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Hiding from the elements: A few unique options to keep you “covered” when the weather changes its mind

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Showers Pass Crosspoint-Waterproof-High-Vis-sock-lifestyle-1-water

Staying dry is important whether you’re riding to work, or crossing a stream. The Cross Point socks from Showers Pass look like the perfect option for wet days, or to store in your hydration pack or pannier for stream crossings or when the ride home wasn’t what the weatherman said. They are fully windproof, waterproof and breathable and go for $35. For cooler days, a warmer wool version can be had for $39.

If more than your feet need protected, Vanmoof’s Boncho and Enclosed Bike’s “Ego Urban Transporter” are two options at two different extremes that might fit the bill if you don’t need to look like a Rapha model on your commute to work…

Vanmoof Boncho 3

First up is a simple solution to riding in the rain. It seems pretty basic and like it could be fairly effective when coupled with fenders. The Boncho (bike poncho), is literally a modified poncho that is designed to fit while riding your bike. To get it into production, they launched a Kickstarter campaign that has already far exceeded its goal. Why shouldn’t it? It’s a simple, cost effective, compact and useful item. At first I thought it would make me look like a “fred”, but I am pretty sure I look like a fred 75% of the time to the general population, so nothing to lose there.

Vanmoof Boncho 2

The Boncho is the brainchild of Vanmoof which was founded in Amsterdam by brothers Ties and Taco Carlier (one of their names is Taco, so it has to be good!). It’s constructed of what they refer to ” material and technology from the outdoor industry”, but considering it is entirely open underneath, there isn’t a lot of need for it to be a “breathable” material. It easily collapses into itself for transport so you can keep it with you should the weather surprise you.

real-ego-1

Next up is a more permanent solution to braving the elements, but this one keeps the wind out of your hair. We’ve seen a lot of things in the way of e-bikes, including some crazy stuff like the Raht Racer, but the Ego Urban Transporter from Enclosed Bikes is a little more on the realistic side. It uses an electric pedal assist/throttle controlled motor and is a “trike” that is classified as a bicycle so it can be used on paths as well as the road (Falling under most state’s e-bike laws and restrictions, it won’t go over 20mph with throttle alone).

Ego Transporter 1 Ego Transporter Features

They are looking at improving the frame & steering, but the plan is to launch a Kickstarter as soon as final design is ready early this year. No pricing is available yet, but shipping & crating alone runs $500. The Ego Urban Transport should weigh between 160 and 200 pounds and be good for up to 40 pedal assist miles and 30 “full throttle” miles *depending on terrain, rider weight and temperature.

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Mike
Mike
8 years ago

I hear the Boncho works great at speed… as a parachute/sail.

joenomad
joenomad
8 years ago

Mike, of all the dorky items that come across kickstarter, et al, this at least has some merits for commuters. Like Ty said, we all look Fredish to people driving cars anyway.

UtahNOW
8 years ago

Bikes should never really be on sidewalks but definitely not one that wide

bob
bob
8 years ago

I got the waterproof socks from the first picture from amazon (they’re pricing indeed around 30 usd)

I was skeptical but these work wonders. I had them for 1.5 years now and used them in heavy rain, snow, etc. On the bike and also hiking. I crossed rivers with them.

– They are fully waterproof, no doubt. I never got any water inside. Since they’re socks and go a little high up the ankle its in fact “more waterproof” than waterproof shoes, which is nice. Fully sealed!

– The external part soaks up water, keeps you warm, but keeps the shoes wet inside

– Putting the socks back on a few hours later after they got wet feels weird (they take a little while to dry)

– Washing them in the washing machine is no problem and they stay waterproof

– They breathe fine, which i was surprised by. I think the waterproofing is a thin-ish layer of nitrile, then a layer of neoprene, then a layer of synthetic wool. Turns out that the feet breathes fine through the synthetic wool up your ankle instead of through… either that or its not actually nitrile but something else. Regardless, works!

So basically, I’m very happy with these. What I thought would be a maybe-works gadget ended up being something I wouldnt go without on rainy days!

xc-fr
xc-fr
8 years ago

lol
breath + waterproof is a myth. –> once they are wet inside (from your sweating feets) the “water” will never comes out. great, that’s really waterproof 😉
i really wonder how long this marketing story still works.

try e.g. merino whool or brynje socks. way better as this fairy tale meterials.

Mike A
Mike A
8 years ago
Reply to  xc-fr

Have you actually tried these socks? Because what your are saying just isn’t true. I’ve used the Showers pass socks for a couple of years now and the internal breathabllity is fine, no more clammy than a regular sock. I’ve used Plenty of Merino too, but for days when you know that it’s gonna be wet, these socks work. Unless its a torrential downpour, and then let’s face it, you’re getting soaked head to toe no matter what. I love these socks for snow days too. Here in rainy Seattle I cant recommend these socks enough.

Kevin Hodgson
Kevin Hodgson
8 years ago

I love the fact that two guys have just invented the cycling Cape. This was the standard item of rain proofing for UK cyclists for about 50 years. And yes, it was exactly the same.

ascarlarkinyar
ascarlarkinyar
8 years ago

All waterproof socks go like this.

They keep water out. They keep sweat in. No waterproof sock can evaporate sweat faster than you produce it.

I have used these and others. All the same. Best solution is a thick wool sock or two of them.

Also good luck with catching wind on that sailing poncho. Let’s see. Bike traveling at speed, possible wind (cause there’s wind when it rains) and you got a sailing ship. No need to pedal as long as it’s a backwind.

ereyes
ereyes
8 years ago

That Boncho looks like it would be perfect for the Flying Nun.

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