Choosing Rain Gear
Nothing takes the fun out of ride like being wet and cold. Rain gear is an essential part of a biker's road kit. Here are a few shopping tips for picking the right rain gear.
We recommending heading to a quality motorcycle apparel dealer and check out the real deal. Look for gear that features modern fabrics like GoreTex to keep moisture out while letting air in.
Your choices are going to range from relatively inexpensive PVC rain suits to full-on textile riding suits costing hundreds of dollars. If you live in an area where rain is more the rule than the exception, go with something durable like the textile riding suits or jacket and pant combos. If rain is only an occasional threat, the very packable and reasonably priced Frogg Toggs are an excellent choice.
Look for stitched and sealed seams over glued seams. The wind-induced flapping will turn a glued rain suit into shreds in a handful of miles. Also look for visibility features like reflective surfaces and bright colors. Rain reduces visibility for all drivers so it's a good idea to crank up your personal visibility.
Make sure the gear is large enough to fit over your regular riding gear while maintaining freedom of movement. Look for adjustable closures at the neck, ankles and wrists. Watch out for leak points at the neck; a river of cold water down the spine can be really miserable.
Don't forget your feet. If your boots aren't waterproof, get some gaitors to cover them. In a pinch, try putting a plastic shopping bag over your socks. It won't keep your boots dry but will keep the water away from your skin.
A little comparison shopping will insure that you get the right rain gear for your riding climate. Remember, two keys to a safe, comfortable ride are staying warm and dry. Most any rain suit will do better at both than garbage bags and duct tape.
John Davis is a rider and writer. His current ride is Victoria, a candy red Honda VTX1800 Retro. John writes for several web sites and blogs in addition to his own site, NorthwestCycleReport.
