Rain Commuting

[VeganBikeChick]

Anyone have any rain commuting tips? I'm itching to commute to work, but if I wait for the rain to stop in this city (ha) I'll never bike to work.

It's only a 2 mi ride, so no biggie, and it doesn't ever downpour, just a light steady rain, but I'm less than thrilled to try it out.

Some caveats...I work in the hospital, so I don't have a private cubicle/office in which to stow or dry wet stuff, and my main concern is how to have dry things to ride home in. I don't want to pack more than necessary, as I'm very much a minimalist, and I use a backpack so I don't want to weigh myself down with all sorts of clothes.

Is there a recommended rain cycling jacket you all prefer, and what about pants? I'd prefer tights...any waterproof/warm tights that are your faves?

And lastly, how do you get the motivation to just suck it up and ride in the rain? :rolleyes:

[jessmarimba]

It only rains here on my way home and I kind of like riding in the rain - so I just get wet and have fun - but my one piece of advice is to upgrade the visibility factor. I don't usually use/need lights here but if it's raining they're definitely on, and I make sure I have as much reflective stuff as possible on my clothes. Make yourself stand out from the gray of a rainy day.

[Trek-chick]

My commute is 17 miles one way so, if it rains, that's just the way it is. I just have to deal with it. I do not have cycle specific rain gear. I just have a North Face breathable rain jacket that I use. I like it because it is bright yellow.

For dry clothes, I just take a change of clothes to work, and leave them in my desk drawer on a non commute day.

I always check weather and just don't ride in on downpour mornings...I do not want to show up to work soaked to the bone. Sometimes riding in the rain is unavoidable and it is really not so bad. Here in Michigan there is a saying. "if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes... It will change". If it gets too bad, I have been known to take shelter briefly under gas station awnings etc. until it lessens to a degree I am more comfortable riding in.

[Trek-chick]

I forgot to add.... Full fenders are a must for rainy days:)

[Biciclista]

We swear by our Showers Pass Elite jackets. they're expensive, but you'll find out it's worth every dime.
My helmet has a visor. It's not for the sun!
fenders on your bike are the single most important thing you can do to make riding in the rain TO WORK possible.
I also carry rain pants (almost year long here) you rarely need them, but if the rain gets serious, they're nice to slip on.
I would suggest you get panniers so you don't HAVE to carry a back pack. I was stubborn and carried a back pack for 4 years! but once I got panniers, I'll never go back!
you can hang your wet stuff on your bike. (is your bike stored in a protected area?
I live in Seattle too (and commute year round) so what works for me should work for you too good luck.

[Tri Girl]

well I don't really feel like I have any advice to give. Seattle rain is certainly more penetrating and different than our rain.

I would suggest full fenders. I was skeptical at how much water they would keep off me, but I was truly amazed at how much less water from the road got on me when I installed mine. What a difference!

I'm sure there are some other Seattleites out there that can provide more relevant advice for you. :)
(edit: I see Biciclista beat me to it- I knew she and others would know)

And seriously- I have been reading reviews of the Brooks rain cape lately. For a 2 mile commute, that might be a GREAT option, rather than rain jacket and pants. You can wear your normal clothes underneath and the cape covers everything. For a short commute (like yours) I would guess it would really be worth it (and you could wear your backpack underneath).
Granted, it's $290, but when you think about the cost of a really good rain jacket (Shower's Pass is around $150-230 for a good one), it's not a bad option. I saw it for $260 on Amazon.
I always say that one really expensive good piece that will last for years and years is worth more than many cheaper options that will have to be replaced more often.

http://blog.brooksengland.com/wps/john-boultbee-oxford-rain-cape/
http://bikereviews.com/2010/10/brooks-oxford-roll-up-rain-cape/

[KnottedYet]

Take a look at what the rest of us are wearing - lots of ideas. Plus as you are watching the bike commuters for gear tips, you also get to oogle their bikes!

Some folks just ride in their normal bike clothes on rain days, some go all out with rain pants and rain jacket and booties.

Full fenders are crucial! And they give you "street cred" here! ;)
(which causes me much amusement when I see comments from other places worrying that fenders will make them look silly - in Seattle serious riders, commuters and racers, have fenders. Club rides require them, too.)

I sweat too much to wear rain gear. On dry rain days I just wear wool and let it dry on me at work. Wet rain days I will put on a light running jacket http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodBR_220214.html and a pair of rain chaps http://www.rainlegs.com/en/home The jacket and chaps do a good job of keeping my work clothes dry without getting sweaty.

If you have panniers you can tuck the jacket and chaps into the pannier so you always have them with you. Then it doesn't matter what you are wearing, you are ready for rain. They don't take up much space and are quite light.

Any shoes you'd be willing to wear to walk 2 miles in the rain will be just fine on the bike for 2 miles.

As far as motivation to ride in the rain, I dunno what to tell you there. I grew up here, and love to ride and run in the rain.

[Velocivixen]

For 2 miles the cape sounds like an option. I live in Portland and I actually got caught in the rain yesterday! So here's what I can recommend. I bought an Endura Luminite bike jacket, which is waterproof, breathable and has a built in flashy light across the back of the garment. I also have full fenders so water and road stuff doesn't get splashed on me. I was wearing jeans so only the lower half was wet. Will you be changing into work clothes once you arrive? I bought a pair of women's waterproof rain pants at REI for around $79. I didn't like the bike specific pants they had and these are generic waterproof pants that zip up the sides, etc. They come in "regular-tall-petite" lengths too.
My hair was very wet through my Giro helmet, so I would recommend some sort of nylon "sheath" for the helmet. Not sure what they're called, but you know what I mean-they keep water out.

[Velocivixen]

REI online shows several helmet covers- one by Gore and one by Sugoi.

[radacrider]

Portland has been pretty wet, too. I've been riding every day since the first of the year. I have the ShowersPass Elite 2, love it for the rain riding. I use general purpose rain pants that zip up the side. Tried the ShowersPass convertible, but the knees always soaked through (need to sell 'em to recoup some of that cost).

I wear my work clothes underneath the rain stuff. Don't wear any extra covers on the helmet because my head gets too hot and still gets wet.

Bike has bright lights and fenders, brake pads designed for wet weather riding.

I use a variety of carry options depending on my mood and what I need to carry - Ortlieb Front roller panniers (on the rear rack), messenger bag (waterproof), backpack(has rain cover).

We have secure indoor bike storage and an overflow area in our secure parking structure. I usually just hang wet gloves outerwear on my bike. Our office building also has showers and lockers. I don't ride so hard as to need a shower after riding in - hate changing clothes too many times during the day.

As far as motivation, I just started and made the commitment to bike commute no matter what, distance is 6 miles one way.

[VeganBikeChick]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I made the committment today to ride to work for the first time, but as I went out to my bike, I noticed my front tire was flat! Is the universe telling me something?! As I haven't changed my first flat yet, I took the bus tonight to work and plan on changing it tomorrow...then off to the LBS for fenders and a rack.

[Melalvai]

A flat tire is just something that happens. If you have a lot of them, it might mean you need new tires. I went 2 years without a flat--and then got 2 less than week apart, one in front & one in back. I think my tires have some miles left in them, but I'll probably replace them next fall with kevlar lined tires.

My commute is 2 miles. I agree on fenders. Not only do they keep stuff off of you, they keep stuff off your bike, prolonging the life of your chain & drivetrain. Any day your bike gets wet, wipe down the chain when you get home. It might seem like a chore at the end of a long day, but it only takes a few minutes, and it'll prevent rust. If you do notice rust the next day, oil your chain and get that rust cleaned off. I got 4500 miles out of my cassette by keeping my chain clean & replacing it every 1500 miles.

A few years ago I invested in expensive goretex rain gear. It is waterproof and breathable, so I don't sweat as much in it. But I learned it is most valuable as an outer shell on the coldest days. In general, whether it's raining, cold, or hot, I wear an old t-shirt and bring a nice shirt to change in to at work. Only on perfectly nice slightly cool days do I bike in my work shirt (slowly, so as not to get it sweaty). Or if I'm not going to see any humans that day, only rats. The rats don't mind if I'm sweaty.

I find obstacles themselves to be motivating. I like to bike when the weather is horrible, and when it starts to turn nice I find myself in the car a lot. So I'm not sure what to tell you about finding the motivation to bike when it is raining, if you're not naturally contrary!

[Geonz]

I have a 6.5 mile commute and I got a Gore-tex hand-me-down that makes me feel like it's not raining at all... I just hear this wonderful, gentle tapping of the drops. The pants haven't maintained their waterproofness as well, but I got some "re-waterproof" stuff and washed 'em in that, and that works now... and I just bring a pair of pants neatly rolled, in a plastic bread bag.

[VeganBikeChick]

So my front tire wasn't punctured after all...after I successfully took it off and put it back on again - the presta valve screw was loose :rolleyes:

Got fenders, a rear rack, lights, and rain paints (on sale!!) last night...so hopefully I'm set now.

Any tips for going down steep hills in the rain?

[Velocivixen]

Nice job on the extra accessories. I want to see a picture please??? ;)

I'm a newby and still use my brakes A LOT going down hills. I'm interested in seeing what types of tips you get on that question.

Have fun.

[Biciclista]

Any tips for going down steep hills in the rain?

yeah, go slow

[Geonz]

Get internal brakes :)

My Sturmey-Archer hub has drum brakes and I luv luv luv them in wet. Otherwise I have to do as regular people do... keep braking to keep the speed down and clear the water from the rims. Frankly, I'd probably walk down. (We don't have hills ;))

[radacrider]

Any tips for going down steep hills in the rain?

Kinda depends on the hill - how much run out is there, can I see off in the distance a bit.

I will typically pulse my brakes, light pressure keeps the water off, then apply and release to maintain the speed I am comfortable with.

Also depending on the hill, I might have an alternate route for those times, or even those times when I am not up to a particular section. (I had one of those the other day, severe hip/back pain, so I rode my alternate, less climbing/steep route)

Good luck.

[buggy]

I'm new here and just wanted to say thanks for the useful thread. I've been in Pittsburgh for almost two years (I'm a native Floridian) and I was discouraged at first by the hills, traffic, inclement weather and poor road conditions. Gainesville had plenty of bike lanes and excellent weather. I finally fixed up my road bike with a rack and started riding to school quite a bit. I'm starting a new job downtown in a couple of months and I'm determined to bike. I've been a lazy rider and I want to step it up. I think all the suggestions and my new Surly Cross Check (which I am not so patiently waiting for) will help!

[VeganBikeChick]

Welcome! My family lives in PGH so I know how hilly it can be. Kudos to you. I keep wanting to move to FL for the great weather and flat roads ;). Post a pic of your bike when you get her.

[Grog]

Like Velocivixen, my first thought for a 2-mile commute was: "bike cape." And fenders. If I had a 2-mile commute, that's all I'd use.

[buggy]

I finally got my new Cross Check! I love it, but I'm concerned it's a bit too small for me. I'm about 5'6" with a short reach and got a 50 cm frame. I may end up with a black 52 if this one is too small. Anyone else ride a Cross Check? Any size advice would be much appreciated. Here she is on a short ride around the Southside!

[Velocivixen]

I test rode a 50 and a 52 and I felt more comfortable on the 52. Like my chest was more open (not splayed open like a fillet). I am 5'6" and have a 82.5 cm (32.5") inseam, 56 cm arms and 57.5 cm torso. The reach was not too long for me.
Personally I prefer the "Robin's Egg Blue" one.

[buggy]

Thanks! I like the blue too, but they only have black in 52 cm (at a different store than I got mine, unfortunately) and the blue ones are out of stock until June. I'm going to get sized and see if I can make it work.

[KnottedYet]

My Cross Check is a 52. I'm 5'8.

[buggy]

Thanks for the feedback. I am sticking with the 50. It's better with my T-Rex arms. I took my bike to a shop and they helped me fit it perfectly. I love it! Now, I've got to get a rack, fenders, and panniers to make it the perfect commuter bike.

[Kerry1976]

Did my first commute in the rain this a.m. Had front fender issues - wasn't tightened on the bike enough and got wobbly and wanted to fall off. Might have to stop at the LBS on my way home and see if they can tighten or re-install differently.

All in all though, the commute was fun. I took advantage of all the tips and tricks I've read on here and they made such a great difference in the preparation and experience.

[Geonz]

Mark your calendars, I got rained on this a.m. -- not yesterday's pre-rain spurts on both trips in (yes, it made me hearken back to Health Class in Junior High and why "early withdrawal" isn't effective family planning), but genuine downpour, and the wind wasn't even behind me. Oh, and I left the GOre-tex jacket at work.
That impulse-buy-'cause-it-was-on-sale raincoat worked very well and even the second rain pants did well, except for where I didn't zip the pocket and down by my ankles... so I may toodle down to the bookstore for some sweatpants...

[Melalvai]

yesterday's pre-rain spurts on both trips in (yes, it made me hearken back to Health Class in Junior High and why "early withdrawal" isn't effective family planning)
I will never see a pre-rain spurt quite the same way again.

My brother complained that he LIKED the wallpaper my parents put in his room--for about 5 minutes, until I said it looked like sperm, and then that's all he could think of every time he saw it. And he had to live in it for years. Just doing my job as a big sister!

[WindingRoad]

Jess what kind of bike is that in your post? The one with disc and road bars?