Staying safe in the rain?
02-07-10, 12:30 PM
#1
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Staying safe in the rain?
I live in the middle of a desert (Tucson, AZ) and rarely encounter rain. I was planning to go out for a ride earlier this morning but it has been raining non-stop. Any major tips about rain-riding? I also have heard that you have to flip your bicycle over at the end of a rain ride to drain water out of the frame...?
02-07-10, 12:37 PM
#3
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Take it easy cornering. That's about it.
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02-07-10, 12:38 PM
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wouldn't hurt. Water can get in the frame through the seat post. I live in arkansas and we get quite a bit of rain. Tips: be visible, the more water on the road the worse people react to small malfunctions. Bring lights that are bright and have a back blinkie at least. No leaning past like 60 degree's unless you know you can take the turn. Apply brakes and unclip early, people get impatient and make brash decisions that could result badly with the addition of a high speed bike.
02-07-10, 01:04 PM
#8
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+1
Also, watch for anything else that is slick -- especially metal plates and grates on the road.
As noted above, take extra steps to be visible - a red blinkie on the back and a cheap headlight on the front are reassuring as well.
Also, watch for anything else that is slick -- especially metal plates and grates on the road.
As noted above, take extra steps to be visible - a red blinkie on the back and a cheap headlight on the front are reassuring as well.
02-07-10, 01:18 PM
#9
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Fenders are nice, unless you enjoy tasting rain water that has marinated on the road surface then been shot up into your mouth by your front tire. One taste was enough to convince me.
what, you don't have a down tube?
02-07-10, 02:06 PM
#12
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02-07-10, 02:10 PM
#13
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Living in Seattle, I think one needs to have a bike with fenders, or at least Race Blades. Living in Tucson, I'd just HTFU.
02-07-10, 02:28 PM
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As botto pointed out, the down tube takes care of most of what comes from my front wheel, it's all the crap from the rear wheel I am sucking that bothers me. *He* is the one that needs fenders!
02-07-10, 02:32 PM
#15
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Yes, I know this. The front fender's main purpose is to keep your feet dry. It does also prevent some water from getting thrown up into your face from your own front tire. And I agree that when riding with others it is much appreciated if the bikes in front of you have full coverage fenders mounted.
02-07-10, 02:33 PM
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The joys of living in England. All I've got to look forward to weather wise for a while is grey cloud and rain.
Got full fenders on my bike. Only difference I make on wet roads is as other people have said, slow down on iffy corners and avoid shiney stuff. Light wise I generally go by what the cars are doing, maybe should put them on more though.
One other important thing to remember to do if you've got fenders... go really fast at the biggest puddle you can, stick your legs out to the side and go "Wee!" as you go through it.
Got full fenders on my bike. Only difference I make on wet roads is as other people have said, slow down on iffy corners and avoid shiney stuff. Light wise I generally go by what the cars are doing, maybe should put them on more though.
One other important thing to remember to do if you've got fenders... go really fast at the biggest puddle you can, stick your legs out to the side and go "Wee!" as you go through it.
02-07-10, 03:10 PM
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Yes, I know this. The front fender's main purpose is to keep your feet dry. It does also prevent some water from getting thrown up into your face from your own front tire. And I agree that when riding with others it is much appreciated if the bikes in front of you have full coverage fenders mounted.
02-07-10, 03:22 PM
#18
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You'll be fine in the rain, just be more mindful of road conditions since things will be more slippery. Fenders always come in handy but since you probably don't deal with rain much just get some cheap mud flaps they use for MTB as they'll keep some of the dirt off. Clean your bike when you get back, especially the drivetrain - and by cleaning I mean give it a good wipe down and lube the chain.
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02-07-10, 03:24 PM
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Fenders certainly are nice, especally if you're playing Hendrix. Gibsons are great for rock and roll gigs.
02-07-10, 03:30 PM
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02-07-10, 05:26 PM
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Riding in the rain is fine. I'll start solo training rides in a pouring rain. I also make it a point to never skip out of a team ride if it is raining.
If visibility is a concern I will put on my totally gross Hi-Vis green rain jacket. Since I have a couple of different road bikes to chose from I generally will take out the one that most needs a good cleaning.
Racing in the rain is different. I don't mind it as long as I can see.
Lightning is something that I don't ride in. That will kill you.
If visibility is a concern I will put on my totally gross Hi-Vis green rain jacket. Since I have a couple of different road bikes to chose from I generally will take out the one that most needs a good cleaning.
Racing in the rain is different. I don't mind it as long as I can see.
Lightning is something that I don't ride in. That will kill you.
02-07-10, 09:27 PM
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Remember that your brakes will not work as well. You can pump them occassionally to try to get some of the water off of them and test their braking ability from time to time.
02-07-10, 09:31 PM
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I'd normally say fenders and lights like others have already suggested, but if it only rained a few times a year, I'd just skip those days...
Here in Portland, OR you either ride in the rain or you don't ride.
Here in Portland, OR you either ride in the rain or you don't ride.
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