Where to find high-performance rain gear for cycling?

With so many garments promising to be waterproof and breathable, it's hard to know where to turn when you're specifically looking for rain protection suited to cycling. Here's where to look and which criteria to examine closely.

Why a standard rain jacket isn't always enough on a bike

On a bike, rain combines with effort and the headwind created by your own movement, which changes things considerably. A "lifestyle" rain jacket, designed for walking or the city, often lets water in at the collar and cuffs, or quickly turns the inside into a sauna for lack of sufficient breathability. To ride in the rain without ending up soaked both inside and out, you need a garment designed specifically for cycling.

Where to look for this type of garment

Several types of retailers offer technical rain gear suited to cycling:

• Specialist cycling shops, in town or on the outskirts, which generally offer several ranges depending on budget and use (road, mountain bike, urban).
• General outdoor sports retailers, which often include a cycling section with technical rain jackets, sometimes less specialised but more affordable.
• Specialist online retailers, which make it easy to compare the waterproof and breathability ratings of several models before buying.
• Cycling brand stores, online or in physical shops, when you already know which type of cut and fabric suits you.

If you ride occasionally rather than intensively, a versatile, waterproof and breathable outdoor garment can often be enough without resorting to ultra-specialised gear, provided you check certain technical points.

Technical criteria to check before buying

• Hydrostatic head rating: the higher it is, the longer the fabric resists sustained rain. Regular cycling generally calls for a higher rating than occasional city use.
• Breathability: essential for wicking away sweat from exertion, otherwise you'll end up wet from the inside even in light rain.
• Taped seams: they prevent water from seeping in through the stitching, often the first place a jacket "leaks".
• A fitted cut: a close-fitting cut, longer at the back, stops the jacket from riding up when you lean forward on the bike and letting water in at the lower back.
• Adjustable cuffs and a high collar, to limit water and wind getting in.
• Reflective details, a real plus for visibility in grey weather or at the end of the day.

What about shorter journeys?

For short urban journeys, a compact rain poncho that's easy to stow in a bag can be a practical alternative — less technical than a dedicated jacket, but enough to get home dry over a few kilometres.

In any case, try the garment on in motion if possible: it's when you're leaning over the handlebars with your arms outstretched that you really see whether a rain jacket lives up to its promises.