TAYM likes these Oxford thermal rainwear

[Brockett]

I may spend a few bob on these:- 

[TLPower]

Hmmmm, I would much rather use laminated trousers and jackets and do away with the faff. I used to either wait too long before putting it on and become soaked or jump the gun and faff again taking it all off.

Being less mobile in my dotage I really struggle putting on over-trousers,especially over bike boots.

As regards cost once you add up textile kit plus waterproof kit you are at laminated prices.

Thank you for sharing anyway Brockett.

[NTBooth]

I commute almost every day - year round,  in the normal Oxford rain seal stuff and its great - I only have 3 criticisms of it.

1. Isn't breathable - so if your warm you generate a lot of moisture inside (its like wearing a bin bag) - but as a counter to this, I wear it day in day out and get at least 2 years before it starts letting in water from the outside and needs replacing, and when it comes to that, its cheap. I've tried all sorts of extremely expensive bike jackets and I'm still firmly convinced this, with a fleece underneath and possibly thermals - is the best way to stay warm and dry on my commute. It's easy to take on and off as needed too. I will however concede protection in a crash is obviously not great. If I'm going somewhere that not just my commute, I'll put my "proper" bike jacket on with this over the top. Another point for it, given its not breathable - its extremely windproof so keeps you warm.

2. The zips on the pants are a pain in the arse and no matter how careful I am, ALWAYS trap bits of the folding part in it then I have to faff about with it for 10 mins freeing it. 

3. The velcro tabs on the ankle section always come off after a bit of use....

Otherwise: Solid, Cheap, Great bits of kit. Given there is now a thermal version I would absolutely give them a try for my next ones instead of the standard ones I have.

A solid 8.5/10 from me for the Oxford rainseal - hope the thermal version is as good (or better!). 

[Brockett]

I have some single layer rain over trousers which are waterproof but have elastic around the leg ends.   I must put a plastic carrier bag over my boots to get them on.  Later when trying to get them off I can't reach down far enough to flip the elastic end back over my boot and I have to sit down and get a mate to pull then over my boots.   I bloody hate being old.  I need a trouser that has a zip and a Velcro strap at the ankle . That said Velcro is a right pain and must be the devils work.

[nigel s]

They do say when you have to sit on the bed to put your socks on it is a sure sign of feeling your age.
I have noticed myself doing it more this year....but am fighting the urge

There is also another bedroom related sign of age......................




Going round the bed to get something rather than over it......................... anything else you were thinking of was all your own work 

Ho Hum

[porter]

I have these in my topbox. They work well but they are a pain to put in at the road side. Most times I just ride on especially if on the way home! They have been useful in sunny Scotland on the annual tour but that's the only time I've used them this year.
 As TL says laminated gear is probably the way to go now and with suits from Oxford and RST there not much more expensive.  Saying that I've just bought a cheap Oxford Montreal jacket, hard to turn down at 100 quid! Always the cheap skate me.

[crump]

I really like my Mondial laminate suit, unfortunately it started leaking after about 18 months. I should have sent it back but thought it was only a one year guarantee (turns out it was 2).
Anyway I've pretty much given up with textiles now, never had much luck. Currently I still use my Oxford stuff most of the time and carry the rainseal over jacket and trousers. Yep it's a bit of a pain putting them on, only really use them if I know I'm going to be riding in the rain for a few hours+.
On tour in the  Summer I wear my bike jeans anyway.
2 sets of rainseal kit doesn't take up that much space in the topbox so I'll be sticking with that for the foreseeable.

[TLPower]

"They do say when you have to sit on the bed to put your socks on it is a sure sign of feeling your age."

I have had to carry out this maneuver every time I put on socks for the past 24 years. I had a lower disc removed and the vertebrae have now fused together.

[Barbel Mick]

Sitting on the bed to put your socks (& pants/trousers) is preferable to trying to balance on one foot, but getting off balance & hopping around the bedroom, bouncing off the walls!   

I have the Oxford Mondial laminated suit. It's very good for showers & maybe an hour or so in heavier rain but for anything more I also have the Oxford Rainseal waterproof top & bottoms. Wearing them & I can get 2/3 hours riding in heavy rain before I feel the damp.
The advantage is they create an extra windproof layer & keep you warmer .... OK in winter, but you can be a little too warm in the summer.

[Rusty Nuts]

@TLPower, I'd have thought socks were an easy task with such short legs. Not far to reach.

[Brockett]

At no time is it suggested these things are better or as good as a quality laminate suit.

[Barbel Mick]

But are they as good or better, or is a laminate suit as good or better? That's a personal choice.
As I said, I use both laminate & a set of waterproofs, as I find either, or even both together, don't do 'what it says on the tin!'
Just buy & wear what you find is suitable for your style of riding. 

[NTBooth]

What the hell is a laminated suit? 

I've not bought any bike gear or paid attention for years.

I found my cheap hoody/fleece and rain seal combination works well enough 😂

[nigel s]

Here you go NTBooth,




Me , I will be sticking with leathers and my scott over jacket. Balls up small , 100% waterproof , breathable ( I have even used it on my Ebike!) and so far lasted 3 years. It even has a crotch strap....not that I have used it .............I just like saying " crotch strap" 
Bit spendy, but deals are available with a bit of patience.

[UK_Vstrom650]

My laminated gear is coming up 9yrs old in March (albeit wasn't used much during 2022-2022). Aside from the initial poor initial manufacturing, it still works well, albeit is showing signs of its age now.
The best thing about laminated is the water doesn't soak into the garments so they're dry almost instantly.
My previous waterproof textiles were 100% waterproof in the years I used them, but would get saturated which often meant they were still soggy the next day. Nothing worse than having to put on cold wet heavy kit.

Even though it costs more, I can't see me ever buying non-laminated kit again. (though good to see Oxford challenging the price point on this type of jacket)

[NTBooth]

Thanks Nigel, Excellent video explanation there.