So I'm pretty new to bike commuting, and there's no getting around it--I'm riding in the rain today. Any technique pointers that I might find helpful? I know I'm going to get wet, and I'm okay with that. I'm just trying not to be surprised about anything that comes up with the bike itself and/or how it rides in the rain versus when it's not raining. Any stories/advice/etc. that might help me on my ride home today? It's not too far, only 3.5 mi. and I've got a hybrid w/ road tires.

Thanks!

Just stay away from manhole covers, drainage grates, painted strips on the road because you can loose traction more easily on them in the rain. Get a fender, or complete fenders. Wear a brim somehow to keep the water out of your eyes. That's about all I can think of.

Your stopping distance increases. Motorists drive like crap.
Be very careful crossing wet train tracks. I've almost fallen riding at 3 mph over train tracks.

Watch out for puddles hiding potholes. Be visible, car drivers have reduced visibility in the rain, oh and they go all rubbish at driving too.

Thanks, all--I'll be extra careful to turn all my lights on, too. I'm wishing I'd bought toeclips about right now, as well.

Cheers!

Fenders & a rain cape are great.

Yep, can't emphasize how dangerous RR tracks can be. I completely destroyed my front Campy Proton going over RR tracks. Went down on the first track,the wheel turned sideways while I was sliding, caught in the second track and broke. Bent the wheel like a taco, and the metal snapped on one side. I avoid those things like they were infectious bubonic plague.

Manhole covers, trolley tracks and leaves are also very slippery when wet

The available grip you have is greatly diminished. When cornering, you'll want to get your weight a bit more over the front wheel to avoid it sliding out (happens easier than you'd think, depending on the type of asphalt).

If in doubt of traction, use the rear brake. You can lock up the rear with no problems. The front however, is bad.

New blacktop, especially in parking lots, is very, very slick when wet. The fresh tar mixes with the water, and is basically like a very thin oil slick. You won't know that until you try to turn, and wind up on the ground.

Hydroplaning isn't an issue, as your speeds probably aren't high enough, and the tires are very thin. Puddles should be viewed with caution, however, because you don't know how deep they are.

The little lip between the sidewalk and the road will mess you up if you try to cross it with a shallow angle of attack. Your wheels will just slip off of that 1" rise, and you'll be sliding across a busy road (yes, that happened to me, I broke a collar bone and messed up my rotator cuff). So if you need to cross that gap, either bunny hop onto the higher/lower side, or take it with a high attack angle, like 35' or so.

Drop your tire pressure 25% off whatever you normally run. You won't notice the speed cut due to the rain, and it will give you a lot more traction and feel.

Slow down and take it easy through the corners. Otherwise, have fun!

Also, avoid painted areas on the pavement, like stripes; they will be slicker.

I believe some of the advice in this thread borders on the hysterical. Yes, there is less traction on wet roads. But normal wet pavement will give you good enough grip to ride quite aggressively. Just look out for the slick hazards.

I actually take RR tracks at speed when it's wet, but I coast over the actual tracks, I just don't slow down for them. I always position myself to tackle them 90 degrees perpendicular, even if it means heading far left in the lane to get lined up. Even on my Forte SlickCity tires, RR tracks aren't a problem. It's similar to the technique I use when riding on glare ice. Don't steer, keep moving, and if you can get through the obstacle without pedaling, all the better.

Be careful not to melt or dissolve, if you are part witch or part sugar.

Duly noted, GGDub.

Good advice in all of these posts. Full fenders with a good mudflap will not only help keep the water and grime off of you but also your bike and drivetrain (not to mention any fellow rainy day riders behind you).

As for your eyes, I find that a light cycling cap works great to keep water off my glasses. It's thin enough to fit under the helmet comfortably, and the brim is just the right size---long enough to keep water off my eyes, short enough to see past easily without straining my neck.

My shoes are rather well-vented, which is great in the summer, but lousy for wet days. I cut the corners off a plastic bag and stick my feet in them before going in the shoes to keep them a little drier.

Lots of great advice in the other posts here about riding conservatively... Don't forget to enjoy the ride. (:

Both of these are great pieces of advice. Whenever it rains, I throw a cycling cap underneath my helmet and it keeps my glasses clear in everything but an absolute deluge.

I dont understand why someone would make dark rain capes ?

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cycle-Cape-Bra...QQcmdZViewItem

At least this one is yellow

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/cape-cycle-cap...QQcmdZViewItem

and this one has relfective strips

https://www.cyclexpress.co.uk/product...it_Poncho.aspx

Here's what I have: https://www.bicycleclothing.com/Rain-Capes.html

These guys make good stuff, fairly priced, and not plastered with advertising & logos

and Bon Jovi.

Bring dry socks.

I never wear socks with sandals

Water tends to pool up on the side of the road against the sidewalks. If you happen to be on the sidewalk, I would say that you are in a high % chance of getting splashed by cars/suvs as they intentionally drive into these puddles... because you happen to be there at the "right" time.

Hah ha. (: Hm, and I guess I do ride a "steel horse"...Reynolds 520. q: (Sorry, couldn't resist.)