New Product Review:

Wisely does the sage say,  “There is no such thing as bad weather, only poor clothing choices.”

In I recent post, I mentioned that I was testing some new equipment.  Test done.  Results?  Outstanding!

Permit me to introduce you to an old idea.  The Rain Cape.

This is a cycling garment that the Brits (who know a thing or two about rain) have been using for ages.  (I think the idea goes back to horse riders.)

Here’s what it looks like:

This is the cape, neck zip open and hood back.

Please do note, we took these pictures on a sunny day, so that they would show detail well.  We have tested this thing rather thoroughly in the shower, and in the rain.

There are two loops sown into the front.  Hands go through these to keep the cape from blowing up into the rider's face, and to keep it in place over the controls.

There are also a pair of straps sown into the back of the cape.  These tie around the waist, securing the cape from flapping up in the breeze.  That way one's backside stays dry.

A detail view, neck zipped up, hood raised, and helmet on over the whole works.

This is what it looks like in riding position.

There is a generous reflective stripe across the back.

View from the front.  Note fenders.  These help a lot!  Dry above and below.

Rear view, showing reflective stripe and good coverage.

 Does it work?  Oh man does it ever!  I recently spent two hours riding in sleet and pouring rain, with this cape on.  I stayed dry as toast, and quiet comfortable.  (In fairness, I should add, the cape works best when used with a bike that has fenders.)  Yes, there is a high "geek factor."  But what's cool about arriving at work, or the grocery, soaked and shivering?