Not sure what to wear to cycle in the rain? There’s an app for that

KiwiMike wrote:

My initial response was to say what a bunch of patronising BS, but that wouldn't be productive, so I won't.

My initial response was to suggest you might want to stop taking a bit of banter on the internet quite so personally, but I then remembered that what we're actually discussing is an app that tells you how to put clothes on and it's kind of making me sad thinking about it.

Nick T wrote:

KiwiMike wrote:

My initial response was to say what a bunch of patronising BS, but that wouldn't be productive, so I won't.

My initial response was to suggest you might want to stop taking a bit of banter on the internet quite so personally, but I then remembered that what we're actually discussing is an app that tells you how to put clothes on and it's kind of making me sad thinking about it.

Nick, in my view inferring someone lacks common sense and is a fool goes beyond 'banter' - amongst friends/colleagues maybe, but we are neither.

p.s. As you and a few others seem to have rather missed thepo pint here, to clarify: it's not an app to 'tell you how to put clothes on' - it's an apparently exhaustively-tuned and tested algorithm that takes input from weather forecasts (of which you may be unaware), matches against your personal temperature preferences and suggests suitable garb to ensure enhanced comfort across your ride.

http://www.thewashingmachinepost.net/what_to_wear/

KiwiMike wrote:

Nick, in my view inferring someone lacks common sense and is a fool goes beyond 'banter' - amongst friends/colleagues maybe, but we are neither.

There you go again, taking it personally. I haven't directed anything towards you, other than the replies that include quotes, just airing my opinion as anyone is entitled to. If you get use out this app, great. I'm happy.

Algorithms is a bit grandiose for what essentially "it's 5C - wear a base layer and it's going rain at 11:30 so take a gilet". I could knock up an app on the Spectrum that does pretty much the same thing

Nick T wrote:

KiwiMike wrote:

Nick, in my view inferring someone lacks common sense and is a fool goes beyond 'banter' - amongst friends/colleagues maybe, but we are neither.

There you go again, taking it personally. I haven't directed anything towards you, other than the replies that include quotes, just airing my opinion as anyone is entitled to. If you get use out this app, great. I'm happy.

Algorithms is a bit grandiose for what essentially "it's 5C - wear a base layer and it's going rain at 11:30 so take a gilet". I could knock up an app on the Spectrum that does pretty much the same thing

Sure. If you read the TWMP review including interview with the developer, you'll see it is indeed an algorithm. It takes various inputs including your personal hot/cold preference, factors in wind chill, sun/cloud/rain, temperature, and gives a result in optimal clothing.

I think Brian nails it in terms of the wisdom of pelotons/crowds: it's hit and miss even for the most experienced. He'll, look at the number of Cyclist mag articles where the Big Ride author suffers miserably as a result of misjudging local conditions in an unfamiliar place. This not only removes a lot of guesswork, it removes the likelihood of forgetting/brainfade.

It is interesting seeing this be used as a proxy willy-waving contest. OK, *fine*: anyone who hates the idea is clearly a much more expereinced, better-equipped 'cyclist' with a mind like a steel trap

IanW1968 wrote:

Imagine setting off on a ride then realising you didn't have the correct grade of techno knickers on ...disaster.

If you didn't appreciate that 3hrs into a 5hr ride a front was due to come through and dump a load of rain, blow like crazy and drop the temp by 10 degrees, yes - it could really ruin your day. Have had this happen meself, I bet most others have too. Having something prompt you to wear a water-repellent fleece-lined tight instead of plain lycra or to bring along the Nanoflex leggies could turn an otherwise miserable end to your day into something quite bearable.

I don't underestimate the smug snarkage to be had from this - because all those snarking have never, ever misjudged conditions before setting out on a long day.

This review seems to sum up my thoughts: http://sportivecyclist.com/what-to-wear-cycling-review/