Looking for the "perfect" rain cape

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bobones
Posts: 1271
Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2013 11:19 am

by bobones

robeambro wrote:
Fri Dec 10, 2021 11:28 am
Shakedry is great, but durability isn't its forte, I had one jacket tear when I had my pockets a bit too stuffed.
Any pocket can tear. I've had the original Idro for about 4 years now and it shows no wear whatsoever. This one has no rear pockets, just a hole with a zip where you can access the right hand rear pocket underneath to fish out a gel or bar.

It's easily the best rain jacket I've used, and looks like it will last forever, or at least until I ruin it in a crash.

alanyu
Posts: 1506
Joined: Thu Jun 06, 2019 1:10 pm

by alanyu

I want to get the Rapha shakedry, but the price is too steep, 450 chf or 395 eur if I order it in Germany. I'm wondering when or how I can get a discount.

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kervelo
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by kervelo

alanyu wrote:
Sat Nov 05, 2022 5:55 pm
I want to get the Rapha shakedry...
I definitely recommend trying it before buying. The cut of the Rapha Shakedry is quite strange: if it fits the shoulders correctly and the sleeves are long enough, the body is much too wide.

There are other options for a Shakedry jacket: Gore, Castelli, etc.

alanyu
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by alanyu

kervelo wrote:
Sat Nov 05, 2022 7:10 pm
alanyu wrote:
Sat Nov 05, 2022 5:55 pm
I want to get the Rapha shakedry...
I definitely recommend trying it before buying. The cut of the Rapha Shakedry is quite strange: if it fits the shoulders correctly and the sleeves are long enough, the body is much too wide.

There are other options for a Shakedry jacket: Gore, Castelli, etc.
Sounds like it's a different cut from their pro team jersey? I don't have many choices due to my small and slim body. I need Rapha pro team fit (their summer jersey fit) in XS. Castelli is a no-go for me, their XS too large especially around waist; Gorewear XS is OKish as a rain jacket, but no one sells XS here.

renoracing
Posts: 139
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by renoracing

I've currently got three Shakedry jackets, and have had three others prior to these ones. Currently have got a Gore Stretch Race(size small), Rapha in the limited edition pink/purple(medium), and then most recently picked up a Sitka Vapor SD(small w/ hood). Prior to these I had a 7Mesh Oro(small), Mavic Lombarde SL(small), and Gore's first version of a Shakedry jacket.

They all fit a bit different, so if you can, its certainly worth trying them on, and most importantly is to try them on with what you plan on wearing underneath. I have a few use cases for mine, and prefer a bit looser fit on these, as I want to be able to layer under them for Ultra-Distance races. During a 1500mi race earlier this year I wore the Gore Stretch, and while it fit over all my layers, the arms were too snug, which lead to no airspace/insulation in the forearms, and was really cold. After two days, I started layering my thermal layer over the Shakedry jacket which actually worked pretty well when it wasn't raining. This was the reason for sizing up to a medim on the Rapha, which I was able to track down in the nice bright pink version which is just a plus for road safety on Ultras. The two way zipper is nearly a must in my eyes, and it packs down smaller than the Gore, and about the same size as the 7Mesh. The 7Mesh was really long and lean fitting, which was okay, but the sleeves were really trim, and even just a pair of arm warmers were tight with the jacket over top. Recently I added the Sitka jacket for some dirt focused Ultras, and its really nice. Its not a cycling specific fit, so it allows me to layer under it, including a lightweight down jacket. It has a hood, which is a single layer of fabric, and as such, can be worn under a helmet. It packs as small as the Rapha. The only ding is that the zipper isn't two way, but thats a tall ask to have it all.

With that said, if you're looking for a just in case layer to throw over a short sleeve jersey or minimal layers, the Mavic is really nice. It packs the smallest, and has a really good fit(for me at least).

kervelo
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Location: Finland

by kervelo

alanyu wrote: Sounds like it's a different cut from their pro team jersey?
The Pro Team long sleeve jersey fits me fine in size L, as well as the Pro team training jersey in the same size. However, the Rapha Pro team shakedry jacket in size L is much wider on the body: I almost returned it but decided to keep it for the times when I need to wear more layers. The sleeve length and the shoulder width of the shakedry are fine.

Vuong05
Posts: 284
Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2010 7:52 am

by Vuong05

Been using the 7Mesh Oro in a size small. No issues with fit, but I also don't wear a ton of layers beneath the Shakedry jacket.
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defride
Posts: 142
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by defride

robeambro wrote:
Fri Dec 10, 2021 11:28 am
Shakedry is great, but durability isn't its forte, I had one jacket tear when I had my pockets a bit too stuffed.

I have recently purchased one of Rapha's new Gore-Tex jackets, which is basically a 3-layer textile with Shakedry in between. Less packable than a pure Shakedry jacket but arguably more durable. I haven't been able to put it to the test in deep rain, but to be honest, i trust Gore with this stuff.
I thought that too. That's until I had a Gore Paclite with just over two years of very occasional use, near perfect condition and the arm seams started leaking. Retailer didn't want to know as over two years and Gore didn't honour the lifetime 'if in good useable condition' warranty they sold with the jacket.

Won't by Gore Bikewear again

Sugoi Event is good while the DWR coating is good then leaks soon as the outer material is sodden.

Pearl Izumi WxB might aswell be wearing an old Pertex, 5 mins of light rain and you're wet, mine is circa 18/19

A couple of guys I know have the Assos, it looks very bulky if you're slim, no comments yet on performance.

Sounds like the Rapha Pro is the one to go for?

Nickldn
Posts: 1867
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by Nickldn

defride wrote:
Tue Nov 08, 2022 4:06 pm


I thought that too. That's until I had a Gore Paclite with just over two years of very occasional use, near perfect condition and the arm seams started leaking. Retailer didn't want to know as over two years and Gore didn't honour the lifetime 'if in good useable condition' warranty they sold with the jacket.

Won't by Gore Bikewear again
Thread hijack on.

I totally echo your issues with Gore Wear not honouring their warranty.

I have a C7 long distance bib, which has done about 2,000 miles and has holes in the leg area. Too late to return to retailer, but Gore Wear don't want to know either, their customer service have totally blanked me and blamed a 'reorganisation'. It was not a cheap bib and not used with 3d printed seat, or anything.

Not giving my money to Gore again.

Thread hijack off. :D
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Mr.Gib
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by Mr.Gib

Not sure why "which rain jacket" is still a question. For serious bad weather riding the only answer is shakedry. Find one that fits you and move on. Been in horrendous weather in a variety of high end non-shakedry jackets. They are all shit. Any fabric laminated on top of a membrane is a problem. It's good as long as the DWR surface treatment holds up which is not very long in proper rain. Once it's soaked, the jacket cannot breath. If the accumulating condensed water doesn't get you, the leaks that soon follow will. Useless. Shakedry permanently rejects water like a teflon frying pan and remains breathable. My size XL 7 Mesh is less then 100 grams. Takes up half a pocket. FFS why would anyone spend that kind of money on some 3 layer Gore-Tex job that will soon leak and that you need a trailer to carry.
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bobones
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by bobones

Not sure if this is well-known, but I've just found out that Gore are retiring the Shakedry fabric. :shock:

I'm thinking of buying another as backup to my trusty Idro Mk1, how is the sizing of the 7 Mesh Oro compared to Castelli? I'm about 5'11 70 kg, usually L in castelli jackets, but I'm thinking M for this.

MarkoP
Posts: 218
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by MarkoP

I just sold my Rapha Shakedry jacket as the fit was pretty poor. I purchased the Rapha Pro Team Rain Jacket (Gore-Tex) last week but returned it too...it was really nice but had super weird rear bulge with lots of excess material. I assume it's to accomodate jersey pockets but it was really excessive imo. Will be receiving the Velocio Rain Jacket today so I'll report back on whether it's a keeper for me.

EDIT - so I had ordered two sizes of the Velocio rain coat. at 6' 155-160lbs I'm a TTS M in almost all brands. The Rapha jackets were both mediums but have decided to keep the Velocio jacket in size Small - fits great, is packable and the quality is great. It also has 2 rear openings that enable you to reach your jersey pockets with the jacket zipped.
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iamraymond
Posts: 624
Joined: Wed Jun 28, 2017 8:59 am

by iamraymond

bobones wrote:
Tue Nov 29, 2022 3:30 pm
Not sure if this is well-known, but I've just found out that Gore are retiring the Shakedry fabric. :shock:

I'm thinking of buying another as backup to my trusty Idro Mk1, how is the sizing of the 7 Mesh Oro compared to Castelli? I'm about 5'11 70 kg, usually L in castelli jackets, but I'm thinking M for this.
I read about that too and saw that Castelli already removed the Idro from their website. I have the Idro and it's really one of the best pieces of cycling kit I own - along with the Gabba jerseys. I just ordered a Gore Race 9900 jacket as a backup just in case these become impossible to find in the future.

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Mr.Gib
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by Mr.Gib

bobones wrote:
Tue Nov 29, 2022 3:30 pm
... I've just found out that Gore are retiring the Shakedry fabric. :shock:
This is stunning news. My understanding is that because they stocked up on the raw material, Gore will be able to maintain their product line for a while, and all other users of Shakedry are immediately cut off. But Gore too will eventually run out of Shakedry and that will be the end of it. And expect Gore to increase prices significantly in the mean time.

I just can't understand how a product that is so superior to any reasonable alternative is not worth continuing. It defies economic logic. Shakedry is the only permanently waterproof jacket that breathes well, and the only waterproof jacket breathing or not, that fits in half a pocket.

A quick search revealed very little available anywhere on the planet. Gore should have product for a bit, but expect them to get cleaned out fast. I was able to purchase a couple of jackets today (one Oro, one Idro 3)
bobones wrote:
Tue Nov 29, 2022 3:30 pm
I'm thinking of buying another as backup to my trusty Idro Mk1, how is the sizing of the 7 Mesh Oro compared to Castelli? I'm about 5'11 70 kg, usually L in castelli jackets, but I'm thinking M for this.
The 7 Mesh Oro is long and lean. I weigh 76kg, and 6 feet tall (183cm), I'm skinny but with stupid wide shoulders and long arms - I wear an XL. Large is likely the best fit for you, but you could also live with an XL if that is all that was available. I really like the minimalist design of the 7 Mesh. No stretchy panels or elaborate cuffs that add bulk and weight. My XL is less than 100 grams and rolls up tiny. One caveat - it you have big fat hands or thick muscular arms you might have a problem getting your hands through the wrist cuffs and/or getting the cuffs of your gloves tucked underneath. They are small and not very stretchy. Excellent when you want to be sealed in during bad weather though.

FWIW I recently tried on an Idro 3 in XL and found it too small in the shoulders. Even the sleeves could have been a touch longer. I could wear it over summer kit, but not on top of a winnter jacket, so I went with XXL. I do remember the original Idro being slightly more forgiving overall but don't quote me on that. The Idro 3 is also a lot shorter than the 7 Mesh Oro. Better for racing but not as good at keeping your ass and groin area dry.

Photo below is a detail from my dress for cold and rain tutorial. That is me in the Oro size XL. You can see how much sleeve length there is even on my gorilla-like dimensions. And note how close fitting the lower sleeves are around my feeble stick-like arms. The torso is a bit more forgiving. I have a Gabba jacket underneath and there is still some loose material. Hip is fairly snug but that is over mtb shorts.
Image
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iamraymond
Posts: 624
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by iamraymond

Mr.Gib wrote:
Fri Dec 02, 2022 12:40 am
I just can't understand how a product that is so superior to any reasonable alternative is not worth continuing. It defies economic logic.
Here is a more in-depth explanation of Gore's decision to discontinue the fabric.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/pfc-ba ... -garments/

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