Bar Worthy Raincoats For Cyclists

I am in my sixth year as a full time bicycle commuter, my car going increasingly dormant as I steadily wear down the tread on my bike tires.  In previous years, a rain shower would drive me into my Subaru to fight through the gridlock over the Bay Bridge.  My reasoning:  I didn't want to buy rain gear.  Affordable rain gear is usually ugly and not-as-waterproof-as-advertised.  And I really haven't wanted to drop a chunk of change on the gear that I didn't really want to have to be using anyway.

I now proudly live as a morally superior bicycle commuter that is undeterred by weather, often times one of the select few sitting on the outside deck of the San Francisco Bay Ferry in the driving rain.  Over the past couple of years, I have slowly collected rain worthy equipment.  First the fenders, which I would couple with old rain jackets and polyester sweatpants that I would change once I got to work.  It was a less than an ideal situation.  Then I sprung for the $50 full rain suit from Costco- seems waterproof, but definitely not breathable and I look like the abominable snowman dressed in black. 

Just getting off of my bike in my raingear.  No big whup.

But I'm finally beginning to cave and lust for the wallet-busting fashion-meets-function cycling specific rain gear that is proliferating in the marketplace.  I stumbled into a little shop in Temescal Alley where upon I fell in love with the Mission Workshop Orion rain jacket.  For $415.  Sigh.  But it may just be the perfect rain jacket.  It has a perfect slim fit with a slightly lower cut in the back to cover the cyclists' ubiquitous credit card slot. The sleeves are long enough to cover your wrists when you are down in the drops, and somehow the waist does not rise when you lift your hands over your head.  In fact, you swing your arms all around like a crazy person and your belly button will never see the light of day because it is constructed using Swiss designed 4-way stretch Schoeller c_change fabric.  This stretchable fabric allows the jacket to meet the demands of the cyclist posture on the bike without forgoing an attractive slim fit.  Essentially, it is perfect.

Mission Workshop Orion.

However if I am going to ever be able to swallow dropping $415 on a rain jacket, then I am going to have to do my research.  One of the pioneers of functional urban outer wear is Nau, a company that packs form, function, and sustainability into their products.  Nau's Urbane II jacket is waterproof and breathable (both non-negotiable features in my quest) with a recycled shell that also incorporates organic cotton.  In my search, this is probably the most visually appealing coat, but also offers probably the least cycling specific cut.  The sleeves are a little looser than the Orion, and does not offer quite the same rear and wrist coverage.  But at $345, it comes at a price that is more palatable. 

Nau Urbane II

Lastly on my short list of jackets I will gift myself this holiday season, the Storm Cobra by Chrome.  Retailing for $200, it is by far the best value of the three options.  It features a cycling specific cut, including longer sleeves and bum-coverage, waterproof with sealed seems and and pit zips (which they all have).  The hood is permanently fixed onto the garment, unlike the other two.  The Storm Cobra has the fewest features but the most reasonable price, and looks the most like a typical raincoat.  Some reviewers have reported that the sleeves and wrists are extremely tight and that there is no flex whatsoever.  But, at $200 for a waterproof breathable shell, I think you can expect some tradeoffs.

Chrome Storm Cobra

If I wasn't busy collecting bike parts, buying food, and paying bills, I'd probably grab the Orion.  But I think the Chrome Storm Cobra is a reasonable option for me that won't forgo me feeding my pets.  And myself.