(Photo: Bikesuit)
I don’t do a lot of product coverage here on BikePortland; but a reader sent me a link to something the other day that really got my attention. It’s called the “Bikesuit” and in a place like Portland where riding in the rain is a way of life, I thought it deserved your attention too.
The Bikesuit is a one-piece, head-to-toe bit of rainwear is meant to protect you from all the elements. It’s made by The Smart Products Company, which is based in The Netherlands (same folks that brought us those Rainlegs chaps).
Here’s more from the company:
The BikeSuit® is a suit which totally protects the cyclist and his or her clothing from head-to-toe in a safe and comfortable way in all weather circumstances. It is a one-piece suit with bike-specific hood and integrated overshoes. It is easy to put on as a jacket. With only two zippers, the total suit, including the trousers, is closed.
And this video gives you a better idea of how it works…
They say it’s got plenty zippers and “air flow tunnels” to make it breathable. And there’s even a little pocket for your phone. The Bikesuit won an award a Eurobike earlier this year, so this isn’t some fly-by-night operation.
Retail will be about $300 and Clever Cycles says they plan to carry them in the fall.
What do you think? Will this be the new hot thing in Portland?
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It’s kind of cool and kind of weird. I liked it better than I thought I would. I would worry about overheating on warmer days.
Do they come in colors other than Ninja Black?
I was thinking the same thing… rain slicker yellow (with more reflectivity ) would be pretty cool… I wonder what sizes it comes in.
Appears to have reflective bits. It doesn’t take much 3M material to have a big effect.
So practical, and so, so wrong.
Yeah, just what I want to walk into the library, post office, bank, grocery store, cafe or restaurant wearing. Do they come in orange, because bright orange would be even better. Also, it looks like a pain to get on and off, and has a single function. No thanks!
Decent for commuters who have time to suit up and take it off. I’m still wishing there was something I could get out of at a restaurant without looking like an idiot. I can’t imagine pulling a giant flap between my legs will do much good on that front.
The largest issue I have with bike pants is the time to take on/off. This doesn’t seem to address that time-issue.
This might work, but $300 is about $100 more than I’d like to see this at.
Other than being all black, this has some advantages. On the other hand my pants work well, and my jacket will work whether I need the pants or not. So advantage my current system. Cost of $300 is more than the separate pieces. The shoe covers are nice but they tend to wear out, something about rubbing on asphalt makes their life short. So overall, I go with my separate system of pants, shoe covers, and a good local jacket, Showers Pass. And I look a little less dorky than this would make me look.
Also the hood, does it go over my helmet? The Dutch don’t use helmets as they have good cycle facilities, but here a helmet is nice to keep your head from getting crushed by that semi, or breaking apart as you bounce off the hood or pavement after being struck by an errant driver, who didn’t see you in all black.
Want.
I have owned several pairs of overshoes and they always wear out in less than one winter with minimal walking on carpet, but my rain pants and jacket are still going strong after years of heavy use. I fear the overshoe part of this garment could be its Achilles Heel.
I prefer my poncho, made in Eugene. It’s quicker and way less suffocating. I also have a Showers Pass setup but won’t buy another until they bring some jobs home.
I am surprised that none of the high-end bike clothing manufacturers (like Showers Pass, Gore or Sugoi) has the poncho concept and made a more lightweight/technical version of it for urban cycling and commuting.
During my middle and high school days (in Europe), we used to always carry a poncho with us on our daily 30′ commute to and from school and I thought it was much more practical than a rain jacket & pants, especially when riding in everyday clothes. If you ride a full-fendered bike, a poncho provides pretty much full body coverage, except in torrential rain and wind. The biggest advantage is that it even if it’s made of 100% waterproof material, it still provides better breathability than a gore-tex jacket. The biggest disadvantage is they are not aerodynamic and definitely become a sail when it’s windy… but I would think that a technical clothing manufacturer could figure out a design that is more aerodynamic… and more compact and lightweight. The models we used back in the 80’s were pretty bulky.
I use a poncho and love it.
I am interested in using a poncho but afraid it would get caught in all the gearage, etc.
It would be nice to see a poncho made out of Event fabric.
You can throw a poncho on at a traffic light, and it comes off just as easily. Just the thing for on and off showers we see so often here. It will keep your wool mittens dry, and the top part of the bike stays dry too.
For me, the carradice works best for a more upright bike, while the CAT works well for a drop bar position. The cut and drape of a poncho for each person/bike combination can be optimized. If it fits well, it won’t flap. Anyone making custom ponchos in Portland?
“…we used to always carry a poncho with us on our daily 30′ commute to and from school and I thought…”
Dunno. If I had a thirty foot commute, I’d probably just walk.
Until PBOT recognizes the fundamental human right of cycl …. oh sorry, was on autpilot there.
Wearing rainpants is as much indignity as I can bear in the pursuit of a carbon-free commute. Never going to wear a one-piece.
You could just tell everyone that you’re a Super Scientist, and yes, it IS a “speed suit”…
See also: http://video.adultswim.com/the-venture-bros/deans-1st-speed-suit.html
I knew somebody would make a VB reference…
If i was planning to ride all day in pouring rain during mid winter when it’s not too warm, I might consider such a product. Given the variability of the rain, though, I like the options of jacket only, jacket and rainlegs (which I do really love, btw) or jacket and pants. No matter how breathable it is, full coverage adds a load of warmth not needed on a typical rainy winter afternoon, leaving you as wet from sweat as from being exposed to the rain itself.. My full coverage fenders keep my backsides dry while chaps protect the tops of my legs and leave the backs open for much better breathability. Everyone’s got their own gig though, this just works for me.
Totally agree. No matter how many vents and zippers, I think it’s still likely to be a heat-trapping shell, which could be good for temps in the 40’s and below. I know some people who are low-sweat-ers, but I’m not one.
I like the RETRACTABLE BIKE ROOF as a possible alternative:
http://www.goeco.ie/retractable_bike_roof.html
I can’t say I was impressed by the RainLegs that I bought (surprisingly cumbersome on/off; dorky – OK I knew that going in; waterproofing wore off super fast). So I am skeptical of this product.
Thanks 🙂 I couldn’t care less about the looks, but if the waterproofing was in issue, that’s worth knowing before dropping $300.
Interesting because I’ve been wearing mine for 3 seasons now without any issues. It’s easier for me than pulling pants over shoes (or doing shoes after pants) and I haven’t had any issues with the waterproofing to date. Don’t work for the company, but I guess experience may vary.
I’d be interested if they make it reflective floral print in sizes that fit a variety of bodies. Ninja black doesn’t do much for me, aesthetically or safety-wise, and dude-shaped clothes don’t, either.
you might as well get the Portland Rain Suit from Corazzo for $90 if you want full rainproof gear…
or like most people just gather the pieces… a water-resistant Shower’s Pass jacket (they are never waterproof) and pants along with some spats will be the same price or cheaper and give you better options…
this also looks really bulky to store… so best to hope you have to use it on the ride home or you’ll be carrying it…
the concept of having a rain jacket with holes (zipper openings) in it seems very foreign to me… I’ve learned to just wear comfy clothes and not be so uptight about a little wetness…
“… They say it’s got plenty zippers and “air flow tunnels” to make it breathable. …” maus/bikeportland
“…With only two zippers, …”. Really? Just two zippers is plenty?
The mention of “air flow tunnels”…is interesting in terms of what the designers have done to create such a thing in this suit.
While not really having a strong sense of how to go about putting something together, I’ve thought for some time, there may be potential in devising a better way to channel air through cycling jackets, maybe using a conduit of sorts running from the wrist, up the arm and around the back of the jacket.
I’ve seen motorcycle people wearing suits that seem to be essentially similar to this bikesuit. Kind of like coveralls or a jumpsuit.
Hot new thing? I can only imagine so when you’re wearing a full-body garbage bag. $300 doesn’t buy enough eVent for a suit that doesn’t drench you with rain OR sweat.
Nah, I’m holding out for a suit that makes me completely invisible.
Black velour jogging suits now available at Goodwill!
Ride at night in one, next best thing!
Why take any chances? These have been around for awhile and provide quick “relief” options.
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2562&pdeptid=1174
When they come out with one with sequins and a cape I’m down.
Would work in January and February, maybe March, when its in the low 30s and 40s on my commutes. Wouldnt be too great the rest of the year, however. I’d use it.
Looks like the feet covers dont have bottoms. +1
I’d be interested if it came in a color that motorists would actually see … oh, and if it didn’t cost $300.
If they offer it in orange, they can report that the scofflaw’s are doing community service
i will just stick with rain chaps. it works pretty good most of times. $300 is too steep.
No mention was made of the material. There’s not enough partial vapor pressure (of water) to make a Goretex like coating work at sea level in November – February. If it’s rip stop nylon, $300 is too expensive.
Black is a total non-starter. It’s too easy to get lost in road spray and asphalt, even if drivers are looking for you. That’s not even considering that the suit is going to pick up road dust and make you invisible. As for reflective strips, they too pick up road grime and cease functioning in fairly short order.
Rain Condom 🙂 makes riding FUN in the wet.
I would wear it to a DEVO concert.
Also, for 3 bills, consider how fast those terrible shoe covers wear out. And in this case you have to replace the whole suit.
Possibly the worst choice of songs for a product pitch.
I have actually liked this song for a while but “I’m only happy when it’s complicated” seems like the wrong angle.
I laughed so hard watching it the first time I saw little of the product’s details.
PS: Garbage, please don’t sue.
“Hot thing” is right. Looks like you can steam in your own juices.
I think I will continue to wait for a force field to come on the market.
Commuting 5/7 on the coast, in the 9 month long winter, I’m body suit curious. Hot? Not usually an issue on the coast, and if I’m getting hot then I’m not wearing this anyway.
And $300? You can spend more that that on a high end 2 piece. I spent more 15 years ago and that 2 piece is still going strong. Paying more for trendy cloths is one thing, paying for something well made that will last is just a good decision.
How much did you pay for your bike?
All you haters are just jealous of my BikeSuit that I don’t have yet.
There’s reflective stuff on the back & arms. Thus it’s equivalent to the black rain gear I’ve been using without incident for 10 years.
Never in 25 years in the saddle have I ever become invisible, despite several occasions when it would’ve come in handy. Especially have I not become invisible due to road filth, because I actually wash myself and my things, and because it’s raining when you wear rain gear. And anyway, if this suit makes you invisible, then so does every other. Oh except bright yellow, which makes you look like a dweeb.
This is better than separate pants because you don’t have to sit down to take them off. I think once you learned how to get in & out of it smoothly it would be faster than a jacket & pants.
It’s better than chaps because you get full coverage. The straps on chaps just lead the water around to the back of your knee to soak in. And you look like a gay cowboy. Which is great if you are one, don’t get me wrong.
Quite possibly too hot: Point conceded.
Bulky? No bulkier than a jacket & pants. And if you don’t wear it, yes, obviously you have to carry it, just like a jacket & pants. They’ve invented wonderful things in this area… backpacks… panniers… things like that.
I’ve never had the luxury of a pair of booties wearing out on the bottom; instead the side seams always give way, especially with Showers Pass because apparently no one told them how big an adult’s feet can get. Not to brag. Anyway that’s not an issue here, and neither is wearing out on the bottom because there IS no bottom. Which is fine because if your shoe isn’t already waterproof on the bottom, you’ve got bigger problems.
Nonetheless if you want to keep them off the ground when walking, slip them off your feet and tuck them into the bottom of the pant leg. Voilà / a-DOYYY. And if somehow they do get damaged, you have a tailor fix them, like a grownup. Or just cut them off and go back to booties. You do NOT “replace the whole suit” unless you’re a moron. I know it’s inconceivable, but sometimes just being a “consumer” doesn’t quite cover everything. Sometimes you have to actually “do stuff.” That also includes learning how to use your stuff so you can take it off & put it on efficiently.
If you can’t stand looking like a dweeb, or you want to feel totally safe at all times, you picked the wrong mode of transport; get a car. They’re more than $300 though. A backbone is free. Except not really.
Wait … bright yellow makes you look like a dweeb … but if you can’t stand looking like a dweeb, get a car? Huh?
The point, I think, is that being safer and drier on one’s bike doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll look cool. If you are concerned about how attractive you look on your bike, you might just keep driving your car.
I’m still suit curious, and I’m looking forward to some Portlandish reviews on how well it holds up.
I am always concerned about how I look, its important to me and many others, people are more likely to ride if they feel like they look good
“Haters”, huh?. So has the word hate become so meaningless as to include genuine design based criticisms and functionality concerns regarding a product or are we all required to truly *love* every piece of plastic that someone tries to sell us so long as it’s for bikes?
Yes is has. Lighten up.
I knew I was gonna regret coming back here to read more comments. Sorry if the lighthearted tone was not coming across in my comment or in your world.
The thing about looking dweeby: Just being on a bike in the USA looks dweeby. More so, the more specialized gear you have. Much of which is nonetheless and to varying degrees, necessary or nice to have. So the question becomes, why care what someone thinks who means very little to you? Maybe looking dweeby doesn’t mean much. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. (Yes I totally just quoted Yoda.) Granted I’m speaking from the luxurious position of already having a mate, a job, a kid, a bunch of old friends etc. — and therefore not much reason to care about impressing people. But if & when I do care, I know there are better ways of doing it than with my bike gear.
sorry it looks super lame, I’ll stick with the tights and cut of dickies and rain jacket, Layers i like layers not waterproof bunny siuts
As the designer of the Bikesuit, I guess it could be a good idea to give some additional information on the product! Very interesting to read all of your comments (and fun sometimes…).
Let me explain why I designed the Bikesuit:
Background:
1. I live and work in Amsterdam, The Netherlands , which means I ride my bike every single day for at least 15 km’s. Many people do the same. Also, more and more people choose to use an e-bike to commute, which increases the number of longer distance (more than 5 km) commuters. I myself ride a fixed gear road bike. Most people ride a traditional Dutch bike.
2. It can be extremely wet here, sometimes for days in a row. For me it’s not an option to take the car on days like that, because I will get stuck in traffic. Public transport is much slower, and cycling is simply much nicer. Many people do take the car, but prefer cycling for similar reasons.
3. I got fed up with traditional rain wear, which do not fit well, are a hassle to put on and give incomplete protection. Although available, most people do not use separate overshoes, because their complicated to put on, and just too much stuff to carry around.
With the Bikesuit it has become possible for me to keep cycling to work and business meetings when it’s bad weather. That’s what’s great about it. I am able to arrive dry and clean. It could be an important difference (between PDX and NL) that the Dutch generally do not dress for cycling. We wear on the bike what we wear at work. The Bikesuit is a thin layer that protects your outfit all at once.
Now about some technical aspects.
Putting it on:
We chose this system with two zippers that close from the top down, because it gives most versatility: you put it off and on by opening and closing it completely, like in the video. Or you can only open the jacket and a bit at the ankles, so you can step in and out, like with an overall.
Opening it completely allows you to put it on without balancing. It is something you have to get used to, but my experience so far is that this doesn’t take long. I need around 40 seconds now. Which for me is acceptable. Stepping in can be faster.
Visibility
The reflection is placed in such way, that especially visibility from sides and back is good (there where the cyclist doesn’t have eyes. So: on the sides of the arms, either side of the lower back, the back of the legs. Of course also on the front (chest and and shins). Moving reflection (pedaling legs) are better than static reflection. We chose the highest quality 3M reflection, which is durable and bright.
Talking about visibility: we made a hood that allows for angle of vision than most outdoor jackets. We made it well fitting instead of roomy. Wear your helmet on top of it instead of underneath.
Ventilation
We have developed our own 3-layer laminate, which combines being waterproof with good breathability and toughness. The outside is a rip-stop material, and the inside is a material that resists rubbing (unless most breathable materials). The middle layer controls breathability and waterproof. The ankles and shoes are made of extra strong shell material.
So the material is breathable. But: we found out that it is much more important that the construction allows for ventilation. We wanted a way to create a controlled airflow in the suit, in the same way as opening two windows on either side of a room. This is where the Air Flow Tunnels come in: air outlets at both sides of the upper back (next to your back pack). By opening the arm pit zippers, a flow of air is created that is much more effective in letting heat out than arm pit zippers alone. And also more effective than extra breathable shell material. Plus: the flow can be controlled by the cyclist by opening the zippers more or less.
We created a similar system at the waist, although less controllable. On front and back, there is mesh. Here, the jacket part of the suit blouses over the waist, avoiding water coming in.
It’s a matter of taste if you like how it looks or not. Some might find it over complicated for their way of cycling, for some it might fit. We’ll see! As goes for all new things: one knows best after trying it out. For me, and the people who have been using it so far, it has proven to be a practical and complete solution that lets us keep on cycling on a daily basis in bad weather conditions.
Best regards,
Olaf Wit
I agree the suit is probably excellent for e-bike riders, and short or moderate trips for which you are unable to change from normal work clothes. On the other end of the spectrum, it might work well for long training rides during our wet 40-degree winter days, when it can be difficult to stay warm. It definitely has its niche market.
If you want visibility, wear an attractive neon safety vest.
Perhaps you could send one to bikeportland.org and they could test it in a variety of scenarios. If your claims are true then the testers’ (how about 4 of them, one from each quadrant of the city) clothes will be totally dry (from rain and condensation) at the end of a typical 5 mile commute in a downpour.
Show me the data. Bike clothing companies make the “waterproof AND breathable” claim all the time and I nor anyone I know has ever found it to be true.
I agree that there is no kind of rain clothing in which you won’t sweat. The membrane or coating will help vapour through the shell to the outside world. The highest highest of grades in breathability will still let you sweat, especially when the humidity of the air is high already.
So, no claims here about that you won’t sweat in the Bikesuit. But: we found that ventilation helps both in cooling and in letting vapour out. Ventilation is more effective when there is the possibility of draft with an in- and outlet of air. If you’re cycling there is always wind, and so we have improved ventilation by adding extra in- and outlets.
From Olaf’s original post:
“…I live and work in Amsterdam, The Netherlands , which means I ride my bike every single day for at least 15 km’s. …”
About 10-11 miles, I guess that would be, though, if I’ve heard correctly, no hills to climb. People that are very fit, pedaling moderately on very wet days, might not sweat up so unreasonably that they couldn’t wear street clothes under the bikesuit they wouldn’t have to change out of once at their destination.
Any waterproof or water resistant garment is going to restrict the exit of body moisture. I agree with the idea of channeling air flow to minimize the accumulation of body moisture on the skin and in the clothing being worn.
Most people probably are aware of how when riding with a water resistant jacket, if the shoulders are arched back, this can allow air to flow down their back through the jacket’s collar.
Looks sexy on this skinny euro man. On my middle aged white body, ummmmm, not so much!
I want to see how big that hood is, and how well it fits over the stylish helmet that guys isn’t wearing.
This is probably a bit overmuch for me personally, but I tend to be pretty tolerant of rain, and really only wear any rain gear at all about 5-10 times per year in Portland (depending on the year), but I can see how it would be really useful if you really had to show up completely dry to work or meetings or whatever.
I wear my normal clothes, whatever I’m wearing to work, when I ride, but I can sit in my office and dry off for a half-hour most days if my legs get a little wet on the ride in (my poncho is fantastic, but the bottom half of my legs do still get a bit wet sometimes). My wool cap keeps my head plenty dry, and I just hang that and my poncho up to dry at work, so they’re dry when I come home if I need them again.
All-in-all, I think it’s great to have diverse solutions, because a lot of people will have different situations and different preferences, and it’s nice to have something that will work well for each person. I’ve certainly had conversations with people about how it’s almost impossible to stay completely dry, and it seems like, for those who want/need to do that, this would be about as good a solution as currently exists.
Just BTW: I like my “waterproof breathable” jacket and pants, and “waterproof” booties from J&G Cyclewear: less than $240 for the outfit, yellow jacket, black pants and booties, easy to put on & take off while standing, all sizes, made in Oregon:
http://www.bicycleclothing.com/
Well, I’d say I’m in the market they are targeting. I use my bike primarily for urban transport and utility. Year round. All weather. I only ride in street clothes, etc. In general, I like the suit. Currently I use a poncho which I supplement with rain pants when going distances over a couple miles or when its a heavy downpour/windy. I like the poncho because it is as easy to put on as a jacket. I loathe rain pants because I have to sit or balance to take them on or off. From what I see in the video, the suit adds the extra coverage of the pants, leaves of the drag that you get with a poncho but keeps the ease of use of the poncho. Thats a big win for me. The shoe covers are a nice touch too because I could start wearing shoes other than rain boots in the winter time.
Not sure if i’ll get one this fall or not, but I’ll give it serious consideration since both my rain boots and my rain pants may not have another full season left in them. If the designer is still out there listening: One thing I’d love to see: two straps on the carry bag that let you dangle the suit from the back of the saddle when not in use.
Thank you, that’s a really nice idea (about the saddle option)!
Olaf
The best shoe covers I’ve found are these from Mountain Equipment Coop in Vancouver: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cycling/ShoeCovers/PRD~5009-241/mec-cycling-shoe-covers-unisex.jsp
Because of the way they’re designed, they don’t really get onto pavement when you walk so they haven’t worn out in three years.
On the Bikesuit, the shoe covers have only a very small area underneath the heel and the toe. The heel part is not absolutely necessary to use. The toe part is. I have been using the shoe covers with platform pedals and straps, and they work very well (also with skidding).
Although we used a very strong material for the parts underneath the foot, we recommend to flip up the toes when walking. When walking longer distances, it is easy to use the ankle velcros to secure the shoe covers.
Looks like a great product. In some ways it looks like a clean room bunny suit.
Except that it purpose is to keep the dirt out.
(Oh, I forgot to mention that you can actually WIN A BIKESUIT by helping us win a competition for startups in the bicycle industry… I hope I am allowed to do this on this blog.
If you would like to help us:
Log in to Facebook, and then go to https://apps.facebook.com/hottestbrands/ and look for Bikesuit in the list of brands, after you click on it, you can Facebook-like our entry. Important: In order to being able to identify you, leave a note in the comment box “I want to win a bikesuit!”
Good luck and THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH, (also for all the comments – it is really helpful for us).
And thank you BikePortland IF you let me post this! – If not, I obviously understand.)
It’s like a snuggie for your bike riding…
I wish I had one of these right now. The rain arrived just in time to head home…