Hello, I for the life of me cannot find well reviewed waterproof shorts in Australia. I see a bunch of listings mainly from sellers in the states. Are there any cyclists here who can vouch for a pair- tight fitting or loose? I'm looking for something to pair with a light rain jacket during the wet season.
Cheers
I can only imagine how lovely your nether regions would be, after exercising in waterproof shorts……ew…
Are you looking for waterproof from outside or the inside?
You can't have one without the other! Even "breathable" waterproof jackets only allow a small amount of water vapour to pass through. For cycling you need vented jackets.
You will not find "waterproof" shorts as such, the nearest would be a pair of overtrousers that are true waterproof, but they tend to boil in the bag as they dont breathe much
What you can get is shorts with water repellence finish, which means water beads off. Eventually you will get wet, but they are good for short to mid duration rides, and even when wet are warmer as usually brushed fleece inside. Most decents brands have a version of them, such as the Sportful Fiandre norain bib shorts, Ale Klimatic, Castelli Nanoflex, (also in longs).
I would also recommend getting an ass saver, much more useful
See if ground effect (a nz company) make some
How "waterproof" do you want to be? It's generally not going to be such an issue if your legs and bum get wet, compared to your torso. And the more waterproof a material gets, the less flexible and lightweight it is going to become, which isn't what you want on your legs.
Generally you will find that water repellant is as good as you will get for shorts or tights.Anything more resistant to rain is going to be like wearing plastic bags on your legs.
No experience with their cycling shorts but the best running gear I've owed has been Gorewear for both moisture wicking properties as well as water proofing/resistance for their light use running jackets (I've also used that for hiking). They have dedicated cycling products as well.
It's the same company that makes Goretex.
They're not cheap and very hard to get in Australia but last ages. Wiggle has been the place I've gotten most of mine from when they're on special. You get what you pay for though.