Riding in the Rain

[Kano]

So, after our ride yesterday, I've got questions....

DH was concerned about my road tires on the wet roads. He's got slicks on his bike too -- but he figured he had more tread and he would be safer. Did he have reason to be concerned? I know brakes get wet, and rims get wet, and that's not good -- figured I'd play feather the brakes a lot during the ride, and keep them "sticky." Had no problems.

So, we dried what we could, then cleaned and lubed the chain after drying ourselves off and warming up a little (hadda pee like, well, gallons -- that comes first!). Anything else we should have done/looked for?

I mentioned not having any fenders --- is there some kind of "pocket fender" that a girl could snap onto a carbon frame in that sort of emergency?

And then there's brakes -- are there brake pads that are preferable for out in the wet?

Not that I plan to be a rainy-weather rider, but easy to carry things for those 20% chance days that turn out to be rain days would be handy to have, along with a little more knowledge of rainy riding safety. (which may be covered here on the forum somewhere)

Being off course yesterday and getting dumped on has me thinking more about getting some kind of navigator system, not necessarily bike-specific. The internet access on daughter's iphone would do it -- google earth, or mapquest, you know! It also has me thinking about sewing pockets onto all of DH's shirts so he doesn't leave his wallet and phone laying around again! (his bike shirts aren't real jerseys and have no pockets. He's cheap, pockets are not!)

Karen in Boise

[mimitabby]

Hi Boise girl!
yeah, there's something i think called "Race blades"
http://www.totalcycling.com/index.ph...urrency&id=USD

which fit on most road bikes and will keep you from getting a rooster tail.

on wet pavement, the painted strips are slicker (the white or yellow lines)
and things are generally slicker than dry but if you are just a little cautious
you should be just fine.
and yes, there are brake pads, do a search, they're salmon colored.. I don't have them but i'd like them. I've never had any yet and i've done 3 winters (ie rain) on a road bike now.

Don' t know what to tell you about pockets. I love pockets

So, after our ride yesterday, I've got questions....

DH was concerned about my road tires on the wet roads. He's got slicks on his bike too -- but he figured he had more tread and he would be safer. Did he have reason to be concerned? I know brakes get wet, and rims get wet, and that's not good -- figured I'd play feather the brakes a lot during the ride, and keep them "sticky." Had no problems.

So, we dried what we could, then cleaned and lubed the chain after drying ourselves off and warming up a little (hadda pee like, well, gallons -- that comes first!). Anything else we should have done/looked for?

I mentioned not having any fenders --- is there some kind of "pocket fender" that a girl could snap onto a carbon frame in that sort of emergency?

And then there's brakes -- are there brake pads that are preferable for out in the wet?

Not that I plan to be a rainy-weather rider, but easy to carry things for those 20% chance days that turn out to be rain days would be handy to have, along with a little more knowledge of rainy riding safety. (which may be covered here on the forum somewhere)



Karen in Boise