riding in the rain
Thread started by
spiraldemon at 01.4.08 - 10:50 am
any tips for someone who doesn't like riding in the rain?
I personally use fenders and a cheap poncho, and I manage to keep dry.
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I did like riding in the rain on the Sins & Sprockets (talk about heavy downpours) and Heavy Metal (steady light rain) rides. The only thing I didn't like was wet shoes. My clip ins held in so much water. I've seen stuff at performance bike that slip over your shoes and was thinking of getting those. Do those work well?
As far as the top.. my columbia jacket kept me dry by my shorts was wet. My rear rack did a pretty good job as a fender but my front wheel was kicking up plenty of water.
It's time maybe to buy a fender. Those quick fitting ones. I remember (Cabhauler??) talking about how it got caught w/ the wheel so I don't know if I really need a front one.
digablesoul01.4.08 - 10:58 am
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.99 cent store has Panchos and raincoats. Perfect for riding in the rain.
SMPD probably won't be ticketing tonight if it is raining. They will want to stay dry. It is one of their weaknesses.
Rain or shine...we must ride!
skd01.4.08 - 11:05 am
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Here's my question: What do you kids with glasses do in the rain? I'm currently out of contacts, don't know if I want to throw down $$$ for some new ones right now. But fuck.....rain on glasses = blind.
Ms. Stephanie01.4.08 - 11:10 am
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bikes cannot hydroplane so go fast through puddles. and get a waterproof bag and an umbrella.
studiodrome01.4.08 - 11:13 am
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^^ sounds like a challenge.
My NEW new years resolution is to hydroplane a motherfuckin bike in 08. I will prove you wrong studiodrome or die trying.
City Hobgoblin01.4.08 - 11:18 am
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Ms. Stephanie asked:
"What do you kids with glasses do in the rain?"
I ususally squint and stop all the time to wipe them off and look like a complete nerd the whole time. It's pretty pathetic.
Actually, I wear a cycling cap and pull the bill down super low. Helps a lot. And you can wear one under a helmet, if you're into helmets.
City Hobgoblin01.4.08 - 11:23 am
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Studiodrome is correct (as usual) about the hydroplaning. The weight of the rider bearing down on a very small tire contact patch makes it impossible for water to form a layer underneath a bike tire. This doesn't mean that you can't slip in the rain, as oil will float to the surface and water will decrease the coefficient of friction of the asphalt. Also keep in mind that braking distance is usually increased.
Water on glasses is the big problem for me; I get practically blind pretty quickly. I haven't found anything to do about it except just keep wiping the water away with my fingers. Rain-X(tm) maybe?
mr rollers01.4.08 - 11:29 am
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Let's invent something and make our millions Rollers!!
Cycling cap, ay? That simple. I'll give it a shot.
Ms. Stephanie01.4.08 - 11:31 am
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I can sell to any Ridazz my waterproof socks and gloves at "Pro" pricing - 50% percent off retail. Visit - www.danalco.com for details - But contact
myself directly for ordering.
Joe Borfo01.4.08 - 11:37 am
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speaking of which Joe... we gotta talk about some stuff I've been thinking about :)
redridinghood01.4.08 - 11:44 am
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release your brakes and SKID !
skano01.4.08 - 11:45 am
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as for riding in the rain... I found that snowboarding shell stuff works great and a first wicking layer will keep sweat off your body... but be careful.. I think the oil buildup on surfaces is brutal out here bc of such little rain that when the rain finally does come it makes everything that much slipperier.... slipperier.. slipperererererrrrrrr
redridinghood01.4.08 - 11:47 am
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I can attest that the gloves definitely work. Tried them and put my whole hand in a bowl of water and they never leaked.
I'm also interested in trying this jacket for wet weather. Not cheap but its wicked lightweight and could be handy for long rides when it finally stops raining.
Mountain Hardware Stimulus Jacket
stevo401.4.08 - 11:50 am
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for wet roads, try to stay OFF the painted lines or anything painted on the road...
as for glasses...you can try getting some Anti-Fog wipes...
they are used by hunters, hockey players, and paintball players...
I'm not guaranteeing they'll work, but it's worth a try...
adrian01.4.08 - 12:02 pm
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"hunters, hockey players, and paintball players... "
^^ now there's some groups who are breaking new ground in progressive and sensible thought.
I am an elitist jerk off.
City Hobgoblin01.4.08 - 12:05 pm
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Sealskinz socks and gloves are Gauranteed waterproof and Breathable - The Cycling industry is our largest market next to fishing/hiking. We sell them at most REI chains. I feel like a profiteer, but I can't just give them away to everyone. ring me up for some.
Joe Borfo01.4.08 - 12:07 pm
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Ch, I know your an elitist jerk off, but I still Love you. :}
sexy01.4.08 - 12:09 pm
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Maybe you could achieve hydroplaning with a bike with tires like the one pictured on the rear of this one, and if you carry a large bag of weights. Still think you'll have your work cut out for you.
GarySe7en01.4.08 - 12:15 pm
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Emily, I mean, Ms. Stefanie, i struggle with the same glasses/contacts issues. I fortunately have 3 sets of disposables left. If i know i'm going to be out in the rain, i'll always try to wear the contacts. But i have used the rain-x wipes on my glasses with ok results. Its not perfect but can help. I think a long brimmed hat is a good addition.
Ohm, and sign me up for the Opti-Grab, dry-glasses inventing team.
stevo401.4.08 - 12:18 pm
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Ms. Stephanie asked:
"What do you kids with glasses do in the rain?"
rainX on those glasses from your hardware store, the ones that are used for eye protection, use them over your contacts or glasses.
Joe I want some of those socks, I'm size 12 foot..........BTW you know what they say about guys with big feet and big hands???
Limeyfly01.4.08 - 12:23 pm
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stay indoors.
i prefer the full rain suit with seperate pants and jacket over a poncho.
Mr. Raymond01.4.08 - 12:24 pm
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After riding the Heavy Metal ride, I dont think I ever wanna ride in the rain again! It was fun the first hour or so, but I rather stay home. Call me a queer if you want but thats just the way I feel. Have fun tonight!
funanu01.4.08 - 1:45 pm
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Just one thing, don't forget to drain the water from your frame after riding in the rain.
Water gets in the frame from many places; seat tube, water cage holes, head set, etc. It will settle at the lowest part of the bike usually where the bottom bracket is.
Taking the seatpost off and draining the water will usually work. It is amazing how much water can accumulate. But you need to do this immediately since you might damage your BB. Rust settles in pretty quickly and unless it is stop it can cost you your bike. If you hear any squeaking from the BB, take it off and grease what ever your can regrease, sealed BBs will fair better.
Also, clean your chain, cassete and chain ring after riding in the rain. You will pick up sand like debris on your chain. Unless you clean it it will ruin your chain. Don't forgret to lubricate the chain.
sc_nomad01.4.08 - 2:16 pm
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My REI rain-gear is sufficient enough for me.
Keeps me warm and dry in these desert conditions.
It's blowing like a motherfucka up here and dry, along with cold.
bentstrider01.4.08 - 2:40 pm
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@ Funanu:
Queer.
***Disclaimer: No gays were harmed or abused in the making of this response. I love my gay brothers and sisters.
Richard_Colossus01.4.08 - 2:49 pm
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richard_colossus:
"Queer."
Leave it to sc_nomad to miss that obvious post and write a paragraph of useful tips. Sheesh.
Thanks rich, keeping things moving along smoothly.
City Hobgoblin01.4.08 - 2:54 pm
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"Water gets in the frame from many places; seat tube, water cage holes, head set, etc. It will settle at the lowest part of the bike usually where the bottom bracket is."
Funnily enough that's why all my bikes have a hole down there.
toweliesbong01.4.08 - 2:58 pm
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Sorry, if i missed the point but people usually fare well when they get wet, bikes don't. But still I haven't seen the best advise for riding in the rain so here it is. "RIDE BETWEEN THE (RAIN)DROPS".
sc_nomad01.4.08 - 4:10 pm
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.. oh that's what the hole is for.
Damn that Bike Porn!
Joe Borfo01.4.08 - 4:14 pm
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Why did I know Richard or aka Dickie would call me queer. Damn you Richie!
funanu01.4.08 - 6:47 pm
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Bumpity-bump.
This will be my first day riding in actual rain.
HappyLand06.5.09 - 7:50 am
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>>>Just one thing, don't forget to drain the water from your frame after riding in the rain.
Water gets in the frame from many places; seat tube, water cage holes, head set, etc. It will settle at the lowest part of the bike usually where the bottom bracket is.
Taking the seatpost off and draining the water will usually work. It is amazing how much water can accumulate. But you need to do this immediately since you might damage your BB. Rust settles in pretty quickly and unless it is stop it can cost you your bike. If you hear any squeaking from the BB, take it off and grease what ever your can regrease, sealed BBs will fair better.
Also, clean your chain, cassete and chain ring after riding in the rain. You will pick up sand like debris on your chain. Unless you clean it it will ruin your chain. Don't forgret to lubricate the chain.<<<
Do you need to drain it only if you've been riding with the rain actually pouring down on you? Is water getting in the frame a problem if it was just wet outside and not raining?
Sorry if the answers seem obvious. In the past I've just driven in the rain, but now I experience too much driver's guilt behind the wheel, and I'd like to ride in the rain and keep my bike in working order.
Good advice for the cleaning. Will do that tonight.
As a typical Southern Californian I don't own any lightweight waterproof jackets - any recommendations?
And I've found that boat shoes do pretty well in the rain - they dry off pretty quickly and they are comfortable as fuck. Socks are my enemy and I like any shoe that doesn't require them.
HappyLand06.5.09 - 8:01 am
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Dose anyone know where I can pick up a good decent priced rear fender?
I know it might/might not be worth it with the amount of rain we don't receive.
madmike responding to a
comment by HappyLand
06.5.09 - 10:24 am
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"We've got a few fender sets left since the last monsoon season. If you don't want a soggy bottom mention Twitter and get a set for 25% off."
http://twitter.com/imartinbicycles
Although I don't know which kind they are specifically.
HappyLand responding to a
comment by madmike
06.5.09 - 10:41 am
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stay at home, eat pizza, and watch judge judy.
KiMS106.5.09 - 10:47 am
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I'm doing a modified variation of that at my house right now.
bentstrider responding to a
comment by KiMS1
06.5.09 - 10:56 am
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I strip down to undies and rock! Thats easily the most comfortable way to ride in the rain. Especially here in LA, where its nice and warm even when it rains!
Plus, you put your clothes in your bag so they're dry when you get somewhere! WIN WIN WIN!
SKIDMARCUS06.5.09 - 11:04 am
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I really like riding in the rain. It's fun and it feels good.
You can make a ghetto rear fender out of a cardboard box and a metal coat-hanger to keep the dirt stripe off your back.
Mook responding to a
comment by SKIDMARCUS
06.5.09 - 11:24 am
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@marcus
agreed the best way to avoid getting soaked it to wear as little clothing as possible.
steph responding to a
comment by Mook
06.5.09 - 11:31 am
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