The new Cycling Raincoat from Dutch brand Senscommon brings some very high-tech features to an otherwise simple garment, creating the ultimate raincoat for both on and off the bike. The new jacket is a breathable, lightweight over-coat tailored to cycling. Blending modern technology with classic mid-century design, Cyclist Raincoat is meant to span the gap between functional and stylish clothing. The new project just recently went through a successful Kickstarter campaign, and is now available for pre-order directly. Click past the break for a full rundown of its features…
Basing her design around a pedalling motion, Cyclist Raincoat creator Laura Šilinska (not pictured) designed the jacket from scratch. Meant to be a well-used essential, each element of the Cyclist Raincoat was intentionally chosen for quality and durability from suppliers in Europe and Asia. Senscommon have chosen to work with Koojoo, a boutique manufacturer of high-end textiles, for the fabric used in the coat which will use a custom blend of 57% nylon and 43% polyester. After weaving, the fabric gets Hipora waterproofed externally, then waxed and brushed on the inner panels for a soft-touch feel. Boasting a hydrostatic head of 5000mm, the water- and wind-proof fabric is claimed to retain very good breathability. The raincoat will be fully seam-taped to further improve water resistance. With lightweight a key component of the design, the fabric weighs just 104g per square meter, resulting in a complete jacket weight of just 400g (14oz.) Wanting to keep production close-by, Senscommon are having the Cyclist Raincoat built in Northern Poland by Tekosom, a Gold-Level Gore Tex partner.
The Cyclist Raincoat uses a timeless elongated A-line shape but with snaps built into the hems, allowing full closure around the wearer’s knees while riding. This keeps the jacket snug and safely away from the mechanics of the bike while also keeping the rider’s legs dry. According to Senscommon, their new jacket offers max protection, while never getting in your way. Taking careful account of a riding position, the raglan sleeves have been extended and feature a stepped cuff, ensuring full coverage and protection from the elements without interfering with the bike’s controls. The jacket also features a hood shaped specifically to enhance side and peripheral fields of view, and gets a stiff bonded-in brim intended to withstand strong winds, a design they took from sailing jackets. In addition to the leg closures and hood, the raincoat has an adjustable waistband that is positioned low enough to wear a bag underneath the coat.
Adding to its list of features, the coat can be sealed into its own 22 cm x 28 cm waterproof pouch, which will keep the rest of the things in your bag dry even if when coat is wet. When it comes time to dry your Raincoat, it can be hung from loops on the inside or the outside, the latter can also be used for suspending a taillight on. Aiding breathability are bonded, laser cut vents in the armpits, ensuring plenty of airflow. With a mind towards its low-visibility environs of a rainy city commute, the Cyclist Raincoat has black reflective ink printed on the elbows of the coat, which remain discreet during the day but reflect brightly when lights shine on them, providing visibility especially when signaling a turn. Whether on the bike, train or in your car, Senscommon’s unisex design and innovative features are raising the bar of functional cycling gear. The jacket is available for preorder on their website for €190 with free international shipping included.
