General Cycling Discussion - Riding in Seattle

hi

I'm moving to Seattle this fall and would like to hear people's suggestions for special equipment needed there.

Any recommendations on fenders, clothing etc other things needed for the wet climate?

I am primarily a road racer, but am bringing along my cross and mountain bikes (and a town commuter) and do a bit of cross racing.

Also, any good riding clubs out there to show a newcomer around?

Appreciate any advice

-Drew

Polypro it is the best thing invented since sliced bread. Fenders yes, rain suit yes (I have 2 a heavier one for winter and a lighter one for spring ) We have the largest and most active bike club in America here Cascade Bike Club (http://216.119.109.50/Home/) there is also for your MTB there is the Back Country Bicycle Trails Club (http://www.bbtc.org/home/index.php) There are some really awesome rides here and there are a few of us on the Forums thta woul be more than willing to show you around. This area is prime for both road and mountain biking give as a call when you get here :beer:

(and a flock of really good brew pubs if you like that sort of thing)

Mmm, Seattle. Damn I wish I was back there right now. Don't know if I could deal with all the hills though (well, the ups at least :) )

Some cyclocross info here:
http://marymoor.velodrome.org/

I've cycle commuted here in past winters, and used fenders, rain suit, booties, gloves, lights, reflective clothes (it gets dark pretty early), etc. many, many days.

My experience with local (winter) MTB is that the most important piece of equipment is good mud tires (and a hose). :beer:

I ride my mtb to work and usually wear rain pants, rain jacket, booties, and gloves during the winter. Shorts and sunglasses in the summer. I've been meaning to get a rain hat cover for the helmet too. If you hit the trails (well certain trails) be prepared to get covered head to toe in some serious mud. I guess maybe I should get some fenders too. :D If you don't like booties (I don't on trail rides) check into seal skinz socks- feet stay warm and dry. Do check out the bbtc and cascade. The cascade club is more roadie oriented I believe.

Do you know yet where in seattle you will be moving too?

Originally posted by montlake_mtbkr
I If you don't like booties (I don't on trail rides) check into seal skinz socks- feet stay warm and dry. Do check out the bbtc and cascade. The cascade club is more roadie oriented I believe.

I opt for seal skinz 'cause we sell them in our retail outlet they work very well. If you opt for them remember to turn them inside out to dry first it works better.

One thing I do know is, there's a nice little shop on Pike Place (few blocks north of the market) in Downtown. Elliot Bay Bikes I think it's called.

When commuting, the only times I use a rain jacket is when it is also pretty cold. I tend to heat up very quickly---then overheat, so I just wear a few layers (Capilene or Polypro). My commute is only 7 miles so I can usually gut it out. I do use booties, though.

On longer rides, I will carry a rain jacket, but use it only if the rain is heavy or if I need to heat up inside it (doesn't take long).

Seattle is a great place to ride--in city or out in the foothills.
Let us know when you're here.

Peace in the pedals!

Oh--- I also use a seat-post attached rear fender (can't handle a soaked butt). I've never liked full fenders. Yes, I get wet feet, but good booties reduces this quite a bit.

I appreciate all the recommendations. Coming from the Midwest I'm not really sure what to expect. When I visited in March it rained pretty much all day every day, but I was told it isn't usually quite that bad (but maybe close)...
Currently looking for places and 1-year employment before starting grad school.

Any more info on good equipment is greatly appreciated

-Drew

I too am from the midwest. And my feeling is... better rain than snow. Although if I want the snow in the winter, I'm free to travel the half hour it takes to get to snow. In the summers, we don't actually get that much rain.

Originally posted by khuon
In the summers, we don't actually get that much rain.

Shhhh your not supposed to tell anyone then everybody will move here :D

Shhh... don't tell ngateguy, but they're already here. :)

Rain? We get our share of rain, but if you look it up, other areas of the country get more rain than Seattle (esp. this year). It's been a beautiful Summer. It's clouds, fog and mist that just make it feel like we get a lot of rain.

Welcome. Go to cascade.org to find a lot of the local group rides, events, etc.