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Riding in the Rain, Sleet and Snow |
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"Remember this tenet: It's never as bad on a bike as you imagine it'll be from inside your cozy home."
Here is a nice informative summary about riding in the rain...you can find a more detailed version at http://www.roadbikerider.com.
Unless it's raining in the middle of summer it is likely that the rain you might end up riding in will be cold. Cold and wet enough to chill you to the bone if you're not careful. In order to master the cold weather rain ride you should get the right equipment. This can make riding in the rain fun and to tell you the truth sometimes it just exciting to go the local bike shop and look at all the new accessories you could buy.
Among the most important pieces of equipment that you should have anyway is a nice rear fender, if not a front one as well. Depending on the weather, you should already have a light rain shell that blocks some wind and light rain. For more heavy rain or colder weather rain, try a more durable and thus less breathable jacket that will keep your sweat warm against your body. Breathable jackets that all evaporation (cooling sensations) are not great for really cold rainy rides as they make you even colder. Sweating in a less breathable rain jacket will keep the moisture on your skin the same temperature as your body...keeping you warmer.
Wear wool, a good wool cycling cap is a fantastic investment...they fit right under your helmet and no matter how wet they get they still stay very warm. (Not to mention less smelly and therefore less necessary to wash regularly) As far as we know, no synthetic material can get wet like wool and still have the ability to keep you warm for such extended periods of time. Other things you should have are the following...wool socks, wind cover/rain covers for your shoes, waterproof socks, wool knee warmers and wool lined or all wool gloves. Glasses, even if they get dirty they are still better than road grit in your eye lids, keep them on even if you can't see as well...especially when riding with others.
Last but not least, if you can afford it, it's nice to have a second bike for riding in the rain and/or winter weather. Components can be low cost and dependable. "Many a beater has been built with parts taken off a better bike during upgrades. Install a taillight and even a rear rack with a trunk. In it you can carry spare tubes and extra food, and stow your rain jacket and leg warmers when they're not needed. When you have a bike that isn't afraid of the wet, you won't be either. It can double for commuting and around-town errands."
Read more at http://www.roadbikerider.com and remember to browse our store for essential cold/wet weather riding equipment. We have wool caps for winter, fall and summer. We also have bar Mitts for toasty hands when riding in the chilliest of weather.
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