waterproof jackets & gloves

[obelix]

I got back into biking 5/6 years ago after a number of years away from the scene and I am still puzzled about the range of clothing available. But the problem is I don’t seem to find any trousers, jackets or gloves that are genuinely water proof!? I have bought a number of jackets and trousers that have all ended up back on eBay! I haven’t strayed into the “Rukka” and such territory but the 2 or 3 outfits that I have bought for under £200 for a jacket & £150 for trousers have all let water in after a while under heavy rain. I have spent £75 on a pair of Halvarssons gloves over a year ago and I find them no better than the £20 pair that I bought at some show to get me back home. I really got cold hands riding this winter! at some point I took the gloves off in the rain & it took me ½ hr to put them back on because the lining had come out and wouldn’t go back in. I had been told that modern clothing had moved on so much in 15 years that I would be surprised, well! I am!!
Am I unreasonnable?
How do you assess clothing? Surely you can get a decent, waterproof outfit without having to spend a £1000 per item!?
I have now waterproofed (NikWax) a 15months old Arlen Ness jacket that was recommended by the shop (!?) because it leaked at the front zip and a 24 months old Richa & RST trousers because they let water in at the crutch!?
Am I expecting too much? How do you choose clothing? Surely price can’t the only criteria!
Incidentally I ride a naked “sit up & beg” bike, no heated grips, no fairing or protection.
Cheers,
C.

 

[HTB1]

After having a BMW "twat" suit which had to be exchanged due to fading within 6 months and not being entirely waterproof I opted to take the plunge and go for Rukka. Over the past 4 years it has dealt with all the weather that has been thrown at it without fail. It has been regularly washed and recoated with nikwax. I wouldn't have anything else. Yes it is expensive but there are deals about both here and especially on the continent.

 

[fully]

i have worn my Musto gear over leathers in very heavy prolonged storms.
front zip and pockets totally water proof, they have great storm sealed zips.

shame i hadnt thought about the gloves and boots as they were ringing wet.... (sealskinz is my next test purchase)
there is a couple of Musto outlet stores dotted round the country selling the sailing gear at discount prices but its very hit and miss, sometimes they have stock, sometimes not

yes i do look like a offshore numpty

e.g. http://www.musto.com/fcp/product/Outdoor-Clothing/MPX/MPX-RACE-JACKET/10260?colour=red

jacket has reflective bits over it as well

if only they did jacket with CE armour and thermal lining.....

 

[Kritou]

If you want to keep your hands dry you have to get some of these http://www.rain-off.com/

Available in the UK from http://www.sportouring.com/

I promise you they just work

 

[fully]

i've seen these before, but in the picture they fasten over the top of the jacket
to me the rainwater will just dribble down the arm and into the over-glove
or do they have some mech for coping with that?
thanks!

 

[g.s.john]

On my second Rukka suit in twenty years never been wet or cold if you by cheap you get cheap you could try Hien Gerike they do some good gear
so do halvarsons.
As you ride a naked bike with no protection you are not giving yourself any chance to be comfortable so buy quality.

 

[GSART]

I ride all day every day covering 1000 miles a week. There are only 3 options if have found waterproof day in day out whatever the weather:

Rukka - very good, but they have become so very expensive!
Hideout Hi Pro suit (also available made to measure!) - expensive and very good
Berghaus goretex walking waterproofs over my normal bike kit - very cheap option which pack up small (very small!) and allow me to just simply wear my normal kit and put these on when it rains or looks like rain.

Re gloves - the only gloves i have found truly waterproof are the Rukka apollo. That said, i don't wear them as i use basic off road gloves. I carry 2 pairs and just change them when they are wet for the dry pair. I do use heated grips however, wet and warm

 

[Kritou]

i've seen these before, but in the picture they fasten over the top of the jacket
to me the rainwater will just dribble down the arm and into the over-glove
or do they have some mech for coping with that?
thanks!

In the advertising they are shown as being worn outside for display purposes. I have worn mine this way for seven years and never had a drop of water get in

Julie who makes them can turn out hi viz versions ........... a real discussion point

 

[fully]

good enough for me, will order a pair and then you can all thank me for the ensuing heatwave

 

[Kevin1626]

I ride all day every day covering 1000 miles a week. There are only 3 options if have found waterproof day in day out whatever the weather:

Rukka - very good, but they have become so very expensive!
Hideout Hi Pro suit (also available made to measure!) - expensive and very good
Berghaus goretex walking waterproofs over my normal bike kit - very cheap option which pack up small (very small!) and allow me to just simply wear my normal kit and put these on when it rains or looks like rain.

Re gloves - the only gloves i have found truly waterproof are the Rukka apollo. That said, i don't wear them as i use basic off road gloves. I carry 2 pairs and just change them when they are wet for the dry pair. I do use heated grips however, wet and warm

GSart,

I've been using the Rukka gear for well over 10 years and think its great. However, I don't do the mileage you are putting in. It's ready for replacement (only because I'd like a change) and notice you mentioned the Hideout Hi-Pro suit. Have you had it long and what do you think of it ? Looks good, but similar cost to Rukka, so not sure what to go for.
In terms of the Rukka stuff, mine is the 'Original' and has the Z-liner within the cordura. Would you recommend any particular one of the new suits ? The Armas is pretty costly.

Hope I haven't hijacked the thread as it may get more chat going on this subject.

Cheers

 

[Stujw70]

My Dane jacket & trousers which i bought back in 2009 is still holding up very well with very little signs of wear and still perfectly waterproof, even through all the mega recent showers. In fact i'm tech washing it for the first time today.
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173768&highlight=Dane

The other option is to carry a waterproof cycling type top to bung over the top

 

[Green Boy]

In terms of gloves, I can recommend these:

http://londonbikers.com/news/16794/new-held-arctic-winter-glove-released

I rode just about everyday this winter and they are great without being ridiculously bulky. However like all gloves, unless they're heated, I can strongly recommend getting a cheap pair of silk liner gloves from ebay.

Gear wise: I been very pleased with my HG Summit suit.