Conference noted::bicycle

    Gore-tex is  the way to go. For bicycling you can use the lightest
    weight stuff available. I don't wear rain pants as I'm comfortable
    wearing heavy polypropolene tights without rain pants in rain down
    to about 35 deg. F. (while riding hard). I try to avoid conditions
    like  that, but I got stuck in them once and decided that I didn't
    want another layer of cloth between me and the seat.

    Do make sure that there's reflective material on the jacket as you
    really  need  to be visible in the gray conditions that often come
    with  rain.  I bought self-stick reflective material and put it on
    the  back  of  my  jacket to add to all the reflective tape on the
    bike.

--David

    
    	I heard Gore-Tex is OK for a little wetness, but that in a
    *downpour* one gets soaked in it.
    
    	Anyone have experience with *extreme* wet like that?
    
    	Alan.

    I have a relatively inexpensive rain jacket and pants.  They're bright
    yellow and made for cycling (with a flap on the back of the jacket,
    hood that fits over a helmet, and zippers to open for ventilation.)

    I have not tried any new material like Gortex, but can tell you that
    if you'll be drenched from perspiration using the kind of jacket
    I've got - so I'd almost believe Gortex et al would be an improvement
    even if it lets in some water.

    Still, it is better than not using rain gear - since I've been soaked
    to the skin at times, being caught out not thinking it would be needed
    and it's no fun.

    Can anyone shed light on the exotic (and rather expensive) stuff?

    - Jim

    RE: goretex
    
    I haven't used it for biking, but I've used it a lot for hiking
    and climbing.  goretex will remain waterproof, even in a strong
    downpour, as long as you keep it clean; dirty, oily, goretex WILL
    leak.
    
    The problem with goretex is that it won't vent all your perspiration
    if you're working hard; if your goretex is tightly sealed, you'll
    get quite wet from perspiration (though not nearly as wet as you
    would using a fully coated jacket).  Venting the jacket helps a
    lot, and I would strongly recommend getting underarm zippers on
    any goretex jacket.
    
    Steve
    

    	I think we discussed this in an earlier version of the notefile,
    but in answer to some questions:  You can overwhelm Gore-Tex by
    perspiring heavily.  It can't pass moisture outward beyond a certain
    rate. It will be more comfortable than no, or impermeable, rain
    gear.  The important thing in rain gear is to keep your skin as
    dry as possible.  Poly long underwear is the required first layer.
    Add other wicking layers [wool, nylon flece, more poly, etc] between
    the long underwear and the outer shell to keep warm enough.  I find
    that underarm zippers in the outershell are necessary for me (sweat
    like a horse).  In a prolonged rain ride, you'll also want leg and
    foot protection.  Avoid something over your shoes with a hole cut
    in it for cleats. Try for a complete seal over your shoes. My favorite
    piece of rain gear is the Zzipper fairing.  It gives you something
    to hide behind (wind hitting wet hands/torso can make for real COLD).
    	I'll be talking on this subject at the October NVP meeting,
    according to our program director.  I'll have samples of lots of
    cold and wet weather gear there.  - Chris 

I said it in note 246 and I'll say it again:  You will get wet no matter
what you wear.  How much depends on level of effort, distance of ride,
intensity of rain, depth of water across road and many other factor.

(There are other interesting statements and diversions in note 246,
also.  Some even have to do with rain gear.)

ed

    I don't bike much in the rain, but Gortex with an underlayer of
    Capilene or polypro works great for hiking. I've hiked in sixty
    mile sleet filled winds on mount Eisenhower and it worked. 
    
    For biking, unless it's cold, I find it easier to just get wet and
    carry a dry change of clothes in my panniers. Any rain gear I've
    used usually causes more trouble than the rain. I usually carry
    a poncho and throw it when I stop just to hold my body heat.
    
                           Arthur -