From the invention of the bicycle to the present day, inventors of all times and all ages have devised equipment to protect against rain when cycling.

They were sometimes a bit crazy, sometimes very ingenious, and they won’t all go down in the Cycling Hall of Fame.

However, each of them has contributed in their own way to cycling and making cycling easier regardless of the weather. We wish to pay tribute here to all these budding inventors and cycling MacGyvers!

The beginnings of bicycle roofs

In the second half of the 19^th century, specific weather protection systems for these mobile machines were developed, such as umbrella attachments to the bicycle frame.

Here is the filmed testimony of an enlightened and passionate inventor from the 1930s who presents his bicycle umbrella 

Later, in the 1940s, a patent for an articulated bicycle canopy was filed. The inventor specifies in his patent that his product’s mission is to ” make life easier for those who are required daily to travel long distances to get to their work, and this in any weather “.

This equipment was already intended to replace or complement rain jackets or rain gear. The ancestor of the bicycle commuter was therefore already the center of attention !

Bicycles roofs to protect against the rain

In the 1960s, more imposing structures—in the form of rigid and necessarily heavy protective shells using the technical means available at the time—tended to improve this sought-after protection against bad weather.

Aerodynamics and wind resistance were probably not the first criteria for performance they were looking for, but rain guards were genuine roofs that already showed us how to ride a bike in the rain.

Some intriguing innovations can be found in the archives of the many patents filed on the subject. The technical diagram below may indeed be surprising as it looks like a modern solar panel is supplying the bicycle’s energy. Mais il n’en est rien, il s’agit en fait d’un toit vélo pluie déroulable au-dessus du cycliste! 

The end of the 20th century also had some surprises in store, like this rain gear that was designed for Tour de France riders.

But make no mistake, its color in no way indicates that our cyclist is wearing the yellow jersey, because in terms of aerodynamics, it is not certain that he will cross the finish line first! 

Bub-up® by Rainjoy: The joy of staying dry while biking in the rain

Having said all this, it would be easy for us to present our Bub-up® as the most successful product.

We’d prefer being a bit more modest and say that it’s certainly the easiest and most ergonomic product on the market.

Unlike other existing bicycle tops or canopies, the Bub-up® fits like a backpack and two hook-and-loop fasteners fit onto any bicycle handlebar. The result is extremely simple to install and comfortable to use.

Transport is just as simple: The Bub-up® can be quickly folded into its 40-cm integrated storage bag and can be carried on a rack or over the shoulder.

Leave your poncho or rain cape in the closet; The Bub-up® is now your ultimate protection when cycling in the rain!