Jashue

As I look out my window I see that it (nature) wants very badly to rain. Unfortunately, I want very badly to get out for a ride-- especially considering the fact that my work schedule wont allow a ride tomorrow.

I can't decide if I should chance it.

I wouldn't be asking this were it not for the fact that I am somewhat of a newbie to the sport of cycling (runner most of my life), but I am wondering: how many here ride in the rain?

I could always hit the gym, but damn... I really was looking forward to the bike today.

Bugtussle

I love riding in the rain on my commute. But only with good(breathable) raingear and fenders. Ive got several bikes but always have one of the lower end ones geared up for the task.

DaveNadler

Don't let the rain stop you - get on the bike, but take it easy on the corners! I don't mind riding in the rain at all, but if it is cold be sure you have the right gear.

Dave

hansenc

I love riding in the rain while im racing especially if its really cold out. My body starts to steam when im going really hard. 5 out of six races i had were in the rain this year.

PatWasha

I ride every day to work and home. In the rain, or bad weather I have an old steel 12 spd that I ride. That way, my good road bike doesn't get damaged.

I had one day, I was riding into work and it was hailing larger than golfball sized hail. I thought it was wonderful. My backpack kept it from hitting my back and the helmet kept it from hitting my head. People would drive by with these strange looks on their faces.

Most people would say to wash your bike down after a rainy ride, but I've never really done that with my old 12 spd. Usually, when I get in, I just wipe it down and hang it up until the next time.

Pat

I ride in the rain all the time. Many of my most memorable rides have been in the rain.

Bikes perform fine in the rain. You just need to be aware that the brakes take a little time to bite on wet rims. Also I generally take corners a little slower.

The major problem is the fact that one should clean & lube the drive train and the bike after a rain. And that is a minor chore.

Big Lug

I love riding in the rain!

operator

Be prepared to clean your bike afterwards. That's the only reason I don't like riding in the rain, otherwise I could care less if I get soaked. Also it's more dangerous on the road when it's slogging wet. Major dramas could happen.

jbonus

Embrace the rain! It can be more enjoyable than riding in other conditions.

caloso

Get some fenders and ride in the rain. It's never a bad day to ride.

PatWasha

One other thing is to remember to slow down, maybe cut your normal speed down in half and go slower thru the turns. Don't try the same angles that you would on dry roads, because your bike is more likely to slide out from under you.

bkrownd

What you got against rain? Riding in the rain is refreshing. I rode in the rain this morning. The only problem is needing to clean the bike afterwards.

caloso

And be careful at intersections. A lot of oil drips onto the asphalt at stoplights and when it rains, it floats up and becomes really slippery.

But these are just minor problems if you're careful. I always find that I feel more connected to the world when I ride in the weather and that makes the ride that much more enjoyable.

sch

Some paint stripes on roads can be extremely slippery when wet as can any metallic road surfaces: RR tracks, grates or metal transition strips. I slid out on some roadside clay that washed onto the newly paved and very smooth asphalt surfaces.
Steve

Linchpin

and rabin badgers

Linchpin

riding in the rain can be fun with or without raingear
raingear costs way to damned much
but a pair of swim trunks and a polyester tank top will run you 20 bucks at K-Mart, and they are made for getting wet so they dry off in a matter of minutes

don't sweat it, just go have some fun

TomM

A couple of weeks ago I rode 100 miles during tropical storm Arlene. After the ride I noticed a sloshing noise coming from my rear wheel. The rear tire had water in it. That was a first. I ended up taking the tire and tube off the wheel to dry out.

eelozano

Any suggestions for gear while riding in the rain?

I'm thinking clothing (like raincoats that you use) and such.

Also can you guys be a little more specific on what you have to do when you get back from riding in the rain? I'm kinda confused as to what exactly I need to do to the bike.

TomM

I don't ride with any specific rain clothing. Living in Fl, most of my
rain time is a result of getting caught in a afternoon thunderstorm. After riding in rain, I wipe my bike off, clean/lube the chain and then leave the bike upside down. I have a problem with water collecting in the seat tube, so turning it upside down allows the water to drain out.

eelozano

Those Florida afternoon storms are like clockwork 4pm everyday

lsd87

I love to ride in the rain...it cools you off, makes you feel good knowing that most don't ride in the rain. Shoes can take a while to dry. Clean up lube a must!

Boogs

I love riding in the rain! I recently did 60 miles in non-stop pouring rain, and aside from annoyance over wet feet (need better shoes for wet weather), it was a blast.

joejack951

If your shoes drying is a concern, stuff them with newspaper or paper towels at the end of your ride. I've gotten my shoes to dry during an 8 hour work day using this method (learned from playing multiple soccer games in a day as kid and not wanting blisters or soggy feet).

will dehne

I think it is fair to share also our bad experiences.
I never felt so helpless as when my racing bike hit leaves on a wet park road. Considerable damage to me and my bike.
Ditto a few years later on an oil patch again on a park circular road. Thank the stars for no traffic or else I would not be writing this.
Now I am slowing down and wear my helmet, always.
I had a scare last week when a big storm nearly blew me off the road.
My friends use Mountain bikes for that reason. My very light racing bike is a challenge in those conditions.

lsd87

joejack951...thank you for the advise about drying my wet shoes. Great idea! I've been looking for some way to dry my shoes. Unless it's sunny the next day, I'll often have to wait a couple of days for the shoes to dry. Got caught in the rain last week, and it took most of the next day in the sun to dry them. I'll try it!