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Clinton S.
Clinton S. Sendmail

When NOT to ride? Please tell me

posted 6 months ago | Report

Cyclists, do you ride in the rain? Do you ride after a rain when the roads are wet? I think I am concerned about getting my new bike wet. I have been riding for 6 weeks and I avoid the rain and post-rain rides until all is dry. Am I being a puss, or am I legit? Thanks

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13 posts

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  • Dan M.
    Dan M. Sendmail

    Riding in the rain requires more maintenance on the headset and bottom bracket. Mainly because of the water mixing with the grease. You also have greater stopping distances in the wet.

    It is up to you, if you only have the one bike and have to take it in for service, avoiding the rain is not a bad idea. If you have more than one bike then having a rain bike and "nice" bike is the way to go.

    I avoid riding in the rain, but don't let it bother me if I get caught out in it.

    posted 6 months ago

  • Imran
    Imran Sendmail

    Cycling in the rain is so much fun. Cleaning the chain after that is quite a pain. You will need to degrease, rub and wash it before you apply fresh lube.

    If you are a grease monkey, its good. Else not so much.

    posted 6 months ago

  • Barbi C.
    Barbi C. Sendmail

    I personally try to avoid the rain, I can't afford to get sick cause it keeps me off my bike out of the gym. Remember road conditions for a car & bike are the same the first few minutes of a rain, slippery from the oils. Falling on a bike isn't fun & finding scratches on your new bike is really painful. Your not being a puss in my opinion just staying safe & keeping your nice new bike looking new. Safe pedalling!!

    posted 6 months ago

  • Ted K.
    Ted K. Sendmail

    Nah- you're a puss. Get out there! Riding in the rain improves your bike handling skills and maintenance ability. Learn how to clean and lube, and how to handle wet railroad tracks, puddles, and distracted drivers. It will make you a better rider - and more legit!

    posted 6 months ago

  • Jeff J.PRO
    Jeff J. Sendmail

    As an all-weather rider in the Pacific Northwest I say go for it - the adventure of braving the elements is not something to be missed! You might consider a wax based chain lube (like White Lightning) if you anticipate a lot of rain and you don't want to clean your chain and re-oil every single ride.

    posted 6 months ago

  • Greg S.
    Greg S. Sendmail

    I've ridden in heat, rain, sleet and snow. I prefer nice weather! Riding only in dry weather is the best way to keep your bike clean for sure. Riding after a rain, or during, will result in a lot of gunk on your bike. It certainly means more maintenance for sure. If you want to minimize upkeep, ride only in nice weather. If you want to be an adventurer, ride in the rain and learn more about maintenance.

    posted 5 months ago

  • Joshua B.
    Joshua B. Sendmail

    It is completely okay to ride in the rain. Or even the snow if you are feeling so inclined! You are going to want to pay more attention to drivetrain maintenance, since the water will wash off any lubricant faster and grit from the road will get up into more. As for the bottom bracket and headset? The bearings in those are likely sealed so I wouldn't worry about them. Just dress appropriately and have fun!

    posted 5 months ago

  • Chris
    Chris Sendmail

    Yep Agree with Joshua regarding the headset and bottom bracket. I have only every had problems with the headset once when the bike was upside down to be washed and water ran right into the grease...Just does not happen when the bike is right side up. As for the bottom bracket, power washing your bike will push water into those, but not your average rain storm.

    Yes you will have to clean your drive line more often, Get some good degreaser (petrol is good) and learn to do it yourself. drop you chain off into a small tub with petrol, mix around for a couple of minutes, change petrol and do it again, may be three times. Take the jockey wheels off, drop then into clean degreaser, clean your cassette and chain ring off. Reassemble. should all only take 20 minutes tops

    I love riding in thunderstorms. Warm summer evenings, with warm torrential rain, lightning flashing all around and thunder rumbling.....LOVE IT.

    posted 5 months ago

  • Rob K.
    Rob K. Sendmail

    You're ok to ride in the rain. Modern bikes use well-sealed bearings and can withstand water a lot better nowadays. I quite like riding in the rain because a) I don't get so hot and b) I can feel even more smug when I pass motorists in queues :-)

    All I would recommend is toweling down the bike after the ride to remove excess water and giving the chain and cluster a coating of lube.

    If you mountain bike, you kind have to assume you're going to get muddy on some rides.

    posted 3 months ago

  • Morey B.
    Morey B. Sendmail

    if you ride in the rain, sleet, cold- you're BADASS.
    Me- I live where it's perpetually sunny and nice, so I don't need to be badass. I'll run in about anything tho'.

    posted 3 months ago

  • Goose T.
    Goose T. Sendmail

    Riding in the rain is fun IF YOU HAVE THE PROPER GEAR!! Make sure you really have waterproof outer wear - especially the pants!!

    My bike is older so I don't worry about it getting wet.

    Today I rode 20 miles in an absolute downpour and it was a blast! :)

    I don't ride in the wind and I don't ride when it is icy.

    posted 2 months ago

  • Dodge H.
    Dodge H. Sendmail

    Some good responses to your question. Ideally I'd prefer not to ride in the rain but I'm training to cycle around the British coastline so we're bound to hit very rainy days, especially when we hit Scotlan etc.

    Make sure you're careful and Dan M. has some very good advice there about bike maintenance.

    You'll also need appropriate clothing but that's probably an obvious comment haha.

    posted about 1 month ago

  • Greg S.
    Greg S. Sendmail

    I've ridden in the rain, sleet, snow, heat and wind. Depending on your location, riding in a thunderstorm with lightning may be a bad idea. Icy conditions are out of the question without the right tires. Extreme heat may be a bad idea. I've ridden when it's as hot as 106F and not suffered but I don't recommend it.

    The rain won't hurt your bike. If you wash it later, be easy. Don't shoot it with the pressure washer and shoot water into the bearings and wash out grease. And by all means, keep the drivetrain lubricated. Not oil. Use a product meant for the job.

    Happy riding!

    posted about 1 month ago

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