Ah, you didn't say that you want to breathe as well!

How about the Aerostich kit?

I agree, however, there is nothing yet available which is perfect in every circumstance. You could wear an all-in-one suit and take it off for the heavy work.

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Dave

managed to find a couple online which could be OK for me, and I you never know minght interest other people who don't want the armour.

First-up Helly Hansen. It's a one piece breathable drysuit. Perhaps a bit over the top but you never know, I tried one on this morning and didn't get too sweaty even after six jogged laps of the shop. (Fun too moving you mouse pointer from the big picture to the little one and back and make the man do start jumps). Also THIS, but perhaps a bit over the top.

Second-up Aigle. I tried both the SeaFax jacket and the Triton trouser/salopette. Not one piece admittedly but the high trousers should keep the water out.

Both makes are used extensively in off-shore sailing, so whilst not much good for protecting you whilst you slide down the tarmac, the fabrics should stand repeated wetting in all sorts of dirty water. I know one of the Goretex killers can be mud/dust, which gets in the outer fabric weave and abrades the waterproof membrane.

Personally I'm angling towards a two piece outfit, HH do one like Aigle. I figure it's more practical as I can wear the jacket alone for walking etc. I'm off to another HH shop this weekend with more stock so if people are interested I'm happy to report back.

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I got the Akito Desert jacket and trousers last week of Jan.

I've used them to commute every day apart from the days it snowed (yes I rode in the storms - was not fun ).

Build quality and finish is faultless (eg no bad stitching, not fallen apart in 1200 miles of bad weather use).

Been warm (including the sub zero days) and water proof. Fit well. Jacket has nice long arms and reasonable length body, plenty of air vents (obviously not needed to use yet), definitely been designed with some amount of off road use in mind.

Trousers fit over my road boots zipped up, off road boots unzipped. Include brace hooks and a straight forward zip together to jacket extension with padding protrudes up. Also has air vents.

The front external pockets (4 decent sized ones) are water proof, which is great.

Only thing missing is they do not come with any back protector (but only an extra £15).

Inner linings are a bit fiddly to zip up, both the thermal and water proof linings are removable, eg I am currently riding without thermal lining but with my water proof lining, in summer will take out my water proof lining for better air flow.

Seems very good value for money, just depends on durability now, I would be not be happy if they do not last a full year, hoping for 2 full years (I ride to work and pleasure) use, which is what my Hein Gericke stuff lasted before loosing their waterproof-ness.

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Nick

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I've searched high and low for some decent bike gear. Ended up with Spada Turin Jacket (£60 from bike-gear) I was so Impressed I bought the Adventure trousers £100) (new model at full price).

Great stuff, not all black (not so hot), built in waterproof membrane (practicality), mesh lining (polyester linings 'orrible & sweaty) with lots of big ventillation zippers front & back.

So far very warm in winter, waterproof and cheap.

Phil

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650 Transalp