So you’re cruising along the motorway and on the horizon you see a dark cloud making its way towards you. Being the brave rider you are, you naturally decide to risk it – after all, the weatherman said it wasn’t going to rain today, right?
As the heavens open, you realise your mistake. Within minutes you are soaked to the skin, your rucksack has filled with water and your pre-packed sandwiches are ruined. Yep, it’s going to be one of those days.
For riders in the UK, darkening clouds and surprise showers represent nothing out of the ordinary. In winter especially, soggy skies and river-like roads can cause a multitude of issues, so it’s best to be prepared. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the waterproof goodies that every rider should invest in before climbing onto their bike this season – because if there’s one thing we hate here at Carole Nash, it’s soggy sarnies…
Underlined Oversuits
Lightweight, compact and relatively cheap, there are tons of advantages to owning an underlined oversuit. Starting with their lightweight design, oversuits can be rolled into a rucksack with ease, which makes them perfect for those grey days when you’re not sure if you’re going to run into showers or not.
In terms of affordability, a decent oversuit shouldn’t set you back more than £50, which, if you’re riding on a budget this winter, should help you hold on to the pennies for a little longer.
On the downside, one-piece oversuits are often made out of cheaper materials – which, although waterproof, aren’t necessarily breathable. So although you’ll be keeping dry from the rain outside, you may start to find that eventually, you start to get a little soggy as your own sweat struggles to escape!
Value: 4/5
Waterproof rating: 4/5
Comfort: 3/5
Waterproof Jackets
Where oversuits provide an affordable solution for unpredictable outlooks, waterproof jackets step-up to the plate when you know you’re going to be tackling the elements head-on.
Combining stylish looks with everyday practicality, waterproof jackets offer riders a fashionable alternative to their one-piece rivals. Often sporting high-collars and adjustable cuffs, it’s much easier to remain dry while looking cool with one of the many designs available today.
It’s worth noting however, that unlike oversuits, a waterproof jacket will do very little when it comes to keeping your legs dry – meaning if you’re wanting to protect your bottom half from the Great British weather, you’re going to have to put aside a couple of extra pounds.
Value: 3/5
Waterproof rating: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5
Top tip: If you’re struggling for pennies this winter, it might be worth heading to your local camping shop and investing in a lightweight waterproof jacket to wear underneath your regular jacket – so long as you have it loose fitting it stops that trickle of water going fromyourhelmet straight downyourback insideyourjacket!
Gore-tex Gloves
When travelling on two wheels throughout winter, there’s nothing worse than the feeling of water making its way through your gloves. With this in mind, whether you’re thinking of going for a gentle ride once a week or riding your bike to work every day, it’s always a savvy plan to invest in a decent pair of mitts.
Where once upon a time biking gloves used to be nothing more than a layer of wax on a cotton pattern, today Gore-tex remains a firm favourite among the biking fraternity. Providing excellent protection and a great deal of warmth, a decent set of Gore-tex gloves can be found for as little as £50.
If you’re looking to go the extra mile, why not invest in some heated gloves for around £120 and really show winter who’s boss?
Value: 4/5
Waterproof rating: 4/ 5
Comfort: 4/5
Top tip: As well as gloves, it’s always a wise idea to kit yourself out with a proper pair of boots and Gore-Tex socks – after all, there’s nothing worse than changing gear with cold, soggy feet!
Rucksacks
When buying a rucksack, there are a lot of things to factor in before making a decision. After all, the last thing you want when transporting your killer presentation to the office is a sack full of soggy paper!
The golden rule when equipping your wardrobe with a new rucksack is this: don’t be fooled. While many manufacturers state their bag is ‘water resistant’ or ‘weather proof’, very few actually cut the mustard when it comes to riding through a downpour.
With this in mind, it’s probably worth investing in something that’s designed to handle even the soggiest of showers. A good example of this can be seen inHeld’s fully waterproof rucksack – which can be picked up online for just over £50. And although this may seem like a lot for a rucksack, you’ll be glad you spent every penny of it when it comes to nailing that presentation.
Value: 4/5
Waterproof rating: 5/5
Comfort: 4/5
Top Tip: If you find your rucksack is bursting at the seams with the amount of stuff you have to carry to and from work, it might be worth investing in a soft top box for your bike. Strapping these handy storage options onto your bike couldn’t be easier – and with many boxes coming with a waterproof cover, it’s hardly surprising that they remain a firm favourite among explorers and commuters alike!
