Riding a bike in the rain
Riding a bike in the rain
Riding a bike in the rain will happen-this doesn’t always mean you have to stay indoors and skip your journey.
What would you do if you were camping by bike or it started to rain halfway through a long trip? Following the correct steps and tips can play an important role in maintaining a safe and good ride, even when it is raining. Keep these 6 tips in mind, whether you are stuck in sudden weather or have a plan to go to the rain.
The answer will ultimately be affected by the type of bike you are riding—for example, gravel bikes and road bikes have different rain dynamics, while mountain bikes or fat bikes are completely different.
Tip #1: Slow down!
As with driving, one of the best things you can do while riding a bike in the rain is to slow down! A slower ride will help you spot hazards on the road, including larger puddles or potholes that can cause you injury or damage your bike. When you encounter large wet areas, you may lose traction on slippery roads or terrain. Heavy rain also has the habit of covering obstacles.
You will also be grateful when you stop or slow down at an intersection. Although bicycle tires are surprisingly good when driving on wet roads, they are not useful when you have to stop quickly on wet roads. Allow extra time so you can actually apply the brakes and gradually stop.
Slowing down, even just a little bit, can help you identify larger puddles, potholes, and obstacles before you encounter them.
Tip #2: Use the right gear
If you are considering going out on rainy or humid weather, it can be helpful to have the right equipment. You can use a few different methods to improve comfort, safety, and overall ride experience.
Shoe cover
When riding a bicycle, whether it is raining or hitting a puddle, your shoes will get wet. When it seeps in, you will soon dispose of wet socks and wet feet, which can lead to very uncomfortable and cold riding.
Instead, you can choose waterproof overshoes. They not only keep the water out, but also keep your feet warm. If the outside is particularly dirty, you may also want to buy waterproof socks.
Waterproof clothing
In addition to shoe covers, you can also choose many waterproof clothes to make your riding more enjoyable. A waterproof jacket, if properly designed, can keep you breathable while protecting it from rain, even if you have to work hard or travel long distances. Waterproof tights can do the same job.
Cyclists should also consider adding waterproof gloves to their gear bag. Cold hands make it difficult to concentrate, and all the water makes them slippery. Waterproof bicycle gloves can help ensure that you hold the handlebars tightly and don’t think too much about the cold.
And, of course, you have to keep your mind dry. The helmet can do part of the work for you, but it can become a bit frustrating when water drips in. Cycling caps, especially waterproof cycling caps, can be the icing on the cake for your trip and wear them under the helmet.
Glasses
Now that you are keeping water away from your body, it is time to consider keeping water away from your eyes. Cycling glasses are definitely a must. They can even protect your eyes from the downpour and prevent any dirt, dirt or dust from entering.
light
If you are going to ride early in the morning or late at night, you may have lights on hand, but do you bring them on a rainy day? It’s usually a good idea to turn on the headlights in the rain—the same is true for cycling. Dark clouds, heavy rain and dim light make it difficult for you to see, and if you are on a road or a small road, it is also difficult for drivers and other cyclists to see you. You can install small flashing LED lights in front of and behind you to ensure that you are more easily noticed by others.
fender
If you don’t already have a mudguard, it is another important addition to your bike. Even if it rains and clears, roads and trails will still be filled with water and mud. When you ride, water and dirt will gush out. During and after wet weather, mudguards or mudguards prevent water from flowing out of your back, legs, and feet.
Tip #3: Choose the right bike and tire
Did you know that there is a big difference between riding a road bike and a mountain bike in the rain? This is mainly due to the tires-road bike tires tend to be smoother and require you to ride with a higher tire pressure, which actually means that they maintain consistent contact with the road and obtain better grip, even in wet conditions The same goes for the next.
That’s right-those thin road bike tires that seem to have no pattern actually perform well on wet roads. The “sharpness” of the tire ensures that you keep more contact with the ground, and the high pressure of the tire has a way to push the water away. With this kind of sadness, painted or wooden wet surfaces are very bad, and you should try to avoid them or walk slowly on them.
For mountain bikes, or if your road bike tires are not smooth, you may need to choose a different type of tire. Even if you hit potholes or debris, tubeless tires or tires with puncture belts can help you avoid a puncture.
What to avoid while riding a bicycle is the dreaded seaplane, as long as you are riding at a relatively high PSI, you should be able to stay in contact with the sidewalk and avoid the seaplane.
Nevertheless, having the right tires still cannot cope with the downpour. Even if you are satisfied with your tires, please refer to rule #1-slow down!
Tip #4: Get your bike ready
Too much rain may actually be harmful to your bicycle. You need to do a few things to make sure it can cope with wet weather.
lubricating oil
There are different types and styles of bicycle lubricants. When it rains and when riding a bicycle, wet lubricating oil is actually better than dry lubricating oil. It will help keep your pedaling smooth and your chain waterproof. If you live in a place where they spread salt on the road in winter, you will give your chain some extra protection.
Waterproof grease
Are you oiling the key bearings from the headset to the wheel hub? Adding grease, especially the waterproof option, will help prevent rainwater, dirt and dust from entering.
Repair flat kit
Even if you take the precautions listed above with regard to your tires, you may still experience a puncture. Always have tools on hand so that you can get back on the road quickly.
And take care of it after the ride!
Not only do you want to prepare your bike before riding on a rainy day-once you park it overnight, you also need to maintain it. Before applying new bicycle lubricant, your bicycle should be washed and dried. You should also take time to make sure it is not damaged in any way.
Tip #5: Watch out for flowing water
As with driving, you should always pay attention to flowing water. Don’t enter it, especially when you can’t see the road or trail below it. The flow of water in a flood can be very (and unbelievably) strong, and it doesn’t take much time to knock you down. Don’t try to cross any flooded areas.
There is no shame in getting out of the car and bypassing the danger zone. You might thank you for doing it.
Tip #6: Know when to turn back
Although it may be fun to ride in the rain, or you really want to complete the training, it does not mean to overcome the worst conditions. Paying close attention to the weather forecast before departure helps ensure that you will not experience severe weather, such as severe thunderstorms, floods, and even possible tornadoes.
If you are trapped outside and the weather gets worse, return immediately or seek asylum. Know your limits and understand the dangers of staying outdoors in inclement weather.
Call it, go indoors and put the bike on the bike trainer for good spin and sweat, it is not shameful. We always do this.
Rain does not necessarily mean you have to exit the loop or skip it all together. However, this does mean that you must be prepared. This means equipping you and your bike with the right equipment, while also knowing how to stay safe around water, potholes and floods. Whether you are being drizzled or drizzled, these tips will help you stay safe.
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