Well I've searched and come up with the Frogg Toggs and the likes for myself to wear, but for those long 12 hour stretches that I'm locked in the office, should I worry about a cover or something for those torrential downpours that are known to creep in over the summer months?

I've got a cover for when I'm at the house, since unfortunately I don't have a garage, or should I just carry that with me and toss it on here while its pouring down? I'm just afraid all that water isn't going to be healthy for my new baby.

(As a side note, I'm asking this because we're slated to have freaky t-showers for the next few days here and as much as I want to ride to work, I don't want to leave my bike in the rain if its gonna hurt it. That and this is going to be my daily ride, rain or shine.)

A cover would be a good idea for those conditions, but there are other options than the bulky full covers. One of my friends has one that basically covers the top third of the bike, but leaves the bottom unprotected. That means that the seat, the tank, the instruments, the headlight, and taillight are all covered but the rest is pretty much open. That strikes me as a good solution for traveling.

Ahh.... I hadn't thought about the half-cover. I'll have to look into finding one that'll fit in the pack easily. Thank you :D

A little water won't hurt the bike.

Well I've searched and come up with the Frogg Toggs and the likes for myself to wear...
Froggs are all right but if you'll be doing much riding in the rain you'll wanna get something a bit more durable and from fitting.

Had mine for about 3 years now. Use them on the odd occasion that I'm forced to ride in the rain and maybe 3-4 times a year hiking... They've started to leak in certain placed where lots of bending takes place and some of the snaps are starting to pull out.

I haven't yet invested in rain gear, but I have heard that the Frogg Togs are the best for a lightweight packing, and they're pretty rainproof. Not much wind/cold protection, but that's bulk. I'd like to think I won't get caught in too much rain. :D For all kinds of gear, equipment, etc., we have had great luck with Whitehorse Gear in North Conway, NH. These guys are really just a mail order outlet, but they have pretty much everything, and what they don't have, they can get. My husband and I took a ride up (we're in seacoast NH) on our bikes (his 919, my 599), and it turns out that Whitehorse is happy to have people browse as long as you want through the warehouse. It's nothing fancy, for sure, but what a great way to spend an afternoon! The folks are really friendly and helpful, but let you wander around at your leisure. Not to mention it's a great ride from here to there! We've bought both on the premises and on the Web. Check it out. These guys are all riders with a wealth of experience.

http://www.whitehorsepress.com/index.php

Walmart the Destroyer of Small Rain Gear M&P's.

If you're not too style conscious, then you can't beat rain gear found in the sporting goods. Definitely better than Frogg Toggs. Toggs tear easily taking on and off in the especially in the hurried mode at roadside.
Then it's like Rnd stated,
Had mine for about 3 years now. Use them on the odd occasion that I'm forced to ride in the rain and maybe 3-4 times a year hiking... They've started to leak in certain placed where lots of bending takes place and some of the snaps are starting to pull out.

I have a white pair that I've used a few times and they're fine. I sure the Seattle commuter may need an extra good pair, but it rains enough here in the summer months so they are permently on my bike (s).

For hiking though they can't be beat (frogs). Weight is next to nothing, pack really tight, cheap (for hiking gear) and best part...they breath! but the hood sucks so I'd make sure you had a good hat or something... But yes, durability is an issue.

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you Tom. I'm not really hip to a super heavy set for rain gear, since mostly they'll be for emergency "I just want to get home" use.

Silly question, but does someone make a generally cheap rain setup that you could throw under the seat for those freak storms? Nothing dramatic, but something I wouldn't mind using once and throwing it away since I'm fairly certain I'd never be able to pack it back in the package once I opened it.

Gonna hit the sports store after payday and see what they got in stock.