Comments on: Recommend me a lightweight rain jacket for bike commuting?

By: Falkovitz

Falkovitz — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:18:23 +0000

I have several jackets for that kind of purpose (living in Denmark – it’s nessesary).
I use a "Bergans" (norwegean brand, exellent flex and good hood.
I use a "Craft", designed for cycling, back pockets, bright yellow, top product but not cheap
And for very heavy duty I use a "Norrøna" goretex paclite jacket, it will keep the rain out for like, a million years, and folded down it fits in a compartment the size of a cap. Darn expensive though, more than 300 US$

Besides that, I agree with (sorry, lost your name) the other bloke who recommended Pearl Izumi. I’m not too over ecstatic with their durability though, but nice quality…

By: uncleneal

uncleneal — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:18:23 +0000

Pearl Izumi makes some great jackets, but they can range in price from 75 to 150 bucks

By: Rockies VM

Rockies VM — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:18:23 +0000

Nashbar has some nice choices, running sales most of the time.

things to consider;

loud color, Neon’s are good.

pullover or zip up?

It can double as a light windbreaker if it has a light lining.

double pull zipper so that you can unzip partially from the bottom and it doesn’t billow on you.

pockets? none, front, side, back?

self packing, not requiring a separate ditty bag.

By: Acadia

Acadia — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:18:23 +0000

If you’re just commuting, you don’t necessarily need a jacket specific to cycling–they’ll probably be more expensive and "high tech" than you need.
I would go to REI or EMS (depending on where you live)–any of their lightweight waterproof rainjackets will be appropriate, and you will probably pay less than if you bought one at a bike store tailored for cyclists ($40 or $50 instead of minimum $75 or 80).