How to deal with rain and Cold
 

I have a waterproof jacket, and I made some shants out of a pair of snowpants and then sprayed waterproofing stuff on them. My problem is from the calfs down. I have an old pair of adidas which I drilled some holes in... But I don't have waterproof socks. I've heard they don't stay waterproof for long.

So, I'm just wondering what people do to stay dry when it's raining (especially when it's cold) - in general, but also specifically how to keep legs dry.

Also, a question about fenders. I have one of those plastic fenders for the back, but I don't have anything up front. Whenever the streets are wet my tires throw a lot of water up at my legs. I don't bike in the rain enough to put on full fenders, I don't think, but has anyone tried one of those mud-shield fenders that hook on the bottom tube right behind the front wheel (I've seen them on mtnbikes)? Do those work at all?

Rain + Cold is the topic. Go.

ride your unicycle... only need one fender! ;)

as far as honest advice, i don't have much, my feet just get soaked and it sucks

I grab an umbrella and walk, to be honest.

http://www.assos.com/web_assos_produ...otie-black.jpg

http://www.performancebike.com/produ...-NCL-FRONT.jpg

http://www.pearlizumi.com/images/sho...m/8767_021.jpg

Ideally you want a full fender in front, and super ideally with a mudflap. Anything less is just focussing all the water that would be covering your body into your shoes. You will appreciate this the first time you ride in the rain with a stubby front fender.

Edit: oops i see you were asking about downtube shields. I dunno about those...

hmm... so there isn't any wonder pie I could eat that would make me dry?

Alright, so rain sucks, especially when it's cold. There's not much you can do about it... But I should probably just buy some full-fenders like the ones posted above.

I have a "old navy" jacket that I got about two years ago from a roomie that is my rain coat. That's the extent.
Honestly... I just ride as hard as I can. Burn that **** off.

Rain+Cold=sucks. No way around it.

Remember the four Ws! Wool stays Warm When Wet. It's important to keep your core warm, and if the extremities are going to get wet wear something that won't freeze. No cotton! Neoprene booties can help your feet stay warm and dry.

There's that school of thought that there's no such thing as bad weather, only insufficient preparation. I'm not really hardcore, and don't bike if I'm not comfortable. That means when the high is under 30 degrees farenheit I won't be found riding any significant distance unless it's in the woods on an mtb.

I couple of weeks ago I did 4 hours in the saddle it was wet, rainy, high in the 40's. I was happy that I didn't get cold. I used a rear fender, but no front since I can't fit one on my road bike. Here's what I wore, starting from the bottom.

below the waist:
Neoprene overbooties from nashbar (keep my feet dry, these are over 10 yrs old and nearly indestructible)
Cateye socks nothing special but they were free and are 'bike specific'
Sportful roubaix fleece knee warmers
lycra shorts
windproof hiking pants

above the waist:
Tecno-fabric baselayer t-shirt, some polyester thing that I wouldn't be caught dead in off the bike
Long sleeve merino wool t-shirt
Cannondale 'epic' jacket
Standard issue roadie cyclist cap
Thin balaclava over the cap
Wool beanie over the balaclava
Helmet
Fleece gloves

It also helps to have pockets, in which to store additional layers. If I'm unsure of the weather, I'll pack a silk long sleeve t-shirt and silk long underwear in a rear pocket. The stuff takes up very little space and is a great insulator. It sucks having to change while on the road though. :o

FYI, those arent anywhere near full fenders. They are raceblades, a compromise designed for bikes that don't have fender eyelets and that lack clearance for fenders between the tire and fork crown/ stay bridges. You can see em on sanchez's bike above ^^.

The full size fenders also keep crap off your drive train and theoretically help everything last a lot longer. If you can find esge chromoplast full fenders and they fit, they are a nice, cheap option that look good.

Whoa! Remember the four W's..... Wool socks! Forget fancy smancy cycling socks, get yourself some smart wool socks. If they do get soaked just wring 'em out.

Yes, wool socks. And fenders if you can. If I'm going to be putting out a good deal of effort, I'd rather just get wet from the rain AND stay warm instead of using full waterproof gear and sitting in my sweat.
So, I use synthetic layers (currently some old patagonia capilene of different weights/thicknesses) and a wind-shell (which seems to breath better than my goretex stuff)

I recently got some Pearl Izumi cold weather gear (gavia jacket and amfib tights) which works f'in great, but it's overpriced and you can do almost as well for a lot cheaper with non-cycling specific gear.

depends on the type of riding?

i have rain pants that i bought second hand that i can secure with velcro straps at the ankle if i need to wear pants and sit inside for a while. a bit restrictive, but it saves having to do a full change of clothes.

i have wind-blocker tights (with biking shorts underneath) that do a pretty good job; i still get a bit wet, but if you're moving it's not a big deal. lately i've added my regular tights on top, and leg warmers (also found second hand).

i have lake winter shoes that are pretty good to a certain temperature, but aren't totally waterproof in the rain. (i keep meaning to put some boot wax on them...)
EDIT: i wish someone had told me to get them x2 sizes... they fit really tight!

i have a fleece beenie/hat that both dry pretty quickly. if it's a bit warmer, i just use a bandana. some people use helmet covers, but i've never tried.

i've also used gaitors that fit over boots and protect the ankle and calf.

fenders. synthetic materials that dry fast. it takes time to figure it out. check out the winter cycling forum too.

The seatpost fender is another good one for bikes that don't have eyelets/clearance. Only takes about 20 seconds to install/remove.

http://www.lamountainbikes.com/images/FE409A16BLK.jpg


And yes, wool or cashmere socks if the feet are going to get wet!

me likey mudguards and wool cycling gear yo

Today I checked out my full fendered bike after riding around... there is a very sharp and distinct sand/ salt/ dirt "tan line" that starts four inches up the down tube. The bb shell area and drive train are really mucky. I'm going to see about diy leather mudflaps in the nect few days. Anyone in vancouver know a source for nice thick honey coloured leather? Michael's (craft store) has craft leather but it's barely thick enough to make a pair of assless chaps for a gi joe.

i deal with rain and cold by putting a fender on, wearing waterproof/resistant ****...and just dealing with getting wet and ****. it's gonna happen, just deal with it.

i always wear wool socks - at least the wet doewsn't seem as cold.


you could also try neopren socks. look 'em up on the mail order sites or @ rei.

If you're in an area where the roads get salted during the winter, you'll definitely want a front fender to help keep salty mud off of your frame/drivetrain... rider-dryness issues aside.

Yo i just found an answer to my question above. My source (thx lyle) says dressew on w hastings, near harbour centre, has a big leather scrap bin with lots of different colours.

+1 for fenders, but you've already heard that enough.

I don't know who told you waterproof socks don't work, but I'd venture to say they didn't own a set of SealSkinz (I think that's how you spell it). My feet stay bone dry, I can even walk through standing water a foot or more deep.

Mac

Damn, I was hoping to be the one to mention sealskinz, GREAT product> I have had a pair for several years and they still are waterproof.

yeah they can be pricey though. I have to say I was excited to find a website clearancing out their stock last year, I got 6 pairs for 40 bucks!

Mac