RIDING IN THE RAIN IS NOT ALWAYS NICE.

But it happens that, by the force of things, a cyclist has no choice: scheduled training, sometimes the only day of the week when you can go out cycling happens to be a rainy day. In that case, it's important to take care of clothing and equipment. Today, many advancements have been made in gear and accessories that can protect us from the rain. Still, even when you're well equipped, you're needed to be cautious. Here are some tips to best survive the rainy conditions on the bike.

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  1. Protective Equipment

Forget the traditional raincoats that were certainly waterproof, but not at all breathable. As a result, we sweated quickly and if we were not wet by the rain, it was through perspiration.

Today, it is possible to find breathable raincoats that allow you to ride in heavy rain without having a sensation of the oven.

Another essential accessory if you want to ride a long time in rainy weather, waterproof shoes that will keep your feet dry. Because nothing is more unpleasant than pedaling with shoes soaked in water and the feeling of having the foot that goes "floc - floc" with every pedal turn.

It must be said that the feet are not the best. They are close to the ground and directly on the trajectory of the water projections of the front wheel! And once wet, the feeling of cold feet comes very quickly, which adds to the inconvenience of riding in the rain.

An element that is becoming more and more fashionable for cyclists who do not want to deprive themselves of cycling whatever the weather.

Full models that attach to the bike are the most effective. They are lightweight and most models fit quickly without tools. Even if it is not very aerodynamic, it is undoubtedly the best protection. This will save you projections caused by the rotation of the wheels. You will stay much longer in the dry, you and your bike will be protected from mud splatter. Much of your bike will be spared from dirt. Ideal if you have a second bike (mule) that you only use in winter or in bad weather.

The more minimal version is the plastic mudguard that attaches without any tools under the seat. The protection capability is lower than the above, it weighs nothing and offers ni hold on the wind.

  • Stay Visible

Do not forget to use visible clothing (reflective in case of dark weather), or even front and rear lights.

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  1. Braking

The braking distances in the rain are much greater in cycling than in dry weather. It is necessary to allow the skates time to dry the braking track before their action is really effective.

Although carbon rims have made progress in recent years, prefer aluminum wheels, which are more effective in the rain. But if you want to keep your carbon rims, you can, but be extra vigilant. The distances are very long and the wheel locks up faster than with aluminum rims.

To dry the rim, it will be necessary, before needing to brake, to operate the brakes slightly several times in a row.

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  1. Suspension

Some tires are specific for wet conditions, with an eraser that offers more grip in the rain. But it is not always easy to predict that you'll be riding in the rain and change tires for each shower.

  • Keep Tyres Less Inflated

Less inflated, a tire or hose will have more contact with the ground and thus a better adhesion. This causes a slight loss of performance, but in turn, the grip will be much better.

  • Soak Tyres With Vinegar

It might sound like a joke or an old grandmother's advice, still, the result is surprising.

Wiping a rag soaked with vinegar on your tires before going out in the rain will have the effect of de-greasing it and considerably increasing its grip. But beware, the effects diminish over the output.

  • Cleaning

After a wet road trip, remember to clean your tires with a rag to get rid of flints and foreign bodies. At the same time, wipe your chain and oil it to prevent rusting.

  • Ground Hazards

When it rains, many dangers on the ground are likely to reduce the adhesion.

It will thus be necessary not to brake and not to incline the bike on:

- the white stripes

- Cobbles

- Manholes

- Dead leaves

- gas-oil stains on streets

- other debris

Be careful in roundabouts, especially those near service stations. Drivers have filled their tank to the brim, it is not uncommon that when the car turns, some diesel or gasoline escapes and remains on the ground, making it very slippery. Fortunately, in rainy weather, the fuel stains show, causing characteristic iridescent reflections.

  • Beware Of The First Drops

It is not the heavy showers that are the most dangerous, but the small showers or drizzles, and this, from the first half-hour of rain. The hydrocarbons absorbed by the first layer of macadam go back to the surface of the bitumen. Less dense than water, they are driven from the thickness of the macadam and form an extremely slippery film, a mixture of dust, gum, hydrocarbons and water. This is known as the "summer ice", well known to bikers

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  1. Anticipate

Anticipation is one of the qualities needed to practice cycling. But more than ever, it must be essential in case of rain to avoid the dangers mentioned above and be able to brake properly despite an extended stopping distance. You should not be surprised because in this case you could throw yourself on the brakes and quickly block your wheels at the very low grip. A fall is assured then.

Here are 11 tips that should allow you to ride more safely in case of rain. Tips that will appear to you for some obvious, but not everyone knows them. It's better to have advice that may seem obvious rather that learning while on the job with a fall.

CHECK UR RANGE OF CYCLING RAIN GEAR
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