Rain can quickly snafu your inspiration of biking to the office. The drip-drop sounds on a window-pane in the AM, and your well-intended bike commuting plans are on hold.

Don’t make excuses to avoid pedaling to work. The Novara Verita Bike Jacket helps by protecting against wet and wind on rainy day office rides.

A nuclear orange color and reflective tape along the seams makes it easy to spot in low light conditions.  A high collar, rip-and-stick wrist gaiters and an elastic waist repels wind on a ride, run or hike. Novarra touts the Verita Bike Jacket to protect against winds up to 60 miles per hour.

The Novara Verita Bike Jacket is not perfect.  The eVent breathable membrane tends to trap heat causing you to slightly overheat.  Sweat drips down your arms and out the wrist holes at times.

The high collar can be uncomfortable.  It protects against the rain, but the edge of the collar rubs your chin while running.  A slightly shorter collar would be more comfortable.

images/REIThe Novara Verita Bike Jacket keeps you dry and is comfortable.  A jacket for the wet climates of Northern California, Pacific Northwest or anywhere rain gets in the way. ($159)

Darian Ahler is part of the WeekendMonkey.com team, a new website that will launch in May 2011. Users can view and submit outdoor gear reviews and recommended locations for outdoor recreation.