Wet weather riding

d87heaven

Now that it forecast to be raining for the next 6 months I thought I would ask for some wet weather riding tips as Ive only ever ridden my Wilier escape in the dry. Quite a change going from dry and bright to wet and dark.

Should I change my tyres for something with a bit more wet weather grip ?- currently using CST rigida.
What clothing should I wear? Tights? Water proof trousers? A jacket that packs down small for when its not raining.
Lots of questions but its all new to me.
Thanks

father_jack

Warm and wet
Lycra shorts, waterproof overshoes, lycra jersey...or if it's really hard rain waterproof top, waterproof gloves or ones with grippy palm in the wet. Baseball cap to keep water out your eyes

Cold and wet
same but waterproof trousers, warm cap with a peak.

sheffsimon

Father Jack wrote:

Warm and wet
Lycra shorts, waterproof overshoes, lycra jersey...or if it's really hard rain waterproof top, waterproof gloves or ones with grippy palm in the wet. Baseball cap to keep water out your eyes

Cold and wet
same but waterproof trousers, warm cap with a peak.

Horrible!

Roubaix bib tights + mudguards + overshoes.

+1 for cap/hat with peak though, I find it a lot more bearable if I cant feel the rain on my face.

danowat

Windproof top/jacket/gillet, decent gloves and shoes/overshoes.

Aslong as you can keep a warm "trunk", hands and feet, you'll be fine.

d87heaven

Cheers guys.
What about riding at night in the wet? Do you use a powerful front light to pick out manhole covers etc. I imagine a mid bend manhole cover is pretty slippery in the wet on a bike.

Ben6899

d87heaven wrote:

Cheers guys.
What about riding at night in the wet?

I tend to do this sans bike and go for a run.

Jordan93

In the wet I dress the same as any other day - Bib shorts, jersey and shoes! If you wear tights and they get soaked and the rain stops you are left riding in damp tights whereas bare legs dry quicker!

Bob.F

I use tights and winter boots, {Northwave.} Although I saw on Wiggle some very nice looking Sidi winter boots, a worthwhile investment.
Lights I use a flashing LED on front and two on rear and then a good headlamp to light my way.
It's worth remembering that car/truck drivers are looking for lights at a height they expect to see them, hence the flashing leds on the bike. Headlamp for lighting the way, but don't expect cars etc to see it up on your head!

Hrun

Ben6899 wrote:

d87heaven wrote:

Cheers guys.
What about riding at night in the wet?

I tend to do this sans bike and go for a run.

Only problem there is if you are cycling as you are having trouble running due to back/leg problems

I have to admit to having invested in the tax rollers for when it is really bad

Ben6899

Hrun wrote:

Ben6899 wrote:

d87heaven wrote:

Cheers guys.
What about riding at night in the wet?

I tend to do this sans bike and go for a run.

Only problem there is if you are cycling as you are having trouble running due to back/leg problems

I didn't mean to be insensitive. I cycle now as primary exercise following football injuries which made running too stressful. But I do find running helps keep a "balanced diet" of exercise.

But if it's dark outside, I'll be running.

Skeltron

I find I hate the cold more than I hate the wet.
Lot's of layers! REALLY thick gloves, thick socks (not too many pairs or it'll cut of the circulation and make it worse), overshoes, two pairs of tights, balaclava, glasses to stop your eyes watering, hat, thermals etc etc

It's grim up north.