gnome

It is coming up to winter here very fast and I need a new jacket to keep the rain, hail and sleet off on my daily commute. Are there any bent specific waterproof jackets out there? Do I just have to get a standard cycling jacket and hope it doesn't leak?

BlazingPedals

I've had the best luck with anorak-style jackets. They don't have a full-length zipper, and even where their zipper is, they have a layer of waterproof behind it. On my bents, water always pools on my chest or tummy, and zippers always let the water in eventually. In heavy rain, I find water runs up my arms and pools at my elbows, so try to get tight cuffs to minimize it. Ditto the rain pants - you want a tight cuff at the ankles. Fairings help, too.

Actually, when I commuted by bike, I saved my bents for good weather and just took my hybrid in the nasty stuff.

jeff-o

I wore a Viking Tempest II jacket straight through the winter. Fully waterproof, with every zipper either waterproof or covered by a flap. It's surprisingly warm considering there's no insulation layer. It also has several zippered vents, because it doesn't breathe well otherwise (due to the aforementioned waterproofness). Don't know if it's available in NZ, though.

Giro

Also consider kayak paddeling jackets. They usually have tightly fitting cuffs that reportedly prevent rain from entering your sleeeves and then running into your jacket if your recumbent has over seat steering. They may tend to cost less.

Always use VERY bright lights front and rear so that you are seen by motor vehicles. Turn them on both day and night.

Finally, all the postings I've read state you will get wet some, either from perspiration, rain, or both.

gew0419

I sweat inside my rain gear or I get wet from the rain. Either way I get wet, so I gave up on the rain gear. However, I am an Oregonian and we have webbed feet and water resistant skin, so don't listen to me.

trailwarrior

Burley Nor'wester Recumbent Jacket on Sale
https://suncyclecenter.com/itemdetail...gId=39&id=1384

For colder weather you can add layers beneath the jacket.

JunkyardWarrior

i would look for something made out of gore-tex..................but it can be pricey

banerjek

I am not an Oregonian, but I've lived here for years. My advice is that if you're going to bike in the rain, you need to come to terms with getting wet. Fighting inevitability is a futile exercise in frustration.

I do not wear rain gear, and I ride year 'round. When it is cold, I wear neoprene so that I'll still be warm even if I'm soaked.

vik 

You won't stay dry if your biking vigorously in a rain jacket, but with the correct layers you can be warm and comfortable. Get a wicking shirt that fits snug against your skin to pull the moisture away. Add an insulating layer appropriate to the temperature and then your rain jacket. Keep in mind if you are warm standing around before the ride you'll be too hot once the pedals start turning.

If you use several thinner layers and a shell you'll have lots of options to meet the conditions as they change throughout the day/night.

gew0419

That's all I'm saying, Fred.

MOADIB64

I have a Gore-Tex Paclite jacket and pants that are great.
Extremely light weight and can be packed into a small bag.
They have velcro around the wrists and ankles and a hood, so I stay dry.
I got them at Cabelas.