I think I need a long waterproof coat/jacket for cycling?

[worriedhidinginplainsight]

Can anyone suggest a good coat for me, for cycling around town in the rain?

I live in a city centre. I don't have a car, it's impractical where I live, mainly as parking is so difficult. I have recently invested in an electric bike, for getting around town. I'm not travelling great distances, I'm just using it for everyday things like shopping, appointments, meeting friends etc. I absolutely love it and it's making my life so much easier. But the weather is so wet here (South West), so I need to buy a coat or jacket to keep me dry while out and about.

I think I need a long waterproof coat. It needs to be warmish, but not too sweaty, and not too bulky. It needs to be long enough to protect my thighs from the rain while cycling. It needs to allow for movement while cycling. I would like a hood....although that's not necessary while cycling, I'm constantly on and off the bike and I don't want the faff of an umbrella. It needs to be very waterproof, as since I bought this bike a month ago, it has rained constantly. Often torrential! I'm constantly wet!

I am on a budget so I don't want to be paying more than about £100. It would be nice if it looked nice, but functionality is a much greater priority.

I'm 5ft 4, average build, and just want to stay as dry as possible. Any suggestions please?

Go for sportswear brands, Decathlon will probably have something within your budget. Mountain Warehouse is another option. Fashion brands will not give you enough breathability or waterproofing.

I vouch for good rain pants (sorry - trousers for you in UK). I keep a pair rolled up in my basket and they are easy to pull on when I need them, they fit over whatever I am wearing. I longer jacket tends to flap around in the wind or limit your movement.

I have a Helly Hansen jacket in a bright colour, and Kuhl trousers. Both are nice fabric that don't feel rubbery and sweaty.

My son rides a moped and wears waterproof trousers. They can be padded but he also has some he can put over his jeans so still mobile.

For the quick scoot between the station and office I have a knee length Uniqlo one. It is not padded at all. I adjust for temperature with jumpers or not. That way if it stops raining I can put it in my pannier without it taking up too much room and still be warm enough. It is also work smart enough that I don't look as if I am about to go on a hike.

If it is really wet and I am going further it is waterproof trousers and a shorter jacket. Decathlon or Alpkit are my go to places.

I would not go for a long coat personally. If it can easily catch on your seat and make it dangerous if you need to put a foot down to steady yourself at a traffic light. You don't want anything that will restrict movement. I almost went flying once wearing a long coat.
A good (shortish) rain jacket and waterproof trousers would be best. Oh and gloves are an absolute must!

Hurray to bikes getting us around instead of cars!

Yep, you definitely want waterproof jacket and trousers, plus some shortie waterproof boots ideally - I have Merry People ones in rust that can just about double as Chelsea boots when paired with my clothes underneath!

BergHaus is the brand of my other items but I'd second a visit to Decathlon.

How about this OP?

www.decathlon.co.uk/p/100-city-cycling-rain-poncho-black/_/R-p-340456?mc=8759248&c=black

Waterproof trousers are probably better than a long coat. They don't need to be expensive but ones with zips in the sides so you can get them on and off without taking your shoes off are really helpful.

I'm Dutch and cycle everywhere. A long coat won't work. It will flap and pool the rain into your crotch and boots as you peddle. If it's that wet, you need rain trousers. Cheap ones are better for cycling than expensive hiking ones because they won't rub thin against the saddle. A poncho can be good if it's not windy because it also covers you hands.

Yep,you need waterproof trousers and a coat that covers your bum. Vulpine used to do normal looking macs etc that were designed with cycling in mind.

(and glad to see another e bike user out there!)

Another vote for waterproof trousers (though I'm yet to get some)- annoyingly I sold a pair of waterproof full length chaps that might've worked quite well with a jacket coving my bum! 😂 (no longer have horses).

The poncho idea is good too- a friend has one designed for cycling that covers from the handlebars to behind the saddle.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/night-visibility-city-bike-rain-poncho-540-blue-grey//R-p-343195?mc=8785643&c=blackkgrey&utmterm=8785643-4761433%2CCn-generic-prosts-proospd-mspspu-msppsp-msppt-pbbl-enHigh+Performers&gclsrc=aw.ds&utmmmedium=cpc&utmsource=google&utmmcampaign=gbt-intbraact-shoppn-generic-prossts-prof-cvvo-roasspd-msppspu-mspsp-mspppt-pbpnl-comml-enpp-gadssbm-roapr-cpcc&network=g&gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAADygKq3S6FPWGYSpelBU6U3YI3s5m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxKyw--eZiQMVnpxQBh2FWQjNEAQYAiABEgJnfvD_BwE

Probably not suitable in windy weather though.

I have an earlier version of this poncho for cycling
https://www.thepeoples.co/products/fishermans-yellow-poncho

Keeps the legs and hands dry, works if you are in a skirt and much easier to take on and off than trousers.

I guess you don't want to look too much like a cyclist as such but I wouldn't buy anything too generic as you need vents to let air in when you're cycling in waterproofs because otherwise you'll end up as wet from the sweat as you would have done from the rain! If you can, it's worth spending perhaps a bit more on clothing as it's just miserable otherwise. It's expensive getting set up but there's lots of bargains out there especially as you sound you might be a small size.

Have a look at Freewheel for some good stuff at reduced prices. Also CycleStore is another good place to look.
If you want a longer jacket, have a look at Altura Grid Parka Womens Cycling Jacket. Tredz have got some for £60 down from £155. You'll still need waterproof trousers or shorts though.

I would consider a cycling jacket. I have had a number, but my husband bought me an Ettore hi vis one which I really like and is really good for the money. Plus I have some decathlon waterproof overtrousers which are excellent.

If you don't want to look like a cyclist, there are other options.

Just to add I add warmth via clothes I have on underneath, so don't aim to get that from the jacket.

You don't want anything that could catch on the seat if you needed to get off/away from the bike on the ground in an emergency (like another vehicle heading towards you).

Waterproof/protective trousers and a normal length, waterproof jacket at the least.

Wow....thanks so much to everyone who has posted here. This is all so helpful. I didn't have a clue about all of these things. I'm going to scrap my plan of getting a long coat and will definitely look at some ponchos and maybe some waterproof trousers for longer trips. I'm going to have a look at all of the recommendations. I love the idea of getting trousers with zips down the side! There is no Decathlon in my city, but it sounds like it would be worth a trip to wherever my nearest one is. I think I will take the train, with my bike, for a little adventure! Getting this bike has increased my daily happiness immensely, so I am glad to know that the rain shouldn't be a problem :)

You might want to look at some waterproof overshoes too or maybe waterproof socks plus a skullcap to go under your helmetand a buff that you can pull up over your nose. And gloves- buy the best you can afford.Keeping your extremities warm is the secret of happy winter cycling in my experience.

Re gloves - I've found Aldi & Lidl's winter cycling gloves to be excellent for the price. I usually get at least two winters out of them before needing a new pair. That's with commuting up to 10 hours a week. They tend to be wind and waterproof with reflective bits.

I tried a poncho but it just bunched up when I was cycling! So I wear waterproof trousers. Also waterproof socks

Have a look at Rains as their waterproofs are excellent and were originally designed for cycling (Danish company and everyone cycles there). They do a cape (link below) as well as waterproof trousers:

https://www.uk.rains.com/collections/womens-rainwear/products/cape-female?variant=46833705517394

I have several of their coats (they also do more 'fashion forward' items) and they're my go-to for bad weather as they keep me bone dry.

There are a few Rains coats on Brand Alley at present which include this one with reflective trim (which is well within budget):
https://www.brandalley.co.uk/18605401.html?queryID=a8ebf337f02ddb50d318412e1d540432&objectID=4249156&indexName=BrandAlleydefault_products

If you are getting waterproof trousers, look out for ones with velcro or similar that can keep the trouser leg from rubbing on the chain. Or you can add poppers to existing trousers, if you can do it in a way that doesn't affect the waterproofness. Decathlon do a pair of waterproof trousers for cycling which cover up the shoe as well - I don't know whether they're any good, but usually their stuff works.

I saw someone a while ago with three-quarter length waterproofs which looked very good for this reason! But probably only suitable in summer or in drier parts of the country. I'm lucky to be small enough to fit into kids' Decathlon, so am going to adapt some at some point.

For waterproof gloves, I usually use Sealskinz in winter. But the waterproofness doesn't last. A somewhat rugged clubmate uses Marigolds - "beat that for waterproof" he says. 😂

Edited to add: I've not found a good waterproof cycling jacket for quite some time, I think the quality has really dropped off in the last ten years or so. As have pockets! All the cycling jackets used to come with a nice big rear pocket for stowing your gloves etc. So will be looking at the suggestions here, Danish clothing sounds like a particularly good idea.