The windows in the hood are a great idea. They should do that in every cycling jacket. I’ve definitely been in those situations where you can’t look to the side and it’s super dangerous.
yeah i constantly have to argue with people that claim earbuds on bikes are dangerous just to then see them sporting full on battlegear on their bikes without any thought i feel looking around while driving is usually worth a lot more than hearing unimpaired otherwise i dont see how cars are safe at all / how having something over ur head + wind noise is at all different to headphones
@@officer_baitlynIMO, anyone who wears earbuds and listens to music whilst cycling is an idiot. Hearing is vital to staying safe. You often hear things such as other vehicles, sirens, even people's voices, BEFORE you see them. You can still hear sirens and loud noises such as motorbikes when in a car... if you don't play excessively loud music. But cars offer much more protection than a cycle, cars don't wobble when you turn your head. And unlike a car, which has several mirrors, a lot of bikes do not. Unfortunately a lot of drivers don't use their mirrors properly, and they play loud music too, so they too are idiots.
@@christillBanning LOUD music when driving would be a good thing. In a car you can still hear a lot of things with no music, or music played at low volumes. But some people play it so loud, you can hear them coming long before you can see their car, whilst the driver inside is oblivious to everything going on around them. Ever seen those drivers who don't notice the emergency vehicles approaching, despite the sirens and flashing lights?
G'day Tom, Thanks for the great video. I got my first poncho last winter and have some personal observations for you to share. I have the Cleverhood "Rover" that you reviewed. I noticed that it does actually have a belt loop welded into the rear of the poncho. (it does not come with a belt) but you can add your own, so this helps stop the flapping at the back and helps to keep your back/bum dry. I also no longer put the thumb loops over my thumbs, instead I loop them over the handlebar grips, this allows me to indicate, ring my bell or use a tissue while riding, and the cape stays in place. Another consideration for winter is headlight and bell placement. As the cape covers your handlebars (and keeps your hands dry!) it also covers a handlebar mounted light, and muffles the sound of your bell. Just a couple of considerations and worth a mention for prospective cape users. Thanks again so much for your video's I appreciate your hard work!
@@fillyal85 Prolly above the fender using the brake mount, below the bag if used. Serious night riders also use a head mount for near hazards, and this is where helmet fit on rain gear is an issue.
As a dutch woman I cycle in rainy and windy weather A LOT. A rainsuit (including the pants) is the way to go. I tried a poncho but that thing is dangerous. It blew up and over my head while I was cycling next to cars at night....DANGEROUS. Never doing that again. The rainsuit will keep your legs dry as well.
You were obviously doing something wrong, they're designed not to do that. Unless you didn't have a cycling poncho, but even an ordinary poncho can be held in place without difficulty.
Wearing a rain poncho in soggy weather is a game-changer for a bike commute or urban bike ride. These are all great rain ponchos for different reasons.
I love your videos, but what about the clearance if you use a helmet, I usually don't use it if I consider my tracks safe... But under rain I would always use it. Could you consider for future videos? Thank you, we are here following you awesome and honest work, congratulations!
So true - one common reason for starting to drive is that its raining. Seeing me arriving every day in office clothing completely dry is a big argument.
Reflective strips are great, but it's not such a big deal when you have proper lights and reflectors on your bike. Besides, you can easily add extra reflective strips if you wanted
Usually they work like sails, wind in the back; no peddles needed, wind in front; stay at home. For me rain trousers work best, together with a normal rain coat or leather jacket.
One thing you didn't mention is that the Vaude's pocket also serves as a carrying bag for the poncho, and unless yours is different from most Vaudes, once you have turned it inside out and have stuffed your poncho in it, it also has a waist strap, so it's easy to carry around. And it doesn't take much room when stuffed into the pocket. I recently bought a Vaude Valero (which has sleeves - I am not sure yet whether that's a good thing), and it lives permanently in my pannier. By the way, "Vaude" is pronounced approximately "Fow Day". The name is derived from the founder's surname, von Dewitz, or V.D. for short - and those letters are called Vau and De in German.
I’ve switched to a poncho for bike touring. The only thing I wish it had, is a clear window on the front that would allow me to see my Garmin when I’m following a route. It’s very annoying to have to stop and pull back the cape to see which way I’m supposed to go. Otherwise, the poncho is awesome.
I was wearing a poncho with viewing windows in the hood for a long time, and compared to an opaque hood they are a game changer. The only aspects that rate higher for me are waterproofness and visibility to others.
I have a Vaude poncho. I like it a lot. It protects very well in the rain. It enable me wear the helmet under it. The absence of waistband does not affect me, since here is a tropical country, and the back free movement of the poncho helps to decrease the inner temperature. One positive thing about ponchos is that they allow a lot of different protection levels and ventilation possibilities depending on how you wear it. You can cover your entire body, you can leave your arms uncovered, you can put the entire thing at your back if it stops raining for while, and so on.
One thing that's missing here (and from most ponchos) is that they don't quite help glass wearers: the brims are usually quite small so not at all sufficient to prevent drops and projections from hitting the glasses... and staying there and progressively blinding the rider unless they have hydrophobic coating (which in my experience is quite rare for corrective glasses, and might conflict with other treatments e.g. anti-glare or anti-blue).
Once it was raining so heavily I couldn't see a thing through my glasses. So I ended up taking them off and continue my journey home. Everything further away was very blurry but at least I could see the things right in front of me better without my glasses. Lucky cars stopped for me to let me cross the roads first, they must have felt bad for me
I don't know if so someone commented on the pronounciation of Vaude. It's a German brand and, I think, a spoken abbreviation: VD. So it's pronounced as 'fow' like in fowl and 'deh' like Denmark, but longer.
Reminds me of riding on a tour in Vietnam. Because every time it rained the streets in town would completely empty for about 90 seconds while every scooter parked to retrieve a poncho from under the seat. We’d just get soaked and have a mini speed trial.
Hi. I purchased the Vaude poncho. Its bag is actually the front pocket. Turn the pocket inside out and fold the fabric to fill it. The zipper is two sided and it has a strap to carry the pouch.
Interesting how many things are being 'reinvented'. I was using a cycle specific rain cape back in the mid 60s. It was oilskin with thumb loops and a waist strap. Nothing new then eh - ? 😁
The Victorians would say the same thing to you. 😉 Capes have been used on bikes since the first "bikes" came along. Capes were popular long before then, so had already been adapted for horse riding, walking, sailing etc. I imagine stone age man invented the cape... kindly donated by some large, furry animal that also tasted quite nice. 😄
Love the channel. I'm in Wales (where it rains - a lot) and use a cape made by Carradice. They produce very solid old school waxed cottoned and canvas saddle bags and panniers - and also an old school waxed cotton (think Barbour jacket material) bike cape. Very solidly made and will last a lifetime, very effective, but unfortunately very expensive.
I’ve been using the People’s Poncho for a few years now. It’s kept me nice and dry in sideways blowing down downpour many many times. It’s always in my messenger bag or pannier and works very well. Comfortable and airy enough to keep you from sweating. Straps to keep the cape from flapping all over the place. Upper torso, head and legs dry each time - just get good full fenders for extra protection (and water proof riding shoes).
I have a poncho from Happy Rainy Days which I've had for about 5 years and is great! They have some lovely fabric options which probably appeal more to ladies :)
The thing is, if you live in a rainy climate like I do near Vancouver, you don't just "pick one". There's nothing wrong with having options for different types of weather. Sometimes in the summer, the rain can make you feel hot and sweaty under something meant for cold weather. In the winter, those flimsy ones won't give any added warmth. Also consider if most of your riding is day or night. If you get caught in nighttime traffic, will the clear sides on the Vaude help you, or the great reflectors sewn in the piping of the Cleverhood? So for me, it's not a choice of ONE, it's more like having a few to use depending on the time of year, weather, and situation. I think it's fantastic that you had those brands send those to you for us to view and make some decisions! Great review by you, and props to them for sending you the gear!
For some people, cost is an issue. A lot of these capes or ponchos are quite expensive, and having several may not be a justifiable use of the money. You can wear warm clothing under a cape, as they aren't meant to keep you warm per se, just keep you dry. And vice versa in summer, wear cooler clothing under it. The cape is just a waterproof, windproof layer, and ONE well designed cape can easily cope with year round use.
I bought a Poncho about 5 years ago and it's a French made one and whilst I don't often ride in the rain, I find it's great if you get caught. It's fairly long with good thick durable fabric, supremely waterproof, it's fairly long too which is good on a rainy day and only your lower legs and shoes might get a bit wet. In colder seasons, good I use long light vinyl motorcycle pants and wear old shoes that I don't care if I get wet and keep a fresh pair in a plastic bag in my panniers. The secret to Ponchos are that you get protected on the upper body but allows air underneath to prevent seating yet, the rain doesn't really follow the air flow so you keep dry underneath. The front part of the Poncho allows you to place it over the handlebars so that rain doesn't run down the top and drop over the front of your pants and helps the air circulate underneath, they really work.
I just dug out my old backpacking poncho that I got back in 68. Last time I used it was in the Grand Canyon during a "deluge" in 89. After seeing your first video on the subject, I thought I would dig it out and try it on my bike. It's way bigger than any of the one's you show here, and it's bright orange, so nobody can say they can't see me. Can use it as a sail when the winds at my back.
I have a Vaude, which is OKish. Bought a Basil Hoga poncho for a little more money than the Vaude and it wins in all categories for me. Super compact, light with stuff sack built into poncho and most importantly, it works. Leave it to the pragmatic Dutch to meet your biking needs without having to mortgage the ranch.
This video was the first I watched by Tom. I purchased the clever hood, rain poncho, and it has made a huge difference in getting out there in wet conditions. Thank you for your guidance.
Very cool that you made a follow up video on that topic as rain was THE topic, I feared the most while biking until I got myself a pair of cleverhood rovers last year and I love them! I wish there'd be more detailed videos about biking-ponchos, because for me they were a game changer for everyday riding.
Thank you for the review. I would also recommend checking out ponchos from Decathlon. They are technologically advanced with a lot of features, compactly fold into their own pockets, come in a wide range of models and color options. Personally, I have a 900 Btwin model which I really love.
I can imagine being blown backwards when the wind is blowing! And your legs and feet are still exposed. I'm going to stick to shorts, a light rain-resistant jacket - and a towel.
I would go with a helmet cover over a hood. You will be able to see better and you will get better ventilation. You need to make sure your poncho will pour water down your back if you don't wear the hood. Fancy hoods can be an issue.
Well i ordered a cleverhoood rover last weekend. It rained Tuesday and it Fedex delivered on Wednesday. Of course i will need to learn how to fold it into the bag! 😳
Interesting! I didn't know there was such a thing as a rain poncho. I have questions: 1. How do these things interact with a helmet? 2. It looks like the poncho would mask a handlebar-mounted headlight. What do you do about that? 3. Are they available in hi-viz colors? The retroreflective material is nice for when it's legitimately dark out, but wouldn't a hi-viz color be better for low-light daytime use?
I just ordered a Rover poncho from cleverhood, and they have a nice hot pink one and a kind of neon orange, which I'm pretty sure only females can tell the difference between the colors, tbh. They look the same to me but are different color options, so I assume they must be different. Handlebar mounted headlights may work just above the wheel or on the fork. Since I just ordered it and have not received it, I can let you know about the helmet once I get it. Assuming you didn't already get one.
I use the classic Cleverhood poncho and it does provide excellent coverage and waterproofing, but it’s warm. You will get a bit sweaty if your ride requires some effort or if it’s above 22deg C. I do love how it keeps me and my bike mostly dry (I ride a Brompton). I originally bought this on recommendation from another rider. Mine came with a bag that I can wear as a mini backpack - very useful if I’m worried it might rain.
Thanks for the poncho review, very useful! Id love a review of bike gloves, summer and winter, for knuckle and palm fall impact protection. Had a fall and hand road rash sucks.
Solid video! It was your video last year that led me to my Classic Cape from Cleverhood. Which has been amazing and allowed me to continue to commute regardless of the weather outside!! The only variable I keep playing with is shoes. Sometimes Chacos and other times tennis shoes depending on the severity of the rain. Cheers!
you making the sherlock comparison with the cleverhood classic convinced me it really does have a classic inverness coat feel and honestly a big part of what i want in clothes is aesthetics. it is a bit anachronistic to go with the victorian vibes i love but anachronisms are amazing when intentional.
@shifter I’m in Ottawa Ontario. So the things that I find most difficult about returning to the bicycle. As nice as Ottawa has tried to make it a bike friendly city and it has hundreds of kilometers of trails. Transitioning from a car to more than just a recreational bicyclists I find finding your way around is very hard because you’re used to the north south east west roads. We’re bike roads will wind in and twist and put you backwards in your head next thing you know you’re going completely the wrong way. Does that make sense. The other thing is bike etiquette. My first ride out I was yelled at by I want to call my roadie biker guys are still competing for the Tour de France. I don’t know if I was doing something wrong but I got in his way and he didn’t like it anyway so I just try to stay in my own lane or wherever I have to be. I am enjoying your videos and information and at one point the first video I thought you were in Ottawa looks very similar anyway keep up the good work
Thanks for sharing your experience. Here in Calgary, I've found wayfinding a big problem if I rely on official city sources (signs on the side of the road are no help at all). My only advice is to keep experimenting! Over time, I've found much better routes by trying alternatives. And map apps such as Google I've found quite helpful because they occasionally offer routes I wouldn't have thought of, and sometimes (not always) they are even helpful. Oh, roadies. I've found hardcore road cyclists to be more intransigent toward non-athletic urban cycling than almost everyone, including bike-hating motorists. I think the real solution is time -- everyday urban cycling is moving into the mainstream, which will make it more acceptable to everyone
Sorry to hear this, no-one should have yelled at you, least of all another cyclist. I got badly cut up by a guy with bicycles on the roof of his car, you'd think he would get it? You've got your people who are incredibly anti-social, and then you've got your people who are trying to enforce an imaginary order on the rest of us, for both of them I think it boils down to a 'might makes right' or 'divine right of me' view of the world where they won't make allowances for others. You didn't ask me for a tip so this is unsolicited, but I also returned to cycling less than a year ago, and I gradually learned to how to manipulate these people into granting me more allowances when I have to use the road. For me the problem is more drivers than other cyclists, or actually about 2% of drivers. My suggestion is to make yourself more visually intimidating by e.g. wearing an obvious camera, even a fake or non-functional one, and wearing a neck gaiter over your mouth and nose. Not that it seems and it's not for everyone, but nearly all of these people are being ruled by their emotions and I find silly stuff like that can help significantly, even though I also wear some hi-vis which would undermine it. Would not be surprised to hear that the man you encountered yells at other car drivers when he's behind the wheel.
Don't give up - I picked up an e-bike partially due to headwinds. Roadie bikers can do a favour to themselves, never mind them. Just go your way, find your track and ride your bike. Thumbs up Todd.
There is a substantial element of the "roadie" fraternity who cycle only for performance and literally seem to despise everyone else who doesn't share their priorities. Slightly different but I know a really nice guy who has spent ten's of thousands on really expensive bikes. Does the 100km+ weekend group ride plus his own solo rides in between. Spends a couple of hours forrest riding at night. But he has never once rode a bike the 8km to work or as much as ever picked up a litre of milk on a bike. He's put up far more mileage on two wheels than he's ever driven in his car but he's never used a bike to actually save driving anywhere by car. Bike's are only for sports, fitness and recreation and not for anything utilitarian. His whole life revolves around bikes but in a completely different way than it does for me with one workhorse bike, a trailer and a variety of assorted bags, racks and panniers.
For unicycling I find a mix of rain poncho and a rear fender has been great for me. Besides that if the weather is above 20 I just ride in the rain because it's cooling but below that a mix of splash pants/fender/ jacket has been doing well when I was cycling in the before times.
Thanks! Perfect timing too. Rainy season here in the Philippines. Tbh I just wear dry fit clothes and just let it rain on me. After it stops the hot air while biking just dries me up lmao.
I got the People’s Poncho and it’s … well … I needed Time to get used to. U get some 👀 weird looks if u using a Brompton and Poncho together. Both super uncommon in my area and People look but it’s super effective and comfortable. For my taste it could be a bit longer and maybe I go for the Cleverhood after ur Video. 🤔 but the Price of it .. it’s quite expensive but it sounds worth it.
I never understood the point of ponchos and capes. but as a mountain biker, for MTB it would be stupid. but just for riding normally, on paths and roads, I would get completely soaked. I do this: waterproof jacket, now I have a mountainbiking specific jacket from Endura. I use liner gloves, nitrile gloves for wind and waterproofing size M liner, if it's not too cold I wear medium glove and thin liner, if very cold I wear size large glove with thick liner. the nitrile glove can easily be taken off if you don't need water and wind proofing and want more breathable glove. To keep feet dry I recommend to use gaiters or small garbage bags wrapped around the ankle, heel. Waterproof riding shoes Waterproof trousers I use a Windstopper buff, it keeps rain out, I never get it soaked, so did not get anything waterproof, but I also can use the hood on the jacket. So I can step in puddles, get blasted with water and stay dry.
Thank you for the education! And helping me with product selection. I already have zip-up rain pants for more extreme days, with my climate and needs, I realize I am a Vaude poncho rider.
A 250$ (shipping to the Near East and 17% VAT excluded) rain poncho, its size does not matter, would cast a giant shadow on my 4y old 400$ (current MSRP 560$ ) bicycle. 🙂 Non of these allow the rider to signal. If you search UA-cam for a different idea, you may come across "Der perfekte Fahrrad-Poncho" (which is not available, sadly). Your video is helpful as usual. Thank you!
@@juliatampleI settled with Decathlon rain gear (trousers and jacket). I also bought rain cover for my helmet (aliexpress) and added a seat stay suspended long ass-saver (aliexpress, again), and a down-tube front fender (made by Zefal) intended for bicycle with exposed cables along the downtube.
I have had the classic cleverhood just like that one for a few years. The magnetic arm holes, while very clever, are a drawback. I don't find I use them but they are always there to leak. Rain trickles off my arms into the slits. Am I doing it wrong? Would prefer no arm holes.
The slits are for if you are walking and want to grab something/ eat etc. the slits are in a more natural position. It means the garment doubles as a walking poncho. Normally you should open arm span like a big bird, then have your hands pop out the sides of the overall garment. Then swing around to grab handlebar. Or lay the garment over the handlebar and just ride with the garment draped over your hands, arms and handlebar. Everything covered. Like he used it in the video.
@@mrtgeary8268 To clarify, I do use the thumb loops and have it draped over my hands on the handlebars. But the closed magnetic slits still allow a small but frustrating amount of rain to trickle in.
I use an old US Army poucho. It is NOT reflective (A huge downside) but it has snaps to make a tighter fit AND you can get a "liner" for it that makes it warmer in colder weather (the liner has no hole for your head but that can be corrected but cutting your own hood or sewing in a hole kit you can buy for the liner).
4uCycling's REACH anorak poncho is one of the best under 50CAD. And it also collapses itself into it's front pocket for extra portability. Just DO NOT machine dry it as it will melt the inner hydrophobic layer.
I go with a good rain jacket, polyester shorts and crocs. It’s hilly and I don’t have mud guards. A poncho seems good for cruising round flat sensible Dutch bike infrastructure
This is one of your better titles. Not so click-baiting as many of your other ones, Ex. "why you should something". Tip: Don't make your titles a question with words like why/this/you/should/[number] mistakes.
I prefer a hoodless poncho combined with a helmet cover. We have plenty of tram tracks, manhole covers, cobbled streets, glossy paint and other slippery things to warrant always wearing a helmet when it rains, and freeing the head covering from the collar means more comfortable and safer riding.
I'm a big fan of black while hiking, but riding a bike, I am blaze orange or road worker yellow vest. I would wear that on top of these ponchos, maybe it would help with the aerodynamic drag.
Something that surprises me is the size of these poncho's when packed up in a bag they are quite large and my pannier bags aren't that big. I'd prefer something that fits in a large water bottle but suspect that it's not feasible after watching this.
Haha. Years ago, on a camping trip, a hardcore outdoorswoman recommended I stop trying to fold and roll my tent neatly to get it back in the bag because folding it the same way over time can create seams that will weaken the fabric. She recommended just shoving it back in the bag. I'm not sure if this is scientifically true, but I use this as a justification for shoving anything back into a little bag rather than trying to carefully folding it.
Tom, I know it is not a specific cycling poncho, but the Mac in a Sac packable poncho looks like it packs smaller. Also looks great is the FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Waterproof, Breathable Rain Poncho.
I'm actually considering to buy a poncho for my bike commuting. A classic rain jacket combined with a pair of rain trousers are heating me up too much. During the upcoming Autumn and Winter I'll be riding in the dark frequently, and my battery powered front light is fitted centered on top of the handlebar. Which poncho would be the best one to avoid shading the headlight? Hands covered is nice, then back behind the handlebar? Or do I have to move my front light downwards, maybe using a low rider front rack just to mount a light? Moving the light to the helmet is not an option in Germany for legal reasons. Wondering how to solve the riddle.
Funnily, I was looking at the people's poncho (I live in the UK) and I was tempted - if they had black in stock I likely would have bought on impulse. However, in the spirit of riding for the destination, I think I still prefer my attractive gore-tex jacket (Mountain Equipment Lhotse) and a pair of over trousers. It's down to preference is though, I know! Thanks @Shifter
Over-trousers and rain jackets have their merits. But for expediency, ventilation and versatility, capes are great. Gore-tex is pretty good, but when you zip up to keep the rain out, you still get clammy when cycling. The knees and seat areas of the trousers also wear out relatively quickly.
@@another3997 my main concern would be that with a poncho and no overtrousers my calves would still get wet (even with fenders this is likely to happen in heavy rain). So, if I'm going to wear overtrousers, I can just use a goretex jacket (mine has good ventilation). I'm not arguing against ponchos, on the contrary, I would like to buy one and make the switch but I'm just concerned it won't stand up to keeping me dry in the British heavy rain and wind (which I've found my combination of GTX jacket/trousers/shoes has done).
low cost is a major selingpoint because eventuely you will rip it. On top of that i like to have a Poncho in a bag that is attached to my bike at all times. So this one needed to be really cheap.
I'm going to be honest, most of these just look and function exactly like short military tent-half ponchos just with a lighter material. I might just use the one I picked up a few years ago at that rate.
I used a poncho a couple of times, but not to wear whilst riding, I just don’t like them, but when you stop because it’s bucketing down. Chuck over a poncho and get under a tree/bushes and life becomes bearable again.
Not me. Must be because we have anti-slip paint here in New Zealand. Same with the green paint you see occasionally in cycle lanes. Not sure about this paint tho. Personally, I'm more concerned by shared-paths that use pebble concrete. So many bad experiences, lol.
What do you use to protect your shoes from the rain while cycling? I have custom insoles that cannot get wet otherwise I’m paying a mini fortune to replace them.
I prefer a rainsuit on my bike. Tried a poncho as well but the issue was then my pants are still getting wet because the rain comes from the side or there are huge puddles you have to go through splashing water on your shoes/pants. Or cars drive by through puddles. I once saw a cyclist getting all drenched because a car drove through a huge deep puddle next to him resulting in a very huge splash.
Ahh just bought the rover a few months ago. I probably would have gone with the peoples hood if I bought today. I’m a big feller at 6 foot 1 and the size they recomend feels a bit small. That said I found if you don’t have good fenders it’s kind of pointless. My top was fine but my legs were soaked through from spray. I like the look and material though, I’ll wear it even off the bike
I had no idea watching the video how insanely expensive these were. Before this video over a year ago, I had bought a cheap under €20 clear see through plastic poncho from AliExpress in the biggest size I could find. I'm very tall (198cm/6'6") on a large frame bike and it fits. The hood is tight so has to be worn underneath the helmet or not at all. Because it's see through, my hi-vis vest can be seen through it and also I can hang it over my bike lights. Didn't have any hand grips inside and have been intending to superglue something inside myself to improve its convenience. Although it seems pretty ok without internal hand grips. BUT. I have only worn it a few times because cycling against a strong headwind, it makes for a difficult cycling experience. For example, I rode 6.5km west yesterday (without a poncho on a nice dry day) and for most of the way, I was facing a strong direct headwind and it was a harder ride than pulling a trailer with 50kg on it without wind. (I regularly pull that weight and heavier) Wearing a poncho it's like adding another additional 30kg of wind resistance to that ride on a windy day. Although if the wind is behind you, you'd hardly need to pedal! But 20km wearing a poncho into a strong direct headwind would be just too exhausting for me. If I ever get an electric assist bike then definitely 100% the poncho would be the only way to go even for just only light drizzly days no matter how windy it might be.
I've ordered the Peoples Poncho due to a review from this video, among others. Its been two months, and I haven't received any notice that the item shipped. I've emailed the manufacturer as well, without any answer. Hey Tom, or anybody with knowledge, is the Peoples Poncho still in business, or have they gone under?
The windows in the hood are a great idea. They should do that in every cycling jacket. I’ve definitely been in those situations where you can’t look to the side and it’s super dangerous.
yeah i constantly have to argue with people that claim earbuds on bikes are dangerous
just to then see them sporting full on battlegear on their bikes without any thought
i feel looking around while driving is usually worth a lot more than hearing unimpaired
otherwise i dont see how cars are safe at all / how having something over ur head + wind noise is at all different to headphones
Pro Tip: If you strap your helmet over the ponchos hood and fix it in position you can keep your face and vision field free and dont need windows.
@@doublewhopper67 We should really ban listening to music in cars then.
@@officer_baitlynIMO, anyone who wears earbuds and listens to music whilst cycling is an idiot. Hearing is vital to staying safe. You often hear things such as other vehicles, sirens, even people's voices, BEFORE you see them. You can still hear sirens and loud noises such as motorbikes when in a car... if you don't play excessively loud music. But cars offer much more protection than a cycle, cars don't wobble when you turn your head. And unlike a car, which has several mirrors, a lot of bikes do not. Unfortunately a lot of drivers don't use their mirrors properly, and they play loud music too, so they too are idiots.
@@christillBanning LOUD music when driving would be a good thing. In a car you can still hear a lot of things with no music, or music played at low volumes. But some people play it so loud, you can hear them coming long before you can see their car, whilst the driver inside is oblivious to everything going on around them. Ever seen those drivers who don't notice the emergency vehicles approaching, despite the sirens and flashing lights?
G'day Tom, Thanks for the great video. I got my first poncho last winter and have some personal observations for you to share. I have the Cleverhood "Rover" that you reviewed. I noticed that it does actually have a belt loop welded into the rear of the poncho. (it does not come with a belt) but you can add your own, so this helps stop the flapping at the back and helps to keep your back/bum dry. I also no longer put the thumb loops over my thumbs, instead I loop them over the handlebar grips, this allows me to indicate, ring my bell or use a tissue while riding, and the cape stays in place. Another consideration for winter is headlight and bell placement. As the cape covers your handlebars (and keeps your hands dry!) it also covers a handlebar mounted light, and muffles the sound of your bell. Just a couple of considerations and worth a mention for prospective cape users.
Thanks again so much for your video's I appreciate your hard work!
This is great! Thanks for sharing. I think others will find this very useful.
Nobody hears the bell , anyway. either headphones or phone distracting.
If it rains that much put the light lower.
I just yell at ém.
I didn't think about light placement-where would be a good place to attach a front light?
@@fillyal85 Prolly above the fender using the brake mount, below the bag if used.
Serious night riders also use a head mount for near hazards, and this is where helmet fit on rain gear is an issue.
@@fillyal85 Your helmet? Then it moves with you. And it darts around more and that is more noticeable.
As a dutch woman I cycle in rainy and windy weather A LOT. A rainsuit (including the pants) is the way to go. I tried a poncho but that thing is dangerous. It blew up and over my head while I was cycling next to cars at night....DANGEROUS. Never doing that again. The rainsuit will keep your legs dry as well.
Hi I'm struggling to find an example of these, do you have any rainsuit recommendations?
True
That’s why you have ( your poncho obviously haven’t) the waist and finger straps.
You were obviously doing something wrong, they're designed not to do that. Unless you didn't have a cycling poncho, but even an ordinary poncho can be held in place without difficulty.
You probably weren’t using the thumb straps
Wearing a rain poncho in soggy weather is a game-changer for a bike commute or urban bike ride. These are all great rain ponchos for different reasons.
I love your videos, but what about the clearance if you use a helmet, I usually don't use it if I consider my tracks safe... But under rain I would always use it. Could you consider for future videos? Thank you, we are here following you awesome and honest work, congratulations!
@@briansroute I have a People's Poncho and it works just fine under a helmet (though not over one)
But you are not AERO!
So true - one common reason for starting to drive is that its raining. Seeing me arriving every day in office clothing completely dry is a big argument.
Why are none of these rain ponchos made from reflective material? Being draped in grey tones when it's raining feels not very safe
I expected way more reflective elements, especially on the backs.
Reflective strips are great, but it's not such a big deal when you have proper lights and reflectors on your bike. Besides, you can easily add extra reflective strips if you wanted
Usually they work like sails, wind in the back; no peddles needed, wind in front; stay at home.
For me rain trousers work best, together with a normal rain coat or leather jacket.
One thing you didn't mention is that the Vaude's pocket also serves as a carrying bag for the poncho, and unless yours is different from most Vaudes, once you have turned it inside out and have stuffed your poncho in it, it also has a waist strap, so it's easy to carry around. And it doesn't take much room when stuffed into the pocket. I recently bought a Vaude Valero (which has sleeves - I am not sure yet whether that's a good thing), and it lives permanently in my pannier. By the way, "Vaude" is pronounced approximately "Fow Day". The name is derived from the founder's surname, von Dewitz, or V.D. for short - and those letters are called Vau and De in German.
I’ve switched to a poncho for bike touring. The only thing I wish it had, is a clear window on the front that would allow me to see my Garmin when I’m following a route. It’s very annoying to have to stop and pull back the cape to see which way I’m supposed to go. Otherwise, the poncho is awesome.
I was wearing a poncho with viewing windows in the hood for a long time, and compared to an opaque hood they are a game changer. The only aspects that rate higher for me are waterproofness and visibility to others.
I have a Vaude poncho. I like it a lot. It protects very well in the rain. It enable me wear the helmet under it. The absence of waistband does not affect me, since here is a tropical country, and the back free movement of the poncho helps to decrease the inner temperature. One positive thing about ponchos is that they allow a lot of different protection levels and ventilation possibilities depending on how you wear it. You can cover your entire body, you can leave your arms uncovered, you can put the entire thing at your back if it stops raining for while, and so on.
One thing that's missing here (and from most ponchos) is that they don't quite help glass wearers: the brims are usually quite small so not at all sufficient to prevent drops and projections from hitting the glasses... and staying there and progressively blinding the rider unless they have hydrophobic coating (which in my experience is quite rare for corrective glasses, and might conflict with other treatments e.g. anti-glare or anti-blue).
What should we glass wearers do while riding in rain?
I’ve discovered that a baseball cap or visor works great for glasses. Just tuck it under the hood
Once it was raining so heavily I couldn't see a thing through my glasses. So I ended up taking them off and continue my journey home. Everything further away was very blurry but at least I could see the things right in front of me better without my glasses. Lucky cars stopped for me to let me cross the roads first, they must have felt bad for me
I don't know if so someone commented on the pronounciation of Vaude. It's a German brand and, I think, a spoken abbreviation: VD. So it's pronounced as 'fow' like in fowl and 'deh' like Denmark, but longer.
Love to see u collab with Not Just Bikes and Propel. Truly love your content. You deserve more subscribers. Love from an Indian subscriber.
Reminds me of riding on a tour in Vietnam. Because every time it rained the streets in town would completely empty for about 90 seconds while every scooter parked to retrieve a poncho from under the seat. We’d just get soaked and have a mini speed trial.
Hi. I purchased the Vaude poncho. Its bag is actually the front pocket. Turn the pocket inside out and fold the fabric to fill it. The zipper is two sided and it has a strap to carry the pouch.
Interesting how many things are being 'reinvented'. I was using a cycle specific rain cape back in the mid 60s. It was oilskin with thumb loops and a waist strap. Nothing new then eh - ? 😁
The Victorians would say the same thing to you. 😉 Capes have been used on bikes since the first "bikes" came along. Capes were popular long before then, so had already been adapted for horse riding, walking, sailing etc. I imagine stone age man invented the cape... kindly donated by some large, furry animal that also tasted quite nice. 😄
Love the channel. I'm in Wales (where it rains - a lot) and use a cape made by Carradice. They produce very solid old school waxed cottoned and canvas saddle bags and panniers - and also an old school waxed cotton (think Barbour jacket material) bike cape. Very solidly made and will last a lifetime, very effective, but unfortunately very expensive.
I’ve been using the People’s Poncho for a few years now. It’s kept me nice and dry in sideways blowing down downpour many many times. It’s always in my messenger bag or pannier and works very well. Comfortable and airy enough to keep you from sweating. Straps to keep the cape from flapping all over the place. Upper torso, head and legs dry each time - just get good full fenders for extra protection (and water proof riding shoes).
I bought the Vaude poncho based on your video and have found it very useful and convenient for commuting purposes.
Nice side effect: Vaude is a company that focuses on social and ecological sustainability.
Another good option for rain cover that we use in Europe is a rain windshield, a good example of it is sold by a company called Veltop.
I have a poncho from Happy Rainy Days which I've had for about 5 years and is great! They have some lovely fabric options which probably appeal more to ladies :)
wore white cotton shorts out because it was dry, it started raining, almost got reported for indecent exposure on the way back
The thing is, if you live in a rainy climate like I do near Vancouver, you don't just "pick one". There's nothing wrong with having options for different types of weather. Sometimes in the summer, the rain can make you feel hot and sweaty under something meant for cold weather. In the winter, those flimsy ones won't give any added warmth. Also consider if most of your riding is day or night. If you get caught in nighttime traffic, will the clear sides on the Vaude help you, or the great reflectors sewn in the piping of the Cleverhood? So for me, it's not a choice of ONE, it's more like having a few to use depending on the time of year, weather, and situation. I think it's fantastic that you had those brands send those to you for us to view and make some decisions! Great review by you, and props to them for sending you the gear!
For some people, cost is an issue. A lot of these capes or ponchos are quite expensive, and having several may not be a justifiable use of the money. You can wear warm clothing under a cape, as they aren't meant to keep you warm per se, just keep you dry. And vice versa in summer, wear cooler clothing under it. The cape is just a waterproof, windproof layer, and ONE well designed cape can easily cope with year round use.
I bought a Poncho about 5 years ago and it's a French made one and whilst I don't often ride in the rain, I find it's great if you get caught. It's fairly long with good thick durable fabric, supremely waterproof, it's fairly long too which is good on a rainy day and only your lower legs and shoes might get a bit wet. In colder seasons, good I use long light vinyl motorcycle pants and wear old shoes that I don't care if I get wet and keep a fresh pair in a plastic bag in my panniers. The secret to Ponchos are that you get protected on the upper body but allows air underneath to prevent seating yet, the rain doesn't really follow the air flow so you keep dry underneath. The front part of the Poncho allows you to place it over the handlebars so that rain doesn't run down the top and drop over the front of your pants and helps the air circulate underneath, they really work.
I just dug out my old backpacking poncho that I got back in 68. Last time I used it was in the Grand Canyon during a "deluge" in 89. After seeing your first video on the subject, I thought I would dig it out and try it on my bike. It's way bigger than any of the one's you show here, and it's bright orange, so nobody can say they can't see me. Can use it as a sail when the winds at my back.
I have a Vaude, which is OKish. Bought a Basil Hoga poncho for a little more money than the Vaude and it wins in all categories for me. Super compact, light with stuff sack built into poncho and most importantly, it works. Leave it to the pragmatic Dutch to meet your biking needs without having to mortgage the ranch.
Cycle capes/ponchos are great on hot rainy days, especially in humid places.
This video was the first I watched by Tom.
I purchased the clever hood, rain poncho, and it has made a huge difference in getting out there in wet conditions.
Thank you for your guidance.
I live in Florida, nothing beats an oversized lightweight rain jacket.
Very cool that you made a follow up video on that topic as rain was THE topic, I feared the most while biking until I got myself a pair of cleverhood rovers last year and I love them! I wish there'd be more detailed videos about biking-ponchos, because for me they were a game changer for everyday riding.
Thanks for the consistently awesome content man! I just bought my first cruiser bike and I can’t wait to put it to use!
Thank you for the review. I would also recommend checking out ponchos from Decathlon. They are technologically advanced with a lot of features, compactly fold into their own pockets, come in a wide range of models and color options. Personally, I have a 900 Btwin model which I really love.
I can imagine being blown backwards when the wind is blowing! And your legs and feet are still exposed. I'm going to stick to shorts, a light rain-resistant jacket - and a towel.
I would go with a helmet cover over a hood. You will be able to see better and you will get better ventilation. You need to make sure your poncho will pour water down your back if you don't wear the hood. Fancy hoods can be an issue.
If you are riding to a fight with wind mills, the recommendation is to use a sancho poncho.
Wearing a Sansho poncho, fighting head winds, you stand no chance against windmills (which are designed for head winds). 🙂
Well i ordered a cleverhoood rover last weekend. It rained Tuesday and it Fedex delivered on Wednesday. Of course i will need to learn how to fold it into the bag! 😳
Interesting! I didn't know there was such a thing as a rain poncho. I have questions: 1. How do these things interact with a helmet? 2. It looks like the poncho would mask a handlebar-mounted headlight. What do you do about that? 3. Are they available in hi-viz colors? The retroreflective material is nice for when it's legitimately dark out, but wouldn't a hi-viz color be better for low-light daytime use?
I just ordered a Rover poncho from cleverhood, and they have a nice hot pink one and a kind of neon orange, which I'm pretty sure only females can tell the difference between the colors, tbh. They look the same to me but are different color options, so I assume they must be different. Handlebar mounted headlights may work just above the wheel or on the fork. Since I just ordered it and have not received it, I can let you know about the helmet once I get it. Assuming you didn't already get one.
@@rosecitytid1631 Thanks for the input. I haven't bought a cape ( not sure if I will), but I look forward to hearing about the helmet fit.
@@rosecitytid1631 so how's it fit?
@@daffodil2067 it works, it is hard to do hand signals and does not fit over helmet but I do stay dry
There's a European brand called GoFluo that does high viz and reflective ponchos. A bit pricey though and I'm not sure if they deliver outside EU.
A good British poncho. Yeah!!!! Greetings from the UK.
I use the classic Cleverhood poncho and it does provide excellent coverage and waterproofing, but it’s warm. You will get a bit sweaty if your ride requires some effort or if it’s above 22deg C. I do love how it keeps me and my bike mostly dry (I ride a Brompton). I originally bought this on recommendation from another rider. Mine came with a bag that I can wear as a mini backpack - very useful if I’m worried it might rain.
Thank you for the video. I found your content to be always useful. Great job. 👍
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!
This film was SO helpful! Thanks Tom ♥
Thanks for the poncho review, very useful! Id love a review of bike gloves, summer and winter, for knuckle and palm fall impact protection. Had a fall and hand road rash sucks.
Solid video! It was your video last year that led me to my Classic Cape from Cleverhood. Which has been amazing and allowed me to continue to commute regardless of the weather outside!! The only variable I keep playing with is shoes. Sometimes Chacos and other times tennis shoes depending on the severity of the rain. Cheers!
Great channel, excellent presentation and realistic content, thanks from Portsmouth, UK
you making the sherlock comparison with the cleverhood classic convinced me it really does have a classic inverness coat feel and honestly a big part of what i want in clothes is aesthetics. it is a bit anachronistic to go with the victorian vibes i love but anachronisms are amazing when intentional.
@shifter I’m in Ottawa Ontario. So the things that I find most difficult about returning to the bicycle. As nice as Ottawa has tried to make it a bike friendly city and it has hundreds of kilometers of trails. Transitioning from a car to more than just a recreational bicyclists I find finding your way around is very hard because you’re used to the north south east west roads. We’re bike roads will wind in and twist and put you backwards in your head next thing you know you’re going completely the wrong way. Does that make sense. The other thing is bike etiquette. My first ride out I was yelled at by I want to call my roadie biker guys are still competing for the Tour de France. I don’t know if I was doing something wrong but I got in his way and he didn’t like it anyway so I just try to stay in my own lane or wherever I have to be. I am enjoying your videos and information and at one point the first video I thought you were in Ottawa looks very similar anyway keep up the good work
Thanks for sharing your experience. Here in Calgary, I've found wayfinding a big problem if I rely on official city sources (signs on the side of the road are no help at all). My only advice is to keep experimenting! Over time, I've found much better routes by trying alternatives. And map apps such as Google I've found quite helpful because they occasionally offer routes I wouldn't have thought of, and sometimes (not always) they are even helpful.
Oh, roadies. I've found hardcore road cyclists to be more intransigent toward non-athletic urban cycling than almost everyone, including bike-hating motorists. I think the real solution is time -- everyday urban cycling is moving into the mainstream, which will make it more acceptable to everyone
Sorry to hear this, no-one should have yelled at you, least of all another cyclist. I got badly cut up by a guy with bicycles on the roof of his car, you'd think he would get it? You've got your people who are incredibly anti-social, and then you've got your people who are trying to enforce an imaginary order on the rest of us, for both of them I think it boils down to a 'might makes right' or 'divine right of me' view of the world where they won't make allowances for others. You didn't ask me for a tip so this is unsolicited, but I also returned to cycling less than a year ago, and I gradually learned to how to manipulate these people into granting me more allowances when I have to use the road. For me the problem is more drivers than other cyclists, or actually about 2% of drivers. My suggestion is to make yourself more visually intimidating by e.g. wearing an obvious camera, even a fake or non-functional one, and wearing a neck gaiter over your mouth and nose. Not that it seems and it's not for everyone, but nearly all of these people are being ruled by their emotions and I find silly stuff like that can help significantly, even though I also wear some hi-vis which would undermine it. Would not be surprised to hear that the man you encountered yells at other car drivers when he's behind the wheel.
Don't give up - I picked up an e-bike partially due to headwinds. Roadie bikers can do a favour to themselves, never mind them. Just go your way, find your track and ride your bike. Thumbs up Todd.
There is a substantial element of the "roadie" fraternity who cycle only for performance and literally seem to despise everyone else who doesn't share their priorities.
Slightly different but I know a really nice guy who has spent ten's of thousands on really expensive bikes. Does the 100km+ weekend group ride plus his own solo rides in between. Spends a couple of hours forrest riding at night.
But he has never once rode a bike the 8km to work or as much as ever picked up a litre of milk on a bike. He's put up far more mileage on two wheels than he's ever driven in his car but he's never used a bike to actually save driving anywhere by car. Bike's are only for sports, fitness and recreation and not for anything utilitarian.
His whole life revolves around bikes but in a completely different way than it does for me with one workhorse bike, a trailer and a variety of assorted bags, racks and panniers.
For unicycling I find a mix of rain poncho and a rear fender has been great for me. Besides that if the weather is above 20 I just ride in the rain because it's cooling but below that a mix of splash pants/fender/ jacket has been doing well when I was cycling in the before times.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Perfect timing too. Rainy season here in the Philippines.
Tbh I just wear dry fit clothes and just let it rain on me. After it stops the hot air while biking just dries me up lmao.
It gets to be 40C where I work some days, getting soaked on the way home feels great and it's a pre-wash for my clothes. :)
Try that in Vancouver BC in January!
I got the People’s Poncho and it’s … well … I needed Time to get used to. U get some 👀 weird looks if u using a Brompton and Poncho together.
Both super uncommon in my area and People look but it’s super effective and comfortable. For my taste it could be a bit longer and maybe I go for the Cleverhood after ur Video.
🤔 but the Price of it .. it’s quite expensive but it sounds worth it.
The night visability would have been intresting too. Thanks for your vid!
I never understood the point of ponchos and capes. but as a mountain biker, for MTB it would be stupid. but just for riding normally, on paths and roads, I would get completely soaked.
I do this:
waterproof jacket, now I have a mountainbiking specific jacket from Endura.
I use liner gloves, nitrile gloves for wind and waterproofing size M liner, if it's not too cold I wear medium glove and thin liner, if very cold I wear size large glove with thick liner. the nitrile glove can easily be taken off if you don't need water and wind proofing and want more breathable glove.
To keep feet dry I recommend to use gaiters or small garbage bags wrapped around the ankle, heel.
Waterproof riding shoes
Waterproof trousers
I use a Windstopper buff, it keeps rain out, I never get it soaked, so did not get anything waterproof, but I also can use the hood on the jacket.
So I can step in puddles, get blasted with water and stay dry.
The most important thing for me is are fenders. I rode on a bike once in the rain and got up with a wet butt.
Thank you for the education! And helping me with product selection. I already have zip-up rain pants for more extreme days, with my climate and needs, I realize I am a Vaude poncho rider.
Awesome! I was kinda hoping you would do a video on exactly this!
Hey, it's good to see you back from vacation(?). I'm such a weather weenie; when it really rains, I whip out my bus pass. :-)
A 250$ (shipping to the Near East and 17% VAT excluded) rain poncho, its size does not matter, would cast a giant shadow on my 4y old 400$ (current MSRP 560$ ) bicycle. 🙂
Non of these allow the rider to signal. If you search UA-cam for a different idea, you may come across "Der perfekte Fahrrad-Poncho" (which is not available, sadly).
Your video is helpful as usual. Thank you!
Did you find one similar?
@@juliatampleI settled with Decathlon rain gear (trousers and jacket). I also bought rain cover for my helmet (aliexpress) and added a seat stay suspended long ass-saver (aliexpress, again), and a down-tube front fender (made by Zefal) intended for bicycle with exposed cables along the downtube.
Which one does Clint Eastwood recomend?
I have had the classic cleverhood just like that one for a few years. The magnetic arm holes, while very clever, are a drawback. I don't find I use them but they are always there to leak. Rain trickles off my arms into the slits. Am I doing it wrong? Would prefer no arm holes.
That alone is why I don't want it
The slits are for if you are walking and want to grab something/ eat etc. the slits are in a more natural position. It means the garment doubles as a walking poncho. Normally you should open arm span like a big bird, then have your hands pop out the sides of the overall garment. Then swing around to grab handlebar. Or lay the garment over the handlebar and just ride with the garment draped over your hands, arms and handlebar. Everything covered. Like he used it in the video.
@@mrtgeary8268 To clarify, I do use the thumb loops and have it draped over my hands on the handlebars. But the closed magnetic slits still allow a small but frustrating amount of rain to trickle in.
I use an old US Army poucho. It is NOT reflective (A huge downside) but it has snaps to make a tighter fit AND you can get a "liner" for it that makes it warmer in colder weather (the liner has no hole for your head but that can be corrected but cutting your own hood or sewing in a hole kit you can buy for the liner).
4uCycling's REACH anorak poncho is one of the best under 50CAD. And it also collapses itself into it's front pocket for extra portability. Just DO NOT machine dry it as it will melt the inner hydrophobic layer.
I go with a good rain jacket, polyester shorts and crocs. It’s hilly and I don’t have mud guards.
A poncho seems good for cruising round flat sensible Dutch bike infrastructure
This is one of your better titles. Not so click-baiting as many of your other ones, Ex. "why you should something". Tip: Don't make your titles a question with words like why/this/you/should/[number] mistakes.
Btwin 900 poncho from Decathlon. I guess not available in North America. Cheap and good quality.
Thanks for sharing!
I prefer a hoodless poncho combined with a helmet cover. We have plenty of tram tracks, manhole covers, cobbled streets, glossy paint and other slippery things to warrant always wearing a helmet when it rains, and freeing the head covering from the collar means more comfortable and safer riding.
Man four panchos! uou should have a shifter giveaway haha 😁
This isn't a bad idea!
Basil Hoga bicycle rain is around 60 USD and it seems decent, I don't see much people reviewing them sadly
I'm a big fan of black while hiking, but riding a bike, I am blaze orange or road worker yellow vest. I would wear that on top of these ponchos, maybe it would help with the aerodynamic drag.
Something that surprises me is the size of these poncho's when packed up in a bag they are quite large and my pannier bags aren't that big. I'd prefer something that fits in a large water bottle but suspect that it's not feasible after watching this.
I feel like showers pass has to have something like that for you.
Can you fit a helmet under the hoods?
Great video! I’m out here in Victoria and will need something this fall! Huge help.
can you make a video on how to fold these damn things? i can’t seem to get my rover back in the bag sometimes lol
Haha. Years ago, on a camping trip, a hardcore outdoorswoman recommended I stop trying to fold and roll my tent neatly to get it back in the bag because folding it the same way over time can create seams that will weaken the fabric. She recommended just shoving it back in the bag. I'm not sure if this is scientifically true, but I use this as a justification for shoving anything back into a little bag rather than trying to carefully folding it.
Tom, I know it is not a specific cycling poncho, but the Mac in a Sac packable poncho looks like it packs smaller. Also looks great is the FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Waterproof, Breathable Rain Poncho.
Thanks for the helpful review, great to see a UK product in there, I’ll check them out 👍
Are you able to wear your helmet under any of the hoods on these? Or are all for under helmet?
All should fit over a helmet.
clever hood has a nice peak , i find peaks very useful in bad weather
I'm actually considering to buy a poncho for my bike commuting. A classic rain jacket combined with a pair of rain trousers are heating me up too much. During the upcoming Autumn and Winter I'll be riding in the dark frequently, and my battery powered front light is fitted centered on top of the handlebar. Which poncho would be the best one to avoid shading the headlight? Hands covered is nice, then back behind the handlebar? Or do I have to move my front light downwards, maybe using a low rider front rack just to mount a light? Moving the light to the helmet is not an option in Germany for legal reasons. Wondering how to solve the riddle.
You will need to add an additional light in your helmet, that is the only solution unless you can manage to lower it .
Funnily, I was looking at the people's poncho (I live in the UK) and I was tempted - if they had black in stock I likely would have bought on impulse. However, in the spirit of riding for the destination, I think I still prefer my attractive gore-tex jacket (Mountain Equipment Lhotse) and a pair of over trousers. It's down to preference is though, I know! Thanks @Shifter
I found with my Gore-Tex jacket that my thighs would get soaked. The poncho does a nice job keeping my legs dry as well as my upper body.
Over-trousers and rain jackets have their merits. But for expediency, ventilation and versatility, capes are great. Gore-tex is pretty good, but when you zip up to keep the rain out, you still get clammy when cycling. The knees and seat areas of the trousers also wear out relatively quickly.
@@another3997 my main concern would be that with a poncho and no overtrousers my calves would still get wet (even with fenders this is likely to happen in heavy rain). So, if I'm going to wear overtrousers, I can just use a goretex jacket (mine has good ventilation).
I'm not arguing against ponchos, on the contrary, I would like to buy one and make the switch but I'm just concerned it won't stand up to keeping me dry in the British heavy rain and wind (which I've found my combination of GTX jacket/trousers/shoes has done).
low cost is a major selingpoint because eventuely you will rip it. On top of that i like to have a Poncho in a bag that is attached to my bike at all times. So this one needed to be really cheap.
I'm going to be honest, most of these just look and function exactly like short military tent-half ponchos just with a lighter material. I might just use the one I picked up a few years ago at that rate.
The hero we didn't know we needed
I used a poncho a couple of times, but not to wear whilst riding, I just don’t like them, but when you stop because it’s bucketing down. Chuck over a poncho and get under a tree/bushes and life becomes bearable again.
Great. A math how often it really rains would be interesting...
Riding on painted lines in the rain gives me inner anxiety.
Not me. Must be because we have anti-slip paint here in New Zealand. Same with the green paint you see occasionally in cycle lanes. Not sure about this paint tho. Personally, I'm more concerned by shared-paths that use pebble concrete. So many bad experiences, lol.
Thank you for all the research you’ve done
Hi, should you wear the helmet under or over the hood?
What do you use to protect your shoes from the rain while cycling?
I have custom insoles that cannot get wet otherwise I’m paying a mini fortune to replace them.
I’ve been using the People’s Poncho for a while and definitely agree about ponchos in general.
Yeah, I wear mine over the hood so the bike in lights can be seen
I prefer a rainsuit on my bike. Tried a poncho as well but the issue was then my pants are still getting wet because the rain comes from the side or there are huge puddles you have to go through splashing water on your shoes/pants. Or cars drive by through puddles. I once saw a cyclist getting all drenched because a car drove through a huge deep puddle next to him resulting in a very huge splash.
Do the lateral windows on the hood of the Vaude poncho work well?
Is there one you'd recommend most for us tall folk?
I just ordered the People's Poncho after watching this video.
Did you get it?
Many other people have commented that they are not reliable. Or even scammers!
Really found this guide useful. Thank you.
Awesome video 👍
How well do these protect your legs from rain?
Ahh just bought the rover a few months ago. I probably would have gone with the peoples hood if I bought today. I’m a big feller at 6 foot 1 and the size they recomend feels a bit small.
That said I found if you don’t have good fenders it’s kind of pointless. My top was fine but my legs were soaked through from spray.
I like the look and material though, I’ll wear it even off the bike
I agree with your point about fenders -- without them your legs are just going to get soaked.
Do you find much wind drag using a poncho? Looks like it would suck if you had a head wind.
I had no idea watching the video how insanely expensive these were.
Before this video over a year ago, I had bought a cheap under €20 clear see through plastic poncho from AliExpress in the biggest size I could find. I'm very tall (198cm/6'6") on a large frame bike and it fits. The hood is tight so has to be worn underneath the helmet or not at all.
Because it's see through, my hi-vis vest can be seen through it and also I can hang it over my bike lights.
Didn't have any hand grips inside and have been intending to superglue something inside myself to improve its convenience. Although it seems pretty ok without internal hand grips.
BUT.
I have only worn it a few times because cycling against a strong headwind, it makes for a difficult cycling experience.
For example, I rode 6.5km west yesterday (without a poncho on a nice dry day) and for most of the way, I was facing a strong direct headwind and it was a harder ride than pulling a trailer with 50kg on it without wind. (I regularly pull that weight and heavier)
Wearing a poncho it's like adding another additional 30kg of wind resistance to that ride on a windy day.
Although if the wind is behind you, you'd hardly need to pedal! But 20km wearing a poncho into a strong direct headwind would be just too exhausting for me.
If I ever get an electric assist bike then definitely 100% the poncho would be the only way to go even for just only light drizzly days no matter how windy it might be.
Are you able to fit a helmet under the hood of the Cleverhood classic?
Love the second design but… it’s $279 holy cows 😂
Really?I mean that is super expensive, in proportion zillion times more expensive than the bike.
I've ordered the Peoples Poncho due to a review from this video, among others. Its been two months, and I haven't received any notice that the item shipped. I've emailed the manufacturer as well, without any answer. Hey Tom, or anybody with knowledge, is the Peoples Poncho still in business, or have they gone under?
I just used a rain suit it works for me. But I try not to ride in the rain I have had to a few times and made it back home dry.