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Tips for Cycling in Wet Weather
If your cyclists you'll need to get used to riding in the rain fe. Following is a few tips for making you wet weather riding safer and comfortable.
When your out cycling you will find that rain comes from all directions: down from the sky,spray up from your wheels, and sideways by wind and splashed up by passing cars. Rain is just something that you can't avoid while out cycling. Listed below are a few steps that you can take to protect you and your clothes .
1. Front and Rear Fenders Your front and rear wheels spray water up. Fenders will .make all the difference, they are cheap enough around the $15-$25 price range, and removable and easy to install with clips
2. Rainproof cycling clothes made of waterproof and breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex are available in specialty shops. Your average lightweight spray jacket will do the job at keeping you dry underneath and a pair of rain pants will keep the bottom half dry. It might also be handy to carry a poncho in your pocket or bag for the those surprise showers.
Inner/Base layers: Inner/Base Layers should be wicking layers, they are designed to take the sweat away from your skin, keeping you drier. They are made of Quick drying high-tech sports materials made from polyester or polypropylene. Avoid wearing T-shirts or any other garment made out of cotton. When cotton gets wet, it stays damp and sucks the heat right out of you.
Middle (or insulation) layers: Designed to provide insulation in cold weather and also they provide basic protection when worn alone in warmer conditions.
When out cycling the last thing you wan is to be bogged down in lots of heavy clothing. Modern lightweight synthetic fleece layers provide lots of warmth without the weight. The warmest insulation layers will probably not be needed since pedaling generates a lot of body heat. But it is always a good idea to keep them close in a waterproof bag.
Outer layers: Designed to protect you from the elements such as the wind, rain on in the extreme conditions, the snow. It is importan that it is of a bright color for greater visibility , its also a good idea for it to have a reflective material. Wind vests are a great as they keep your core warm due to the wind-proof material that blocks the cold blasts but still allowing for ventilation. The same rain/wind layers you use in moderate conditions should be fine for biking in colder conditions. It comes down to a bit of trial and error to find the outer layers that stops the wind from stealing warmth, while still providing enough ventilation to keep from overheating. Make sure the outer layers you use for cold weather riding are roomy enough to be comfortable with other layers on underneath.
For your legs choose comfortable winter tights that move with your body and is made from a wicking and insulating material.
Arm & Knee Warmers - These are quite easy to pull on and off ,they roll up small and can be easily stuffed into any space available such as pockets . The great thing about Arm warmers is that they can turn a short-sleeve Jersey into a long sleeve within seconds. Knee or full-length leg warmers can be added for those cool early morning rides. They come in great use when the weather suddenly cools or with the temperature differences due to winds or hills.
Headwear - The head and neck lose heat faster than any other part of the body. Thin wool or polypro hats, balaclavas, ear warmers or helmet liners can be worn under your helmet. High The material wicks moisture away keeping your head and neck warm and dry. The extra material to your head you might need to adjust your helmet by adding or removing that padding material. Your helmet should be a nice snug and comfortable fit and remember to readjust if you decide not to wear your winter headgear.
Bike Gloves -Bike gloves can cut down finger injuries and discomforts such as blisters and finger cramps. In cold weather numb and cold fingers reduce your ability to control the bike. You can purchase cycling gloves to cover all sorts of weather conditions and temperature, from lightweight waterproof cycling gloves to insulated gloves. If you already have a pair of short-finger cycling gloves, a set of lightweight, inexpensive polypro glove liners can be worn underneath regular cycling gloves for extra protection in dry conditions. A nylon/GoreTex pair would be ideal for the wet weather emergency. Just pull them on over your regular cycling gloves keeping your hands warm enough to brake, shift, and most importantly still giving you control of your bike.
Cycling Eyewear - Most cyclists wear some form of eye protection whenever they are riding,(sunglasses, regular eyeglasses or cycling goggles). Eye protection protects your eyes from dust, dirt, cold wind, pebbles, bugs and low hanging branches and many other danger.
In cool temperatures cycling glasses fog up when your warm breath mixes with the cool air creating condensation on the lenses. On the market are anti-fog sprays/wipes that you apply to the lenses. Make sure you read the directions and any warning labels as some chemicals in the products may damage special lens coatings.
Bike Shoes - There is nothing more uncomfortable than numb, frozen, cold wet feet and toes! Depending on what pedaling system you using there are several footwear options that you can use. The first line of defense is socks. Lightweight woolen socks go a long way towards keeping your feet warm. Then over those you can pull on a pair of Neoprene socks which add an extra layer of warmth along with water/windproof protection. It is important that your shoes have enough toe room left. Too tight, and your feet will feel colder due to constricted blood circulation.
4. Cover your seat when you park the bike outside in wet weather. Carry a plastic shopping bag in with your regular gear so you can use it to cover your seat. stops you from getting a wet bum on the ride home
6. Position your lock so that water doesn't run into the keyhole causing rust and damage to inner workings of the lock.
Some added tips to remember when out riding in wet weather:
1. Take extra care when riding in the rain your brakes wont work as good when they are wet, your stopping time will increase. Take your time adjust your riding speed go slower in wet weather, and practice braking. Pump your brakes in bursts not in constant braking
2. Puddles while they can be fun to ride through some puddles can be deep, and hide hazards such as glass storm drain grids, so always take extra care
3. Wet leaves can be rather quite slippery. So they are another thing to avoid.
4. Motor Vehicles also have less control and visibility in wet weather, vehicles braking times are increased.
If your cyclists you'll need to get used to riding in the rain fe. Following is a few tips for making you wet weather riding safer and comfortable.
When your out cycling you will find that rain comes from all directions: down from the sky,spray up from your wheels, and sideways by wind and splashed up by passing cars. Rain is just something that you can't avoid while out cycling. Listed below are a few steps that you can take to protect you and your clothes .
1. Front and Rear Fenders Your front and rear wheels spray water up. Fenders will .make all the difference, they are cheap enough around the $15-$25 price range, and removable and easy to install with clips
2. Rainproof cycling clothes made of waterproof and breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex are available in specialty shops. Your average lightweight spray jacket will do the job at keeping you dry underneath and a pair of rain pants will keep the bottom half dry. It might also be handy to carry a poncho in your pocket or bag for the those surprise showers.
Inner/Base layers: Inner/Base Layers should be wicking layers, they are designed to take the sweat away from your skin, keeping you drier. They are made of Quick drying high-tech sports materials made from polyester or polypropylene. Avoid wearing T-shirts or any other garment made out of cotton. When cotton gets wet, it stays damp and sucks the heat right out of you.
Middle (or insulation) layers: Designed to provide insulation in cold weather and also they provide basic protection when worn alone in warmer conditions.
When out cycling the last thing you wan is to be bogged down in lots of heavy clothing. Modern lightweight synthetic fleece layers provide lots of warmth without the weight. The warmest insulation layers will probably not be needed since pedaling generates a lot of body heat. But it is always a good idea to keep them close in a waterproof bag.
Outer layers: Designed to protect you from the elements such as the wind, rain on in the extreme conditions, the snow. It is importan that it is of a bright color for greater visibility , its also a good idea for it to have a reflective material. Wind vests are a great as they keep your core warm due to the wind-proof material that blocks the cold blasts but still allowing for ventilation. The same rain/wind layers you use in moderate conditions should be fine for biking in colder conditions. It comes down to a bit of trial and error to find the outer layers that stops the wind from stealing warmth, while still providing enough ventilation to keep from overheating. Make sure the outer layers you use for cold weather riding are roomy enough to be comfortable with other layers on underneath.
For your legs choose comfortable winter tights that move with your body and is made from a wicking and insulating material.
Arm & Knee Warmers - These are quite easy to pull on and off ,they roll up small and can be easily stuffed into any space available such as pockets . The great thing about Arm warmers is that they can turn a short-sleeve Jersey into a long sleeve within seconds. Knee or full-length leg warmers can be added for those cool early morning rides. They come in great use when the weather suddenly cools or with the temperature differences due to winds or hills.
Headwear - The head and neck lose heat faster than any other part of the body. Thin wool or polypro hats, balaclavas, ear warmers or helmet liners can be worn under your helmet. High The material wicks moisture away keeping your head and neck warm and dry. The extra material to your head you might need to adjust your helmet by adding or removing that padding material. Your helmet should be a nice snug and comfortable fit and remember to readjust if you decide not to wear your winter headgear.
Bike Gloves -Bike gloves can cut down finger injuries and discomforts such as blisters and finger cramps. In cold weather numb and cold fingers reduce your ability to control the bike. You can purchase cycling gloves to cover all sorts of weather conditions and temperature, from lightweight waterproof cycling gloves to insulated gloves. If you already have a pair of short-finger cycling gloves, a set of lightweight, inexpensive polypro glove liners can be worn underneath regular cycling gloves for extra protection in dry conditions. A nylon/GoreTex pair would be ideal for the wet weather emergency. Just pull them on over your regular cycling gloves keeping your hands warm enough to brake, shift, and most importantly still giving you control of your bike.
Cycling Eyewear - Most cyclists wear some form of eye protection whenever they are riding,(sunglasses, regular eyeglasses or cycling goggles). Eye protection protects your eyes from dust, dirt, cold wind, pebbles, bugs and low hanging branches and many other danger.
In cool temperatures cycling glasses fog up when your warm breath mixes with the cool air creating condensation on the lenses. On the market are anti-fog sprays/wipes that you apply to the lenses. Make sure you read the directions and any warning labels as some chemicals in the products may damage special lens coatings.
Bike Shoes - There is nothing more uncomfortable than numb, frozen, cold wet feet and toes! Depending on what pedaling system you using there are several footwear options that you can use. The first line of defense is socks. Lightweight woolen socks go a long way towards keeping your feet warm. Then over those you can pull on a pair of Neoprene socks which add an extra layer of warmth along with water/windproof protection. It is important that your shoes have enough toe room left. Too tight, and your feet will feel colder due to constricted blood circulation.
4. Cover your seat when you park the bike outside in wet weather. Carry a plastic shopping bag in with your regular gear so you can use it to cover your seat. stops you from getting a wet bum on the ride home
6. Position your lock so that water doesn't run into the keyhole causing rust and damage to inner workings of the lock.
Some added tips to remember when out riding in wet weather:
1. Take extra care when riding in the rain your brakes wont work as good when they are wet, your stopping time will increase. Take your time adjust your riding speed go slower in wet weather, and practice braking. Pump your brakes in bursts not in constant braking
2. Puddles while they can be fun to ride through some puddles can be deep, and hide hazards such as glass storm drain grids, so always take extra care
3. Wet leaves can be rather quite slippery. So they are another thing to avoid.
4. Motor Vehicles also have less control and visibility in wet weather, vehicles braking times are increased.
WHEN RIDING IN WET WEATHER ALWAYS TAKE EXTREME CARE