Tips for biking in the rain

If you’re someone who likes to head out on your bike frequently, then you might be interested in finding out how to deal with sudden changes in weather. You're inevitably going to find yourself riding in the rain at some point. Rather than being unprepared and unhappy, let’s talk about some tips that will help you if you’re biking in the rain.

Having the Right Rain Gear

It’s so important that you don’t get stuck in just your shorts and a t-shirt when it’s raining, especially if you’re in the middle of a commute. A waterproof jacket is going to provide you with a ton of protection. Your body will stay dry, allowing you to maintain a proper temperature. A lot of the biking rain gear on the market right now is made from GoreTex material. It is extremely waterproof, but it can also provide you with a breathable form of protection. Even if it’s cool outside, you can start to work up a sweat if you’re wearing something that is too constricting and hot. Dress in layers if you think you’ll need to shed layers or add them back on throughout the day.

Your hands are usually exposed to the elements when you’re commuting on a bicycle. You must hold onto your handlebars, but it’s also really important that you keep your hands dry and warm. There are a lot of cycling gloves out there, but you will need to try on a few pairs before you can figure out what kind will be the best for your needs. You want something that provides protection, but you also want it to be thin enough that you can grip your brakes and change your gears. You can also throw on a biking cap underneath your helmet to protect your face. Most helmets do a great job protecting your head, but they aren’t necessarily designed to protect you when biking in the rain.

Prevent Splashing

If you’re riding along a road that has a substantial amount of rain pooled on it, you can start kicking up a lot of rainwater. Some companies actually make mudguards for your bicycle. The concept is the same as an automobile. You’ll be able to prevent dirty road water from getting kicked up onto your lower legs, back, and feet. They aren’t the most attractive accessory to add to your bike, but they really get the job done. This is a great product to purchase if you ride frequently. You might not be riding in the rain, but rain-covered roads can be just as big of a nuisance.

Protect Your Road Bike with Chain Degreaser

While your bike can hold its own in the rain, you can put a lot of wear and tear on your bike by having it exposed to things like excessive moisture. When you bring your bike in from outside on the wet road, you should dry it down with a rag as best as you can. Putting a little bit of lube on your chain will help protect it for the next ride. You can also add some protective products to your gear mechanisms and brake calipers.

Checking Your Tire Pressure

Rain brings a lot of different materials right onto a road surface. Your bike may need to travel over some pretty messy areas when you're commuting from point A to point B. You’ll want to make sure that the air pressure in your tires is adequate for a typical ride. Too low of air pressure can result in your bike not being able to grip the road properly. Too much air pressure can put you at a higher risk of a flat tire. A thicker tire is recommended when riding in the rain, and you are supposed to run the air pressure levels just slightly lower than what is recommended by the tire manufacturer.

Make Sure You Are Visible

When rain rolls in, the clouds usually darken up the sky quite a bit. In heavy rains, it can almost look like the sun is going down. You want to make sure you’re wearing clothing that is visible to other people on bikes or in automobiles. You can also install a small light on your bike to increase your visibility to other people in the area. This is a great gadget that you can use if you’re going to be riding your bike in the evening hours as well. It’s not a very expensive investment, but this is a bike accessory that increases your overall level of safety when you are biking in the rain.

If you’re going to be heading out for a bike ride in the next couple of days, check AccuWeather.com for a complete update of the weather in your area. It’s really important to plan ahead if you’re going to be out on your bike. If it’s going to be very stormy, you might not want to be riding. If it’s just a little bit of rain that you have to contend with, preparation can allow you to still get out for a bit.

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