Post-wet ride maintenance checklist

[indysteel]

There is a possibility of rain in the forecast for a ride on Saturday, and up until this point I've just avoided riding in the rain. I'm wanting to make sure, ahead of time, that I'm ready to take care of the bike after a wet ride.

I know I need to give the bike a general wipe down and clean and lube the chain. What else?

What about timing? I'd do the wipe-down as soon as I get home, but do I have enough time to get a shower in before I work on the chain?

You're safe to shower first IMO. When our bikes get wet, we take the seat post out and let them drain upside down and then thoroughly dry out before reinserting the seat post.

[ny biker]

I wipe down the bike before putting it in the car/taking it into the house. I take everything out of the seat wedge and top-tube bag so I can dry it all out.

I clean and lube the chain before I ride it again.

I stuff my shoes with newspaper or paper towels, replacing it every few hours until the shoes are dry. Remove the cleat covers, clean and lube the cleats.

That's pretty much it.

[Owlie]

I let the bike dry a little on the porch, or I leave it in the garage if I'm at my parents' place. Clothes, if they're muddy at all, go in the laundry room/the handwash tub. Hot shower.

Then I go clean the chain, cassette and however much of the crankset I can, re-lube the chain and clean the bike.

[OakLeaf]

On a more practical note ...

Take all the time you need to stretch, ice any injuries, have your recovery snack, and change into dry work clothes.

Take care of your bike (and shoes).

THEN take your shower.

Otherwise you'll just get filthy again...

[ny biker]

On a more practical note ...

Take all the time you need to stretch, ice any injuries, have your recovery snack, and change into dry work clothes.

Take care of your bike (and shoes).

THEN take your shower.

Otherwise you'll just get filthy again...

Make that *warm* dry work clothes. And bear in mind you will be colder while riding in the rain, so prepare with extra layers.

[Melalvai]

I rode in the rain yesterday and forgot to dry the chain. This morning I noticed it's rusty so I'll be cleaning it tonight. It would have been better if I'd dried & clean it right away, but it's not a big deal that I'm doing it a day later.

[luvmyguys]

I rode in the rain yesterday and forgot to dry the chain. This morning I noticed it's rusty so I'll be cleaning it tonight. It would have been better if I'd dried & clean it right away, but it's not a big deal that I'm doing it a day later.

You can clean it once it has started to rust? I mean, can you actually get the rust off (didn't think that was possible), and how will that affect the chain life and performance?