wgaynor

Since it's warming up here in Kentucky (above freezing!), I have the bug again and have been riding everyday. The problem is that it's supposed to rain for the next couple of days, and I am not wanting it to cause me not to ride. Any tips for riding in the rain. It's a 2.5mile ride from home to work. The only thing I take with me is my backpack with my clothes to change into. Also, will I have to worry about slowing down, or losing traction (I ride a mountain bike with slicks)? I appreciate any advice I can get. I'm still learning...

bjornb

No the rain really doesn't change anything except your braking ability a bit. If you have decent brakes you will be fine though. Fenders and rain gear are helpful too.

Bdaisies

I started riding earlier than I should this year because I had that same bug. Don't let the rain stop you. Honestly, you'll get wet, and that's about the worse of it.

A few things though:

Visibility: drivers have less visibility in the rain, so make yourself very bright. Get yourself blinky lights (set to blink!), and as bright clothing as possible. A bright yellow rainjacket works awesome here.

Fenders: I love fenders. They are truly awesome for keeping your back and your legs dry. I'd invest in a decent set. For some mountain bikes, it may be tricky mounting them so make sure you have ones that are appropriate.

Put your clothes in a plastic bag, then in your backpack to keep it dry. Also pack a towel.

Unless you're in monsoon conditions there's really nothing to worry about. You won't lose traction or hydroplane and if you're properly geared, puddles are nothing. Trust me, I've done about the same distance in slushy rain and was fine. It won't be that bad and it's definitely an experience.

Mach42

Watch out for metal plates, drainage grates, and such on the road. They get very slippery. It's the same with paint lines and leaves on the road. Don't go roaring around turns and you won't crash.

Slow way down and keep the bike as close to upright as possible while turning if your path takes you across one of those hazards.

girljen

Very timely thread! I'll probably be riding home in the rain (or possibly the snow) tomorrow morning.
No advice here, as I've never ridden in the rain before...but thanks to everyone offering it!

Jarnett

I am in Owensboro also, everytime I start getting in the swing of riding it rains again. My commute is about 6 miles, but I have not tried to ride it in the rain yet. I rode today and monday, but I don't think I am going to make it rest of the week.

Jonahhobbes

There is no real difference and I dragged my wife out in the on her bike not long ago to cure her of "rain paranoia". Mach 42 sums it all up as do the others. Train tracks can also be pretty scary when wet, (and dry for that matter). Just know your braking range and add a little more when wet. Also don't ride in jeans, Wet jeans = chaffing

I guess with tires with very little tread you would need to corner more carefully, (I've only ever used semi-slicks or full MB tread).

lns55

A pair of Planet Bike fenders, rain pants and jacket and you'll be good to go.

ghettocruiser

You need to corner more carefully no matter what.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#tread

On bare wet pavement, tread has no advantages.

I think the gains in traction you are feeling are from a larger contact patch from a wider tire with lower pressure.

dobovedo

Lights and other methods of staying visible are important as what you wear, as drivers not only have less visibility, but also have compromised stopping and maneuvering ability, same as you.

+1 on painted surfaces and grates/metal. They can be very slick. Basically anything you'd consider in your car when handling on wet surfaces is magnified on a bike. No need to worry or panic, just use extra caution and you'll do fine.

I think staying warm is more important that staying dry, but others may have better advice in that area.

Kudos for giving it a go in the rain!

skylla

My rule since starting commuting last August has been: always ride the first time some new adverse weather comes along. If you're afraid of it the first time, when will you decide it's time to face it? If you face it the first time, then you can make an informed decision about what to do next time.

So first that meant riding when it was really hot, which turned out fine. Then
in light rain, also no problem at all (but I got a helmet cover anyway and have appreciated having it). Then in heavy rain, which was not so fun and led to rain pants and waterproof panniers. Then after snow, which led to falling head first and deciding not to ride in those conditions any more (it doesn't snow enough in Philly to justify studs, much as I desire them). The last test was when the morning temperature was 12 F--lowest before that had been low 20s. Double long underwear and double socks did the trick.
Now that I've made it through 7 months and all those conditions, I'm not sure when the next time I'll have to invoke the rule will be.

Jonahhobbes

totally, but that tread on the semi-slicks/mtb tire make a huge difference on gravel and grass obviously.

ghettocruiser

Yep. I find advantages to these tires with even a modest amount of sand on the pavement, which is generally the condition for a good part of the year here. But they are slower.

wild animals

if you ride through big puddles your feet will probably get really wet.

people always say that you're going to get wet anyway, so just wear clothes that stay warm when wet, and it sounds like a bunch of bull, but it's really true. it isn't so bad being wet, as long as you're not freezing too.

if it's really pouring you will probably want to change out of everything you wear on the bike, once you get to work, so you aren't squishy all day. also keep in mind that your bike clothes will still be wet when you have to put them on after work! and that is terrible. they could also stink out your coworkers if you don't hide them someplace

wgaynor

Thanks for all the help guys (and gals). I think I am ready to give it a go!

Jarery

Its 2.5 miles. You wont need anything but an avoidance of metal and painted lines.

Mr. Underbridge

It's just like driving in the rain. Just do everything slower. You probably don't want to ride at max speed. You'll want to brake slower (and give yourself room to stop). Take less speed into turns. Realize you'll have less traction, especially on asphalt, and avoid any metal surfaces if possible.

And next winter, practice riding on ice (at low speed!) without studs in an empty parking lot or a sidewalk or something. After that, you'll never worry about rain. Riding on ice teaches you a lot about how a bike handles, in my opinion.

texastwister

see my name? that's in the forecast today here in FT.WORTH ! i had purchase a big knobby mtb for just the rainy season but changed my attitude when i got a new hybrid with 700x32's with some tread, i commute 5 miles each way.the MTB just took to much out of me (lol). also invest in a good rain suit , mine is a Frogg Togg by OuterWear its very lightweight and stays rolled up in the bottom of my backpack

thdave

I compromise a bit. I won't come in to work while it's raining (although I have for slight rains if it's not too windy) but I definitely won't let the forecast for the ride home affect my morning decision. Too many times the weatherman is wrong; plus, I don't really care if I get wet on the way home--I can change when I get there.

I also carry a rain cape in my trunk (rack) bag that I bring daily, so I can deal with the rain at any time.

Enjoy the rain!

toThinkistoBe

Cotton socks = when your feet get wet, although it probably wont matter much over 2.5 miles. Sandals =

Fenders make a huge difference. The main thing that I didn't like about riding in the rain (pre-fenders) was all the gunk (oil, gas, other miscellaneous crap on the road) splashing up on me.

MMACH 5

If it is still pretty cool, waterproof socks are good to have.

One thing to keep in mind, if there is lots of run-off, some road hazards can be hidden. It's amazing how less than an inch of rain can make a five-inch pot hole invisible.

aMull

For 2 miles i don't know why you even question it, just go out and ride.

jpdesjar

took the new ride out in the rain the other day...threw a back fender on, wasn't too bad...shoes were soaked when i got home cleaned the bike off and changed into warm dry clothes

a few weeks i was stranded with a friend of mine out in the cold and rainy weather, that was no fun but now when i ride in the rain i think of that time and seems easy

i sport the rain cape to keep my backpack dry when i have to, that thing is great

ItsJustMe

What, before Jan 1?

Totally agree with all your other statements, apart from there ever being a time when riding isn't appropriate.

I have fenders with mudflaps, and J&G vented breathable jacket which serves as both rain jacket and outer shell when it's cold (down to -25*F so far). For 2.5 miles though I don't think I'd bother; just wear a cheap poncho or whatever rain gear you have for non-cycling use.

supton

Front fender should help a bit with the shoes. For just two miles, I'd carry a spare set of shoes, and put the wet ones out to dry. I mean, if you're riding on platform pedals, that is--I keep a pair or two of my older sneakers around for yard duty, perfect use right here for old sneakers.