cycling in the dark and cold/wet

[deeayen]

i want to start cycling to and from work, its only a 26 mile round trip, and do double this distance regularly, no problem with that..
just slightly worried i will have to take loads more care and maybe go slower to avoid falling off as its bound to be wet a lot of the time at this time of year?

 

[Cubist]

i want to start cycling to and from work, its only a 26 mile round trip, and do double this distance regularly, no problem with that..
just slightly worried i will have to take loads more care and maybe go slower to avoid falling off as its bound to be wet a lot of the time at this time of year?

There's no such thing as the worng weather, just the wrong kit.

This time of year you need to be especially careful of rush hour traffic, it's easy to be caught out with failing light etc. Good lights with backups, a quality breathable showerproof jacket, plus waterproof for when it's arsing it down should see you right.

As for sliding on wet roads, bike tyres don't skid on water, but they DO skid on wet leaves, and especially wet road paint. Bear this in mind especially when you are braking or changing direction. Otherwise, it's just about a positive mindset for those days when the wind lashes the rain against the bedrrom window .................

 

[Steve Austin]

AS much visibility as possible. couple of fluoro ankle straps works a treat in addition to lights.

 

[Jonathan M]

There's no such thing as the worng weather, just the wrong kit.

Agree.

As for sliding on wet roads, bike tyres don't skid on water, but they DO skid on wet leaves, and especially wet road paint.

Can we also add road metal work, diesel, & the organic detritus that can fester in the lesser used edges of roads? I hate being on the bike at any time and getting a stench of diesel, when it is wet, it makes my sphincter muscle go all twitchy.....

 

[Cubist]

Can we also add road metal work, diesel, & the organic detritus that can fester in the lesser used edges of roads? I hate being on the bike at any time and getting a stench of diesel, when it is wet, it makes my sphincter muscle go all twitchy.....

Aye!

 

[g00se]

Quick tip on braking downhill on greasy wet roads. especially if you've got good brakes - shift you weight as far back as you can otherwise the back wheel can lock up and slide out.

 

[Randochap]

Comfort in inclement weather all comes down to the right kit.

First, as above, make sure you have full coverage mudguards and a front mudflap at minimum.

Watch out for the dangers mentioned above and black ice at freezing. Studded tyres are available if ice & snow persist for long in your area.

Approach cold/wet-weather dressing with layers.

There's plenty of info specific to winter cycling on VeloWeb (this is Canada!)

 

[lit]

Don't bother with a back mudguard, it's only going to protect your back and a bit of mud does you good.

 

[davidg]

Don't bother with a back mudguard, it's only going to protect your back and a bit of mud does you good.

on that basis, is it worth bothering with a front one? If it is raining hard enough for that to matter, you are getting wet anyway!

I dont have mudguards...

 

[deeayen]

cheers for all the advice guys.... personally i think ill chicken out as soon as it looks like raining
did it today and was alright, had my front light blinking all the way home in the dark and it made my eyes go funny once i got in the car afterwards. thats it though, hope i can keep it up

 

[HJ]

Don't bother with a back mudguard, it's only going to protect your back and a bit of mud does you good.

It is considered polite when commuting to have full mud guards, there are others using the same roads, they don't want to be sprayed if they happen to be behind you...

 

[solmisation]

I use a downtube mudguard, it works very well, stops all the crap getting kicked up into your face.

 

[purplepolly]

on that basis, is it worth bothering with a front one? If it is raining hard enough for that to matter, you are getting wet anyway!.

No I'm not, I stay nice and dry. Unless it's warm weather in which case I get wet and cooled down.

Besides mudguards aren't just about keeping you dry, they're about keeping the mud off and everything else you might cycle through like dog sh!t.

 

[summerdays]

Don't bother with a back mudguard, it's only going to protect your back and a bit of mud does you good.

Nope the person behind would really love it if you used a rear mudguard, otherwise overtake and move away quick rather than just sitting in front of me.

 

[lit]

Nope the person behind would really love it if you used a rear mudguard, otherwise overtake and move away quick rather than just sitting in front of me.

Well if I want to ride without one I will.