Bicycling in rain- how do you cope?

Athena53

I've gotten into charity bike rides (30+miles) and they're usually "rain or shine" unless there are thunderstorms. So far my luck has held out; I've been blessed with perfect weather for the last 2 and it looks good for the one next weekend as well. I don't like bicycling in rain- I go to the gym to workout instead. I've got a hybrid bike and worry about how effective the brakes are (rubber against wet rubber) in the rain, and what to wear. My "water resistant" gets wet pretty quickly and starts clinging to my skin. I have rubberized foul weather gear but am not sure it would breathe enough.

What do the rest of you do to stay dry and comfortable?

Phildog47

I've only rode in the rain ONE time, not by choice... was out in the boonies riding to the lake cottage. It was a zen ride, remember it forever, but would never do it on purpose, LOL.

Mr_Knight

There's no getting around it, it's miserable, you just have to invoke your inner sado-masochist and "get 'er done".

amberlykay1014

A long sleeved, thin base layer that is moisture wicking and quick drying works nicely to keep the rain gear from clinging and sticking to your body. I like Patagonia Capilene base layers because they are more affordable, but merino wool is best.

The best waterproof/breathable rain jacket that is also lightweight is Mountain Hardwear. Look for their DryQ technology. Their Stretch Cohesion jacket is a good choice.

I work in outdoor gear/apparel, so get to try a lot of stuff out. This is what works best for me.

Okapi42

Since I bike to work along the sea in Ireland, I ge this problem a lot. I wear quick-drying cycle tights, so I'm usually only concerned with keeping my top half reasonably dry. If you're not going for speed, ponchos are nice, they cover your hands and saddle, too, but they have a tendency to catch the wind.

Mostly, my plan is just to make sure I have an entire fresh change of clothes - down to dry shoes and undies - when I get wherever I'm going.

Not had any problems so far on a hybrid, but make sure you check the brake pads regularly and clean out any gunk/mud stuck in the treads!

yogicarl

I think the thing is in your nice warm dry house, cycling in the rain is the most terrible thing you can imagine. But if it starts raining while you are already out, it is not a big deal unless it starts to hammer down and then you may have to pull over and wait for the worst to pass over.

The worst bit is getting out there and then its ok.

MeanderingMammal

I've got a hybrid bike and worry about how effective the brakes are (rubber against wet rubber)

The brakes are rubber compound against the steel rim, rather than the tyre. If not then they're misadjusted and need to be checked out.

In practice some brake compounds are better in the rain than others, but for the type of riding you just described I wouldn't see a huge issue.

What do the rest of you do to stay dry and comfortable?

You're in fairly classic "any fool can be wet and cold" territory.

Cycle tights or leggings will dry out fairly quickly, on top just stick with your wicking base layers with a shell over the top. Avoid something too heavy as you end up sweating anyway and end up damp.

The biggest issue I find is avoiding the rain completely obscuring my glasses, but my helmet has a peak which helps there.

Athena53

A long sleeved, thin base layer that is moisture wicking and quick drying works nicely to keep the rain gear from clinging and sticking to your body. I like Patagonia Capilene base layers because they are more affordable, but merino wool is best.

The best waterproof/breathable rain jacket that is also lightweight is Mountain Hardwear. Look for their DryQ technology. Their Stretch Cohesion jacket is a good choice.

I work in outdoor gear/apparel, so get to try a lot of stuff out. This is what works best for me.

Ah, I was afraid the answer might include "spend money"! Well, the weather report for my last ride of the season next weekend still looks good but maybe I'll buy some good rainy-weather gear during the winter. We're going to Alaska in July anyway so it could come in handy.

yogicarl

If you are riding any bit harder than really casual, you going to build up steam and condensation whether the outer shell is breathable or not, so sve your money and just go for a nylon or polycotton windproof and accept you are going to get wet whether through condensation or rain and focus on staying comfortably warm even when wet.

If you can store a change of clothes at the end of your ride I would just invest in a good quick dry base layer top and bottom and a windproof.