Wet / Muddy splatter clothes protection?

[christob]

Hi folks;
Looking for some suggestions on outerwear options to put over my office clothes on the morning commute, on rides following a heavy rain (or potentially, during a mild rain.) This morning was such a ride -- no actual rain falling, but it had rained, and hard, for the last 4+ hours before... so, super wet bike path pavement, puddles, and much to my chagrin, a long stretch of thin mud which I hit at cruising speed, before I knew it was mud -- as soon as I realized, I was too afraid to try any braking, for fear of skidding out... so I arrived at work with a great splatter pattern of mud all over my shoes, and pants (mostly shin-to-ankle area.) This was also my first wet ride really ever, so my beautiful "still new looking, sparkling clean" bike is now quite a mess!
I have full-length rain pants (which I deliberated on this morning -- but since it wasn't actively raining, I left them at home!) But what about other options that might be say, easy slip-on coverings for maybe, knee-to-shoe coverage...? I really am aiming to be able to bike in my office clothes (at least until the hot, humid mornings arrive) so I'm trying to avoid a change of clothes at the office. Also, I wonder if any of the add-on mud guard/flaps (to attach to my existing fenders) would further limit the splatter range...

 

[J.R.]

I like rain gaiters for just those circumstances. There are many styles and brands. The pair I've been using for years are almost worn out, they go just over the knees. Just the other day i was looking at these for replacements.

http://bikeclothing.com/index.php/garment-fit-and-function/cycling-rain-gaiters



Edit: Sorry wrong product link above. Copied from a list I saved. This is the style I wanted and will likely buy for replacement. https://www.trekkinn.com/outdoor-mo...2bHIk4umcNpncuR_XVBoCTc8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[christob]

I like rain gaiters for just those circumstances. This is the style I wanted and will likely buy for replacement. https://www.trekkinn.com/outdoor-mo...2bHIk4umcNpncuR_XVBoCTc8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Those look like just the thing...! Didn't know what "name" to start searching on...
And they look fairly sturdy, especially with some reinforcement where the gaiter hits the bike pedal - I was thinking anything "slip on" (short of a heavy rubber galoshes type over-shoe boot) would wear out at the pedal point quickly...
I'll definitely have a look for these; surely can find something shipping domestically...

 

[J.R.]

Those look like just the thing...! Didn't know what "name" to start searching on...
And they look fairly sturdy, especially with some reinforcement where the gaiter hits the bike pedal - I was thinking anything "slip on" (short of a heavy rubber galoshes type over-shoe boot) would wear out at the pedal point quickly...
I'll definitely have a look for these; surely can find something shipping domestically...

The pair I have now I purchased from a motorcycle shop and are 4 or 5 years old. Had to make one minor repair in all that time. Money well spent. Work great for muddy road/trail grime and I won't leave home without them when there's snow or slush. A full rain suit often makes me sweat, so I will only wear one when necessary.

I saved a half dozen sites selling 'rain gaiters', not all cycling specific, but similar to the second link I noted. I'll narrow down to one and buy soon.

 

[christob]

I just opted for a pair of "Frogg Leggs" overshoe gaiters... Will be here Wed., so I'll try them out for fit then.

 

[Over50]

Check out Showers Pass. I use quite a few of their items for commuting. I think their Transit pants and Transit softshell jacket will fit over regular clothes. I use several of their jackets including the Syncline which is a softshell made for wet conditions (not extreme cold unless you have several baselayers). I also favor their Rogue pants although those are not rain shells and are not roomy enough more than baselayers underneath. I have many pairs of their Torch socks which I prefer for commuting in cold to moderate temps.

 

[christob]

The FroggToggs "Frogg Leggs" arrived today, and I think they're gonna be super...! I was quite skeptical, even ordering the "LG/XL" size, that they'd actually fit directly over my sneakers (what I usually wear, biking) -- but they do, and they're surprisingly easy to put on. The 17" rise comes almost to my kneecap. They are completely immersible (of course, up to the leg opening at the top) should I feel compelled to do a little wading sometime
They look and feel like they're built to last a lifetime (a tad on the heavy side - about 4 lbs/pr) if someone was aiming to keep their kit as light as can be; they have what appears to be a great, grippy sole. I'm kinda eager for my next post-rain ride now, to try them out...

Frogg Leggs

(Though I found them at a better price elsewhere online.)

 

[Don12]

I think a good selection, if it is for full coverage, maybe a suit and more formal clothes, I've seen the BikeSuit.
http://cargocollective.com/bikesuit

 

[Tarzan04]

Try the mucky nutz down tube gut covers,and strap on flexible face fenders. E-bay, very cheap and practical.

 

[christob]

Thanks @Tarzan04; the gut fender for downtube looks promising, but I already have full metal fenders on front and back wheels so I don't think the face fender would add anything. I think I need to consider the leather or vinyl fender extenders, that would mount to the lowest end of my existing metal fenders.

 

[AguassissiM]

You can try something like this and see if it works for you. Works very well for my application.

 

[christob]

Thanks, @AguassissiM... can you provide a link to those?

 

[AguassissiM]

@christob
I made these from rubber strips I had kicking around in the garage.

 

[christob]

@AguassissiM I wondered if they were homemade - nicely done! I've seen similar products in rubber/leather/vinyl, posted here in the forums.
I take it yours are riveted onto the existing fender?

 

[AguassissiM]

Yes they are riveted, it makes for a cleaner look. My prototype was made from a 2 liter plastic 7 up bottle however it was too easy to get cuts if you happen to brush against it.

 

[christob]

Thanks... I wonder if there are any friction-fit commercial ones available. (Haven't looked yet.) I suspect I'll have to consider riveting, but still in the 'honeymoon' phase - so I'm hesitant to drill through my beautiful painted metal fenders

 

[AguassissiM]

You can always try double side tape and see if it will hold.