Rain poncho suitability?

[Fordulike]

I'm considering commuting to work, but want to be fully prepared for any bad weather, namely rain.
Two concerns would need to be covered (bad pun), myself and the electrics.
I've been looking at one of these:

Bike Poncho

It would be ideal to protect my frame mounted battery, plus it goes over the handlebars, so the throttle and Cycle Analyst would be protected too.
My main concern is that at speed, the front of the cape might keep blowing off the handlebars and up towards my face.
Has anyone used this type of rain poncho with any success?

 

[greencat]

Ah...the cycling cape has been reinvented. The main problem from what I recall of using one is wind, especially cross winds.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

They often have a hoop on the inside that you hook a finger round to hold it down at the front. They're not really suitable for speeds above 15 mph, and high winds also can be problematic, otherwise they have a lot of advantages. At only about £10, everybody should try them. You don't have to wear them all the time, but when conditions are right, they're perfect.

 

[Fordulike]

Sounds a bit iffy, especially riding in high winds.
Might just wear waterproofs and try to protect the Cycle Analyst, throttle and battery from rain.
Would be grateful for any professional solutions. I.e. not just a plastic bag

Edit:
Actually, have just had a good look at those key points, and the battery bag is actually pretty well protected. It has a covered zip compartment, so that should be ok.
The Cycle Analyst could be covered with a clear plastic bag. Was just being a vain twat

So that just leaves the throttle, which I believe from previous threads, aren't very waterproof and can give problems.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Wear the poncho when conditions allow. They're miles better than waterproofs. Wear your waterproofs when you can't wear the ponchom

 

[mike killay]

The old cotton, oiled ones were less likely to flap than my modern plastic one.
However, unrolling a little used oiled cape was an experience in itself as it tended to get stuck together.
To carry as an emergency, you cannot beat a cape, it is like a little tent, keeps you warm and dry, yet allows cooling air in. Only thing is 10 mph maximum (if that)
The old ones also came with a matching Sou'wester and really did work well.
Whatever you do, do not buy a dark colour because it will look black at a distance in rain and make you hard to spot.