I've bought my bike about half an year ago and it became my only mean of transportation. Because I’m sort of a newbie in this area I’m wondering- how do one ride in the rain? I live in a hot country, it rains occasionally in the winter, but the temperatures are still high. I’m used to wearing a t shirt and a mini skirt throughout the winter- I guess I could wear a raincoat, but I'll be really hot.
Any advice and ideas would be welcomed :P
2007-11-20 19:53:09 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
Thanks for the answers, but I ride my bike in order to get from one place to another- work, for example. I’m sure my boss will appreciate me showing up with a wet tee, but I'd rather stay dry. I’m wondering what about my hair- I don’t want it to get wet either. If I wear a wool hat or a beanie it’ll still get soaked…
2007-11-21 00:38:37 · update #1
Water resistant outter wear is available for cycling and other sports. They are designed to shed water but breath as well keeping you cooler. As you realize, a raincoat would retain your body heat and you'd sweat heavily.
2007-11-20 22:40:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The differences between riding "dry" and riding "wet" are simply to take things a little slower, allowing longer stopping distances (due to wet brakes/rims and road surfaces), and watching out for puddles - particularly where you can't see the bottom or don't know the actual depth.
As to keeping yourself presentable for work: invest in a waterproof backpack or other bag you can sling on your back. Make sure it's large enough to carry your clothes (including shoes) and anything else you need to bring to work. Wear "ride" style clothing like shorts and a tee, but bring your work clothes in the bag. Works better in warm summer weather as well ... you don't lose the creases, etc (although describing yourself as wearing a mini and a tee as work clothing probably means you don't really have to worry about that detail!).
There are light, breathable, waterproof (or at least water-resistant) jackets available; some have hoods, others don't. You *should* be riding with a helmet anyway ... so your hair is going to get a little mussed and probably wet on the way to work. Take a comb and anything else you might need in your backpack, and tidy up on arrival.
If you have a locker or something liek that at work, you could take several days' worth of clothing in one trip, and simply change when you arrive. Bring the "used" clothing home after work, to be cleaned and returned. (That's how I handle it - I bring in my week's worth on Saturday mornings as I'm heading out for my weekend long ride, and bring the used clothing home every night Monday-Friday. Do the laundry Friday night, and I'm off again the next day to repeat the cycle.)
2007-11-21 01:25:23 · answer #2 · answered by CanTexan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only reason I would consider protective gear is to stay warm. If that's not a problem, just wear something that won't be damaged by water or get cumbersome from absorbing it.
Commuting to work presents other issues, like a waterproof bag to carry a change of clothes.
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Can't help you with staying dry. If I were to wear protective clothing in a warm rain, I'd be drenched with sweat anyway by the time I got where I was going.
If you're going a very short distance (less than 10 miles) and can afford the time to go very slow to keep your heart rate down, you might be able to get away with it.
See performancebike.com for a wide assortment of rain gear.
2007-11-21 00:26:19 · answer #3 · answered by silverbullet 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Wow, wet T shirt and mini. Can I ride with you?
Anyway, seriously, you can get foldable shower proof jackets that miraculously turn into bum bags etc.
Also, MBR have just done a product test on waterproof jackets. The jackets that scored 9 or above are:
Endura Stealth £150 470g
Motane Velocity DT £89.99 254g
Pace 3x3 Even £99.99 263g
Altura Crosslite £79.99 290g (recommend)
Vaude Cross £110 338g (Hood)
Gore Bike Wear Alp X £164.99 293g
Salomon Speed £100 309g
Luck
2007-11-21 00:06:20 · answer #4 · answered by Alice S 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A tee and mini skirt...... Hmmmmmmmm
Well it may change your overall appearance, but I would suggest biking shorts under your mini, continue to wear your tee if you like the wet tee look, and enjoy the rain. You may want to carry a dry towel in a plastic bag to dry off with when you reach your destination. But most of all enjoy the warm rain on your body!
2007-11-20 23:10:04 · answer #5 · answered by Jim H 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Get yourself some lightweight waterproof gear, a jacket and perhaps also a waterproof bag or backpack.
It doesn't rain a lot where I am, either, I usually wear a waterproof jacket and shorts, and also have waterproof panniers that I can put a change of clothes and other things in if need be.
2007-11-20 20:29:46 · answer #6 · answered by ccmonty 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't know where you're from, but in Colorado it SNOWS in winter!
You ride in cycle-specific clothing, for one. A rubber raincoat doesn't brerathe, so you get sweaty. Maybe you should just bring a towel and a change of clothing with you.
2007-11-21 01:22:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
well, it depends on the type of riding you do, if it is ramps, you can go to a indoor skate park, if it is cross country or road riding, it is best to go when it is not raining.
2007-11-24 07:23:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about a bicycle but i ride my Harley rain or shine, in the winter some of the time unless there's snow on the road,don't wanna bust my @ss on thet slipery stuff lol
2007-11-20 20:02:18 · answer #9 · answered by low_hd_rider 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Pedal faster!!!
2007-11-20 19:56:37 · answer #10 · answered by sees_lwo_na 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋