The 10 Best Rain Cycling Gears to Own in 2020
Tired of getting caught in the rain while out on long cycling rides?
Sounds like it’s time to invest in some rain gear.
But with so many products on the market, how do you know what will keep you dry and what won’t?
Here are 10 of the best rain cycling gears to own.
1. Oakley Radar EV Photochromic Sunglasses
If you haven’t tried photochromic lenses, you need to.
The versatility they offer for changing light conditions makes them an essential to have on your face or at the ready in the jersey pocket. Why?
The tint in photochromic lenses automatically adjusts to fit changing light conditions. So, when that sunny day turns dark and stormy, you don’t have to worry about changing out your eyewear because the lenses are making the necessary adjustment on their own.
These cycling-specific photochromic lenses from Oakley, one of the best-known names in sunglasses, are among the best you can buy.
2. Castelli Idro Pro 2 Jacket
When riding your bike, you want a rain jacket that’s going to be lightweight, aerodynamic, waterproof (of course), easy to stow, and breathable.
Castelli has all of those demands covered with its Idro Pro 2.
While you will pay a pro-level price for this jacket, for that steep price you get cutting edge Gore-Tex technology Shakedry. This technology gives you everything you need. It’s waterproof, water vapor breathes out of it, wind can’t penetrate it, it conforms to your body for aerodynamics, and it weighs almost nothing.
It also stores easily. What more could you ask for?
3. Gore C7 Shakedry Jacket
If your experience with cycling rain jackets is of loose material billowing off your back like a sail, Gore-Tex will make you think again with its C7 Shakedry jacket.
The material on this jacket incorporates stretch panels that are designed to conform to your body not unlike well-made cycling jerseys. The result is an aerodynamic jersey. Skeptical that a jacket so form-fitting will keep you dry?
Don’t be.
The Gore C7 uses Gore-Tex’ patented Shakedry technology to make this jacket completely water and windproof. Of course, none of that would matter if you end up drenched in your own sweat.
That’s why Shakedry material is also breathable.
4. Castelli Nanoflex Pro 2 Bibs
Looking for cycling gear that will keep you warmer on those fall and spring rides but doesn’t want full-length tights?
How about this pair of bib shorts from Castelli?
The Nanoflex Pro 2 features a brushed lining that serves as a layer of insulation for rides in cooler temperatures and a water-repellent finish on the exterior that resists water for rainy rides.
Longer legs that come up right above the knee provide extra coverage. The cut of the legs tapers upward to the back of the knee so the shorts don’t interfere with your pedal stroke.
5. Craft Shield 2.0 Gloves
Keeping your hands warm during winter rides can be a challenge. You want gloves that are thick enough to keep your hands from going numb, but not so thick that you struggle to grip your brakes or execute shifts.
Craft has found that happy medium with its Shield 2.0 glove.
The waterproof exterior keeps your hands dry while a fleece lining keeps them warm. Extra-long cuffs fit under your jacket sleeves to keep cold air out. Craft uses silicone on the palm and fingertips as well as reinforced fabric between the thumb and forefinger to ensure you have a reliable grip on your bars and brake levers.
6. Showers Pass Waterproof Socks
Few things make a ride more miserable than cold wet feet. All it takes is one muddy puddle on the trail to do you in.
That’s why you need these waterproof socks from Showers Pass. They’re manufactured with an Artex membrane that prevents water from getting in.
Of course, this wouldn’t help much if it trapped sweat inside. That’s why Showers Pass gave these socks a Merino wool lining that wicks away perspiration from your foot.
The result is dry and warm feet and a much more pleasant ride.
7. Velotoze Shoe Shoe Cover
Did you know that humans lose a significant amount of body heat through their feet?
The folks at Velotoze know this. That’s why they’ve designed these road shoe covers.
These latex boots fit around your cycling shoes in order to keep your feet dry and toasty. Cutouts allow for your shoes’ cleats and heels. These crew length covers extend midway up your ankle for maximum coverage.
And at a price that is dirt cheap, there’s no excuse not to protect your tootsies when you head out on your next rain-soaked ride.
8. Mavic Cosmic Pro H20 Shoe Cover
If you’re a serious rider, anything short of a deluge isn’t going to keep you from getting out on that training ride. If that’s the case, then you’re going to need serious protection for your feet.
You won’t find better protection than Mavic’s Cosmic Pro H2O Vision shoe cover. These covers are waterproof and windproof with sealed seams that ensure not a drop of water will make it to your precious cycling shoes and a silicon cuff that keeps them in place on your ankle.
The Mavic Cosmic Pro H20 boots are compatible with nearly any cleat style.
9. Cygolite Metro Plus 800 & Hotshot Pro 150 Light Set
Being visible on your bike at any time is a good idea. Being visible while riding in stormy weather is absolutely essential.
That’s why you need this powerful light combo from bike light experts Cygolite. This USB rechargeable light features an 800-lumen headlight, ensuring that not only will you see what’s ahead of you, but that motorists will see you coming.
The 150-lumen tail light is bright enough to make you visible to oncoming traffic regardless of how light it is outside. A variety of flashing modes provides additional safety.
10. Continental GatorSkin Tires
If you’re planning on riding in foul weather, then it’s best to go with GatorSkins, which are renowned for their grip on wet pavement.
These Conti Gatorskin DuraSkin tires are especially good because they have a PolyXBreaker liner that resists punctures. Why is this so important?
Ever have to change a flat in the rain? This set of tires will give you excellent wet weather grip while ensuring that you aren’t scrambling for cover, so you can change out a flat.
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