Cycling is one of the most enjoyable ways to exercise your body. However, it can sometimes be risky, especially if you are going to ride while there is heavy rain outside.
The wet conditions can make it harder to maneuver your bicycle, and you need to adjust your cycling style.
In today’s article, we’ll tell you all you need to know when it comes to cycling in the rain. We’ll also tell you the best tips for your safety and all the necessary equipment to keep you dry and alive.
Contents
Dangers of Cycling in the Rain
Many dangers can make cycling in the rain lethal for cyclists. On the one hand, the cold weather and rain can send you straight to bed with a terrible case of cold.
But that’s not the only hazard to your life. The wet roads can make maneuverability a lot harder and accidents a lot more possible.
Here are some of the disadvantages of riding your bike in the rain:
Reduced Visibility
It is difficult to see where you are going when it rains. It is even more challenging to see where you are going when it’s raining and you are riding your bike.
Raindrops can get into your eyes, it can get dark, and there may not be enough light to see if something is approaching.
It Will Be Wet and Cold
This problem goes without saying, but rain is wet and wet clothes get cold. If you are riding while it’s raining, we recommend using some sort of protection to keep you warm and dry, or you can catch a cold.
You’ll Need To Invest In The Right Gear
Riding your bike when it’s raining requires the proper rain gear than the ones you need when you ride over dry surfaces. Investing in the right tires and brakes can make the difference between an enjoyable ride and an accident.
It Can Wear Out Your Bike
The constant rain can make your bike wear out a lot faster than if you just use it for riding when it’s dry. The rain can also create a problem with the oil on your chains and brakes, making them malfunction.
The Weather Can Get Worse
You’ve done your research, and you know that it will be raining but not enough for it to put your life at risk.
However, one thing about weather is that it tends to be unpredictable, making it fatal for cyclists. If the rain gets worse, you won’t be able to see, and there’s the possibility that your tires will lose traction.
If that’s the case, we recommend you stay off the road and try to walk back home. If that’s not possible, find some shelter until it gets better. A great tip for this situation is to always carry some cash and your cell phone in case you need them.
Rain Cycling Safety
If you are seriously thinking about doing some rain cycling, you should consider your safety before going on the road. You need to understand that rain cycling is no game, and it can be lethal if you don’t know what you need to do to keep yourself safe.
Here are the tips you are going to need to keep yourself safe when riding in the rain:
Tire Pressure
When you are riding in the rain, you must lower your tire pressure before hitting the road. Tires with high pressure are more challenging to control, and they risk losing traction over wet surfaces.
If you want to be safe and keep your bike on the road, you should keep your tires at 80 or 90 PSI. The standard for a bicycle tire is around 120 PSI, but that pressure will make it hard to maintain traction.
Corner Advice
One great piece of advice for riding in the rain is don’t lean in the corners.
Leaning when riding over dry surfaces helps you keep your speed when turning. However, over wet surfaces, it can be lethal. Leaning into corners when it’s raining can make it difficult for your bike to keep traction and make you slide.
Fast or Slow?
When it’s raining, the most sensible thing to do is keep your speed lower than when you ride over dry surfaces.
You’ll need twice as much time to stop your bike when it’s raining than dry. Remember to drive at a safe speed and don’t rush.
Avoid Painted Lines
Painted lines can be dangerous for you. They tend to be slicker than other parts of the road when it’s been raining.
So, avoid them as much as possible, and reduce your speed if you have to go over one.
Remain Seated
If you stand up for better speed, you risk the possibility of losing traction on your rear wheel. To prevent your rear wheel from sliding, just keep seated as much as possible.
Rainbow Patches
Chances are you’ve seen some rainbow-colored patches when riding in the rain.
These patches are produced by the rain combined with the oil of cars. They are also slicker than the rest of the road and can make your tires slide if you are not careful.
No Puddles
It can be challenging to avoid puddles, but we recommend that you do as much as possible.
The thing with water puddles is that you don’t know how deep they are or what’s in them. There could be something potentially dangerous inside that could make you lose traction and fall.
Braking Tips For Rain Cycling
Using your brakes when it is raining is different than when it is dry.
To begin with, you need to do it slowly, or the brakes can malfunction. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should drag your brakes while riding. It will help you eliminate the excess water in the tires and help you stop your bike when needed.
Necessary Equipment
Rain Jacket
Keeping yourself warm is an essential part of rain cycling. If rain enters your clothes, and you still have a long way to go before reaching home, you might catch a cold or something worse.
Rain jackets will keep your clothes isolated and dry, making the ride safer and more comfortable.
Waterproof Pants
Like with jackets, waterproof pants will keep your lower body warm and dry.
There’s nothing more uncomfortable when riding than being wet from the waist down. A good pair of pants can also protect you from the wind.
Waterproof Shoes
To complete your rain cycling outfit, you’ll need a pair of waterproof shoes.
We do not recommend rain boots because they don’t offer the same traction on the pedals. You could also add some comfy socks to make them warmer.
Waterproof and Windproof Gloves
Waterproof gloves are optional, but if your hands get cold quickly, you should consider a pair. Your usual cycling gloves can do the trick, but it will get cold and uncomfortable after a while.
A Powerful Front Light
It is difficult to see during the rainy season, and that can be dangerous.
We recommend a powerful front light to see the road even at its darkest so you can avoid any accidents. It can also help you let drivers know that you are there when they are coming from the other side of the road.
A Good Tail Light
A good tail light is as essential as a powerful front light.
Tail lights let drivers and other cyclists know that you are in front of them and that they should be careful to avoid an accident.
It is essential to have tail lights if you ride during the night, and it is even more important to have them if you do rain cycling.
Fenders
Fenders are the best way to keep you, your clothes, and your bag clean.
The fenders will stop water from the tires from splashing all over you and whatever you are carrying. Having front and rear fenders is crucial if you ride with other people as this will prevent water from splashing over those riding next to and behind you.
Extra Chain Lube
Water can cause problems with your chain’s lubrication because it can wash away the lube you use.
Carrying an extra tube of chain lube can make the difference between completing your ride or walking back home.
Conclusion
Rain cycling can be a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t take the right measures to keep yourself safe.
Wheels will have less traction on the road, your chain might lose lubrication, and the weather can get worse in a matter of seconds, making the ride a lot more dangerous.
To prevent any accidents, you should aim to keep your tires at a lower pressure than usual.
Carry some extra chain lube, and wear some waterproof clothes to keep you warm and dry. If the weather gets worse, stop your ride, find some shelter, and wait for it to calm down.
Remember that your safety and health are the most important things when riding a bike when it’s raining. Avoid any accidents by following the safety tips we’ve provided in this article, and enjoy your rain cycling.
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Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Danijel Cakalic
