Made from 100% waterproof Pongee fabric, the cycling rain cape has you covered – and your bike too!

of the Best Cycling Rain Capes • Bicycle 2 Work 5 of the Best Cycling Rain Capes • Bicycle 2 Work

It is miserable finding yourself caught in the rain with nothing to protect you from getting wet. One option for staying dry while on a rainy day is to invest in a proper cycling rain cape. This cycling poncho is long and stylish for your commute. It features inner hand loops, an adjustable hood, taped seams and inner waist ties to keep it firmly in place – no billowy Marilyn Monroe effect here. So, imagine wearing something light, breathable, totally rainproof and suitable for cold and warm weather alike. That’s where the waterproof poncho comes in. Also known as a rain cape, this is a loose-fitting piece of waterproof fabric with a hood that protects most of your body from the rain.When we say ponchos and capes, we’re not referring to the thin bin liners you get at the theme parks, we mean quality made cycle specific ones – there is a difference. Investing in a good quality cycling rain cape/poncho is ideal to see you through the wet season. You don’t have to worry about changing into or out of anything, you can simply pop them over your existing cycle clothing to ensure that you are kept bone dry. The Cleverlite is the cheapest option. There’s no zipper to get the hood tight to your chin, but it still has thumbs loops and is waterproof like the Zipster. I didn’t think no zipper would be a deal breaker, but it was. Without that zipper, the Cleverlite’s hood doesn’t fit as well under a helmet, and the hood would certainly blow right off without a helmet on. So we chose the mid-range option, the CleverZipster! The first trip with the poncho went just like any other ride. The only difference is it took a little getting used to working the brakes and gear shifts with the poncho straps. If it’s a poncho that’s made for cycling, and providing your journey is fairly moderate, then yes it is. Some ponchos will offer more comfort with extra features, but they generally give greater protection from the rain. However, in extreme conditions with high winds, this is not always the case. The only other negative of this cape is the cost. It’s pricey. This is the type of cape that you get and wear for the rest of your life. It’s top quality, but you’ll pay the price for it.

People’s Poncho Review - Bicycle 2 Work The People’s Poncho Review - Bicycle 2 Work

The three-layered design consists of a TPU coating, durable polyester and Tricot Knit, making it fully waterproof, robust and breathable. It weighs 460 g and offers a custom fit (which is useful given the one-size option). In regards to functionality, it features waterproof zippers; magnetic closures that snap shut at armholes, and sturdy velcro trim tabs. The second test was to put it on and give it a good power shower with the garden hose. How would it handle a constant shower of water?

Pier, on the other hand, rarely bothers to wear the hood part of his rain cape. So why does he like the Cleverhood better? Because it’s shorter (the one-size People’s Poncho hangs longer than he’d like) and lighter (it takes up less space when traveling).