NIKWAX - waterproofing for Goretex

For anyone who has that slightly deflating soggy feeling that comes from having your highly prized and priced, Gortex or other waterproof garment lose its water repellent properties, do not despair there is an answer.

Most people who cycle regularly have purchased a specialist cycling waterproof garment; it’s an indictment of our climate that thoughts of how to stay dry are very soon at the top of a new cyclists shopping list. There are some great garments out there to buy, ranging from £30 - £250, lighter and breathable usually equates to more expensive. Having made the purchase most people find that their garment is very effective at keeping them dry in moderate rainfall. Problems with the waterproofing can appear after as little as three months, usually after the first couple of washes. How many of us take notice of the washing instructions? How many of us are told by the salesperson that how you wash your garment is critical to maintaining its water-resistant abilities? Washing with a non-biological detergent is essential. Use a biological detergent and your garment deteriorates very quickly!

So here we go, the solution, tried and tested by Lewisham Cyclists. If you’ve already washed all the water repellent qualities from your garment the good news is that it can be completely re-proofed and rejuvenated. The process is very simple. First wash your garment thoroughly with a non-biological detergent. Then wash again using NIKWAX TX DIRECT WASH-IN. Lastly tumble dry on a low setting. TX DIRECT WASH-IN also maintains the breathability of the fabric. A bottle with enough for two treatments costs £6. There are other NIKWAX products available for different fabrics. Information on the different NIKWAX products is available on their website, www.nikwax.co.uk.

Once you have completed this simple process you are ready to resume your riding with a fully waterproof garment. A couple of us at Lewisham Cyclists have tried this treatment and we whole heartedly recommend it.