Rainsuit/wet gear recommendations?

[no_8wire]

Hi.

I am looking around for a good quaility rainsuit to accompany my leather on wet days.

I plan to use my bike to travel from Auckland to New Plymouth, and Kerikeri etc so I need t a rainsuit that will keep a high percentage of the water out for as long as possible.

Is there any advantage to either a one piece/two piece apart from how easy it is to put on?

I intend to store it in my backpack so it needs to be able to compress to a reasonable compact package, able to fold up into its own bag is preferable.


What brands would you recommend or avoid?

[crazyhorse]

Can't really help you much. I have a one piece, but never really use it. Only advantage I can see with a one piece, is that water cannot get into your pants - and its less bulky.

But hey, others may think differently. :beer:

[toddyz]

I have 2 sets of wet weather gear
one is what I call my condom suit which is a white 1 piece pvc thing with a zip from right leg up diagonal to left shoulder with a velcro flap that covers the zip, a snug fit around the neck & elastic around end of arms and legs.
VERY good water protection but can get a bit hot with leathers on underneath (pvc doesn't give any protection if you come off)
can be a bit of a job getting on and off but if you need to go out and it's raining its worth it.
Another thing to be aware of if it starts raining then you put this kind of suit on, because it doesn't breathe I found the visor fogs up.
another problem is I need to get my boots off to put it on!
I think I got it from protector safety or some place like that, wasn't cheap (can't remember what I paid for it) & isn't pretty but works bloody well!

I also have some cheap leggings from the warehouse (about $20) and an oilskin jacket which I carry on the bike just in case I get caught somewhere,
these roll down to a smaller package than the condom suit and fits in the storage compartment under the seat,
these don't work as well on longer rides as the rain manages to get in somehow but even though I paid good money for the oilskin (about $200) they were cheaper than the condom suit.

[slofox]

Rainbird. From Para Rubber. Not always in stock but Christchurch branch, I am reliably informed, has quite a lot of it.

Fully waterproof - I have been using it for yonks and never had it fail yet - lightweight and compresses to SFA.

Two piece and no I have not had water get between top and trou.

[Hitcher]

Good wets can be had at outdoors stores. I've got a set of Timberland breathable/packables that I've had for years. They don't leak and pack up nice and small.

Farm suppliers like RD1 and PGG Wrightson stock good gear too, like the Orini stuff. That doesn't pack up that small though.

[stevewederell]

I have a Bone Dry one piece and it's great, only thing that pisses me off is the neck strap. It's not long enough when I wear all my gear underneath and often pulls away.

Apart from that I've ridden through driving rain and been sweet as

[zeocen]

I have a DriRider Hurricane one piece and it's a heap of shit. It keeps me dry but it's also non-breathable, clammy, disgusting and a bitch to get on if you are actually caught in rain, or if you're putting it on for a second time.

Because of that I went out and got a two piece Rjays that was at the Motomail outlet store, cheap as chips and works perfect, it's got elastic around the waist area which helps keep water off the crotch (not that it would get anywhere near the crotch). I commuted all through winter in it and never once got a single drop inside me. And it's a shit load easier to put on than a one piece!

[Radar]

Most all motorcycle rain gear will eventually leak.
For a bit more $$ you can get guaranteed waterproof gear that is also (really) breatheable.
See my thread here:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=94702&highlight=oringi

You can order from the Oringi website or find similar material in farm supply shops - look for brands of material such as Techniflex or Flexothene - it feels softer than coated nylon or PVC, is more expensive, and should have a "guaranteed waterproof" tag as well as a guarantee that the seams will not split. This 'high tech' waterproof material also takes up far less space than PVC.

If you are cheap or short of cash, PVC gear will be OK but it will eventually crack and leak - usually in the pants crotch. The Oringi gear I have has never leaked one bit and I have been in some heavy rain.

[backinthesaddle]

I recommend going to two piece. Have had a couple of one piece suits. They are a pain to get on and eventually the seam welds give up somewhere.
Have got a R Jays jacket for the wife and I and a set of Techniflex type material leggings each. Less bulky to cart around and no leaks at all. Did the South Island this year. A few days of full on rain proved their worth. Also highly recommend glove gaitors to if you do alot of wet weather riding.

[BMWST?]

Line seven jacket and leggings pvc.Had em for yonks....jacket has died but still using the leggings with a new cordura jacket

[Highlander]

Rainbird. From Para Rubber. Not always in stock but Christchurch branch, I am reliably informed, has quite a lot of it.

Fully waterproof - I have been using it for yonks and never had it fail yet - lightweight and compresses to SFA.

Two piece and no I have not had water get between top and trou.

I had a rainbird jacket that was really good, but 3 days solid wet weather riding it had flapped itself to bits so I dropped it in the bin when I took it off.

[BMWST?]

Also highly recommend glove gaitors to if you do alot of wet weather riding.

?? interested,no matter which way i try(ie gloves over or under) water eventually runs down inside teh glove

[Highlander]

?? interested,no matter which way i try(ie gloves over or under) water eventually runs down inside teh glove

I have Rain off overgloves ( http://www.rain-off.com/ ) I put them over my gloves and under my rain jacket and have not been let down by them yet.

[backinthesaddle]

?? interested,no matter which way i try(ie gloves over or under) water eventually runs down inside teh glove
I have IXON brand overgloves. I put them over my wet weather jacket sleeve and pull the drawstring tight. This creates a really good seal where the water runs down the sleeve to the glove area. Have ridden up to 4 hrs in torrential rain (Sth Island west coast) with dry gloves at the end. Ride most of the year with summer gloves and put these over to prevent wind chill at night too. Don't like bulky winter gloves unless I have too.

[Pussy]

I've got a "Motoline" one piece nylon type suit I wear over my leathers.
100% waterproof

[BMWST?]

I have IXON brand overgloves. I put them over my wet weather jacket sleeve and pull the drawstring tight. This creates a really good seal where the water runs down the sleeve to the glove area. Have ridden up to 4 hrs in torrential rain (Sth Island west coast) with dry gloves at the end. Ride most of the year with summer gloves and put these over to prevent wind chill at night too. Don't like bulky winter gloves unless I have too.

are they a "mitten" type of overglove?

[backinthesaddle]

are they a "mitten" type of overglove?
Yeah they are a mitten glove. Thats why I prefer a thin summer glove underneath so you've still got a reasonable amount of flexibility and feel with them on. Really waterproof - they dry out in minutes when you hang them up.

[PrincessBandit]

Yeah they are a mitten glove. Thats why I prefer a thin summer glove underneath so you've still got a reasonable amount of flexibility and feel with them on. Really waterproof - they dry out in minutes when you hang them up.

On our ride home from New Plymouth yesterday (in the pissing rain - all the way!) we tried an experiment of having Balu's gloves and mittens on with his sleeves coming down over them. It worked brilliantly except I had to do up his zip cos his fingers weren't able to grab the zip tab! (One day he'll learn to dress himself....)

[duckonin]

Rainbird. From Para Rubber. Not always in stock but Christchurch branch, I am reliably informed, has quite a lot of it.

Fully waterproof - I have been using it for yonks and never had it fail yet - lightweight and compresses to SFA.

Two piece and no I have not had water get between top and trou.

I shall fully endorse that, (Rainbird) and in the event you have a problem, which I would doubt then rainbird replace no Q's asked....

I have a thin Hi vis rainbird that we used cycling in the South Island, it is now four years old has had a lot of use and it is still 100% waterproof, I put it on over top of my leather jacket in the rain and use it as a wind breaker, sure we look like glow bugs but hey we can be seen!!!

[Blackbird]

I have Rain off overgloves ( http://www.rain-off.com/ ) I put them over my gloves and under my rain jacket and have not been let down by them yet.

+1 - fantastic bits of kit. Also have good cordura riding gear but for serious rain, I still prefer my Spool plastic 2 piece. It's the only bit of gear that keeps me 100% dry and was cheap to buy. You do get a touch hot and sweaty in it sometimes but no big deal. For boots, I have some SIDI waterproofs which are probably 5-7 yeaes old and have never let me down. If you have leaky boots, the old bread bag trick as temporary liners never fails!:rockon:

[PrincessBandit]

I'm going to try out my old Kathmandu two piece which has kept me nice and dry (although NOT warm!!) in the past and see how it goes with my leathers. My cordura is one big heap of soggy mess at the moment and the thought of putting it back on today makes my skin crawl.

Kathmandu and leathers - right, I'd better be off if I'm going to get this experiment started.

[backinthesaddle]

On our ride home from New Plymouth yesterday (in the pissing rain - all the way!) we tried an experiment of having Balu's gloves and mittens on with his sleeves coming down over them. It worked brilliantly except I had to do up his zip cos his fingers weren't able to grab the zip tab! (One day he'll learn to dress himself....)
Thats the way to go normally - If you've got someone to dress you that is. How do you find your Gsf 650? Took a mates for a spin a couple of weeks ago. Very impressed. If I needed a Commuter bike (which is what he's got it for) and something to scream around on one up I'd seriously consider one. Good value for money too.

[PrincessBandit]

Thats the way to go normally - If you've got someone to dress you that is. How do you find your Gsf 650? Took a mates for a spin a couple of weeks ago. Very impressed. If I needed a Commuter bike (which is what he's got it for) and something to scream around on one up I'd seriously consider one. Good value for money too.

My bandit is a dream bike (for me). If you want a more expert opinion ask Pussy - he took it for a wee blat on the weekend.

I have Pilot Road 2s on it and never once had any complaints about them - most of the riding we did on the weekend was in shit weather; bike held beautifully on the road and basically my speed wasn't that much slower than I'd have been going if it had been fine and dry.

She did look extremely dirty coming out of the unsealed bit of the forgotten highway - had to ride through thick deep bog for a small section, had mud caked in between my pipes and flicked all up the back. The heavy continual rain from Whangamomona onwards kinda cleaned it a bit though.....

Handled really nicely through the twisties, just gentle pressure on the bars even with my broken collarbone. So easy to ride!

p.s. back on topic....I might have to get my son to turn the garden hose on me in my leathers and Kathmandu 2 piece as the short ride I did today wasn't really long enough for a good trial.

[slofox]

I had a rainbird jacket that was really good, but 3 days solid wet weather riding it had flapped itself to bits so I dropped it in the bin when I took it off.

I'm surprised to hear that. I have done mega miles in mine with no problems...

[Rosie]

... It worked brilliantly except I had to do up his zip cos his fingers weren't able to grab the zip tab! (One day he'll learn to dress himself....)

Don't count on it. I was on stretch-rainsuit-cuffs-over-gloves duty for someone yesterday :innocent:

[backinthesaddle]

Glad to hear you love your 650. I run Pilot 2's as well on my 1200. Great tyres. Good mileage and great handling in all conditions. The dual compound makes them ideal for touing and sport riding. Have found though it does pay to keep a regular check on the pressures though, especially when two up. Can cause unnecessary wear quite quickly when they're down (even just 1-2psi) and pushing it quite hard around the place.

I'm on my second set at the moment. got 16,000km out of the front tyre. Haven't finished the first rear yet as put a new one on to do the South Island (only had about 1500-2000k's left in it) Didn't want to get half way round and find I had to wait a day or two to order one in or plan to be somewhere just to replace it.

Let us know what sort of mileage you get out of yours. Be interesting to see what you get with a (slightly) lighter bike.