Rain Cape 2.0...Success!
#1
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Rain Cape 2.0...Success!
My original DIY Poncho Raincape (Here and here.) began tearing. I ordered a near identical replacement for 8 bucks but it began tearing immediately. So I spent $14 on a new cape and I chose this one:
Which ended up looking like this on me:
Well, son-of-a-gun..it worked!
It finally rained enough during a commute to try it out. It kept me dry and breathed okay.
I tried it out in the dry and was a little concerned that the sides didn't come down more, but they come down enough and let it breath. the back end comes down a little more than in the photo. My butt stayed dry.
The internal "ties" turned out to be a couple of straps IN THE CENTER of the cape...possibly for tying the front to a clip to hold them on the handle bars of a scooter. But I used them in conjunction with a rubber grommet to gather the bottom up a little. And speaking of grommets, I used the nylon tie and rubber grommet method I used in my previous DIY raincape to make hand-holds.
There's also a clear visor which I tucked under for yesterday's ride, but it seems like it may work to help keep rain off my face. You can see it in the photo.
I also didn't add a waist tie for the rear, It didn't billow like the longer, lighter previous cape,
The plastic on this is a little heavier which seemed to make it a little hotter around the head and shoulders, but not by much.
Also because the sides ended up so high, I can easily release a hand and stick an arm out to signal. The heavier, longer front keeps the cape over the bars better and stays in place, even in heavy wind.
And with regard to heavy wind, I actually tried the cape out last week, but it stopped raining a minute or two after leaving work. It was a very windy day and the cape made riding into the wind very difficult, and after turning the side gusts buffeted me, but the high side cuts kept the cape from pushing me out of my path.
All-in-all, it works better than the cape it replaced, looks a little better, is brighter and more visible and still under $20 bucks including shipping, which for a dry climate where I wear a rain cape less than 10 times a year, is a pretty good deal in my book.
Which ended up looking like this on me:
Well, son-of-a-gun..it worked!
It finally rained enough during a commute to try it out. It kept me dry and breathed okay.
I tried it out in the dry and was a little concerned that the sides didn't come down more, but they come down enough and let it breath. the back end comes down a little more than in the photo. My butt stayed dry.
The internal "ties" turned out to be a couple of straps IN THE CENTER of the cape...possibly for tying the front to a clip to hold them on the handle bars of a scooter. But I used them in conjunction with a rubber grommet to gather the bottom up a little. And speaking of grommets, I used the nylon tie and rubber grommet method I used in my previous DIY raincape to make hand-holds.
There's also a clear visor which I tucked under for yesterday's ride, but it seems like it may work to help keep rain off my face. You can see it in the photo.
I also didn't add a waist tie for the rear, It didn't billow like the longer, lighter previous cape,
The plastic on this is a little heavier which seemed to make it a little hotter around the head and shoulders, but not by much.
Also because the sides ended up so high, I can easily release a hand and stick an arm out to signal. The heavier, longer front keeps the cape over the bars better and stays in place, even in heavy wind.
And with regard to heavy wind, I actually tried the cape out last week, but it stopped raining a minute or two after leaving work. It was a very windy day and the cape made riding into the wind very difficult, and after turning the side gusts buffeted me, but the high side cuts kept the cape from pushing me out of my path.
All-in-all, it works better than the cape it replaced, looks a little better, is brighter and more visible and still under $20 bucks including shipping, which for a dry climate where I wear a rain cape less than 10 times a year, is a pretty good deal in my book.
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#2
Senior Member
Cheers; I had looked at rain capes and wondered how well the fronts stayed down on them. I currently just have a couple of ponchos on my riding gear but haven't had to actually use them. Back in my earlier commuting days, I usually just either got wet or wore in full rain gear - both sucked in their own way, mind.
#3
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With that green screen, you can make it look like you are riding through Mordor and the rain cape is protecting you from falling lava.
#4
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I swear it was $14.99 when I bought it. At $18.99, it's still under $20. Please see the caveats above about lack of hand-holds. Also, I haven't tried the clear plastic visor yet. I folded it back under my helmet for my ride.
I swear it was $14.99 when I bought it. At $18.99, it's still under $20. Please see the caveats above about lack of hand-holds. Also, I haven't tried the clear plastic visor yet. I folded it back under my helmet for my ride.
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#5
Full Member
I just ordered the navy colored one for $2.99! It was 5.99 with a 50% coupon to apply. Yes I am giving up a bright color but for that price it makes for a great item to leave in your bag in case you get caught in a heavy rain commute- thanks for the tip!
#6
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Let us know how that works out for you. I'm curious.
#7
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When the weather starts getting bad, I just put the racing hood on.
https://www.sinnerbikes.com/wp-conte...th-tourcap.jpg
https://www.sinnerbikes.com/wp-conte...th-tourcap.jpg
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