Gear Driven: 10 pieces of gear to make riding in the wet safe ... and enjoyable
Riding in the rain can be safe and fun with the right gear. Here's 10 things you don't want to be without.
May/June 2006
Landon Hall
1. Rain sucks. Road spray is always dirty, and always leaves a film on your faceshield. But there is help, thanks to Aerostich’s VeeWipe Squeegees, which easily wipe away the crud. Worn on the thumb or index finger of your left hand, they make riding in the rain safer (and lots more fun). Three-size pack fits all hand sizes and glove thicknesses. Contains one each: S, M, and L. $11.00. More info: www.aerostich.com.
2. If you’re a fan of the one-piece rain suit, check out the Teknic Chicane. Featuring PVC outer shell construction, it has heat-welded seams, a corduroy-lined collar, a zippered gusset opening on the legs and more. Sized to fit over your riding gear, it’s 100-percent waterproof. Price: $24.99. More info:
www.teknicgear.com.
3. If you prefer a two-piece suit, the Firstgear Rainman Jacket shields you with 70-denier nylon and a full nylon slip lining. An integrated stuff sack is also a handy feature. Price: $74.95. More info:
www.firstgear-usa.com.
4. Down below, Tour Master Elite Rain Pants keep your bottom-half dry with Tour Master’s five-step sealed-seam construction. These comfortable, fully mesh/nylon-lined pants have a 10in zippered leg closure and an elastic waistband with adjustable suspenders. Price: $29.99. More info:
www.tourmaster.com.
5. Dry is good, and dry and warm is even better. These Nitrogen leather gloves from Joe Rocket feature a 100-percent waterproof midliner along with 80-gr Thermolite insulation, a gel palm and a shield wiper on each thumb. Price: $69.99. More info: www.joerocket.com.
6. Aerostich Triple Digit Rain Covers are the perfect over-glove if your favorite pair isn’t already waterproof. Their ripstop nylon laminated fabric breathes enough during rain conditions so your skin won’t get clammy, and also makes them useful as a cold weather over-glove. They pack small, and their three-digit design keeps hands warmer, provides good finger control for clutch and brake levers, and lets you be polite to Vulcans (always). Price: $47.00. More info: www.aerostich.com.
7. For the guys with big calves or those who want a shorter (8in) boot that is comfortable, armored and guaranteed waterproof, Cruiserworks offers the Short Zip. The waterproofing is literally beat into the boots, which costs more than spraying, but lasts longer. Price: $249.00. More info: www.cruiserworks.com.
8. If your favorite boots aren’t waterproof, try Tour Master Men’s Rain Boots. They’re made of a heavy-duty PVC-coated nylon, have an elasticized top, snaps and Velcro to seal out wetness, and keep your feet dry. Price: $19.95. More info: www.tourmaster.com.
9. These 19oz vinyl dry bags keep the water out, even if your saddlebags don’t. Fill ‘em, roll ‘em down to fit the height of your saddlebag, and then snap ‘em shut — the closure doubles as a handle. You can also load them with beverages and ice and use them as a cooler! Size: 12in long x 6in wide x 18in high. Price: $12.99. More info: www.jpcycles.com.
10. ThinCase Dry Bag Saddlebags are waterproof saddlebags perfect for travelin’ lighter and faster. Featuring a narrow 4in profile these bags have obvious limits, but they will hold more than enough for most trips. Their “throw over” mounting system is secure, fast and versatile, and the roll-over seal and top-loading opening is easy to use and absolutely waterproof. A lightweight (but strong) system. Price: $147.00. More info: www.aerostich.com.