Cycling in the rain?

Question

What do you watch out for? how do you prepare?

Answer 1

Regarding preparation, acquire and use the following gear.

1. A rain jacket and rain pants specifically made for cycling. The jacket has an extended back that covers your backside as well as vents to help keep you cooler. The rain pants do not restrict your movement and allow you to pedal freely. The pants have a velco closing system at the bottom of each leg to keep the pant's fabric away from gears.

2. Waterproof socks such as Sealskins. They are expensive but well worth it.

3. Waterproof cycling-shoe covers. I recommend the Burley brand sold by Adventurecycling.org.

4. A waterproof helmet cover.

Rain combined with cold can be expecially difficult and even dangerous, especially in higher elevations or when riding long distances between civilization. Consider acquiring an insulated skull cap that fits under your helmet.

Most or all of these items can be found through REI.com or adventurecycling.com

David Y.

Answer 2

Fully waterproof clothing works great if you aren't going to ride far and fast enough to sweat much. If you are, then you're going to get wet either way and it's more important to stay warm. Dress for about 10F lower than the actual air temperature. A good light weight wind shell will keep you pretty warm even when you're completely soaked and is easy to pack up if the rain stops.

Most importantly: Don't ride through puddles. Potholes on the road generally form where standing water accumulates. If you can't ride around a puddle because of traffic or some other obstruction, ride through it as slowly as possible.

Answer 3

Mud guards are OK. I would also look at an over boot. Shower proof jacket and water proof gloves. Lights are also a good idea.

Right, as for what to look out for, it is the same as any other sort of vehicle. Oil patches, leaves, mud and big pot holes (Hidden in puddles). You might want to do a bit of forward planning, since your brakes may not be as efficient.

Also, mud. This stuff if great, but you will have no traction XC. Get skinny 1.8 tyres so that you don't clog up and have to carry the bike. Your braking will not be as efficient and you may dump you front wheel quickly. Get into the attack position and expect a lot of slide. Note: This is great fun, but keep a change of clothes ready at home, or in car.

The other thing to watch out for XC is rocks and roots. These will become quite slick and you might loose your front wheel unexpectedly.

However, I can tell you what to watch out for from now until, just get out there and get wet.

Luck

Answer 4

All the above is good. In addition, any paint on the pavement is very slick. You'll want glasses to keep the rain out of your eyes. Keep leaning on turns to a minimum. Cross railroad tracks etc perpendicular. Check your breaks every so often to keep aware of your current braking ability. If you're riding hard your glasses can fog, try some anti-fog spray. If the rain is cold your feet, legs and hands will chill too. Have a small cloth (hankie) to wipe the rain from your eyes, rain will run down the inside of your helmet on to your face.

Answer 5

Watch out for slick spots - common things are the grease/oil strip in the middle of a lane, the white stripes, manhole covers, anything metal gets like ice.

Generally take it easier, leave more room for braking, turn slower, be more conservative.

If you have fenders, they work great. Use 'em.

Wear warmer clothing and a rain shell. You'll get wet no matter what, but I'd rather be wet from sweat than from cold rain.

Answer 6

You do not need to fear approximately rust on such a lot fine motorcycles considering that such a lot it it's fabricated from aluminum and could have chrome steel add-ons or different alloys. It wont harm to however a bit of oil at the nuts and different fasteners. They generally tend to get a bit of rust on them. Use a q-tip with a bit of oil on it to coat the within at the allen bolts. They generally tend to rust there first. I like to place a bit of grease on the entire threads at the water bottle screws, seat publish, and the pedals. Wipe the motorbike down after a journey within the rain and also you wish mave any hindrance.

Answer 7

Additionally, wear a shower cap--the thin, transparent disposable kind-- under your helmet to keep your head dry. You could wear wear it over your helmet, too, but you could get funny looks.

Prepare your bike's weather-proofness. Wax your frame and fork. Make sure everything that must be lubed is well lubed. Plug holes to prevent water from creeping in.

Mount reflectors, blinking lights, and a high-intensity headlight on your bike and even on yourself. Increasing your visibility to traffic is critical. If you can, wear a traffic vest--one of those mesh materials with big day-glo orange or yellow X's.

Ride SUPER defensively. Motorists may not be as alert, vigilant, or have as tuned reflexes as you'll have psyched up yourself.

Finally, prepare yourself to clean and re-lube your bike immediately when you reach home. Clear drain holes and position your bike to drain well.

Answer 8

Fenders at the very least and maybe a light raincoat that can fit in a handlebar bag. Wet roads can also be dangerous so slightly larger tires for more grip (not knobbies). Watch out for washed out places in the road, they can throw you at high speed.