Riding in the wet

dave27

Got caught for the first time in the rain today.

What precautions should I be taking?

Kept clear of line markings and drain covers but is there anything else I should be wary of?

desweller

Favour the back brake over the front and increase your stopping distances.

sungod

also...

well before you are expecting to brake, if you gently squeeze the levers just enough to make the pads kiss the rims, it'll clear the water and the brakes will grip much sooner when you do reach the braking point

the pads that are fitted to new bikes are often poor in the wet, if you find this, consider changing to koolstop salmon or swissstop, they're just so much better

watch out for potholes that are hidden by puddles

pinnaclered

Watch out for the metal studs at Traffic lights. Lights, visibility is reduced so best if u can be seen.

Dmak

Locking up the back wheel intentionally and momentarily can help give you an idea of the traction you've got available.

danowat

Relax, be smooth with any movements you make, and as above, avoid anything painted, or iron works, and keep you nose open and watch for the shiny film of split diesel, especially on roundabouts.

You have more traction in the wet than you think though.

Thebigbee

danowat wrote:

Relax, be smooth with any movements you make, and as above, avoid anything painted, or iron works, and keep you nose open and watch for the shiny film of split diesel, especially on roundabouts.

Very true about the spillages on roundabouts. Years ago I went round a roundabout on a motorbike, not even that fast and the back end slid out on some spillage which royally fked my arm, knee and bike up!

I always treat roundabouts with a lot more caution now.

How about getting some mudguards? They would keep a lot of the spray and water off the brakes, and you.

rake

keep ploughing in and leaning over, you can come on here later and complain about the power of road brakes and wonder why discs arent standard, then move onto the tyres being dangerous. I was just riding along.

navrig

Keep off the brakes when turning in. You should do this wet or dry but it is more important when wet.

When/if you go down tray not to risk your thumb or collar bone by putting your hand down to catch yourself. You wont hold yourself up and, in my case, you will break your thumb.

rake

its also the easiest way to break your wrist if you lock the elbow.

dave27

Thanks all, just need it to rain again now!

dave27

Thanks all, just need it to rain again now!

arthur_scrimshaw

Rain.... I think I remember that

Monty Dog

Firstly, drop your tyre pressure slightly and even better if you run wider tyres. Do all your braking in a straight-line in advance of any turn - keep the turn radius steady and weight central. As well as drain covers and white lines, watch out for shiny patches of diesel. Rather than 'riding' the brakes - when it's really wet, pre-brake as suggested to wipe off-the water before applying the brake to control the speed.

invincible

dont do what i did this morning & slide round a corner :oops:

gregster10217

Carry a fold up rain jacket in one your back pockets. (If you don't already?!)