All,

I have searched and not found much about this. I commute once in a while to work, and would like to start riding when it is raining, but I am concerned about leaving my bike sitting in the rain for 8 to 10 hours - I commute on a Bianchi San Jose single speed..

Does anyone do this, and what do they do for maintenance to keep the bike functioning properly? Do you cover it or is this bad if the bike is already wet - I am thinking it would worse to cover it, especially if the weather clears.

Thanks.

Just cover your saddle if you want. If you have time wipe it.

What I do at the end of the day is use my shop vac as a blower with a thin attachment, it gets rid of water nicely from the frame and the components.

Adam

Definitely cover a leather saddle. Vinyl ones don't usually matter, you can just wipe them at the end of the day. (though my wife has a very cushy seat that absorbs a lot of water, and takes days to dry, so it needs to be covered).

Otherwise, fenders are you friends, and you need to keep up your chain lube regimen. Use wet lube, as dry lubes just wash off in the rain.

Thanks for the responses. I already have fenders since I ride the bike in the rain for fun and to run quick errands. I always cover my seat with a plastic bag if it even looks like rain since I have a Brooks.

Using a shop vac to get the water off the frame - didn't think of that one. I usually dry off the frame and wipe the chan down every time I ride in the rain, and I check the chain regularly to see if it needs lube - learned to keep on top of that with MTB riding.

Thanks again.

Heh. You've got my partner's bike, right down to the saddle. And you're doing exactly what he does... tho if he can, he tries to get a spot under the roof, so the bike doesn't automatically end up soaked. The San Jose is a pretty tough bike, so don't worry too much about it.

I've got a steel bike that I ride to work when it rains, which is nearly every day from mid-October to mid-June around here. I leave it outside and uncovered during the work day. Before I leave at night, I bounce it once or twice to knock the excess water off. Sometimes I do the same when I get home. I clean and oil the chain when it starts to squeal. Once in a while (maybe every two weeks) I use a bristle brush to knock the accumulated road grit off the frame.

The bike has survived two winters with this treatment and doesn't appear to be any the worse for it.

With a narrow attachment you get significant pressure, it blows the water out of places you won't be able to reach with a cloth easily: between cogs, inside derailleurs, etc., and the air is warm a little bit too.

I think all the dirt and muck that gets kicked up while you're riding in the rain does more damage than the rain that falls on it while you're parked. I keep a bag on my seat but that's just to prevent a soggy butt after work.

BTW, a leaf blower works real well to dry things off too. I use one after I wash my motorcycle.