A bike to ride to and from work on a rainy day

[GmanUK65]

Something that really annoys me is when I plan to ride my Merida road bike to work and back but when looking at the weather forecast and seeing my ride to work would be fine but riding back it would be raining. So, I use public transport instead. Then, when finishing work I see the forecast is wrong and it is nice and sunny.

What I need is a bike for riding in the rain. I need a cheap bike, but is still a road bike so my posture would be the same as riding my main bike. The cycle to work scheme is not an option as I am still paying off £1000 loan for my main bike. The weight of the bike I am planning to buy does not matter, in fact the heavier it is, the better my fitness will be when riding my Merida. The tyres must not be slick and the forks would have to be wide enough for the width of hybrid tyres. The price is the main factor, and when I say cheap I mean cheap. I am planning on buying second hand and I am not planning to spend more than £100. What make of bike would suit these conditions? A cyclocross bike would be nice but I doubt I would get a second hand one for the price I am willing to pay

Any advice please?

 

[Saluki]

Just out of curiosity, why can you not ride your Merida home in the rain? Is it made of paper or something exotic?

 

[GmanUK65]

Last time I rode when it was wet, I braked, it slid 90 degrees (I was travelling between 10 and 15 mph) and rolled into some trees on the side of the road. I went over handlebars and my shoulder was knackered for three weeks. I aint going to ride in the wet with slick tyres again. Just in case the next question is change my tyres, my forks are not wide enough for hybrid style tyres.

For confidence and safety I think a cheap commute bike would be best, Ive decided that £150 is max I can spend.

 

[slowmotion]

The type of bike doesn't matter as long as it has half-way reasonable brakes and tyres.
Spend any money left over on waterproof clothing.

 

[Hip Priest]

I ride a Revolution Courier for work. It's got flat-bars, but it's reasonably quick and reliable on 700 x 32 Marathons, and it's only got a single chainring, so it's easier to maintain. You could almost certainly pick one up 2nd hand within your £150 budget.

However, if I were you I'd consider just upgrading your tyres. You shouldn't be experiencing such severe difficulties using slicks in the rain. I regularly do long rides in wet conditions on my road bike with none of the problems you describe, and I'm not a particularly good bike-handler by any means!

 

[Profpointy]

Slicks are right for tarmac, rain or shine. It's not like car tyres. Either you mucked up the braking (too much back brake if I read your post right), or tyres are a poor model (or both)

 

[Saluki]

+1 for the upgrading your tyres.
You might just have cheapo tyres on there. I've got Schwalbe Lugano tyres on my Giant, Sometimes I use the Bontrager tyres (slicks) and never have any sort of issue with braking in the wet. I've got Continental Ultrasports on the PX and they are totally fine in the wet.
A tyre upgrade is way cheaper than a new bike IMO. I'd give that a try first.

Anyhoo, what happens if you are out riding on a nice day and suddenly encounter a shower or downpour? Do you get off and sit about waiting for the roads to dry?

 

[GmanUK65]

The type of bike doesn't matter as long as it has half-way reasonable brakes and tyres.
Spend any money left over on waterproof clothing.

Yeah Ive thought about getting a cheap hybrid or mountain bike. I had a hybrid but never rode it for a few weeks after getting the Merida and when I did ride it afterwards it felt wierd so I sold it. I regret getting rid of it now. So, the option of getting another hybrid/mountain bike I am considering if I have trouble getting hold of a cheap road bike

 

[slowmotion]

Yeah Ive thought about getting a cheap hybrid or mountain bike. I had a hybrid but never rode it for a few weeks after getting the Merida and when I did ride it afterwards it felt wierd so I sold it. I regret getting rid of it now. So, the option of getting another hybrid/mountain bike I am considering if I have trouble getting hold of a cheap road bike

I commuted on a hybrid for a few years, and then bought a road bike. From that very day, I have never ridden the hybrid. I guess that I'm fickle.

 

[GmanUK65]

+1 for the upgrading your tyres.
You might just have cheapo tyres on there. I've got Schwalbe Lugano tyres on my Giant, Sometimes I use the Bontrager tyres (slicks) and never have any sort of issue with braking in the wet. I've got Continental Ultrasports on the PX and they are totally fine in the wet.
A tyre upgrade is way cheaper than a new bike IMO. I'd give that a try first.

Anyhoo, what happens if you are out riding on a nice day and suddenly encounter a shower or downpour? Do you get off and sit about waiting for the roads to dry?

That is a thought. Ive got the same tyres that the bike came with (Vittoria). So, what make of tyres do people recommend?

 

[AndyRM]

Nice to see you back dude

Continental Gatorskins would be my recommendation. Never had a problem with them on roads round our way. Puncture proof and very grippy IME. I reckon I've a lightly used set kicking around if you fancy trying them out?

 

[slowmotion]

Vittoria is a manufacturer. They make loads of different tyres, some better than others. I use their Rubinos to commute through London. They are not perfect but they are cheap.

 

[GmanUK65]

Nice to see you back dude

Continental Gatorskins would be my recommendation. Never had a problem with them on roads round our way. Puncture proof and very grippy IME. I reckon I've a lightly used set kicking around if you fancy trying them out?

Yeah, we could arrange something next time I bump into you, most likely on the Metro. LOL

 

[Cycleops]

If you're after a cheap bike @biggs682 might be able to help you out. Only problem is he is in the midlands and you are in the North East.

 

[vickster]

Last time I rode when it was wet, I braked, it slid 90 degrees (I was travelling between 10 and 15 mph) and rolled into some trees on the side of the road. I went over handlebars and my shoulder was knackered for three weeks. I aint going to ride in the wet with slick tyres again. Just in case the next question is change my tyres, my forks are not wide enough for hybrid style tyres.

For confidence and safety I think a cheap commute bike would be best, Ive decided that £150 is max I can spend.

Get a second hand Carrera Subway, put some better brake pads on it. But if you won't ride it, don't waste your money. Just get better brake pads and tyres for the Merida. And ride more gently in the rain, avoid grilles and white lines etc