Rain and road bikes

[Norse]

If it's an event ride or a training/group ride that I've planned with others, it's never too wet! It can be too stormy - you always need to take shelter if lightening is in the area - but not too wet. My road bike tires are Continental GPs - if you do a tire search on this site, you can find a lot of info. They are grippier and less puncture-prone than some other tires, and you really don't want to have just "slicks" on if you are out in the rain. Agree with the advice to lower your tire pressure, avoid painted road lines.... also, be very careful about crossing railroad tracks in the rain: slow down and always cross them at a perpendicular angle - you want to take that angle even when the tracks are dry. Some other thoughts, put things you don't want wet, cell phone for instance, in zip-locs or other waterproof bags. I swear by aLOKSAK bags, and love that you can use your touch screen without taking the phone out of the bag. Carry a plastic grocery/Target-style bag and a few rubber bands to put over your seat when you are not riding. Happy riding!

[Becky]

My road bikes see more crappy weather than my mountain bikes, due to the fragility of our local trails when wet.

I don't do ice, severe storms (as NYbiker mentioned), or high winds. Pouring rain stinks from visibility and sogginess standpoints, but I've done it... My biggest turn-off about riding in the rain is all of the bike cleaning that happens afterwards.

As far as rain gear, I aim for staying warm rather than dry, especially during the summer. A vest, some lightweight full-finger gloves, lightweight wool socks, clear glasses, and a cycling cap with brim are my must-haves. After that, it really depends on the specific conditions and whether or not I add more layers.

[tealtreak]

Ditto the advice above - I often ride in the rain on the road out of respect for the hard work that has been put in to our awesome trail system. Since we seem to have an abundance of distracted drivers I do use all of my lights and insanely bright orange gear to help with visibility.