Is it dangerous to cycle in the rain?

[norwichcyclist]

Hi all,

I've been commuting to work regularly for the last 6 months. I have a cheap mountain bike that has served me well but I'm now eligble for the cyclescheme through work and I'm looking to get an entry level road bike.

My father-in-law and another relative of wife has warned me against taking a road bike out in the rain. They have said it is very perilous and the road surface becomes very slip. Basically they consider that it is very high riask for me to come off my bike.

This goes against all information that I have read from other sources. I have been told to avoid puddles because they may be hiding potholes. I've also read to avoid manhole covers, leaves and manure because they can become slippy but nothing to suggest that the road surface becomes any slippier.

Even that advice does not say anything about manhole covers, leaves and manure being anymore slippy on a road bike than with any other bike.

I want to draw upon the experience of you many commuters. I would like to ride in all conditions apart from icy and severe storms. Please tell me how it is to either confirm or discredit these views.

 

[fossyant]

Mountain bikes are worse in the wet as you have more 'broken' rubber in contact with tarmac.

Roads become slippy when there is a light amount of rain on the road - i.e. just greasy.

Usual caviat's, take it easy when cornering. PS tread on a tyre makes no difference, you can't aquaplane a bike.

Oh, if it's chucking it down, use your lights.

As you mention, just watch it on ICE. That's the only weather that stops me.

 

[Landslide]

...you can't aquaplane a bike.

I'm sure I once read that you can aquaplane a 23c tyre. You just need to be doing over 80mph!

Re: the OP, tyres aren't as grippy in the wet as the dry, but as long as you take the precautions mentioned (avoiding puddles/potholes/metal grids etc.) it should be OK.

 

[Will1985]

Just stay off the white lines.

 

[Bman]

I voted "No more than usual" because I think thats closest to the answer I would normally give. It is slightly more dangerous, but not "dangerous" as such if you know how to ride safely.

It will be a little more slippery, have less visibility than perfect road conditions. Also pedestrians seem less likely to look for cycles. As a result I dont lean into corners as much if the road surface is wet. I also like to be aware other road vehicles take longer to stop, so more room is required all-round.

Basically, take a little more care and its "No more (dangerous) than usual"

 

[Jim_Noir]

Don't find rain and issue, well apart from the day I didn't put my underwear in a waterproof part of my bag on the way to work! Even snow and Ice have been fine so far, it's like anything when the weather is bad, solow down a bit.

 

[thomas]

The first time I used my road bike (and any road bike for that matter) was when it was raining and it didn't stop me getting home safely or thoroughly enjoying my bike .

Yes, in wet weather you need to take more care, and I suppose the roads will be slippier, with surface water and things. I think the advice you were given is good. Also be aware that your brakes will probably be weaker. I have to leave my bike outside at work and when rain water gets on the rims it can take a noticeable amount longer to stop in time.

This goes against all information that I have read from other sources. I have been told to avoid puddles because they may be hiding potholes. I've also read to avoid manhole covers, leaves and manure because they can become slippy but nothing to suggest that the road surface becomes any slippier.

When it is wet you've always got to be more careful and not take corners as fast and things, but if you use common sense you should be fine...worst case you get some cool looking war wounds

Ice is nasty, though I have gone over sheet ice on my road bike (admittedly at about 1mph) without coming off/slipping. If you can avoid ice do, if you can avoid severe storms do.

It is just about adjusting your riding style for conditions...if it's really raining leave a good distance between you and the car in front, avoid pot holes/man hole covers and take corners sensibly...just have to build up your confidence.

If you are going out in wet weather make sure your bike comes with decentish tyres...the default ones on my spech allez were crap, puncture every ride in rain or over winter!

 

[Bman]

[snip]

As you mention, just watch it on ICE. That's the only weather that stops me.

Doesnt stop me

Very, very slow and very flat (MTB) tyres I mean like 15-20 psi or less!

 

[Landslide]

If you are going out in wet weather make sure your bike comes with decentish tyres...the default ones on my spech allez were crap, puncture every ride in rain or over winter!

Definitely! It's not just Sod's Law that means you get p*nct*res in the rain - there's no penetration without lubrication!

 

[thomas]

Definitely! It's not just Sod's Law that means you get p*nct*res in the rain - there's no penetration without lubrication!

hah . The Allez's tyres were smoooth rubber, which is probably fine on dry days, but I never made it to a dry day with those tyres, a puncture every 50 odd miles is ridiculous. *touch wood*

 

[colinr]

It feels more dangerous, but that's because I have flashbacks of sliding round a corner on my side on a Honda Vision

 

[Bman]

Doesn't stop me either. Nokian studded tyres.

Cheat!

 

[Will1985]

norwichcyclist: what route do you take?

 

[Maizie]

One thing to watch out for in the rain is that road markings like white lines, zig-zags, etc can become very slippery. So you might want to avoid them.

 

[thomas]

One thing to watch out for in the rain is that road markings like white lines, zig-zags, etc can become very slippery. So you might want to avoid them.

and those stupid mini roundabouts...and kerb stones can be nasty!