Newbies in wet whether?

[light_sabe_r]

Shock horror! I've just bought a Jamis Tangier Women's specific hybrid last week! (first bike since 13) after 2 months of serching for the perfect bike! (who would've thought it would be at anaconda... A camping store)

Anyhue... I've now reached a dilema! It's been raining all week and I haven't been able to take him for a spin since! it's also winter here so the chill factor is another deterrant!

That being said I really want to take him out! The tyres I got with the bike have EXCELLENT tread for wet weather... (Maxxis I think...) And I would like to see how I do.

So my question is... Does anyone reccommend any training tips in this whether? Should I be taking my bike out at all? Is there anything I can wear on my legs other than tights to stop me from getting wet?? And finally Should I go it alone since noone else wants to come?

[Fredwina]

I guess I'll wade in here.
Most people will only ride in rain if it's needed. Since the chain is exposed, the lube can come off. Maybe some of the more mechanically inclined gals can help.
I general, Riding in rain means you need to be more vigilant. If you have rim brakes, you won't be able to stop as fast. And you probably won't be able to handle as well
Practice. I would wait till you get caught out in, which will probably happen sooner or later.

[salsabike]

We ride in rain here all through the winter, and almost never does the rain stop a planned ride (speaking for me and spouse). You can get waterproof rain pants and shoe covers, which also serve double duty in keeping you warm. I just use the same caution I do in driving a car in the rain--allow more stopping time, don't brake suddenly and hard, etc.

[Grog]

Same as Salsabike says.

I always ride a planned ride in the rain, I ride through rain in the winter, and often in the summer (including a lot of rain last weekend - the Gulf Islands are unpredictable!!). My bike club (in Vancouver) only cancels a ride if it's below freezing level about 3 hours before the beginning of the ride (because the frozen pavement is not very good with road bikes).

Good maintenance and care of your wet bike is important, although you shouldn't loose sleep over it. Obviously lubing is important, and cleaning up too. You can hose down the big grit (unless you're very concerned about grit going deeper into your cogs, but I find this to be less of a problem than a very dirty bike) and make sure you reapply lube whenever it's been wet. Some lubes are better than others for the wet weather but if it's not a frequent event for you it doesn't matter that much. I also inspect my tires more because rain tends to bring more grit on the road.

Rain gear is important, especially in cooler weather, so you don't get cold. Wool is great.

But for a one-time thing... just go and ride, and laugh!

[uk elephant]

I must admit, I never let weather stop me (except maybe when its above 30C and sunny and humid in which case I will have passed out anyway). If it's wet and cold, put on some rain gear, an extra layer of wool underneath until you warm up and bring a dry shirt for when you stop. No reason to let a bit of water stop you. Just be a bit more careful as you would if you were driving in rain. We have a saying in Norway (which my dad is very fond of): there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.

[Nanci]

May as well ride in the rain...When ever I take my bike somewhere by car, it inevitably rains there and back- so she ends up getting soaked. I just re-lube the chain. I think constant rain is hard on the cables, though.

If rain is cold, I wear a rain jacket with pitzips and venting in the back, a helmet cover (I _love_ that!!!) toe covers, and either these wind/rain resistant tights from Performance or, I have a new pair of actual rain pants, but it, of course, hasn't rained since I got them...I also carry dry socks and gloves. I also have a pair of waterproof, warm gloves, but I usually don't wear them.

If the rain is warm, I just wear my normal clothes, and sandals so I don't have to worry about my shoes getting ruined (and trying to dry out wet feet!!).

Carry some ziplocks all the time so you can protect your cell phone and camera if it rains unexpectedly.

Be careful of wet leaves- very slippery. People say you flat more in the rain, so make sure you're prepared for that. It's nice to have a red LED tail light so traffic can see you. And maybe a reflective vest or jacket.

Nanci