Riding in the wet

[Lee_M]

If its raining before I set off I find the best plan is to sit down and drink coffee and wait for a dry day

 

[defy-one]

excellent advice Lee

 

[Lee_M]

excellent advice Lee

Which is exactly what I did this morning.

Forecast says horrible today, better tomorrow, so tomorrow it is then

Hopefully that also avoids having to clean the bike too!

 

[musa]

Main thing is to keep warm. You'll get wet obviously. But rain and cold don't mix. Some overshoes a jacket a buff and decent gloves

Layers are key

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Best layer in the rain?A roof

 

[Maylian]

Overshoes for me and a change of socks for the ride home if it's really horrible. I spent a few hundred on new Altura nightvision wet weather gear and rarely use it as I bake in it.
As for advice, same as everyone else, leave plenty of room behind cards and try and ride in a very strong primary position. When taking corners I tend to block the road completely so I can take my pick of lines avoiding any standing water. As always avoid gutters but even more in the wet as all detritus tends to be washed / pushed that way. High visibility so cars can see you, including reflective's and lights and just enjoy it! I love cycling in the wet, it's only the wind that really bothers me.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Overshoes for me and a change of socks for the ride home if it's really horrible. I spent a few hundred on new Altura nightvision wet weather gear and rarely use it as I bake in it.
As for advice, same as everyone else, leave plenty of room behind cards and try and ride in a very strong primary position. When taking corners I tend to block the road completely so I can take my pick of lines avoiding any standing water. As always avoid gutters but even more in the wet as all detritus tends to be washed / pushed that way. High visibility so cars can see you, including reflective's and lights and just enjoy it! I love cycling in the wet, it's only the wind that really bothers me.

Even when lit up like a xmas tree, they still hit you.

 

[HLaB]

I find riding more smoothly helps too, not braking/steering sharply but anticipating things early to avoid the need to do so.

 

[Easytigers]

Overshoes for me and a change of socks for the ride home if it's really horrible. I spent a few hundred on new Altura nightvision wet weather gear and rarely use it as I bake in it.
As for advice, same as everyone else, leave plenty of room behind cards and try and ride in a very strong primary position. When taking corners I tend to block the road completely so I can take my pick of lines avoiding any standing water. As always avoid gutters but even more in the wet as all detritus tends to be washed / pushed that way. High visibility so cars can see you, including reflective's and lights and just enjoy it! I love cycling in the wet, it's only the wind that really bothers me.

Know what you mean about the wind...being wet is ok...jump in the shower after a ride..battling against a strong headwind or being battered from the side = no fun (well just a little!)

 

[Deleted member 20519]

Main thing is to keep warm. You'll get wet obviously. But rain and cold don't mix. Some overshoes a jacket a buff and decent gloves

Layers are key

My overshoes still let water in and then my toes get cold.

 

[musa]

My overshoes still let water in and then my toes get cold.

Yeah probably after a while. Neoprene material is my preferred choice
I haven't had any problems so far

I still get cold feet. Instead after night and wearing thermal socks. Probably need new shoes that are wider fitting

 

[Kins]

Get waterproof socks, even with water in them shoes will retain the heat and keep your toes toasty. I have a pair for hill walking but to thick for wearing with bike trainers I wear so ordered some Thursday. If they are as good as my other ones I'll be quite happy. Still worried about thickness though.

 

[Deleted member 20519]

Another thing if you're riding is rain is to remove your crappy stock brake pads. I was complaining that my brakes were spongy and ineffective and I looked at my brake pads (the stock ones) and they'd worn right down due to the horrible weather. I upgraded them to Clarks pads which were two packs for a tenner and wow, what a difference! Braking is now significantly improved in the wet and is even better in the dry. After rides where the weather isn't so nice, I think it's good to clean your rim surface and your brake pads so that they last longer and to ensure you're getting optimum braking performance.

 

[Kookas]

Another thing if you're riding is rain is to remove your crappy stock brake pads. I was complaining that my brakes were spongy and ineffective and I looked at my brake pads (the stock ones) and they'd worn right down due to the horrible weather. I upgraded them to Clarks pads which were two packs for a tenner and wow, what a difference! Braking is now significantly improved in the wet and is even better in the dry. After rides where the weather isn't so nice, I think it's good to clean your rim surface and your brake pads so that they last longer and to ensure you're getting optimum braking performance.

I can vouch for the Clarks pads, got some on my front wheel. Was hard getting used to brakes that didn't suck.

 

[HLaB]

My overshoes still let water in and then my toes get cold.

Overshoes are open on the bottom and at the ankles, they'll never be waterproof but a good pair will keep you warm.