When i was younger I used to have to cycle 9 miles to work and back. I those days cyclists would wear yellow capes to keep dry. I had some linen backed PVC overtrousers that had plenty of room in them and the cape covered me and the bike with plenty of air underneath so that it wasn't hot. Yes a headwind was always a problem and there is the inevitable rule of cycling denunciated by Jerome K Jerome that "the wind is always against you".
However I found that with a cape and a sou'wester I was drier cycling in a cloudburst than walking wearing a raincoat or anorak. It was like being in a tent.
Of course in those days all bikes sold in the UK had mudguards. In our climate nobody would have thought of buying a bike that didn't have one. To keep your feet dry you needed to buy a rubber mudflap to attach to the front modguard though. Wet shoes from the spray from you own front wheel was a problem otherwise.
However I found that with a cape and a sou'wester I was drier cycling in a cloudburst than walking wearing a raincoat or anorak. It was like being in a tent.
Of course in those days all bikes sold in the UK had mudguards. In our climate nobody would have thought of buying a bike that didn't have one. To keep your feet dry you needed to buy a rubber mudflap to attach to the front modguard though. Wet shoes from the spray from you own front wheel was a problem otherwise.
The only thing I don't wash often are my outer shorts.
