Commuting in the rain
06-02-16, 09:55 AM
#28
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06-02-16, 10:23 AM
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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.
06-02-16, 10:44 AM
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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.
06-02-16, 11:14 AM
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06-02-16, 11:39 AM
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Doesn't matter; just look at that thing...
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06-02-16, 12:08 PM
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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.
06-02-16, 12:13 PM
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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.
06-02-16, 02:08 PM
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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.
06-02-16, 08:27 PM
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@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.
06-02-16, 09:12 PM
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@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.
06-02-16, 10:47 PM
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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.
06-02-16, 11:42 PM
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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.
06-03-16, 02:48 AM
#47
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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.
06-03-16, 04:39 AM
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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.
06-03-16, 08:03 AM
#49
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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.
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06-03-16, 08:19 AM
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