What are people’s ideas of keeping your neck dry from either the driven rain or what run off helmet as my coats collar isn’t that big. I do have neck warmers but they can get like a sponge
This. This is what really works. A decent quality jacket "Gore-Tex Pro" shell (not just Gore-Tex, it's not even in the same league) with well thought through solutions to every part of the garment where water might get in. I've been using the Rukka Armaxis for a couple of years now and it is literally the best jacket I've ever bought and now I wouldn't wear anything else in Autmumn\Winter\Spring. The neck has a separate zip-in waterproof high-collar which you attach when the weather is shite. It comes up so high that its right inside your crash helmet so there is no way that water can run down inside and onto your neck. When I use it I fasten my helmet strap so it traps the neck liner under my chin and doesn't move anywhere. I promise you, if you buy a Rukka Armaxis you'll never buy another jacket - apart from something for the summer because they get so hot. I think the Armaxis has been superseded now and so you might be able to find one under £900 new ... I know, bloody expensive even when reduce but they are literally the best and are actually two jackets as you can wear the inner jacket on it's own.
Break it down over the course of 5-years riding as that is the warranty. My first set lasted 2-major crashes (both non fault) and reached 8-years before I called it enough. There is now a klim adventure jacket alone that costs nigh on £1,600.
No. More like £1500 with jacket and trousers, for example if you went with an Armaxis jacket and Cosmic pants at todays new prices, which is exactly what I've got. If you have ride every day in all weathers and really don't have time to even want to think about what the weather is doing outside then £2K is what it is. The only thing that keeps me at home is snow on the ground. I don't give a shit about rain or getting wet, because I just don't get wet and it doesn't get cold enough in the UK to even consider adding another layer under that jacket. The fact is that you can't get anything close to the level of protection from the elements for anything less. I've spent more money trying multiple cheaper jackets that either don't perform or fall apart. If I gave you the stuff I ride in you'd not give it back, simple as that. If that's what it costs to keep me getting up in the morning and going to work in all weathers then that's what I have to do. My livelihood depends on it, so it's a no brainer.
...and if you become a IAM member, you get 15% off purchases at Bikestop & other outlets. Meaning a saving of £150 which is basically a free IAM join up package minus the training contributions.
I commute, carry a spare pair of socks and knickers. Now I only ride 2 hours max/day, 5 days a week. I get the rain and cold. Wouldn’t and couldn’t do without heated grips, finger tips ache. Feet get wet an cold, but can cope with that one. Thought I’d get Rukka gloves, will be a test for the name. The gloves are shit, the liners fell apart, couldn’t get my fingers in. No better than a pair of RST that I have and still use. Rukka is over priced IMO. [EDITED THE ABUSE OUT. ET] Na, I won’t pay the money for it. Lol
I have one of these https://www.roostersailing.com/pd/Aquafleece-Neck-Gaiter_105314.htm It keeps my neck warm and dry.
The guy who runs Rooster Sailing is rather like the sailing equivalent of Chris Kelley of California CycleWorks and our own Exige. He's a sailing enthusiast who designs and supplies great kit for other sailing enthusiasts.
