The bicycle umbrella for rain and shine

The Uberhood is an elongated umbrella that mounts to bicycle handlebars and is intended to protect the rider from sun and rain.

Its makers claim that an aerodynamic shapes means wind resistance is low, but the obvious drawback with such designs is the way they catch the wind from underneath and allow rain to reach the rider from the front.

When it rains, it pours

Cycle insurance from the ETA covers against theft, accidental damage and vandalism (including at race events) includes third insurance, a breakdown recovery service for cyclists and worldwide cover.

Do we need more wet weather gear?

Once in a while we cyclists get wet. It doesn’t happen as often as you’d think, but this doesn’t stop designers coming up with imaginative – if not always effective – ways of keeping us dry. Our rain gear hall of fame includes all manner of jackets, capes, ponchos and leg protectors. Modern waterproof fabrics do a good job of keeping you dry while allowing your skin to breath, but the low-tech and cheaper alternative is to make the most of the fact that you yourself are waterproof and embrace the occasional soaking – just don’t forget to carry a change of clothes.

Rain gear hall of fame	…
Nubrella The Nubrella costs £40 and uses a patented shoulder strap to allow it to be used hands-free. It bears a passing resemblance to the helmet worn by the character Buzz Lightyear in the animated film, Toy Story.
Wearable tent This new design of poncho/tent hybrid may look eccentric, but it is aimed at the many walkers and cycle campers who need waterproof clothing and a tent, but have to keep to a minimum the weight and volume of equipment they carry
Inflatable canopy Italian designer Moshen Saleh has come up with a canopy for bicycles that inflates when it rains. The idea is that for day-to-day the roof is stowed in a handlebar-mounted binnacle. When it rains the canopy is inflated; a framework of air-filled ribs ensuring it keeps its shape
Umbrella coat by Athanasia Leivaditou