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-   -   I do not like to take my present set of bikes out in the rain. (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/231549-i-do-not-like-take-my-present-set-bikes-out-rain.html)

cyclezealot 09-25-06 02:19 AM

I do not like to take my present set of bikes out in the rain.
 
What bikes to you use for riding in the rain? If I had a designated rain bike, I'd go out in the rain more often. Think i'd prefer wide tires for starters. We do not get that much rain here, so I am not acclimatized to rain riding. That gooie wet lube, makes a drive train turn putrid.I just do not like that. What features do you look for in a rain friendly bike. And would one favor a beater bike, that you value less than your 'ride' for dry weather conditions. Guess, if one is gonna tour in the rain, as we are often required to, beater bikes are not a good idea.

MichaelW 09-25-06 03:05 AM

My all purpose, all weather road bike has long drop caliper brakes and clearance for 32mm tyres + fenders. In France, this would be a cyclo-sportif light touring style bike.

rodrigaj 09-25-06 03:26 AM

Jamis Nova Cyclocross w/ dry lube because I also ride on dusty trails. 700-32c Continental Contacts.

I've never felt like I am losing control, but never exceed 25 mile per hour (40kph).

cyclezealot 09-25-06 03:32 AM

I am particularily interested in what type of bike you ride in the rain and how you build it up. Style brakes, etc. I also wonder; when out In the rain, how long do dry lubes last? Are wet lubes a must.?

Jarery 09-25-06 07:52 AM

Since I ride a lot in rain combined with steep hills, I use a disc brake on the front, and left canti's on the back. Dry lube lasts about 45 seconds. Wet lube is definately a must, just like fenders.

If its a steel frame, framesaver treatment is a good precaution. Other than that.....its metal and plastic, it wont melt.

Machka 09-25-06 10:05 AM

I ride in the rain with ALL my bicycles ... many years I wouldn't get much riding in if I didn't!! And I certainly wouldn't be able to do my long distance riding if I weren't willing to ride in the rain with whatever bicycle I happened to be riding on.

They are bicycles not cubes of sugar!!

DataJunkie 09-25-06 10:42 AM

+1
What Machka said. Except that it rarely rains here. I would be missing out on my rare chance to ride in the rain if I chickened out.

mac 09-25-06 10:43 AM

2005 Cannondale T2000 - a touring bike fully decked out with HIDs, LEDs, GPS, computer, panniers, and trunk. The only thing that rusted was my chain because I didn't wipe off my bike when I got home.

shakeNbake 09-25-06 11:21 AM

What do you mean "what bike"? My rain bike is my dry bike, my commuting bike, my grocery bike, my get-a-haircut bike, my sunday-ride bike, etc.

:)

GGDub 09-25-06 11:32 AM

You sure are hung up on wet lube. Bikes were meant to be ridden, not looked at.

cyclezealot 09-25-06 11:38 AM

Yeah. Guess I am hung up on wet lube. It was beyond messy. Grit, sand, gunky oil.Impossible to clean. I am used to desert like climates and have to admit, sort of obsessed with a clean drive chain. My Klein , it just gets ridden in ideal conditions.
Like the idea of disc brakes on the front wheel.

HAMMER MAN 09-25-06 12:59 PM

I don't either so i use an older bike that I converted into a s/s

stapfam 09-25-06 01:16 PM


Originally Posted by cyclezealot
I am particularily interested in what type of bike you ride in the rain and how you build it up. Style brakes, etc. I also wonder; when out In the rain, how long do dry lubes last? Are wet lubes a must.?

Mountain biker here so most of my rides are in the winter with all the weather that can be thrown at it. As to Lube- A wet lube is a must in the rain.

After each ride- I hose the bike off and clean the Cranks, chain and cassette thoroughly. I do use a Bike detergent to clean the bike with, but after washing down the bike- I spray the whole bike with a water displacement oil- such as WD40- and I mean the everything metal on the bike. Wheels are taken out of the frame, so no WD on the rims and I take care not to spray the brake blocks or saddle or anything not metal. The bike can then be left for a couple of hours- or days if necessary- before wiping off all the WD and cleaning the bike at the same time.

You have to remember that Rain will get everywhere. Into the wheel bearings- headset- inside cables, and inside the seat post. If riding regularly in wet weather, then a maintenance programme should be set up to service these on a regular basis. I do the cables one week- headset the next. Wheel bearings next then grease the Seat post and Really clean out the deraillers the next- so once every 4 Rides- everything has been checked and adjusted. And on top of that- The bike looks as good as new- everytime I take it out.

cyclezealot 09-25-06 04:27 PM

Stepham point about post ride maintenance. I particularily worry about headsets. A really saturating rain. Must get in there. Particularily an expensive threadless unit.

ollo_ollo 09-25-06 10:33 PM

You need a "Sacrificial" rain bike of some kind to get through the Winter. I prefer an old touring bike with full fenders, mud flaps & rack. Hang lights on it until you feel comfortable with the results. Don

skeeter 09-26-06 12:48 AM

pfff, rain wiill hurt NO bikes,bearings or chains whatsoever
if properly taken care of,like drying it off & repacking bearings 1nce or 2ce a yr.
Actually as long as it stays raining it makes for some great natural chain lubing on the fly for pavement riding.

cyclezealot 09-26-06 12:53 AM

I do intend to do some rain riding this winter. Probably for errands and commute purposes. Bought some Nikwax Tech wash yesterday to prepare for it. Some of my rainproof clothing were no long rain proofed. A beater bike, I'd not have to go through all of stepfam's procedures quite as carefully, if the bike were older.

RomSpaceKnight 09-26-06 01:57 AM

A different bike for rain? My bikes are made from aluminium and chromoly not sugar and spice. After a ride in rain take bike to hand car wash and rinse off spin chain and relube with whatever lube gets your crank going.

Nachoman 09-26-06 08:09 PM

If it's drizzling or even a slight mist, I don't pedal. But it never rains here in San Diego.

2manybikes 09-26-06 08:27 PM


Originally Posted by Machka
I ride in the rain with ALL my bicycles ... many years I wouldn't get much riding in if I didn't!! And I certainly wouldn't be able to do my long distance riding if I weren't willing to ride in the rain with whatever bicycle I happened to be riding on.

They are bicycles not cubes of sugar!!

Good point. Do you use frame saver, or do anything special to help the bikes resist rust or water?
What chain lube?

cyclezealot 09-26-06 11:13 PM

Nachoman's point about San Diego weather , guess that's was I was bike educated. Mist might even keep me within. A heavy mist would more than likely keep most of my bike group from doing a ride. And my Klein is made out of sugar and spice. Maybe, not my Fuji tourer, but hardly a beater bike .


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