foolish bringing it out on a ride where it will inevitably get dirty and battered.

Roadies. Check out La Bicicletta on Broadway, they have tons of good winter cycling gloves. Also, ice climbing gloves work well since they are also designed to offer maximum dexterity and warmth during high-output activities. There are lots of good glove options for around $50.

Yeah the shoe issue still eludes me. But overall I've never really had a problem with my feet. A killer set of hiking-weight socks usually does me fine in the winter.

My regular riding shorts are water-resistant at the best of times so I don't worry about it too much. I don't know if you will win with waterproof shorts cuz you'll end up getting soaked from the inside.

[Bryce]

My kit.
Mil Surplus Gore Tex Pants


I didn't know there was such a thing. Probably a good score eh? Gore pants are awesome, especially with big side zips. You still the cold spray on the ass but you're dry under the Gore. And, personally, my legs don't sweat nearly as much as my upper body so slightly limited breathability is OK.

Anyone tried the SealSkinz gloves with the silicon dotted palm?

[enduramil]

I didn't know there was such a thing. Probably a good score eh? Gore pants are awesome, especially with big side zips. You still the cold spray on the ass but you're dry under the Gore. And, personally, my legs don't sweat nearly as much as my upper body so slightly limited breathability is OK.

Anyone tried the SealSkinz gloves with the silicon dotted palm?

My source.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ECWCS-Woodland-Camo-Gore-tex-Trousers-Goretex-Pants-M-R_W0QQitemZ290053395084QQihZ019QQcategoryZ104023QQ rdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[gotham]

Could you snowboard in those pants? Would you need to wear anything underneath??

[Oldfart]

I got a pair of the Shimano winter spd shoes. Good grippy sole, neoprene cuff and two velcro closures. Goretex membrane in there somewhere too. Warm and dry. Stood in a puddle up the top of the shoe the other day. Nothing got in. But I did a longer ride and got caught in pouring rain. Wet socks sucked water down into the shoe and would provide a filtered conduit too. Wasn't cold, just really wet so the shoes aren't perfect. If I'd had waterproof pants shingled over the shoe top I'd a been dry.

MEC (there's that outlet again) has a cheap, $80, winter shoe. No mesh and what looks like a coated leather or leather like upper. Get them a bit big for a heavier sock and your good to go.

For flats I'd get a light hiker type shoe.

There are ton's of cycling jackets for wet cycling but few which will go over pads unless you get one too large and then they tend to hang too low.

I wear moto shorts over tights when it's wet. The waterproof shorts keep your butt dryish and are warmer. Pads keep the knees warm.

[Oldtimer]

Wet...not a problem. Cold and wet...problem.

So what you're saying is, if a company like five-ten came out with a waterproof-breathable version of the impact shoe for example, you wouldn't buy it?

Hey, you know what, I've been ridin my 5 10 high tops for a couple of months now, slogged through some pretty wet rides and they have kept me 100% warm and pretty darn dry.

Enduramil

Goretex shorts are a great idea. I've often thought all these heavier bike shorts should be waterproof/breathable.

When it's really wet I have some lower end Taiga pants, full zip, Entrant waterproof breathables. They will be shorts one day.
Quite often I've stepped out of them 99% dry and I've had to hose the mud off before even thinkin about bringing them inside.

[old_school_n00b]

I was a little harsh - my apologies to gotham.

As was I to cam. I took the time to actually read through the last couple of Gear Shots, and they were quite well-written and informative. Previous negative comments edited. :)

Trying to hunt down some Pearl Izumi Zephyrr, Pearl Izumi AmFIB, or Descente Shelter gloves locally, for my all-day road rides. Any suggestions?

[synchro]

for the feet i find the polypro socks at places like marks workwear house work great i wear two pairs (only $8/pr) and my feet are always totasty no matter how wet my shoes are.

a good option for tops/bottoms are the cheapo $20 rain pants and jackets also available at places like mark's (checks over shoulder for wrath of pete ;) ) because it's no great loss if they get torn or ripped in a crash. i hate the thought of bailing in $150 plus tech fabric jackets and getting them all ripped up/

[old_school_n00b]

for the feet i find the polypro socks at places like marks workwear house work great i wear two pairs (only $8/pr) and my feet are always totasty no matter how wet my shoes are.

a good option for tops/bottoms are the cheapo $20 rain pants and jackets also available at places like mark's (checks over shoulder for wrath of pete ;) ) because it's no great loss if they get torn or ripped in a crash. i hate the thought of bailing in $150 plus tech fabric jackets and getting them all ripped up/

This is a great thread, and I'm glad we steered it back on-topic. :)

Cheap Viking raingear is great; I have a pair of Creekside II pants for hiking and cycling, and a set of PVC bibs for the durrty-durrty. You really do get what you pay for, though, and at the margin, I think I would rather bite the bullet and shell out the extra money for Helly-Hansen's quality. Viking's PVC just isn't as tough as Helly's, and their zippers are garbage. How much is it worth to you to be fumbling around with a stuck zipper instead of riding, or even worse, have one bork completely when it's cold and dumping in the middle of nowhere?

MEC has polypropolene Wigwam Gobi Liner socks and Auclair liner gloves for $5 and $5 respectively. I've worked and played in them for around 15 years now, and there's no better value in base layering. They're cheap and compact enough to carry an extra pair or two into the field or along for the ride.

Over the liner socks, I usually wear Teko organic merino socks, or Wigwam Ice 2 socks if it's particularly cold and wet. If I'm working in the bush, it's all three. The Teko's seem pricey at $17 each, but they're the nicest socks I have ever owned, and the Ice 2 socks are a great value in big fuzzy woolen overkill at $10.

The liner gloves are fine under my regular full-finger bike gloves as long as it's dry and the speeds aren't too high. Polypropolene (and wool) will keep you warm when they're wet, but they're worthless against wind.

My most recent MEC purchase has been a $28 Outdoor Research beanie made out of Gore Windstopper softshell material. It works so well that I'm going to be returning it: I can't hear anything when I'm riding in traffic; I can't hear anything going on with my drivetrain; and I can't hear a conversation in a group ride. My friend is teaching me to use a sewing machine, though, and I've got an interesting project in the works. :thepimp:

I also scored a pair of Gore-Tex socks from MEC this week. It's been relatively warm and dry, though and I haven't had the opportunity to use them yet. I also tried on a bunch of allegedly windproof/waterproof/breathable roadie gloves, and the Activa Hydropel's are on the short list, but I'm still trying to hunt down a pair of Pearl Izumi Zephyrr shell gloves or Descente Shelter gloves. Anyone know who has them in stock locally?

[enduramil]

Forgot to add this to my rain type gear. An old style cotton cycling cap under the helmet. For not only trapping in a little heat but also the little bill is helpfull in deflecting some of the rain. Seems to work better then a visor.

http://www.bicyclinghub.com/edmecycap.html

[Furious]

actually, mec has shoe covers that work really well for commuting. as for making waterproof riding shoes...i'm sure the majority of bikers dont ride in the rain, so yeah, niche market.

If you are talking about the waterproof covers that velcro around and under the boot those are murder on the trails. I rode with them a few times -- dry feet, but I got so muddy from falling/bailing everytime I dabbed my foot on rock, root, or log because the underside of the strap is slick rubber (or at least the ones I have from 1999 (?) are that way - I don't think they've changed much. They don't fit so well over flat mens shoes because of the wide sole. They are however fantastic for commuting -- much better than the full neoprene bootie if you ask me

[Tom]

Hey, you know what, I've been ridin my 5 10 high tops for a couple of months now, slogged through some pretty wet rides and they have kept me 100% warm and pretty darn dry.



I haven't been out riding for a couple of months due to injury, but pretty soon I'll get the chance to try mine out. I just figured because of all the fabric that they would soak up water like a sponge.

[Rat]

you could coat the 5/10's in shoe goo. wouldnt look pretty and it wouldnt breath but you can bet they would be dry