Biking in rain
#26
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Raleigh Gruv 2, KHS Comfort Recumbent
Found this kayak light when I was browsing. It'd be cool if there is something similar to this for bike 
https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Signal-Po...k+safety+light

https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Signal-Po...k+safety+light
Strobe light - the brighter, the better!!!
Old-school self -- I use a USCG-approved life-vest Xenon strobe that uses One D-cell. It is zip-tied to my rear rack, facing aft. 50-60 flashes/minute.
My commute is on busy 55mph State highway, almost 12 miles each way. I ride within 4" of the fog line (white side line).
I did see a bike-commuter yesterday morning (right around sunrise) that had a very bright flashing LED headlight. I need to get one of those for the front, since right now I have nothing and people emerging from driveways or side streets tend not to see me -- they're looking for cars/trucks, not bikes!!!
Old-school self -- I use a USCG-approved life-vest Xenon strobe that uses One D-cell. It is zip-tied to my rear rack, facing aft. 50-60 flashes/minute.
My commute is on busy 55mph State highway, almost 12 miles each way. I ride within 4" of the fog line (white side line).
I did see a bike-commuter yesterday morning (right around sunrise) that had a very bright flashing LED headlight. I need to get one of those for the front, since right now I have nothing and people emerging from driveways or side streets tend not to see me -- they're looking for cars/trucks, not bikes!!!
#27
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Raleigh Gruv 2, KHS Comfort Recumbent
NiteRider 750 looks great, but the price is high ($99). What about the following head light? Do you guys think it's good enough? Thanks - Tom
https://www.amazon.com/Brightest-Bike...ike+head+light
[QUOTE=Hypno Toad;18193869]
https://www.amazon.com/Brightest-Bike...ike+head+light
[QUOTE=Hypno Toad;18193869]
1. How to improve the visibility to others? I already have a safety flag (see pic attached)
2. What rain gear do you guys use?
QUOTE]
1. Lights, lights, and more lights. My front light is the NiteRider 750 and back is either a Knog Blinder or Planet Bike Superflash Turbo
2. O2 Rainwear I have and use both the Basic and Nokomis jackets and Nokomis pants. They breath, keeping you dry from rain and your own sweat.
2. What rain gear do you guys use?
QUOTE]
1. Lights, lights, and more lights. My front light is the NiteRider 750 and back is either a Knog Blinder or Planet Bike Superflash Turbo
2. O2 Rainwear I have and use both the Basic and Nokomis jackets and Nokomis pants. They breath, keeping you dry from rain and your own sweat.
#28
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Raleigh Gruv 2, KHS Comfort Recumbent
Found another light which might be comparable to NightRider 750 but much cheaper. What do you guys think? - Tom
https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Eyes-Re...0_SR160%2C160_
[QUOTE=tommyx;18199126]NiteRider 750 looks great, but the price is high ($99). What about the following head light? Do you guys think it's good enough? Thanks - Tom
https://www.amazon.com/Brightest-Bike...ike+head+light
https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Eyes-Re...0_SR160%2C160_
[QUOTE=tommyx;18199126]NiteRider 750 looks great, but the price is high ($99). What about the following head light? Do you guys think it's good enough? Thanks - Tom
https://www.amazon.com/Brightest-Bike...ike+head+light
#29
meh

Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Hopkins, MN
Bikes: 23 Cutthroat, 21 CoMotion Java; 21 Bianchi Infinito; 15 Surly Pugsley; 11 Globe Daily; 09 Kona Dew Drop; 96 Mondonico
IMO the higher priced lights have advantages. For me, my LBS sells NiteRider, so I got a better price and if anything goes wrong the shop will support me. I'm sure the lower priced Amazon lights are fine. Just have a good bright light, that's what is important.
#30
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Toronto
Bikes: Sekine 1979 ten speed racer
Just biked through the rain in the morning commute. Dressed in a light nylon camping shirt loosely buttoned, a plastic garbage bag and a reflector vest. I don't like wearing my rain jacket because it gets too hot and sweaty inside. Bread bags around my running shoes secured with my regular reflecto straps. Very light fabric baseball cap with visor to keep the rain from my glasses.
All my lights turned on.
All my lights turned on.
#31
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Washington DC Metro Area
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, Jamis Renegade Expert
This evening's commute ride left me the most drenched yet. Rain was heavy enough that my quick-dry attire wasn't quick-drying, lol. I suspect if the temps were closer to 90 F like it was this summer, I'd be telling a different story, but at around low 70s F the heat from my body wasn't enough.
Next time I suspect it's going to rain like this, I'll probably wear the winter helmet instead, as it comes with a visor. I don't mind being soaking wet when it's 70 F but if it's down to the 40s I'm going to ride in my waterproof Vasque hiking boots instead, with the water resistant pants on top.
Next time I suspect it's going to rain like this, I'll probably wear the winter helmet instead, as it comes with a visor. I don't mind being soaking wet when it's 70 F but if it's down to the 40s I'm going to ride in my waterproof Vasque hiking boots instead, with the water resistant pants on top.
#32
For the winter rains, I get covered with waterproof stuff.
Well... I have a waterproof snowboard helmet. Nice for the mid 30's to the low 40's, otherwise it is just too HOT
My head seems to drench itself anyway, whether or not it is raining 
Waterproof biking shoes are NICE. Shimano may concentrate on waterproof SPD style shoes, but other brands including Specialized have essentially the same shoe/boots with both 2 and 3 bolt cleats.
Well... I have a waterproof snowboard helmet. Nice for the mid 30's to the low 40's, otherwise it is just too HOT
My head seems to drench itself anyway, whether or not it is raining 
Waterproof biking shoes are NICE. Shimano may concentrate on waterproof SPD style shoes, but other brands including Specialized have essentially the same shoe/boots with both 2 and 3 bolt cleats.
#33
SE Wis

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,556
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From: Milwaukee, WI
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
The chinese led magicshine clone lights are pretty good for the money. Amazon.com : RioRand 4 Mode 1200 Lumen CREE XML T6 Bulb LED Bicycle bike HeadLight Lamp Flashlight Light Headlamp : Sports & Outdoors
#34
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Washington DC Metro Area
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, Jamis Renegade Expert
As it turned out, we had over 2" of rainfall last night. No wonder my clothes and shoes were so saturated.
I don't know if there's any handlebar tape known to man that won't get slick with that much relentless rainfall. I probably should have worn gloves - or not?
The MKS Lambda pedals also got a bit slippery but my shoes did not slide off. I did avoid high cadence and coasted in platform (3 o'clock + 9 o'clock pedals) a lot.
I don't know if there's any handlebar tape known to man that won't get slick with that much relentless rainfall. I probably should have worn gloves - or not?
The MKS Lambda pedals also got a bit slippery but my shoes did not slide off. I did avoid high cadence and coasted in platform (3 o'clock + 9 o'clock pedals) a lot.
#35
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Middle of da Mitten
Bikes: Trek 7500, RANS V-Rex, Optima Baron, Velokraft NoCom, M-5 Carbon Highracer, Bacchetta Quattro, Catrike Speed
Put a powerful strobe on front and back for visibility. A flag won't show in the rain.
Depending on how far you have to ride, a poncho like shown *might* work if it were heavy enough. The $5 one will shred in short order. Or just use a full rain suit.
You should already know, get fenders.
KHS RC1620 is technically a semi-recumbent because it has a more-or-less vertical seatpost, and a saddle.
Depending on how far you have to ride, a poncho like shown *might* work if it were heavy enough. The $5 one will shred in short order. Or just use a full rain suit.
You should already know, get fenders.
KHS RC1620 is technically a semi-recumbent because it has a more-or-less vertical seatpost, and a saddle.
#36
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12
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From: Snoqualmie, WA
Hey thanks for the answer on the flags... my hub rides with one like that and it disappears. He's on a recumbent, making it even worse.
As for rain and visibility, I just received my Solas 40 rear light and man is it bright. So worth it! I have a cateye on the front. Both are usb rechargeable, which is necessary. The batteries for older lights were completely unpredictable. This Solas 40 actually has a light that indicates when you need to recharge the battery. How cool is that?
Also -- the neon yellow jackets are by far the most visible on the road. You can find a wide variety, some with reflective tape. My new one has a velcro attachment for a hood, but did not come with a hood.
There are a lot of ways to cover your head to protect from the wet, and you want to be sure your peripheral vision and your hearing are not impaired. My headgear is a helmet cover with reflective piping. I found that the bacalava wasn't good because it covered my ears, making it harder to sense when car was approaching.
Get ready for rain..this winter is gonna be wild.
Nancy in Seattle
As for rain and visibility, I just received my Solas 40 rear light and man is it bright. So worth it! I have a cateye on the front. Both are usb rechargeable, which is necessary. The batteries for older lights were completely unpredictable. This Solas 40 actually has a light that indicates when you need to recharge the battery. How cool is that?
Also -- the neon yellow jackets are by far the most visible on the road. You can find a wide variety, some with reflective tape. My new one has a velcro attachment for a hood, but did not come with a hood.
There are a lot of ways to cover your head to protect from the wet, and you want to be sure your peripheral vision and your hearing are not impaired. My headgear is a helmet cover with reflective piping. I found that the bacalava wasn't good because it covered my ears, making it harder to sense when car was approaching.
Get ready for rain..this winter is gonna be wild.
Nancy in Seattle
#37
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Washington DC Metro Area
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, Jamis Renegade Expert
Next time I suspect it's going to rain like this, I'll probably wear the winter helmet instead, as it comes with a visor. I don't mind being soaking wet when it's 70 F but if it's down to the 40s I'm going to ride in my waterproof Vasque hiking boots instead, with the water resistant pants on top.
I'm going to start saving up for a pair of Chrome Storm waterproof boots - probably a better overall solution for riding in both rain and fall (and colder) weather.
#38
Next time I suspect it's going to rain like this, I'll probably wear the winter helmet instead, as it comes with a visor. I don't mind being soaking wet when it's 70 F but if it's down to the 40s I'm going to ride in my waterproof Vasque hiking boots instead, with the water resistant pants on top.
I noticed that the shade visors were obscuring my vision while riding in the drops... so they were removed.
I haven't been on any double-century rides, or very wet rides since removing the visors, but vision is important.
I do wear glasses which helps keep some of the rain out of the eyes.
#39
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Washington DC Metro Area
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, Jamis Renegade Expert

The winter liner also has a visor. I don't have the winter liner yet so I don't know if it can be flipped out of the way like the summer one.
My Rudy Project Rydons do a good job of keeping rain out of my eyes, but it wouldn't hurt to reduce the amount of water getting onto them. I just ordered a cycling cap to wear under my summer helmet when it rains. I got the idea of wearing a visor in the rain from these very bikeforums - so it's not just me.
Last edited by GovernorSilver; 10-04-15 at 01:01 PM.
#40
The visor may help some with the rain.
I just noticed that when riding in the drops (especially with my bike with the low bars), that my neck just doesn't bend enough to put the eyes level. So, I'm essentially looking up all the time, and I was seeing the last inch or so of the visor.
I could still look ahead, but it was less comfortable to get the full field of view for safe riding.
Perhaps an alternative would be to find the point where it enters my field of view, and just shorten it.
I just noticed that when riding in the drops (especially with my bike with the low bars), that my neck just doesn't bend enough to put the eyes level. So, I'm essentially looking up all the time, and I was seeing the last inch or so of the visor.
I could still look ahead, but it was less comfortable to get the full field of view for safe riding.
Perhaps an alternative would be to find the point where it enters my field of view, and just shorten it.
#41
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Washington DC Metro Area
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, Jamis Renegade Expert
I ride a hybrid w/ trekking bar, so I don't think I lower my torso as much as someone riding in the drops. I did however angle my torso fairly close to horizontal when I ran into some headwind. I don't think I look up as much.
#42
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From: Washington DC Metro Area
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, Jamis Renegade Expert
I forgot to mention that cycling gloves improved my grip considerably on those wet Lizard Skins taped bars. However, I also lost the ability to use my "palm pivot" technique to quickly switch between the side grips and the front grips on the trekking bar to quickly access the brake levers, shifter, and bell.
#43
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Raleigh Gruv 2, KHS Comfort Recumbent
Are there any tires designed for wet road? I couldn't help riding my bike last Saturday right after the rain stopped and crashed at a corner when making a right turn
I felt the tire(s) slipped before the bike crashed.
I felt the tire(s) slipped before the bike crashed.
#44
Banned
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
Actually the more tread pattern the less rubber you have for traction .. bike tire contact patch is too small to hydroplane ..
steel plates and paint on the pavement require you to be aware that they are slick..
and rain right after a long dry period the streets will be slick from motor oil leaks ..
Want to get a Trike ? , 3rd wheel will offer stability..
steel plates and paint on the pavement require you to be aware that they are slick..
and rain right after a long dry period the streets will be slick from motor oil leaks ..
Want to get a Trike ? , 3rd wheel will offer stability..
#45
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From: Washington DC Metro Area
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, Jamis Renegade Expert
It's usually when I make too sharp of a certain, at a certain speed or higher. Doing said turn on sand or gravel increases the odds significantly.Everyone saids rim brakes like mine don't work in rain, so the fear of not being able to stop usually prevents me from going fast in the rain, and thus prevents me from crashing due to bad turns. Turns out my brakes work just fine in the wet, btw, but no reason to push it.
#46
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From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
I see your flag but... But a flag often blows fore and aft whilst the bicycle is in motion and thus is invisible to folwing vehicles. How about a large Slow moving Vehicle triangle behind your seat?
On an upright bicycle full fenders couples with mudflaps really cut down the wheel thrown spray especially in standing water or heavy rain.
One thing about super bright lights especially strobes is that they can temporarily blind other bicyclist or motorists. this is moreso the darker and the less ambient light there is. I've had numerous times on dark/poorly lighted roads where an aproaching bicyclist with a very bright light (especially one on strobe mode) blinded me to the point where I had to slam on the brakes of my bicycle because I could no longer even see where the road was.
Cheers
On an upright bicycle full fenders couples with mudflaps really cut down the wheel thrown spray especially in standing water or heavy rain.
One thing about super bright lights especially strobes is that they can temporarily blind other bicyclist or motorists. this is moreso the darker and the less ambient light there is. I've had numerous times on dark/poorly lighted roads where an aproaching bicyclist with a very bright light (especially one on strobe mode) blinded me to the point where I had to slam on the brakes of my bicycle because I could no longer even see where the road was.
Cheers
#47
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 54
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Raleigh Gruv 2, KHS Comfort Recumbent
Thx for the input! Just order this,
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006IW554/...I1LC9S3M87HPVJ
Plan to put it at the back of the seat.
Tom
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006IW554/...I1LC9S3M87HPVJ
Plan to put it at the back of the seat.
Tom
I see your flag but... But a flag often blows fore and aft whilst the bicycle is in motion and thus is invisible to folwing vehicles. How about a large Slow moving Vehicle triangle behind your seat?
On an upright bicycle full fenders couples with mudflaps really cut down the wheel thrown spray especially in standing water or heavy rain.
One thing about super bright lights especially strobes is that they can temporarily blind other bicyclist or motorists. this is moreso the darker and the less ambient light there is. I've had numerous times on dark/poorly lighted roads where an aproaching bicyclist with a very bright light (especially one on strobe mode) blinded me to the point where I had to slam on the brakes of my bicycle because I could no longer even see where the road was.
Cheers
On an upright bicycle full fenders couples with mudflaps really cut down the wheel thrown spray especially in standing water or heavy rain.
One thing about super bright lights especially strobes is that they can temporarily blind other bicyclist or motorists. this is moreso the darker and the less ambient light there is. I've had numerous times on dark/poorly lighted roads where an aproaching bicyclist with a very bright light (especially one on strobe mode) blinded me to the point where I had to slam on the brakes of my bicycle because I could no longer even see where the road was.
Cheers








