shoe covers to the rescue

Last night's rainfall had me pulling out my wind/water proof Louis Garneau shoe covers... though designed to fit over cycling shoes, I'm continually amazed how well they work on top of just about any shoe in my closet!

They've been so versatile that I've been keeping them tucked away in my bag -- along with my gloves and tool/patch kit.

yet another reason why I love my Ortlieb (in the rain)

In last night's downpour I had no place to add a second rear light (due to my detachable fender and rain jacket) but ended up keeping the light on *inside* the bag and it surprisingly shined right through! Granted my Knog Boomer Wearable was not as bright as it is on its own (though it had a great diffused effect) and it would be preferable that the backpack had a little tag on the outside so you can just clip on a light...

But while on the topic of my Ortlieb Velocity Backpack... it really is a utilitarian dream. Reliably waterproof, durable, comfortable, comes in that screaming yellow (though I so want one in white, mine was a hand-me-down), has a super high capacity, and comes with a great little snap in pouch inside to help keep you organized. Can you tell how much I love my "Banana Bag" -- a name it inherited from my co-workers?!

gearing up for post-summer rain

Ortlieb / Performance Ripstop Rain Pants / Loeffler Randall rain booties

Unlike warm summer rain falls, when one can dry off easily wearing shorts and sandals,  last Wednesday's commute forced my rain gear favs out of the closet...

• waterproof backpack by Ortlieb   I never ever worry about water getting into my Ortlieb Velocity. No exterior pockets or zippers - just a simple top loading bag with a roll top (and a very convenient pouch that snaps inside for your cell phone and such).

• rain paints from Performance (on sale right now for $29.99) There are few things worse then arriving to work after riding through the rain in completely drenched clothes - which is why rain pants rock. Yes, you can't care too much about what you look like in them but they are SO EASY to throw on top of whatever pants (or tights) your wearing that day and have articulated knees making it easier to pedal. I have a black version but love this version in HELLO yellow!
  
• rain booties I was so excited when Loeffler Randall came out with these slip-on versions of their rain bootie. Reminds me of my father's galoshes. But these are so cute they can be worn even on a sunny day! The 35mm wedge also gives you a little lift. If the price tag scares you, Jeffrey Campbell makes a similar version I spotted on Refinery 29.
  
  

• clear rain jacket by Louis Garneau An awesome option at about $24 -- made translucent to keep racers jersey sponsor logos visible, but also allows your rear red light on your belt loop to shine through! Since it's waterproof, if you perspire there will be condensation but the mesh sections help with ventilation. I have an older version made of PVC but these days they're made of EVA -- a waterproof material that contains neither cadmium nor lead.

And a rainy day item I have on my wish list...

• helmet cover by Louis Garneau Visibility in the rain is difficult - whether your cycling, walking or driving THUS I try to always have my front and rear blinking lights on. The icing on the cake would be this bright helmet cover which would also keep my hair dry, like Matthew's!
  

happy riding - rain or shine

winter booties

The freezing temps in NYC this week got me digging in my closet for my winter booties. I love these -- water proof + wind proof shoe covers with reflective detailing. I used to just use them with my SIDI road bike shoes -- and then one day it dawned on me that they already had the heel cut out AND fit perrrfectly over my favorite heels I wear riding to work!

This version by Sugoi has high-visibility yellow grip material on the heel + toe along with reflective piping on the zippers...

well sealed

We've had an exceptionally dry summer in NYC but last night's downpours was a reminder that some things truly need to remain dry in commute. Jack Spade makes this sweet looking Tarpaulin Dry Dopp Kit for essentials which snaps down making it nice and compact. Ultimately if one is seeking waterproof performance in a bag, water sport (kayaking/boating) companies offer a plethora of options - such as SealLine...






And I can not leave out Ortlieb's panniers, which also roll seal, and are available in (highly visible) white ♥

cover up

Matthew w/ his day-glo helmet cover on one sunny day

While it's officially ♥ summer ♥ rain showers are still abound (the forecast is for hail in NYC today!) therefore I have practical rain covers on my mind - both bright and waterproof...

Deuter Rain Cover made of a fine-weave Taffeta-Nylon with a PU coating, the Deuter Rain Cover I is designed to fit day packs and smaller backpacks with up to a 2150 cubic inch capacity. Tape-sealed seams help to further ensure protection against precipitation.
+
Zap Helmet Cover by Sugoi made of two-ply laminate fabric with spandex stretch with 3M Scotchlite reflective detailing on front and back.

spring showers

via Flickr by xkio

Woke up to POURING rain this morning which conjured images of bicyclists with umbrellas (as they do in the European cycling capitals, though in safely in protected bike lanes). While on the topic of umbrellas... there was a noteworthy article in The New Yorker a couple years back on how the basic design has existed since 1000 B.C. with little evolution. But one umbrella that has stood out with lasting power is the Senz...

Designed by Dutch university students - the asymmetrical umbrella slices though wind (up to 70 MPH gales/ wind force 10!), will not invert, and having handled one, it truly feels like it will last a lifetime. You can watch this sweet little 'Rain Symphony' animation by Minä Perhonen of the Senz in action...

slush covers

TX FrontPoint Gaiter, Black Diamond®

This morning's beautiful snow fall in NYC (i.e. instant slush on the streets) made me wish I had worn gaiters. Or even better, a pair of these...

Reflective Spats by Two and Fro

rainlegs

Rainlegs protect the upper legs against rain, wind and the cold. The product has been manufactured from wind and water resistant parachute material. The leg protectors are open on the back of the legs, so that no condensation can take place and clothes will stay dry.

Who would have guessed rain rear could be sexy?

Designed & distributed in the Netherlands but for those of us in the USofA they are available [here]

boxcap

By the lovely people at Bikecap... these waterproof covers come in almost as many options as their seat covers. Looks they would fit on any old milk crate but they sell the box if not (though that would be lame if it's not the standard size).

seatcap

The weather forecast is not looking dry for tomorrow. (Though as my father always say's weather forecasting is the only profession you can be wrong all the time, yet keep your job.)

I usually just toss a plastic grocery bag on my seat - but these beauties by Bikecap are pretty irresistible.

stay dry

Hands-free by DryBike from the Netherlands.

via NotCot

rain + shine

While in Copenhagen last summer, the sight of cyclists in the rain with umbrellas was a novelty.

But how about THIS umbrella with 64 individual LEDs via Intructables Imagine, a car would be able to spot you from at least a mile away. Magical + safe.

And it's dimmer adjustable so you can set how bright you want to be - anywhere from dim ambient light for strolling in the dark to carrying your own portable supernova beacon of light

Top pic via Copenhagenc Cycle Chic