Tuesday, March 1, 2011

rainwear survey for bicyclists

Dear Readers:

I'm conducting a decidedly UNscientific survey of bicyclists and rainwear. Please feel free to answer the questions below:

1. Would you describe yourself as:
a. Year-round commuter in all weather
b. Year-round commuter in all but snow and ice
c. Year-round commuter in all but snow, ice and really, really cold/heavy rain
d. Fair-weather commuter

2. If you answered a, b or c above, do you ride in a rainy climate at least two months out of the year where you live?

3. If you use bicycle rainwear when you ride, do you prefer:
a. raincape with optional leggings/gaiters/spats
b. rain suit (jacket and pants)

3a. Do you wear waterproof shoe covers?

4. When cycling rainwear is advertised as "waterproof", do you expect your rainwear to keep you:
a. Totally dry; garment should repel the rain AND allow my perspiration to pass through fabric to outside
b. Nearly entirely dry; some condensation from my sweat is just part of the deal
c. Mostly dry; some leakage is to be expected, especially in any garment that offers venting

5. When cycling rainwear is advertised as "waterproof", how long do you expect it to keep you dry?
a. 1-3 years
b. 3-5 years
c. 5-7 years

6. When cycling rainwear is advertised as "waterproo/breathable", how long do you expect it to keep you dry?
a. 1-3 years
b. 3-5 years
c. 5-7 years

7. How often do you launder your bicycle rainwear?
a. never
b. once every 3-5 years
c. every year
d. 3-5 times a year
e. More than 6 times a year

8. Do you launder bicycle rainwear according to manufacturer's instructions, including use of recommended specialty detergents and re-proofers for athletic apparel?

9. How much are you willing to pay for a bicycle rain jacket or pants advertised as "waterproof"?
a. $50-80
b. $80-100
c. $100-150
d. over $150

10. How much are you willing to pay for a bicycle rain jacket or pants advertised as "waterproof/breathable"?
a. $80-100
b. $100-150
c. $150-200
d. over $200

11. (Optional) Favorite and least favorite brands of bicycle rainwear by name:

To save space in your response please just refer to questions by number. Feel free to invite your friends to respond too. I would do this at some survey web site but haven't figured out how to use those yet. Or which one. There seem to be several. Thanks for bearing with me here.

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