How committed are you to riding in the rain?
#51
I guess that you could rotate through an extra set of cycling clothes. Hang today's up to dry and leave them until tomorrow, put on yesterday's now dry clothes for the ride home. It might get kind of gamy though.
#52
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
As long as it isn't raining too hard so that I can't see, or cars can't see.
#53
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Whitby, Ontario Canada
Bikes: 2013 Brodie Section 8 , 2014 Easy Motion Neo City e-bike
"Today is our 24th consecutive day of rain. It may be getting to me, just a little."
I've got no problems with rain..always have my rain gear with me..but 24 days of rain?? wow.. that gets damp & old real fast..
I've got no problems with rain..always have my rain gear with me..but 24 days of rain?? wow.. that gets damp & old real fast..
#54
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From: La La Land (We love it!)
Bikes: Gilmour road, Curtlo road; both steel (of course)
Andy_K, LOVE the photo!
I commute by bike because I like to ride my bike.
I don't like to be in the rain, on a bike or not, so I don't ride in the rain if I can avoid it.
Fortunately, we don't get much rain here in L.A., I have two cars, and I can work from home whenever I want, so I'm a happy boy...
I commute by bike because I like to ride my bike.
I don't like to be in the rain, on a bike or not, so I don't ride in the rain if I can avoid it.
Fortunately, we don't get much rain here in L.A., I have two cars, and I can work from home whenever I want, so I'm a happy boy...
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#56
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
I don't like riding in the rain, but I'm more likely to ride on rainy weekend days when I can time my rides to avoid the worst of it. Commuting in the rain sucks, IMHO, but I don't mind light rain that much. Unfortunately we get a lot of thunderstorms and soaking rains that I avoid riding in if possible. My commute is fairly long (31 miles round trip) and I get thoroughly soaked if the rain is steady or heavy. My route also takes me on several large roads with heavy traffic, and I feel much less safe in rainy conditions and find it difficult to see through my glasses.
The weather in NC has been much wetter than usual the past 3 years, which had made commuting much more challenging for me and my mileage has suffered. Last year, my commute miles were about 1,000 less than the previous year with drier weather. This year I made a concerted effort to top 5,000 miles commuting and fell short by 250 miles with a week to go -- and more rain in the forecast every day until New Years. I ended up riding on more rainy days than ever in 2015 and don't like it a bit more. In 2016, I'm going to ignore mileage goals and commute when the weather is suitable for riding. I'm tired of fighting the weather and stressing out over having to commute in heavy fog, steady downpours or thunderstorms.
The weather in NC has been much wetter than usual the past 3 years, which had made commuting much more challenging for me and my mileage has suffered. Last year, my commute miles were about 1,000 less than the previous year with drier weather. This year I made a concerted effort to top 5,000 miles commuting and fell short by 250 miles with a week to go -- and more rain in the forecast every day until New Years. I ended up riding on more rainy days than ever in 2015 and don't like it a bit more. In 2016, I'm going to ignore mileage goals and commute when the weather is suitable for riding. I'm tired of fighting the weather and stressing out over having to commute in heavy fog, steady downpours or thunderstorms.
#57
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,840
Likes: 186
From: south Puget Sound
Like I said, I think of myself as someone who bikes to work in the rain, but this month my resolve has failed. As of today I've driven to work more days (9) this month than I've biked in (8), and I'm on vacation for the rest of the month so my shame is permanent. Does anybody else in here feel the way I do?
On the bright side, the ten day forecast shows eight days with 40% chance of rain or less. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go sit in front of my happy lamp.
On the bright side, the ten day forecast shows eight days with 40% chance of rain or less. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go sit in front of my happy lamp.
#58
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Joined: Dec 2014
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From: still above ground
Bikes: 2016 Specialized crosstrail comp disc
I am totally committed to NOT riding in the rain.
I'm a hedonistic comfort junkie.
I ride for fun.
Riding in the rain is not fun
hence I do not ride in rain
I'm a hedonistic comfort junkie.
I ride for fun.
Riding in the rain is not fun
hence I do not ride in rain
#59
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
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From: La La Land (We love it!)
Bikes: Gilmour road, Curtlo road; both steel (of course)
I feel the same way about working out.
Remember, no pain... no pain!
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Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
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#60
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 60
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From: Kissimmee, Florida
Bikes: 28,000 mi. Denali road bike, some yellow Raleigh with Reynolds 531c frame, 1991 Specialized Sirrus Sport
I live in Florida where it often rains in the afternoons. It rarely rains in the mornings. It's dark morning when I leave for work, so if it's raining, I won't ride. For the ride home I usually get caught in the aftenoon rain, and at that point, it's a pain, but it doesn't really matter. I've got to get home anyway.
#61
Amen to that. I will ride with flash flood warnings instead of braving DC traffic (especially since it seems most of the motorist don't know how to drive in the rain).
#62
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Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Montpelier VT
Bikes: Scott Genius, Surly Crosscheck, Yuba Mundo cargo, Specialized Dolce Triple (stolen 5/8/15)
I use aluminum fenders from Honjo or Velo Orange. They are the only brands that I have found that have front fenders that are long enough to suit me. The front fender must be long enough to nearly touch the ground with a mud flap. This will keep my feet dry and the bike relatively clean. There are many fenders this long, like PB Cascadias and SKS Longboards.
Finding a fender with enough "front extension" is the hard part. I like a fender that extends past the highest vertical peak of the front wheel and starts to curve downward. This assures that the spray is directed downward and not up where I just ride into it.
The other nice thing about aluminum fenders is the rolled edge. Instead of dripping off the sides and onto my feet or rear mech, the runoff generally drips off the front or rear of the fenders. This keeps things much cleaner.
Finding a fender with enough "front extension" is the hard part. I like a fender that extends past the highest vertical peak of the front wheel and starts to curve downward. This assures that the spray is directed downward and not up where I just ride into it.
The other nice thing about aluminum fenders is the rolled edge. Instead of dripping off the sides and onto my feet or rear mech, the runoff generally drips off the front or rear of the fenders. This keeps things much cleaner.
#63
Keepin it Wheel




Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,964
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From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Here is San Diego we're in the middle of a 'very rainy' week (3.5in the past two days, and still raining today).
Tuesday night I rode home in the rain with an ikea rain poncho up top, and sandals/wool socks. The poncho worked pretty good (not ideal positioning of arm-holes for cycling, but it kept me dry), and the socks were totally soaked (but not really cold, and waterproof sandals, so it's OK).
Wed morning I rode in with poncho, rain pants, and my riding sneakers in plastic grocery bags (ghetto shoe covers). Waste of effort, it was just barely sprinkling. But through the day the rain really picked up, there was lightning and thunder, and believe it or not a tornado warning! Since my wife was out picking up kids anyways, I wussed out and had her pick me up too. I'll drive home tonight and back to work again tomorrow, my bike will be locked up safely at work the whole time. Fri night I'll leave 'my' car at work (like I usually do, it was home for Christmas) and bike home (probably dry).
I am willing to ride in the rain, but I'm not super eager to make a point or prove something by riding in the rain when I don't have to.
Tuesday night I rode home in the rain with an ikea rain poncho up top, and sandals/wool socks. The poncho worked pretty good (not ideal positioning of arm-holes for cycling, but it kept me dry), and the socks were totally soaked (but not really cold, and waterproof sandals, so it's OK).
Wed morning I rode in with poncho, rain pants, and my riding sneakers in plastic grocery bags (ghetto shoe covers). Waste of effort, it was just barely sprinkling. But through the day the rain really picked up, there was lightning and thunder, and believe it or not a tornado warning! Since my wife was out picking up kids anyways, I wussed out and had her pick me up too. I'll drive home tonight and back to work again tomorrow, my bike will be locked up safely at work the whole time. Fri night I'll leave 'my' car at work (like I usually do, it was home for Christmas) and bike home (probably dry).
I am willing to ride in the rain, but I'm not super eager to make a point or prove something by riding in the rain when I don't have to.
#64
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Just saw this thread. We were in PDX for Xmas and you weren't kidding about the constant 36F rain. Wow. And I saw a fair number of riders in those conditions. I tip my hat.
#65
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Puget Sound
Bikes: 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30 (bionx), 2015 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ultegra
The last few days of 34 degrees and freezing fog have been a little sketchy. It's tough when it's dark and foggy. Can't really use my helmet light, it's up too high and it reflects light off the water droplets... similar to driving a car in fog with high beams. The only thing to do is slow down. I think I prefer the rain.
#66
Thread Starter
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From: Beaverton, OR
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The last few days of 34 degrees and freezing fog have been a little sketchy. It's tough when it's dark and foggy. Can't really use my helmet light, it's up too high and it reflects light off the water droplets... similar to driving a car in fog with high beams. The only thing to do is slow down. I think I prefer the rain.
Things have been much better the past two days and the extended forecast looks pretty good. I'm feeling much better about things now.
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#69
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Central Illinois
Bikes: 2008 Dawes Haymaker 20XX Leader LD515 TotoCycling Road Bike
My car would have to be non operational for me to ride in the rain. Before I had a car I had no choice but to ride in the rain and I hated it. Mind you its only going to work I have a problem riding in the rain, but coming home from work I have no problem.
#70
Yesterday on a dark damp morning, I took a tumble when I focused on the oncoming pedestrians on the bike trail instead of the curb that was curving to the left. VERY LUCKY I was that I fell off onto some damp grass and dirt. On the way home, I saw that my right knee had left a crater in the dirt where I hit. Would've likely broken some over 60-year old bones without that triangle of dirt and grass there.
So, today, (getting back on subject), it was raining hard when I got up. No way was the get-off going to scare me back to the automobile. It was about the most careful very wet ride I've taken in a while, but well worth it. My conversion to all-weather (no ice) riding is almost complete.
So, today, (getting back on subject), it was raining hard when I got up. No way was the get-off going to scare me back to the automobile. It was about the most careful very wet ride I've taken in a while, but well worth it. My conversion to all-weather (no ice) riding is almost complete.
#71
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Puget Sound
Bikes: 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30 (bionx), 2015 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ultegra
I better be committed to riding in the rain. The 15 day forecast shows rain for 14 of those days. At least it's warming up a bit - highs in the 40's and lows above freezing... I can deal with that!
#73
I can't drive to my work, so if I wish to avoid riding in rain, I either need to catch a ride with my spouse (which is not always an option) or catch a bus (which doubles my commute time and is generally inconvenient). Still, riding in rain can often be frustrating and uncomfortable, so I do sometimes take the former option.
For the most part, I'm more concerned about what rain does to my bike than how it feels, unless it's also cold. I hate having to take the time to clean my bike. Besides, the only dedicated commuter bike with full fenders that I have is an ancient hybrid that is somewhat unpleasant to ride the 8 miles between work and home. So I'm usually on my road or cyclocross bike, and as I mentioned, getting them covered in grime is extremely aggravating as a regular thing. I would add a full-time commuter road bike with full fenders to my collection, but my bike budget isn't unlimited, and keeping the race bikes fully functional comes first.
For the most part, I'm more concerned about what rain does to my bike than how it feels, unless it's also cold. I hate having to take the time to clean my bike. Besides, the only dedicated commuter bike with full fenders that I have is an ancient hybrid that is somewhat unpleasant to ride the 8 miles between work and home. So I'm usually on my road or cyclocross bike, and as I mentioned, getting them covered in grime is extremely aggravating as a regular thing. I would add a full-time commuter road bike with full fenders to my collection, but my bike budget isn't unlimited, and keeping the race bikes fully functional comes first.
#74
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From: Beaverton, OR
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I got drenched on the way to work yesterday, but it was dry for the ride home. I'd just like to have a dry weekend day sometime. I'm back to being able to motivate myself to bike in to work since I have to come here anyway, but if I get up on Saturday morning and it's raining there's a very good chance I'm going to spend the entire day on the couch eating potato chips.
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#75
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
I heard 26 turned into a hockey rink. A nice inclined hockey rink.
Later the PDX news featured people getting on their Ice Skates On the Streets there ,,, Cul De Sac Hockey anyone?




