Commuting in the rain
#29
#31
Let's Ride!

Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
not a big fan of riding in the rain because I wear glasses and don't like the rain drops on my glasses. I am also a bit concerned about other cars riding in the rain and not seeing me as I ride. A gentle rain is pretty peaceful though but heavy rains make me nervous.
#32
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Austin, TX
Bikes: Motobecane
not a big fan of riding in the rain because I wear glasses and don't like the rain drops on my glasses. I am also a bit concerned about other cars riding in the rain and not seeing me as I ride. A gentle rain is pretty peaceful though but heavy rains make me nervous.
#33
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Joined: May 2005
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From: La La Land (We love it!)
Bikes: Gilmour road, Curtlo road; both steel (of course)
__________________
Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
#34
#36
Let's Ride!

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
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From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
Prescription available? no just kidding no.
#37
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Washington DC Metro Area
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, Jamis Renegade Expert
I commute with cycling glasses because my regular ones slip off when I sweat. Water getting on them does kind of suck, but the visor on my cycling cap helps reduce the water accumulation on them quite a bit.
#38
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Thornton, CO
Bikes: 2003 Orbea Orca, 2003 Bianchi Imola, ? Waterford
Its just light snow at or below freezing. Not bad with a decent rain jacket and two layers or so under it. Its all good as long as the road is fairly clear. I wuss out with too much snow on the road.
#40
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From: Washington DC Metro Area
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, Jamis Renegade Expert
#41
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Joined: May 2005
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From: La La Land (We love it!)
Bikes: Gilmour road, Curtlo road; both steel (of course)
#42
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
I've found that the worst rainstorms I've rode through were on days with a 20% chance of rain. I'm not sure why that would be, but it seems like it really pours on those days if it rains.
#43
Let's Ride!

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
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From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
[MENTION=409376]GovernorSilver[/MENTION] you are right! I got a cycling cap and it really does a good job of keeping the rain off my glasses. My wife thinks it looks funny but it is pretty helpful in the rain.
#44
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From: Washington DC Metro Area
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, Jamis Renegade Expert
@GovernorSilver you are right! I got a cycling cap and it really does a good job of keeping the rain off my glasses. My wife thinks it looks funny but it is pretty helpful in the rain.
I have to credit my coworker. One rainy evening we were walking to a bar for happy hour. He was wearing a baseball cap and saying how surprised he was at the difference the cap made in the rain. So I was inspired to order a cycling cap. REI happened to have Art Crank moisture-wicking caps on closeout so I got one. It doubles as my "sweat manager" - does a much better job of reducing the flow of sweat over my eyes than the pads that came with my helmet.
#45
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Austin, TX
Bikes: Motobecane
I hit another glorious downpour on my way home tonight. Stopped at Costco after work, and when I came out and loaded up my bike for the ride home the skies opened up for the final 10 miles. Felt fantastic.
I think the rain-proof panniers I bought a couple years ago are turning out to be one of my best investments.
I think the rain-proof panniers I bought a couple years ago are turning out to be one of my best investments.
#46
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Worcester, MA, USA
Bikes: State 4130 Road, Mongoose Elroy, Aventon Sinch ST, Dawes Lightning DLX, 1988 Klein Performance, 1991 Peugeot Safari, 1985 Raleigh Alyeska, Carrera Phantom, 1973 Raleigh Record
I don't mind being out in the rain when it's not too cold, but riding in the rain is a different story. I have no rain gear, no fenders. My panniers were once water resistant, but they're pretty worn now (I'm shopping for new ones right now in a different browser tab). So far, this year, almost all the rain has been cold. Road grit gets into everything - my eyes, my teeth, my panniers. I get out of work around midnight; there's no way I'm washing the grit off my poor bike (and re-lubing) when I get home.
No, I'm not getting much joy from commuting in the rain.
Incidentally, I wear glasses. Rain and glasses are a pain in the butt, but I don't remember it being much of an issue on my rainy commutes.
No, I'm not getting much joy from commuting in the rain.
Incidentally, I wear glasses. Rain and glasses are a pain in the butt, but I don't remember it being much of an issue on my rainy commutes.
#47
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Santa Rosa, CA
Bikes: Checkpoint ALR 5, Fuel EX 9.8 GX AXS, FX 4
Where I live, it rains a lot (over 46 inches since October '15). I don't like riding in the rain. When it rains, it's also cold. Getting to work soaked, freezing, and with a mud stripe that looks like I crapped myself does not do wonders for my mood. I also hate the grit and grime that gets caked all over my bike from riding in the rain. I mind the rain less if it rains on my way home. Plus, the rain makes life a little less safe.
#48
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Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Virginia
Bikes: Motobecane Century Pro Ti Disc
I don't mind being out in the rain when it's not too cold, but riding in the rain is a different story. I have no rain gear, no fenders. My panniers were once water resistant, but they're pretty worn now (I'm shopping for new ones right now in a different browser tab). So far, this year, almost all the rain has been cold. Road grit gets into everything - my eyes, my teeth, my panniers. I get out of work around midnight; there's no way I'm washing the grit off my poor bike (and re-lubing) when I get home.
No, I'm not getting much joy from commuting in the rain.
Incidentally, I wear glasses. Rain and glasses are a pain in the butt, but I don't remember it being much of an issue on my rainy commutes.
No, I'm not getting much joy from commuting in the rain.
Incidentally, I wear glasses. Rain and glasses are a pain in the butt, but I don't remember it being much of an issue on my rainy commutes.
#49
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Sioux Falls, SD
Bikes: '81 Panasonic Sport, '02 Giant Boulder SE, '08 Felt S32, '10 Diamondback Insight RS, '10 Windsor Clockwork, '15 Kestrel Evoke 3.0, '19 Salsa Mukluk
I enjoy riding in the rain too. My wife doesn't understand it, but she hates walking 15 feet from the driveway to the door in a light sprinkle.
A few things I've found make it much more enjoyable:
Fenders - The rain coming down is clean and refreshing. The muck coming up is nasty and serenity-sucking.
Waterproof Bags - Riding in the rain is fun, but sitting in the office in wet work clothes is not so much.
Temp - Riding in the rain is a lot more enjoyable above 40 degrees. From about 39 down to 32 if it's raining hard it can turn into a hypothermia risk. I'll still ride, but I have to be aware and make appropriate preparations.
A few things I've found make it much more enjoyable:
Fenders - The rain coming down is clean and refreshing. The muck coming up is nasty and serenity-sucking.
Waterproof Bags - Riding in the rain is fun, but sitting in the office in wet work clothes is not so much.
Temp - Riding in the rain is a lot more enjoyable above 40 degrees. From about 39 down to 32 if it's raining hard it can turn into a hypothermia risk. I'll still ride, but I have to be aware and make appropriate preparations.
#50
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Bikes: Motobecane





