Reluctant to use bike in the Rain

[vickster]

I don't use my roadbike in the rain, not only because I don't have to (I have 2 other bikes that are happy to get wet) but more because I don't feel as safe on the skinny slick tyres around wet street metal, nor do I feel as confident braking nor do I feel as confident clipped in and I would be gutted if I stacked it due to the weather (it was not inexpensive and is carbon). It is the fair weather summer toy...needless to say I've ridden it once this year

If you don't want to ride it in the rain, don't, it's hardly a crime

 

[Browser]

MTFU, get out there and ride it in the rain you big girl's blouse

 

[Turnpike]

As a daily (road bike) commuter, I have no problem with rain. Take sensible precautions like allowing greater braking distance and avoid turning on steel drain covers etc. and the rain just adds to the experience of riding. As far as water damage to steel and alloy is concerned, it's insignificant if the bike is properly lubed. In winter though, road salt is a big problem and quickly causes corrosion so should be regularly hosed off.

 

[Berties]

The only thing you you may worry about is change to wet lube on your chain and sets,I changed from a summer lube back to wet after a degrease when this rain came in,road conditions don't hit deep puddles to hard you don't know if there is a ot hole under neath,and after the rain chances of a puncture so carry a couple of tubes,my record last week was 4 punctures in 3 rides over 4 days

 

[HLaB]

I must admit I'm a fair weather cyclist and most days the weather's fair, it's fair when its raining, snowing, a bit icy etc if you stick to main roads (that's what you expect in the UK) but last winter was just unfair.

 

[Turnpike]

Mention of punctures just reminded me of one other point I would make re cycling in the rain: puncture patches don't stick in the pouring rain so carrying spare tubes is a must. It's a pretty miserable experience trying to patch a tube in torrential rain!

 

[Beebo]

Are you looking to enjoy your bike or maximise its second hand resale value?

If the later, I suggest you wrap it in cotton wool and never ride it. If the former, just ride it!

 

[martint235]

^^ as above.
Just ride the bleedin' thing. After a wet ride just give it a good old clean.

have a nice hot shower and relax.

 

[biggs682]

used the alloy bike today and what do i get a puncture after hitting a pothole disguised as a puddle !

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Cleaning ones bike after a wet or muddy ride is a joy!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

No its not its a chore, and its one I'll spend as little time on as possible, a bikes for riding not constantly cleaning.

 

[Herbie]

My own thoughts are that because there are so many places on a bike that water and grit can get into, but without a total strip down, you cant, that I am one who has a "bad weather beast" as well as one for best. I really dont see the fun in spending shed loads of hard earned wonga on the best equipment I can afford to then abuse it when theres no need to. It also means that you get a second bike to fettle and fiddle with I also find it a good place to try out different ideas at very little expense before buying 'good stuff' for the good bike.

What do you do if your caught in a downpour and are in the middle of nowhere on your good bike?

 

[martint235]

What do you do if your caught in a downpour and are in the middle of nowhere on your good bike?

It melts and you walk home obviously. D'uh!

 

[Herbie]

It melts and you walk home obviously. D'uh!

I hate it when that happens....don't you/

 

[DougieAB]

Been using the CX as my new commuter for two weeks now. Soaked on several occasion. Have noticed a spot of surface rust inside one of the bolts used to secure your bottle cage, probably because the water has been sitting inside the allen head of the bolt while I'm at work. Is there anything you can do do weatherproof these sort of parts?

 

[ianrauk]

Been using the CX as my new commuter for two weeks now. Soaked on several occasion. Have noticed a spot of surface rust inside one of the bolts used to secure your bottle cage, probably because the water has been sitting inside the allen head of the bolt while I'm at work. Is there anything you can do do weatherproof these sort of parts?

A dab of grease or vaseline does the trick