Roadie's Ramblings

The “racing cape” is a unique piece of cycling apparel. It’s purpose is to keep you protected from the wind and rain while still showing your team kit and race number. It does all of those things…to a certain extent.

Does it keep you protected from the wind?
Yes, and it does a really good job of it. Most rain capes are not made to fit like a jacket you wear over clothes, they’re made to fit like a cycling jersey; form fitted. This is great because it translates to not having extra material to flap around and create drag. Along with not creating drag, it won’t puff up like a wind breaker — if you’re wearing the proper size (wearing a size too large inevitably means extra material and extra room for the wind to grab hold of it).

Does it keep you dry?
Depends on how hard it’s raining. A light rain or drizzle won’t penetrate the exterior, and you will stay dray. Most rain capes are made from a fabric that is completely waterproof; the issue is that the seams are not taped closed. As the amount of the rain, or the rate in which the rain is falling, reaches a certain point the water will seep through the sewn seams. Obviously, this isn’t ideal, but you are still getting a whole lot more protection from the rain than not wearing anything at all. And anyway, it’s not always about staying bone dry, it’s about keeping your body temperature regulated.

Does the team kit and race number show through?
Yes and No. The colors show through just fine, but don’t plan on anyone being able to read your sponsor’s names or race number. Imagine putting on a pair of prescription glasses that are way strong for your vision.; this is how legible any writing is going to be. On the bright side of things, you’ll be able to tell what color your team kit is.

A few solid options to choose from:

Hincapie Pacific Rain Shell

Giordana Monsoon Jacket

Assos ClimaJet Breaker

Although the racing cape isn’t the end all jacket, it definitely has it’s place as an important piece of cycling apparel. As I’ve mentioned, you can’t expect to get everything you might want out of a rain shell from a racing cape, but it will pack down to a size that can be kept in a jersey pocket and it will get you home without being completely wet and cold.

-Roadie @ Indie Bike