How to choose the right level of rain protection for cycling?
Whether you ride every day to work or use your bike more occasionally, being properly equipped to face the rain is essential. The idea isn't to lock yourself in waterproof armor, but to find the right balance between protection , breathability , and comfort of movement . We'll help you see things more clearly.
🌧 Understanding impermeability: the Schmerber measurement
A waterproof garment is rated according to its ability to resist water pressure. This measurement, expressed in mm Schmerber , corresponds to the height of a column of water that the fabric can withstand before allowing moisture to pass through.
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5,000 mm : light protection (drizzle, light rain)
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10,000 mm : enhanced protection (prolonged downpours)
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15,000 mm and above : intensive use or extreme conditions
📌 Our collection : most of our jackets have a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm, sufficient for urban journeys even in heavy rain. Some very technical products, such as the ESCAPADE jacket, favor high breathability (30K) for more sporty uses, while maintaining good waterproofing for light rain.
🚴 Waterproofness ≠ suffocation: think about breathability
Staying dry is great, but preventing condensation inside your garment is just as crucial. This is where breathability comes in. It allows the vapor produced by your body to escape.
Most of our clothing incorporates clever ventilation systems :
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Zips under the arms (like on the REPOP or FLUVIA )
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Double front opening
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Back vents
These details help maintain good thermal comfort even when pedaling at high intensity or on daily journeys.
🧥 And in terms of use, how do you choose the right product?
Here are some guidelines, depending on the type of journey and weather conditions:
| Use | Terms | Recommended Urban Circus product |
|---|---|---|
| Daily commute, variable weather | Moderate rain, need for breathability | REPOP , FLUVIA , CLASICA |
| Sudden downpour, occasional use | Moderate to heavy rain, compaction | GIRO (windbreaker), VUELTA cape, ROMEA poncho, IYUC pants |
| Sports use or intense effort | Light rain + need for maximum breathability | ESCAPE |
| Heavy rain + winter | Prolonged exposure, need for heat | FLUVIA , IYUC pants |
💡 Note on reversible jackets
Some reversible jackets in our collection (like REPOP ) have a waterproof 10K reflective side and a plain side with a light water-repellent treatment . For maximum protection in the rain, always wear the jacket with the visible side.
🧼 Maintaining waterproofing: a step not to be neglected
Over time and with washing, the effectiveness of the water-repellent treatment may diminish. To extend the life of your clothing:
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Use a special waterproofing detergent (like Nikwax)
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Avoid fabric softeners and strong spin
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Reactivate the water-repellent treatment using a DWR spray if necessary.
💬 Our customer service team is available to advise you on maintenance or choosing the right product.
In summary
👉 Waterproofing alone is not enough: also think about breathability, cut, and ventilation.
👉 Choose your clothing based on the duration of the journey , the frequency of use and the level of effort provided.
👉 Our products are designed to support you in all these scenarios, with levels of protection adapted to each urban need.
