Stay Dry While You Bike

Classify this post in the "Cool" folder. The Dutch push bike innovation to the extreme and now have introduced DryBike. This device allows you to attach your umbrella to your bike, so you stay dry while you ride, or at least as dry as you would stay walking with an umbrella. The DryBike attaches to your handlebar at one end and a clamp at the upper end holds your opened umbrella. An adjustable arm lets you position the umbrella so you can have it held just right to block the rain. When not needed, the arm folds down so it's out of the way.

At $50 shipped from The Netherlands (umbrella not included), it ain't cheap, but how cool to be the first in your neighborhood riding around with one of these?

Paul DeMaio, BikeArlington

p.s. - This product is not to be used during hurricanes.

Comments

[Melissa]

This definitely beats my usual method of holding the umbrella with one hand and steering with the other. The first time I attempted it, it was nearly blown out of my hands by the wind, and even now that I am used to it, I wouldn't be comfortable doing it in heavy traffic because I take a little more room when I am steering one-handed.

You're right though; $50 is a little much with shipping from the Netherlands (unless you bike-commute in Seattle, where it would likely be a worthy investment). I wonder what could be jerry-rigged to give a similar effect?

[BeyondDC]

Not to put words in anybody's mouth, but I wonder if Bulldog is making the faulty assumption that everyone bikes for recreation / exercise, and not as normal day-to-day transportation.

When you bike for transportation you can't necessarily simply choose not to bike just because it's raining, nor are you worried about going so fast that an umbrella would become unsafe.

Of course using an umbrella in this manner would be silly if you are speed-biking down the W&OD trail, but it makes great sense if you're commuting to work from Adams Morgan to Farragut Square.

[Paul]

This is rain gear - Dutch Style. :)

[Bulldog]

I think the Dutch are having fun with us.If it is real and not a joke then it will ceate one heck of a safety issue.If youwant to ride n the rain (?) then ar rain gear and not try to look like Mary Poppins!