Today’s question is about waterproof garments for riding and commuting in bad weather, especially at this time of year when darkness falls early…

Hi Coach Levi. I’m a father of two and an English teacher living in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. I commute in the evenings by bicycle. I’m curious if you could recommend a reputable American company that produces very visible, waterproof and durable rainwear? I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,
Wet Willie

Hi Willie,

Thanks for the email. You’re actually not the first English teacher from Japan that has written in! Perhaps my website is popular there?

Anyway… I can’t give you all the answers to this question, because:

1. I’m usually out training or racing rather than commuting, so I don’t mind getting soaked.
2. I simply don’t keep up to date on every cycling clothing option that comes out every year.

But I’ll start by saying that as far as I know, no one beats Gore Tex when it comes to combining superb waterproof qualities and breathability. And that’s a big reason why a cycling jacket made with Gore Tex is typically going to cost $200-400.

Jackets with eVent fabric are supposed to be nice, too, with some people liking them more than Gore Tex. I have never worn eVent or seen it in action, but one of the products with it is this REI Shuksan jacket. It’s a hiking jacket but it might give you some ideas.

The one company that I never forget when it comes to rain wear is Showers Pass. They make quite a few jackets, and the one I always read about is their $120 Double Century jacket.

Speaking of Showers Pass, eVent, and REI, here is the Showers Pass Elite jacket. It uses eVent technology and is sold at REI.

Showers Pass is based in Portland, Oregon and I see they have one dealer listed in Japan. Considering the wet conditions in the Pacific Northwest, they should know what they’re doing!

Aside from those pointers, I’m not sure of any jackets that are extremely popular and well-regarded. Assos is probably a good example, but they’re not an American company. For further reading I suggest turning to the masses at RoadBikeReview in their jackets and vest review section.

Lastly, the good news is that most every waterproof cycling jacket today is going to be available in a high visibility color and will include reflective stripes somewhere.

Hope that helps you find something good, and hopefully you’re doing alright over there!

If you shop online, you probably know about the “one deal at a time” sites. I think it was Woot.com that introduced the idea in the computer/tech market, and the trend has since spread to a variety of markets and industries – one of them is cycling.

The top deals site for cyclists is BonkTown.com. To illustrate the concept, I’ll give you an example:

Right now as I look at the BonkTown home page, there is a deal for a Castelli thermal jacket. Normally the jacket costs $200, but I can order it for $99.99. Sweet deal, but what’s the catch? Well…

• I have to order it in the next 25 minutes and 6 seconds.
• There are only 10 left in a size Medium.
• I’m competing against 1,674 other people currently browsing the site.

All of that information is right there on the home page. Deals last for 30 minutes or until sold out, whichever comes first. BonkTown provides you with live updates for number of items left in each size or color, as well as the number of people who are on the site.

So… given the limited time, limited quantities, and tons of other cyclists looking for good deals, how do you manage to get what you want? You follow my guide on how to get the best deals at Bonk Town, of course!

Here is what you need to do:

1. Be Registered Long Before You Need to Place an Order.

Registering for the site takes extra time that you don’t want to waste if you have your sights set on a hot deal. If you’re trying to grab a popular item in a popular size, every second counts, so make sure you are registered in advance.

Registration is free, so take care of that right now, and then watch the deals. Like I said, having to register at the last minute might cost you a deal, and there’s no reason not to register today.

So before you go any further, go register at BonkTown.com immediately. Because who knows, after you read this article, you might find an irresistible deal!

2. Know Exactly What You Need In Advance.

When items pop up on BonkTown, you probably don’t have time to debate if the item is something you need or just something that looks cool. If you have to think about it, you could miss out.

So, write out a little shopping list of the items you’re looking for (item, color, brand, size) and keep it right at your computer. This saves the debate about whether the deal is worthwhile, and helps stop you from buying stuff you don’t need, just cause it’s on sale.

Remember, it’s not a good deal if you don’t need it!

3. Quickly Double Check Sizes and Colors

A lesson I learned a very long time ago is to be very careful with checking sizing charts when ordering clothing online. Sometimes a retailer’s sizing chart doesn’t match a brand’s sizing chart, and there’s no sure way to know which one is correct for that specific item.

I like to pay extra attention to this on the deals websites, because the voice inside my head says, “if the item is only on sale for 30 minutes then gone, the site would put even less effort into exact photos and sizing charts.” This might not be the case at all with BonkTown, especially because they are owned by Backcountry.com (who provide great customer service.)

I should also mention that BonkTown sometimes gives you a sizing tip for each item. The point is, pay attention to all this for your best chances of getting something that fits!

But still, if it’s an expensive item I’m not that familiar with, I might do a quick Google search to double-check sizing and color names/options. It’s not a good deal if it doesn’t fit and you have to send it back!

30-Day Unconditional Guarantee:

You can return any product for any reason within 30 days of purchase. No questions asked.

But like I said, this is Backcountry.com. I’ve always had good service from them, and they seem to get good reviews from others, too. Their return policy is straightforward and returns are easy, so if there is only one item left and you can’t risk the time to do any further research, it’s probably worth just buying first and asking questions later!

4. Combine Shipping

Shipping costs can add up when you’re paying to ship each item separately. That was always the big problem with these kinds of sites. If you order more than one item per month, with all the shipping costs, it didn’t end up being a better deal than ordering from somewhere else and shipping 10 items in one box for one shipping charge.

Today, BonkTown.com offers combined shipping. You can “hold” items you purchase for seven days, then all items are shipped together.

I would use the combined shipping option unless you need the item immediately. I mean, why not hold the item from shipping for a few days in case you find another deal on there? It can save you about $5 per item.

5. Stay Alert

Going forward, the hardest thing to do is keep a close eye on BonkTown all hours of the day. Because you never know when a killer deal will show up!

Fortunately, BonkTown provides a number of ways for you to stay updated:

• Desktop alerts (for Windows and Mac)
• Browser plug-ins (for Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome)
• RSS Feeds
• E-mail alerts
• AOL Instant Messenger messages

I personally like the Firefox plug-in because I usually have a browser window open. If you don’t, the desktop application for your computer would be a better choice.

Like in the screenshot, you might be busy browsing Velo News, but the little Bonktown pop-up will alert you of new deals!

If you have a desk job and are in front of a computer 8+ hours a day, it’s not hard to stay up to date!

If not, try SAC Alerts, CleanSnipe, or DealSpoon. These are third-party services that offer text alerts with the new deals, so you can be anywhere your cell phone has coverage. You would have to be able to run to a computer, though, or have a smartphone.

FAQ: Does BonkTown.com Carry Items In ‘Normal’ Sizes?

As with most good deals, you will find items in odd sizes and colors. Perhaps a rare crank arm size (180mm,) or jerseys available in XS and XXL sizes only.

But there are normal sizes quite often. For the clothing that popped up while I was writing this article, each item started with about 12 available in the normal sizes (small, medium, large.) Of course, you gotta be quick to get these! The smalls and mediums sell out quickly.

And remember, deals go up back to back, kind of like a Woot! Off, rather than Woot’s regular one deal per day. So if one item doesn’t fit you, the next one might.

So that is it. By now you should have a good idea of how to get the best deals on BonkTown.com!

Please post your success stories, or any tips of your own, in the comments!

Retailer Name: VeloWear.com
Website: www.VeloWear.com

Continue reading for my thoughts and opinions on VeloWear, a bicycle gear retailer offering Voler clothing and accessories…

Product Selection and Availability

VeloWear offers a wide selection of Voler apparel. If you are looking for Voler, perfect! If you’re looking for Assos or Pearl Izumi, you probably want to look elsewhere!

But from Voler, you’ll find shorts, jerseys, jackets, arm warmers, hats, etc. You could easily piece together a few complete outfits (aside from shoes, helmet, and sunglasses.)

Pricing

Prices are pretty good at VeloWear. The normal prices are on par with some other retailers, but in general, Voler offers a good value.

And there are some good deals to be had. For example, if you buy a grab bag of random jerseys, you can get three jerseys for $30.

Discounts & Coupon Codes

The discounts here are awesome!

The first thing you want to do is join the e-mail list, then you’ll get coupons for 20-40% discounts! For example, I got their amazing Elite DX $120 bibs for $72 during a “12 Days of Christmas” sale, and the $99 Campione shorts for $53 during a “new product launch” special!

Also, at one point they had “Indy” shorts on sale for $35. Yep, just $35 for bib shorts! (Just so long as you don’t mind the indigo color.) But heck, that’s a good deal, even if you only wear them on the indoor trainer!

Ease of Use (Website and Shopping Cart)

For the most part, the VeloWear.com website functions properly. Sometimes the pictures load impossibly slow, or the alternate views of certain items aren’t crystal clear, but that’s my only complaint.

I’ve ordered from them at least five or six times (usually their shorts, which I love,) and ordering has always been flawless. Going through the shopping cart (which they call the “Musette Bag”) is no problem.

Shipping & Handling

Typically, shipping and handling is free! That is just icing on the cake after finding great 40% off discounts!

And the free shipping is relatively fast, so it’s awesome all around.

Customer Service

All in all, the customer service and culture at VeloWear seem pretty cool. They include Tootsie Rolls candy with each order, which is always a welcome treat!

Just the fact that they take the time to add candy for everyone really sets them apart. (It’s way better than getting tons of advertising pamphlets with your order!)

My final verdict is…

If you want Voler gear, this is the place to get it. I’ve always had good luck with this store, and I love getting Voler bib shorts from them.

Check it out.

Official website: www.VeloWear.com

Retailer Name: REI
Website: www.REI.com

Continue reading for my thoughts and opinions on REI, an outdoor gear retailer with products for hiking, biking, camping, paddling, snowboarding, and more…

Product Selection and Availability

Being a general outdoors store, REI doesn’t have a totally enormous cycling section, but it is surprisingly large. You could get a complete bike from REI, or get enough parts and accessories to build a bike and complete your cycling outfit. They even have a few trainers and rollers for winter training, as well as tire pumps, bike locks, etc.

They don’t carry every single brand, but they have quite a few good brands, and that’s all you need. Just to name a few things – Kurt Kinetic trainer, Easton EA70 wheelset, CamelBak MULE, CamelBak Podium bottle, Pearl Izumi Microsensor shorts, Look Keo pedals, Crank Bros Eggbeaters, Stan’s NoTubes, etc.

There was some stuff I couldn’t find – Sidi shoes, Uvex helmets, Castelli jerseys, Nokon brake cables – but that happens with every retailer. (There’s always that one item that you have to search for and buy somewhere else.)

So REI does not carry everything, but there is a redeeming factor – the stuff you don’t usually see at the other bike-specific retailers.

For example, there is a lot of hiking and camping equipment you might need for a 24-hour mountain bike race. Plus, they carry tons of general outdoors stuff that can apply to cycling, like the Seal Skinz waterproof socks and other technical apparel.

Overall, the selection is insanely huge! REI has nearly everything you need for any outdoor sport or activity!

Pricing

Browsing REI.com, it looks like everything sells at the typical retail price. I don’t recall seeing any discounts like they have at Price Point, Nashbar, etc.

For example, the Stan’s NoTubes kit costs $70 at REI, but only $60 at the official NoTubes.com website.

However, REI does have a section called the REI Outlet, and that contains a good bit of gear at 20-50% off. It’s mostly clothing and accessories in odd colors and sizes, but sometimes you can find something good.

Discounts & Coupon Codes

I rarely see any coupon codes for REI. Every so often there is a store-wide sale, and REI coupons do exist, but I don’t see that many.

But there is something called the “REI Membership” and it’s only $20 for life. You get a 10% cash back rebate on eligible purchases, members-only specials, gear rental discounts, and other perks. So that’s the way to go (you have to admit, $20 for life is cheap.)

Ease of Use (Website and Shopping Cart)

The REI website has a very nice design. It’s very clean and easy to navigate. It’s definitely one of the best, if not the best, e-commerce website.

To browse, there’s a horizontal navigation menu in the header with the “fly-out” menu. It’s the easiest to use and understand menu of any outdoor retailer I’ve reviewed.

On the product pages, there are good quality pictures with amazing zoom for up-close viewing, thorough descriptions and size charts, and customer reviews. All of that is laid out nicely, and each section contains the correct information.

The shopping cart works great, too. The Update and Remove buttons are beside each other, which means less scrolling if you need to update anything.

Overall, the REI website blows everyone else away!

Shipping & Handling

Standard shipping ranges from $5.99 to $13.99, which is a few cents more than other retailers, but not anything to worry about. (On the other hand, two-day shipping is expensive relative to other merchants.)

You also have the option of picking up your order at a local REI store, for free.

Customer Service

REI offers a 100% guarantee and they actually mean it. They are great at customer service. They’ll take care of any problem you have with a quick refund or exchange.

When you do need to contact them, it’s easy – phone, live online help, email, and of course, the brick-and-mortar stores.

This is the real reason to shop at REI. The prices aren’t the lowest, but you’re in good hands. (But don’t take it from me – plenty of people are happy with REI.)

My final verdict is…

REI is my favorite place to shop for outdoor stuff. While they don’t have a huge cycling department, that’s fine, because they make up for it by having other stuff like SealSkinz socks.

It’s a great store any way you look at it. I haven’t purchased from them a lot, but I love the stores, and I always hear good things about them from friends who shop there and work there. (REI has been on Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” list since the list started in 1998.)

So that settles it – if REI carries the stuff you want, it would be in your best interest to buy it there!

Official website: www.REI.com

Do you like hiking, cycling, or snowboarding? Do you like to get good deals?

Then say hello to the new Woots on the block: Steep and Cheap, Chain Love, Whiskey Militia, Tram Dock, and BonkTown.

All these sites have the limited-time closeout deals ala Woot.com, but they fulfill your road cycling, mountain biking, freeriding, hiking, snowboarding, and camping needs.

They seem to apply the same “Product narratives are for entertainment purposes” editorial strategy as Woot, too, so you might get a good laugh. (Although if you are looking for nothing more than comedic writing, stick with Woot.)

But if you want outdoor gear on the cheap, here are the sites:

Steep and Cheap

SteapAndCheap.com brings you hiking and outdoor gear.

Typical items include backpacks, jackets, sleeping bags, sunglasses, sandals, etc.

Chain Love

ChainLove.com brings you road cycling and mountain biking parts and accessories.

There is quite a bit of freeride stuff like gloves, full-face helmets, pants, and jerseys. A lot of woman’s shorts and jerseys are there, too. Sometimes there are parts like Shimano cranksets, stems, handlebars, and even a frame or wheelset on occasion.

Whiskey Militia

WhiskeyMilitia.com has cool gear for skaters, snowboarders, and BMX riders.

Typical items include hoodies, longboards, snowboard pants, etc.

Tram Dock

Last but not least, TramDock.com brings you ski gear.

Typical items include ski pants, winter coats, ski socks, ski boots, helmets, etc.

Bonk Town

New for roadies! BonkTown.com (launched about 1/19/09) is for road bike accessories.

Note: These sites are brought to you by online retailer BackCountry.com. It’s a good way for them to sell off overstocked gear, and it’s a good place for us to get good deals!

To stay abreast of all the new deals, each site offers RSS feeds and deals widgets that automatically update with the latest items. (I recommend the Firefox plugin.)