The rainy season is coming again this year (there are even rumors that it will arrive early). One option is to simply not ride your bike during this time, but we’ve just received some rain gear from the U.S. that will make rainy-day rides enjoyable. As some of you may know, it’s been a while since we’ve had CleverHood in stock.
We have two styles in stock this time: their signature poncho-style Rover Rain Cape and the new Anorak model. I bought these (because I wanted them myself), and both are incredibly good, top-tier recommendations. (It’s been a while since clothing got me this excited.)
The Comfort of Subtraction
CleverHood is a cycling apparel brand based in Providence, south of Boston, USA. What makes them unique is that they are a "manufacturer specializing in rain gear."
And as you can tell when you see the actual products, they design with a minimalist aesthetic that balances pragmatism with beauty. Rather than adding on, they subtract, stripping away the unnecessary—you can really feel the pride of a specialized manufacturer.
In a word, they are beautiful.
Despite their minimalist design, they are fully functional. They use a waterproof, breathable material with a water resistance rating of 15,000mm, capable of withstanding heavy rain. Unlike gear from typical outdoor brands, a key feature is that the surface of the fabric has a very soft finish (due to a peach-skin process). Even in neutral colors, the fabric has very clear coloration, which makes it fashionable while also playing a role in increasing visibility for car drivers.
The logos on the front and back are reflective prints, keeping cyclists safe at night.
The hood is sized to fit both over and under a helmet. There’s also comfort you only notice after using it, like the placement of drawcords that are easy to adjust even while wearing gloves.
It’s a textbook example of design that ensures the safety performance essential for cycling while applying a fashion-forward sensibility. When people try to pursue functionality, they often end up adding all sorts of things, but I have a lot of respect for their commitment to keeping it minimal.
Anorak
Price: ¥21,800 (tax included)
The defining feature of the Anorak is the detail at the hem.
With slits at the sides and a longer back than the front, it’s designed to provide balance while in a forward-leaning riding posture.
The front pocket features two compartments: a kangaroo pocket accessible from the sides, and a zippered pocket. This allows you to separate things you need to grab quickly from things you don't want to get wet.
Additionally, the front zipper with its wind guard prevents water from entering around the neck and also functions as ventilation (to regulate climate inside the garment).
Color: Black, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue
Size: Short (Mens XS~S/Womens S~M)
Regular (Mens S~M/Womens M~L)
Tall (Mens L~XL,Womens L~XL)
Price: ¥21,800 (tax included)
Rover Rain Cape
Price: ¥17,800
I considered many ways to explain the Rover Rain Cape, but the official video is the easiest to understand, so I’ll focus on that.
Before I get into the explanation, I’ll share my personal opinion: I always keep a poncho on hand for cycling, and I’ve tried many different ones. While it might sound biased since I’m the one stocking them, in my opinion, this has the best balance of design and functionality currently on the market. Honestly, if there’s anything better, please let me know! As a poncho fan, I’d want to look into stocking it immediately...! → Contact me via DM here
The Rover Rain Cape is a super simple poncho.
Just slip your fingers into the thumb loops sewn into the back of the fabric, hold onto the handlebars, and you're set for the rain.
This alone keeps the poncho from fluttering significantly while riding, but if you pass the separately sold Rover Belt around your back, you can minimize rain blowing in even in strong winds.
Color: Black, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue
Size: Short (~165cm)
Regular (165~188cm)
Tall (188cm~)
Price: ¥17,800 (tax included)
If you equip your bike with something like SimWorks by Honjo fenders alongside your CleverHood, you’ll have a comfortable setup that won't have you worrying about road spray even on rainy days! (It’s my personal opinion, but it seriously keeps you completely dry.)
Minimal details that are well-thought-out precisely because they are simple. CleverHood isn't a "trendy" brand, they aren't famous, and they aren't necessarily something everyone will want.
They don't do grandiose marketing; they are a fantastic company committed to bicycle culture while steadily doing exactly what they need to do.
In any case, I highly recommend all the CleverHood products we have in stock this time. I want to continue introducing such products and makers to you all, and I would be very happy if you could have a chance to try them out.
