In 2015, the first rain jacket for road cyclists made from functional material celebrated its thirtieth birthday. Its name was "Giro" and it was invented by the founders of today's Gore Bike Wear brand from Feldkirchen in Bavaria. At the time, this original Gore-Tex model set new standards in terms of rain protection, vapour permeability, cut and features; in principle, it still serves as a template for functional rainwear today. The membrane of a competitor with the same function is called Sympatex and, like Gore-Tex, is used by many clothing manufacturers as a standard material for rainwear.
CLIMATE MANAGEMENT FOR RAINWEAR
Under certain circumstances, however, these waterproof laminates reach their limits when it comes to transporting sweat - namely when there is only a slight difference between body and outside temperature or when sweat is flowing in torrents due to exertion. For competitions and intensive training, the recommendation for rain protection is therefore to avoid waterproofing, which means less insulation and therefore a better internal climate. The Windstopper membrane, which is only water-repellent but allows more sweat to evaporate to the outside, has proved its worth.
NEW CLASS IN RACING OUTFITS
Lightweight, specially equipped racing outfits without membranes that wear almost like normal summer clothing but allow raindrops to bead off are currently on the rise. The Nano-Flex and NoRain collections from Castelli and Sportful are particularly noteworthy here. The manufacturers achieve the beading effect through microscopically small silicone threads in the base material, which does not require any subsequent impregnation. All the jackets, jerseys, trousers and accessories that we present here have proven themselves in practice. In addition to the exemplary equipment from the brands Sportful, Castelli, Gore Bike Wear and Vaude, which are available for both men and women, you will find a selection of other tried and tested products - plus tips on how to properly care for and repair rainwear.
You can find the entire article with these topics as a PDF download below:
- Product recommendations for helmet caps, helmet covers, gloves, overshoes and oversocks
- When it drips: Windproof, water-repellent and vapour-permeable outfits are best suited for intensive training in light rain. (Product recommendations)
- When it pours: Membrane clothing keeps you dry the longest in heavy rain. However, it does not allow perspiration to evaporate as well. (Product recommendations)
- Care tip impregnation: The membrane can only function properly if the waterproofing is intact. If the outer material becomes saturated with water, the pores that would otherwise channel sweat to the outside are blocked.
- Maintenance tip Repair:
- Apply seam tape: A seam tape on the inside has come loose or the membrane has a small tear? No need to dispose of the expensive item.
- Mending holes: You can repair minor defects yourself. If the damage is more extensive, it is worth asking the manufacturer for a repair service
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