Chicago weather has been totally kicking my ass this year. It seems like every Cubs game this year it rains. I'm talking serious rain. Round up the animals and read boat building books kinda rain!

As a pedi-cabber, I know you can make good cash in the rain. People feel bad for you and think you're getting soaked, so they give you more money. The key is to get some good rain gear, and that way you can out last all the other riders. This is wear 02 raingear comes in. I used to rock Performance's best- you know, the clear rain jacket and pants- both less then $40.

I'm sold on the 02 rain gear. First the jacket- the one they sent me is bright yellow and I'm pretty stoked on it. Last year on tour I got caught in serious rain and was riding on a pretty busy road- semis were blowing past me at 60 miles per hour and I was wishing I had something bright on to make sure I was seen.

The jacket has pit zips to help release some of the humidity that builds up. There is also a mesh pocket in the back with a zipper which also works as a vent. The front zipper has a double storm flap that velcros shut and the neck zips up high with a soft material, so it doesn't rub your neck raw. There is also a hood that rolls up and stuffs into the collar.

Now the important stuff- the outside is what seems like waterproof material, the inside is lined with rubbish waterproof material- the two seem to work great together to keep you dry and not overheated. The one problem I have been having is the zipper seems to be letting in some water now and then. Keep in mind I'm out there for two or three hours plus in pouring rain...I belive if you were riding around town running errands, or even out for a decent ride, you would be fine.

Now the pants- they're built out of the same material and keep me dry. Even my butt- my old pants would leak in the butt because of sitting on the seat, but these seem to stop that. They have zipper pockets in the back to keep a few things in. They have an elastic waist, drawstring, and zipper legs cuffs, so you can slid them over your shoes.

They seem to be sized pretty big. I'm wearing a large because I need the length, but they're big. I wish they were cut tighter, or tapered. I have already ripped a hole in the leg from my chain ring- that’s kind of a bummer. Still a very nice pair of pants. If you're looking for some good, serious rain gear, I would definitely recommend 02's 3 flow series.

-Cole