A newbie in the rain

gbs

Although I have ridden the hybrid (knobbly tyres) in the wet I have avoided using the road bike (23c tyres) in such conditions. All advice will be appreciated re
1) bike handling
2) kit

redddraggon

Slick tyres are better than knobblies for grip on the road - fullstop, so why avoid the road bike when it's wet?

Mog Uk

gbs wrote:

Although I have ridden the hybrid (knobbly tyres) in the wet I have avoided using the road bike (23c tyres) in such conditions. All advice will be appreciated re
1) bike handling
2) kit

1) bike handling

Relax and be smooth, avoid any sudden braking, avoid white lines, drains and manhole covers, if your 23c tyres are semi decent you'll be surprised how much grip you actually do have.

2) kit

Lightweight waterproof jacket and overshoes, decent mudguards can help, although if your road bike is your summer bike then you may just be best making do with a wet arse....

Sorted....

Anonymous

I've never struggled on my 23c Conti GP 4000 tyres...

I'm sure most other decent tyres will be the same...

rhext

Most times, you'll be fine. Cycles don't move fast enough to have to worry about hydroplaning, so you don't need tread on road tyres. The only thing to watch out for (apart from metalwork), is smooth tarmac after a prolonged dry period. It can get really greasy when it gets wet for the first time.

will3

I think you have to get to about 160mph to aquaplane a bike.
In the past when I've been out on a treaded tyred bike I have had 'moments' on wet roundabouts &C that have been perfectly fine on another bike equiped with Conti Sport contacts (which are slick).
In short, the bits between the knobbles offer no grip, so fill them with rubber

Anonymous

1) bike handling

Relax and be smooth, avoid any sudden braking, avoid white lines, drains and manhole covers, if your 23c tyres are semi decent you'll be surprised how much grip you actually do have

Wise words

gbs

Thanks to everybody for the positive/encouraging comments. I bought a rain jacket today and I know my 23 c tyres are decent. No excuses left.

I guess I have been over-influenced by TdF footage of some years ago when one of the yellow jersey contestants lost control (and possibly the race) at a roundabout in the wet on what I think was a penultimate day TT.

antfly

Also don`t forget to brake before the bends not on the bends and don`t bother with the rear brake.

redvee

will3 wrote:

I think you have to get to about 160mph to aquaplane a bike.
In the past when I've been out on a treaded tyred bike I have had 'moments' on wet roundabouts &C that have been perfectly fine on another bike equiped with Conti Sport contacts (which are slick).
In short, the bits between the knobbles offer no grip, so fill them with rubber

I was led to belive it was 80mph on a pedal cycle due to the small contact patch. I've ridden with bald slicks, no grooves from new, in the rain and never had a problem other than the WA issue and white lines/drain covers etc. Brake before the corner and take a slighty wider line.

NWLondoner

gbs wrote:

Thanks to everybody for the positive/encouraging comments. I bought a rain jacket today and I know my 23 c tyres are decent. No excuses left.

I guess I have been over-influenced by TdF footage of some years ago when one of the yellow jersey contestants lost control (and possibly the race) at a roundabout in the wet on what I think was a penultimate day TT.

I think you'll find that was because of diesel on the road. NOTHING will stop you hitting the deck if you go over diesel.

Some tyres are better than others in the wet. Like others said DON'T tense up. Ride relaxed and try to avoid all manholes. Not easy i know these days :x

I used to use Spesh All Condition Armadillos and they were LETHAL in wet or even midly damp/moist conditions. GP4000s and Pro Race 3 have been awesome in the wet. They grip even better than a hot brunette i used to know

will3

redvee wrote:

will3 wrote:

I think you have to get to about 160mph to aquaplane a bike.
In the past when I've been out on a treaded tyred bike I have had 'moments' on wet roundabouts &C that have been perfectly fine on another bike equiped with Conti Sport contacts (which are slick).
In short, the bits between the knobbles offer no grip, so fill them with rubber

I was led to belive it was 80mph on a pedal cycle due to the small contact patch. I've ridden with bald slicks, no grooves from new, in the rain and never had a problem other than the WA issue and white lines/drain covers etc. Brake before the corner and take a slighty wider line.

shall we split the difference and go with Schwalbe's 200kph (=125mph)?

Rev\'d Gatlin

If you're cycling in town be aware that the Highway Code is suspended for white vans, lorries, skip trucks, taxi's and buses whilst it's raining. The steamed up cabs and rain on the window make it impossible for the driver to notice cycle lanes, bike only boxes at traffic lights, a sopping cyclist. The £30 on the spot Cycleplod Law Enforcers are snug in plod central. There will be no one on hand to police the sharp left turning, cutting up, sudden braking, puddle spraying and stupid speeds. The anarchists have the city.

You're on your own.