[Mike Page]

What’s the general opinion/level of usage of rain ponchos?

Alee Denham (cyclingabout.com) swears by his.

I’ve seen video of Ryan van Duzer wearing a flimsy one with questionable performance in a stormy Costa Rica rainforest.

How would they fare in Norway?

[Martin Clarke]

We had a cheap poncho, found it flapped around to much and we still got wet.

[Matthew Norway]

Hi Martin,

Thanks for your input and gear recommendations. For me, staying warm takes priority over staying completely dry. After a few hours of riding in the rain, I’ll be soaked no matter how waterproof my gear is. Breathability is key, and there’s always a trade-off between waterproofing and ventilation.

I believe, If you can keep your hands, feet, and head warm—even when wet—you’ll be fine all day. That’s easier said than done, though, as even the most expensive gloves and shoe covers have their limits. It might sound a bit unconventional, but wrapping your feet in plastic produce bags and wearing disposable rubber gloves under your main gloves can make a real difference in extreme cold and wet conditions.

A merino wool base layer and mid-layer do a great job of retaining heat, even when wet. With those in place, waterproof and windproof outer layers help trap warmth while maintaining breathability. There are so many brands out there that it is hard to vouch for a certain one. I have no loyalty but I prefer cycling brands where the clothes are fit for cycling and offer fewer issues in the wind (although sometimes a complete rip-off in price). Another key factor is how quickly your gear dries—just as important, in my opinion. There’s nothing better than feeling dry again within an hour after a downpour, all thanks to the right clothing choices. Bib shorts and leg warmers always dry quickly and are my preferred choice over cycling pants.

My clothing list can be found here: https://cyclenorway.com/clothing-list/

• This reply was modified 1 month ago by  Matthew Norway.

[kees zaal]

One advice i would like to add, which is having a rainjacket with a hood that fits over your helmet. It really makes it more comfortable during long downpours and keeps your head warm too. There are very good breathable lightweight cycling rainjackets that pack to a very small volume but not all have a hood. Brands like rapha and exteondo have but comes with a cost…

[Martin Clarke]

Thank you Yes we have gone for a jacket with a hood like you say.