Yesterday's rain was tough.
Yes, "February rain" is tough.
I've known it since my days as a messenger.
It's cold outside, the rain is freezing, my wet fingers ache, and my wet feet get frostbite.
Even for someone like me who welcomes getting wet in the summer rain, "February rain" is truly harsh.
But with this, it becomes incredibly comfortable.
How To Cleverhood from Cleverhood on Vimeo.
The rain cape from Cleverhood.
It is made by people involved in the textile industry and fashion design in Rhode Island, USA.
I own one myself.
I've been using it quite a bit, so I'd like to re-introduce its great features.
First, there are the magnets attached to the arm-holes, referred to in the video as "Magnetic Arm-holes," which allow for easy access to your hands.
Even while riding, you can smoothly put your hands through, and once you pull them back in, the magnets snap shut naturally, making it very user-friendly.
Then, there are the "Clever Thumb Loops" located inside the cape, right near those holes.
By lightly looping your thumbs through these, the cape stays stable and doesn't flap around while cycling.
And, while not a feature with a specific name, another excellent point is how easy it is to wear a helmet with it.
Compared to standard products, the neck area is slim, and the construction from the neck to the hood means you won't feel choked at all even with a helmet strap on.
It’s a great relief that a daily essential like a helmet—which is even more important on rainy days when the risk of accidents increases—is so easy to wear.
Also, the woven-in reflective fibers glow at night, making night riding very safe.
These details show a deep understanding that a bicycle is a vehicle and safety requires careful attention.
While the Cleverhood has all these great points, it does have one drawback.
Because it provides such full coverage, it gets very hot.
In the summer, it's almost too hot for a heavy sweater like me.
But then again, I don't use rain gear in the summer, and in the winter, this warmth is an excellent feature.
If you wear a Cleverhood and ride a bike with full fenders, you don't have to fear the dreaded "February rain."
The Cleverhood is waiting quietly for you on the second floor of Circles.
I hope it helps you if you feel like the "February rain" is breaking your spirit.
And, surprisingly, we just received a new version that is even better than the one I use.
I'll be introducing it on the Circles blog soon, but for those who can't wait, it is also featured on today's SimWorks website, so please make sure to check it out.