DGalt

I was sure Fall had already arrived here in Chicago a few weeks ago. Seems, though, like we'll at least have a few more weeks of summer. But as September approaches, the chances of rainy, cool weather is rapidly increasing.

This will be the first year I am trying to commute as close to the full year as possible (we'll see how ambitious I get this winter...bit concerned about ice along the lake, since that's my main commute path), and I'm trying to get prepared clothing wise.

Looking for a light-weight (i.e. no fleece, just a shell), water proof jacket and potentially some pants as well. Top that is also friendly for riding at night would be a plus. Being a grad student, money is always a concern, so not looking for anything extravagant.

Thought / suggestions?

MichaelW

Note that breathable waterproofs shells are best for rain riding. In dry or damp conditions, they can cause condensation. A windproof shell and a separate waterproof shell are a good combo and also work together to add warmth on unusually cold nights.
I dont think you need your rain pants to be as high grade as your jacket.
You may be able to get a summer-weight, ultralight hiking waterproof in end-of-season sales. The only problem with them is sometimes dark colour, lack of reflective bits and permanent flappy hood with no roll-up into the collar.

RGNY

my two winter jackets are the Bellweather Coldfront (has reflective piping) and the Nashbar Derby (reflective bits and comes in neon green). the Bellweather is more water resistant, but the Derby has breathable panels.

both have kept me warm down into the low 20s with just a baselayer.

droy45

I use the Nashbar derby shell jacket with the vents down to the single numbers and its kept me warm enough with the proper breathable under layers. I also use the bellwether windfront pants when its 40 deg and less. Otherwise, just shorts.

xtrajack

I have been using a J&G waterproof, breathable, rain jacket as a shell now for the last four winters. I also use Rainmates rain chaps in the winter as a windbreaker for my legs.

My most important piece of winter gear----180's earmuffs.

threecarjam

For cheap and visible, O2 rain gear is hard to beat: https://www.outsideoutfitters.com/p-1...FUVk7Aod1D0A4w

Also they pack up small. Not the greatest thing in the world but will keep you dry and won't make you broke. If you find that you want something a little nicer, I wear an eVent waterproof jacket that I got on https://www.geartrade.com for something like $50 - it's a good place for deals. Also for a Chicagoan it can't hurt to check out https://www.thechainlink.org and ask the locals for tips on all-season commuting. Good luck!

dramiscram

I like wool, I tried many different things but IMO nothing beats wool. It's not perfect but nothing is.

PlanoFuji

What ever clothing you wear outside in the expected weather is all you need to bike commute in that weather. Although I find my feet a hands get colder riding than they do walking in the same weather, though that may be psycho-sematic.

As someone mentioned above, I like wool layers.

rumrunn6

allocate expenses. as the calendar moves forward so will your clothing requirements. one year later you will have everything. the 1st year is a killer though.

KenshiBiker

Heh, heh, heh. For some reason, I got a chuckle out of that "word".

Thanks,

KB

PlanoFuji

Durn, I hate auto complete...

tjspiel

Denial is my preferred if ineffective way of dealing with the onset of Fall

erig007

I'm more and more happy as winter is coming
And...no more hot wet summer days

alan s 

...and the peds and fair weather cyclists vanish.

Layering is key, as temperature differences between morning and evening commutes can be dramatic. As a rough guide, I'll add a layer for each 10 degrees as the temps dip below 60. So in the 20s, 4 layers, all breathable. Below that, I usually drive. For extremities, various combinations of shoes, socks, gloves and head coverings. You'll work it out in a hurry, believe me.

daihard 

Autumn in Seattle means rain. I just installed the fenders. Time to buy a nice rain jacket.

jdswitters

I like my O2 jacket with thrift store wool sweater/s underneath, Novarra rain pants over jeans but cant get them off without taking boots off first.

tjspiel

I'm on vacation for a few days and after Labor Day, all beaches, outdoor pools and water parks close. It doesn't matter what the weather is. School starts for those kids who haven't already started.

Today was my last Summer commute.

PatrickGSR94

But you're expending much more energy on a bike than you do walking or just standing around. If you're standing or walking, you can carry an umbrella in the rain. Not so much on a bike. Also you don't generally break a sweat in the cold while just walking or standing around, but you very well might on a bike, which presents its own set of challenges.

PlanoFuji

No necessarily, commuting is not a bike race you don't NEED to push it. And in the winter, pushing it really isn't a good idea from safety perspective (typically less than ideal weather).

Yes, if you are the type who uses an umbrella, you would need a raincoat. But it doesn't need to be a bicycle design. Also, given the notorious wind I am not sure an umbrella would be practical in the OP's Chicago area even when walking.

Again, there is no need to break a sweat when commuting any time of the year, but especially in the winter. It is commuting not a bike race.