December 2006 Archives

My solutions for comfortable clothing and dry gear.

I was afraid of the rain. The car used to protect me from it when I got around. After several years of being car-free, I've been able to replace this fear with an understanding of how to stay comfortable when bike commuting in the rain.

What I've learned along the way that is the staying comfortable in the rain takes an all or nothing approach: Repel it or enjoy it.

Here are my strategies for both cases.

I recently wrote about Bicycling Mittens for Five Degrees. That's a solution for an extreme, so today I want to Back the Truck Up, and describe the gloves that I find work best for everyday bicycle commuting in cooler whether.

The qualities I find are important are:

1. Wind Protection. This is the primary purpose.
2. Light Insulation, to take the edge off.
3. Comfort. Not too tight.
4. Functional, so they don't get in the way of braking.
5. Compact. Easy to carry when not in use.