{"id":56465,"date":"2023-11-14T14:00:47","date_gmt":"2023-11-14T13:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=754317"},"modified":"2023-11-14T15:46:20","modified_gmt":"2023-11-14T14:46:20","slug":"15-tips-for-cycling-in-the-rain-how-to-stay-dry-and-safe-when-riding-in-the-wet","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/15-tips-for-cycling-in-the-rain-how-to-stay-dry-and-safe-when-riding-in-the-wet\/","title":{"rendered":"15 tips for cycling in the rain | How to stay dry and safe when riding in the wet"},"content":{"rendered":"

Embrace the rain with our top tips <\/p>

By Paul Norman\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 14 November 2023 at 13:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Many cyclists don\u2019t like riding in the rain, because it can be uncomfortable and you can feel more vulnerable when it\u2019s wet.<\/p>\n

But cycling in the rain doesn\u2019t have to be an ordeal \u2013 and can even be enjoyable \u2013 if you have the right clothing, your bike is ready for wet-weather riding and you adapt your riding style to the conditions.<\/p>\n

Here, we\u2019ll spell out everything you need to know about how to stay safe and comfortable when riding your bike in wet conditions and give you 15 tips for the best experience when cycling in the rain.<\/p>\n

1. Invest in the right clothing<\/h2>\n
\"Best\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Gore-Tex rain jackets will keep rain from getting in while letting perspiration get out.<\/span><\/figcaption> Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Getting the right clothing for cycling in the rain<\/a> is the first step to staying comfortable in wet weather.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s made tricky by your work rate as you ride, which can result in uncomfortable \u2018boil in the bag\u2019 riding in some options, as you build up a sweat, which condenses on the inside of your kit.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s particularly a problem for top-half clothing, so it\u2019s worth investing in a cycling rain jacket.<\/p>\n

Although the best waterproof jackets<\/a> made from fabrics such as Gore-Tex and eVent are expensive, they use the most advanced fabrics and have the highest breathability ratings. Less advanced, less expensive options exist that can work almost as well though.<\/p>\n

To ensure that water stays out, look for garments that have taped seams.<\/p>\n

\"Castelli\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The Castelli Perfetto jacket is basically a long-sleeve version of the Castelli Gabba.<\/span><\/figcaption> Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A technical baselayer<\/a> will stay warm even if you get wet. Avoid cotton, which gets cold when wet.<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s warm and wet, layering is less of an issue. You may be more comfortable just wearing a jersey and getting wet, rather than getting sweaty in a rain jacket.<\/p>\n

Wet-weather jerseys, of which the Castelli Gabba<\/a> was the archetype, provide less water resistance than rain jackets but are more comfortable if you\u2019re riding hard.<\/p>\n

Bottom-half clothing may include waterproof overtrousers, although many cyclists prefer water-resistant bib tights<\/a>. Although they\u2019ll keep the rain off less well, bib tights are more comfortable to ride in.<\/p>\n

For really foul weather, a waterproof onesie<\/a> may be the business, particularly if you\u2019re mountain biking.<\/p>\n

2. Wear overshoes<\/h2>\n
\"Van\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Overshoes will keep your feet dry for longer.<\/span><\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Waterproof overshoes<\/a> will help keep your feet dry for longer when cycling in the rain.<\/p>\n

Even when wet does get in, overshoes should help keep your feet warmer. They\u2019ll hold the warm water next to your feet and provide a windproof outlet layer. Plastic bags over your socks will help keep your feet drier for longer as a last resort.<\/p>\n

Overshoes tend to wear out quite quickly, so if you want a more robust footwear solution, consider investing in a pair of winter cycling shoes or boots<\/a>. These will have a fully enclosed sole unit and a waterproof upper, so the only way for your feet to get wet is for water to trickle down through the ankle cuff.<\/p>\n

3. Wear gloves<\/h2>\n
\"Castelli\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Gloves will help you grip the handlebar and prevent your hands from going numb if it\u2019s cold.<\/span><\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

It\u2019s a good idea to wear full-finger gloves<\/a> in the rain.<\/p>\n

Gloves will help you grip a wet handlebar and stop your hands from getting numb if it\u2019s cold and wet.<\/p>\n

As with other clothing, modern winter cycling gloves employ a range of technical fabrics.<\/p>\n

They usually have a palm with silicone grippers for a sturdier grip on the handlebars, a breathable waterproof upper surface and well-placed insulation to keep your hands warm without impacting your grip.<\/p>\n

4. Wear glasses<\/h2>\n
\"Koo\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Glasses will protect your eyes from spray.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Rain spraying on your face is uncomfortable and may reduce your vision. Spray from the road can wash grit into your eyes as well. So, wearing a pair of cycling glasses can help protect your eyes.<\/p>\n

Many of the best cycling glasses<\/a> enable you to select a clear lens, either as an optional extra or as part of a multi-lens set. Photochromatic glasses are also handy when riding in wet conditions because they will adapt to the light level.<\/p>\n

Most cycling glasses have a hydrophobic coating on the outside of the lens to help repel water and keep them clear.<\/p>\n

5. Wear a cap<\/h2>\n
\"How\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Cycling caps will help keep rain off your face.<\/span><\/figcaption> Felix Smith \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

You\u2019ll stay more comfortable in the rain if you wear a cycling cap. Most have a peak, which will help keep water out of your eyes.<\/p>\n

A standard cotton cap will do the job, although it will soak up water, get wet and may feel cold and clammy. There are more sophisticated options that will be more comfortable though, made either from thin fleece-type material or a breathable waterproof fabric.<\/p>\n

6. Fit mudguards to your bike<\/h2>\n
\"Portland\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Mudguards will keep you dry and your bike clean.<\/span><\/figcaption> Dave Caudery \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The number one item that will make riding in the rain more comfortable is a set of mudguards.<\/p>\n

Full-cover mudguards<\/a> are the ideal solution, keeping road spray off most of you and your bike.<\/p>\n

Many modern road bikes<\/a> and gravel bikes<\/a> have the bolt bosses necessary to fit mudguards, but clip-on mudguards are a reasonable alternative.<\/p>\n

There are specific mountain bike mudguards<\/a> and gravel bike mudguards<\/a>, which tend to provide less coverage than full-length fenders but will still do a good job of protecting you from rain and mud.<\/p>\n

7. Use lights<\/h2>\n
\"Topeak\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
If it\u2019s raining, you should use lights, even in the daytime.<\/span><\/figcaption> David Caudery \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Wet weather can reduce your visibility to other road users, not just because of cloud cover and lower ambient light, but also because visibility out of vehicle windows may be impaired by the rain.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to use bike lights<\/a>, even during the day, to increase your road presence. Use a flashing mode at the front and rear if you don\u2019t need your front light to see by, because this should increase other road users\u2019 awareness.<\/p>\n

Rearview radar lights<\/a> can be particularly good during wet weather because they will notify you of traffic approaching from behind.<\/p>\n

8. Check your tyres and tyre pressures<\/h2>\n
\"Road\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Reduced tyre pressure will create a bigger contact patch with the road for more grip.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Unlike car tyres, cycle tyres are not prone to aquaplaning because of their narrower widths, so it\u2019s not necessary to have a tread on your tyre when riding on tarmac.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need a tread for grip if you\u2019re riding on loose, muddy surfaces in the wet.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a good idea to reduce your tyre pressure<\/a> a little when riding wet roads because this will increase the size of the contact patch and the grip on offer.<\/p>\n

Make sure your tyres aren\u2019t worn down, because the extra debris on the road when it rains means you\u2019re more likely to get a puncture<\/a>.<\/p>\n

9. Use the right chain lube<\/h2>\n
\"Chain\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
In the rain, wet lube will stay on your chain longer than dry lube.<\/span><\/figcaption> Simon von Bromley \/ Immediate Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Use the right chain lube<\/a> to avoid your drivetrain becoming exposed.<\/p>\n

Your chain will be jet-washed by wheel spray as you ride in wet conditions. This can rapidly remove a dry lube.<\/p>\n

A suitable wet lube will stay on your chain and protect it better if you are riding in the rain.<\/p>\n

The downside is wet lubes tend to attract dirt, so you may need to clean your chain<\/a> more often than if using a dry lube.<\/p>\n

10. Keep your bike clean<\/h2>\n
\"Movistar\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Cleaning your bike will keep it running better and for longer.<\/span><\/figcaption> Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Just like your chain, your whole bike will work more effectively if it\u2019s kept clean, so give it a good wash<\/a> when you\u2019re back from a wet or muddy ride.<\/p>\n

Bearings don\u2019t like wet weather, so dry them and spray them with a water-displacing product such as WD40. The main areas to pay attention to are hubs, headsets<\/a> and bottom brackets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Any steel or chromed parts on your bike are also prone to rusting, so dry them off.<\/p>\n

11. Keep your clothing clean as well<\/h2>\n
\"Albion\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Durable water-repellent coatings should mean rain beads off your jacket.<\/span><\/figcaption> Paige O’Sullivan \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As well as your bike, it\u2019s important to keep your clothing clean for it to be effective in the rain.<\/p>\n

The breathable membrane in fabrics such as Gore-Tex needs to be kept free of oils, which you produce as you sweat, as well as picking up from the road, for it to be effective.<\/p>\n

The surface of rainwear is typically treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) product to repel water.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth reproofing your waterproof cycling gear<\/a> to keep it feeling as good as new.<\/p>\n

12. Avoid riding through puddles<\/h2>\n
\"Road\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Avoid puddles, small and large.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

It goes without saying that you\u2019ll stay drier if you try to avoid riding through standing water. Don\u2019t be intimidated into riding right at the side of the road.<\/p>\n

As a cyclist, under the Highway Code<\/a> you have the right to use the whole of your lane, so if there\u2019s a large puddle ahead, signal and move towards the centre of the lane to avoid it as much as possible.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just water in puddles that\u2019s a danger. Often, they\u2019ll accumulate mud and grit, so you risk skidding or a puncture.<\/p>\n

A puddle may disguise a pothole with an abrupt edge. Hit this and you may get a pinch flat, damage your wheels or even be thrown from your bike.<\/p>\n

13. Avoid riding over ironware<\/h2>\n
\"Manhole\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Manhole covers are a mean obstacle in the wet.<\/span><\/figcaption> iStock \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

It\u2019s important to avoid ironware on the road.<\/p>\n

Tyre grip on metal surfaces is significantly lower than on tarmac. Manhole covers are the main obstacle, but drains too can be slippery. Cattle grids are another obstacle to be taken carefully when wet.<\/p>\n

If you do have to ride over a metal road feature, control your speed beforehand and don\u2019t try to brake or turn as you pass over it to lower your risk of skidding.<\/p>\n

14. Brake carefully<\/h2>\n
\"Beginner's\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Braking distances will be longer in the wet than the dry.<\/span><\/figcaption> Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Use your brakes judiciously in the rain. Stopping distances increase in wet conditions, so anticipate when you\u2019ll need to brake and start braking earlier than you would in the dry.<\/p>\n

This is particularly true of rim brake bikes, but it applies to bikes with disc brakes<\/a> too.<\/p>\n

In the wet, rim brakes have to cut through the film of water on your wheel rim before they start to bite, which can lead to a worrying delay before any braking happens. Disc brakes are better in this respect, but not immune to the problem.<\/p>\n

Once your brakes start to work, they can lock up your wheel. Since adhesion between your tyre and the road surface is less in the wet, this can cause a skid.<\/p>\n

Be particularly careful when cornering. Try to get all your braking done before you begin to turn, enabling your bike to freewheel through the corner.<\/p>\n

When you get home, check your brakes for wear, because riding in the rain can increase the rate at which brake pads<\/a> wear down. Also check wheel rims on rim brake bikes, because they can wear quickly in wet conditions.<\/p>\n

15. Protect items you\u2019re carrying<\/h2>\n
\"Oxford\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Choose a waterproof cycling bag to keep your belongings safe.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

If you\u2019re carrying any items with you, whether on a commute<\/a> or a leisure ride, they need to be kept dry too.<\/p>\n

Many bike bags<\/a> and cycling backpacks<\/a> are made with waterproof materials, and include taped seams and a roll top to keep out water. Nevertheless, you may want to pack anything sensitive in a dry bag or sleeve inside.<\/p>\n

Some saddle packs<\/a> are not as well protected though and their contents may get wet. Multi-tools<\/a> can rust, so if they\u2019ve been on a wet ride, take them out of a saddle bag and dry them out.<\/p>\n

Finally, don\u2019t sit around in wet clothing. Get changed into something dry as soon as you can and sit back, pleased at having conquered the rain.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Embrace the rain with our top tips <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":56466,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"11"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/15-tips-for-cycling-in-the-rain-how-to-stay-dry-and-safe-when-riding-in-the-wet-scaled.jpg",2560,1707,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/15-tips-for-cycling-in-the-rain-how-to-stay-dry-and-safe-when-riding-in-the-wet-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/15-tips-for-cycling-in-the-rain-how-to-stay-dry-and-safe-when-riding-in-the-wet-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/15-tips-for-cycling-in-the-rain-how-to-stay-dry-and-safe-when-riding-in-the-wet-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/15-tips-for-cycling-in-the-rain-how-to-stay-dry-and-safe-when-riding-in-the-wet-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/15-tips-for-cycling-in-the-rain-how-to-stay-dry-and-safe-when-riding-in-the-wet-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/11\/15-tips-for-cycling-in-the-rain-how-to-stay-dry-and-safe-when-riding-in-the-wet-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Embrace the rain with our top tips","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/56465"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}