General Cycling Discussion - Riding in the Rain

I just got a new, to me at least, Giant OCR1. I live in AZ and it doesnt rain much but lately it seems like they are always 2 days straight of rain with about a week break in between. My question is, how bad for your bike is riding in the rain? If its not bad, what should I do afterwards? Remember, Im pretty new to road riding so keep it simple. Thanks

Rain won't hurt your bike, but it does present some
challenges.
Best piece of advice I can give is dry everything after
riding in the rain.
Be sure you use a good chain lube that won't break
down and wash away when wet, and keep the chain
well lubed.
I'll leave it to the others here to fill in more
specifics. . .

Marty

I commute on the "Wet Coast".

Use fenders and buy a quality rain coat, booties, wool gloves and ride.

Use extra caution around cars (they drive worse in the rain) and enjoy the wet!

If I were to dry the bike after each bout of humidity, I wouldn't be using it throughout Winter or 1/3 of the time in Summer.

Basically, the only really problematic areas are:
- the saddle: if you have a leather saddle, use fenders (to protect the underside) and protect it from the rain when you stop;
- the drivetrain: the chain needs re-lubrication more often and cleaning at shorter intervals. The best lubricant depends on weather and the roads you face: "dry" lubricants keep the drivetrain clean but need to be reapplied after each drop of water (so it seems), whereas wet, greasy lubricants seem effective for ever... but are also wonderfully effective to catch all the grit around.

Finally, I have full fenders and mudflaps, which not only keep the bike relatively clean, but also protect the chain and bottom bracket from roadside projections. Bonus: they also keep the rider -- me -- clean.

Regards,

Yes, I agree, fenders (mudguards) are very helpful.

Keep in mind- your brakes will not work well when the rims are wet. Learn to anticipate stops far in advance and "dry" your rims by softly squeezing the levers to drag the pads on the rims.

seeing how it does not rain that much where you are you really dont have to worry about it... just do a wipe down after a rainly ride and check the lube on the chain... if it does not rain that much the streets can become very slipperly
man hole covers, and some painted lines be like riding over ice...

thanks everyone, question to ahuman. How do I check the lube? Just make sure the chain isnt dry? any lubes you recommend?

I come from the land of wet, so I'll reiterate some - brake early and watch metal covers in the street (especially when turning). I have not-so-fond road rash memories because of the latter. Get some booties!

And yeah, as was mentioned, you'll do better with "wet" lubes in the rain, but they do collect grime and it doesn't really rain that much where you are anyway. Just clean/dry your bike after the ride and it'll be fine.

How do I check the chain? A few scenarios:

1. I hear some drivetrain noise. It means I am overdue.

2. The chain looks rusty, dry... Again, it means I am about to be overdue.


Regards,

The only time I use WD-40 is after riding in wet conditions. The WD stands for "water displacement." It's a cheap way to protect the chain. Just be sure you clean and relube with a better product as soon as the wet conditions subside.

This will probably start a firestorm, as some are convinced that WD-40 actually disolves bicycles.

How do I check the chain? A few scenarios:

1. I hear some drivetrain noise. It means I am overdue.

2. The chain looks rusty, dry... Again, it means I am about to be overdue.

better be looking into a new cassette then as well.

I ride in the rain and mud all the time. You just have to clean and relube the drive chain more often.

Originally posted by amerpie
The only time I use WD-40 is after riding in wet conditions. The WD stands for "water displacement." It's a cheap way to protect the chain. Just be sure you clean and relube with a better product as soon as the wet conditions subside.

I do the same thing myself. I will also add that rain provides by far the best riding conditions, and that one should not let fear of water stop them.

If you put a few layers of car-wax on the frame, water and grime will not stick.
Make sure your seatpost is greased (unless it is carbon), or it may seize up.
Modern components are well sealed against dirt and water on the road.
Regular rain is not too bad, but the first shower after an extended dry period is really hazardous. All that rubber, oil, diesel etc on the road form a slippery emulsion. Take care around corners, on metal, and where the camber of the road reduces your traction (ie slopes towards the outside of the curve).
Fenders help keep road dirt off, but your OCR-1 may have too tight clearance for them. I usually run wider tyres in poor conditions, again difficult on an OCR-1.
WD-40 has its places. I squirt some inside my steel bike frame. WD-40 can penetrate sealed bearing units and dissolve grease, so keep it away from hubs and bottom brackets.

I have yet to clean up my touring bike after a wet ride a couple days. ago.. Did not think to use WE 40- feared it might be slightly abrasive? Just spun my wheels for a long time and watched water fly off of chain and wheels.. Blew air into the hub. during the ride, I greased the chain with lubricant designed for wet conditions. That lube does not dissolve for a 50 mile wet ride, I hope.?

This will probably start a firestorm, as some are convinced that WD-40 actually disolves bicycles.

yep it does.....:D

I think a better way to protect a bike and /or drivetrain against wet climates is silicon spray!
Its more neutral and it makes cleaning the bike pretty easy, make sure you don`t buy a fancy brand.
The stuff from the big hardware store is much cheaper and does the same job.




cheers :beer: