capes

[gray198]

Any views on the use of such for e bikes. Not very fashionable these days but do they do a good job and are they practical. Thinking of getting one. Seems to be well worth carrying in bag for what they cost

gray

 

[Nealh]

Very practical in the fact that they can keep most of the e kit drier.

 

[mike killay]

Bought mine in Wilkinsons, yellow plastic.
Didn't last too long, but it's only about £7.
Always wore them in the 1950's, then they were a horrible oiled cotton and turned in to a rancid sticky blob after a while, but they worked and are still the best thing I reckon.

 

[eHomer]

Yes, capes get my vote too.

I tried a posh new hi vis "showerproof" cycling top a few months back in a heavy shower, and got bl**dy soaked.

I switched back to my trusty 25 year old fully waterproof cape, and now stay nice and dry again.

So many pluses, no sweating, covers the handlebars too, so the lcd controller and twistgrip are sheltered, and keeps my legs dry as well, without needing leggings.

I remember using one as a paperboy 50 years ago, cheap, low tech, but worked perfectly, year in year out, on hundreds of rainy days.

 

[gray198]

Thanks guys. Will definitely be getting one. I remember seeing the local bobby riding round using one

Gray

 

[KirstinS]

Thanks guys. Will definitely be getting one. I remember seeing the local bobby riding round using one

Gray

But where can you buy good quality ones these days?

 

[anotherkiwi]

But where can you buy good quality ones these days?

Made in China?

I ride too fast for a normal cape so have nice breathable fabric waterproof trousers with incorporated shoe covers and a close fitting "cape" with arms which are too long on purpose that keep my leather gloves dry too.

All of this is black with reflector strips so I wear a yellow visibility jacket over the top. So far the bike has held out but I am looking for a plan to waterproof the LCD.

 

[gray198]

A selection here
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/Buy/Cycling+poncho

Don't know about quality. May go and take a look
Gray

 

[neptune]

I don`t have an ebike at present. but I do cycle every day, and I own two capes. I have mixed feelings about capes. They are useful when it is raining heavily, but not if it is very windy as well. Side winds are a problem as the bottom of the cape gets blown over your upwind leg, and wets your trousers. I thought of adding some curtain weights to the hem. I favour the cheap Wilco one in yellow plastic at about a tenner. It works quite well for the price. If it works for you, upgrade it later.

 

[gray198]

I noticed that some of those from Decathlon had some sort of strap to secure it to the legs presumably to stop that happening, also nice idea of windows in hood to maintain peripheral vision

gray

 

[acm2000]

came in for batman, leaving disappointed

i just have Aldi cycling rain coat (£20) and Trespass waterproof over trousers (£12) and they kept me bone dry

 

[eHomer]

I prefer the capes without separate arms, less sweating and simpler, and they cover the handlebars and eBike controls.

As for quality, yes, you pay your money and take your choice.

They range from bin bags with a head hole to decent quality, like the Carradice:

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s66p777

 

[gray198]

I prefer the capes without separate arms, less sweating and simpler, and they cover the handlebars and eBike controls.

As for quality, yes, you pay your money and take your choice.

They range from bin bags with a head hole to decent quality, like the Carradice:

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s66p777

That's what I had in mind. To be able to cover handlebars and electrics just in case