RIDING IN RAIN? HERE ARE 6 USEFUL TIPS



Riding in the rain can be more challenging are dangerous than riding in dry conditions, the reason being the loss of traction, takes longer to stop & the possibility of hindered rider visibility.

We can certainly take steps to make them more enjoyable.

Here are a few tips.

  1. TYRE PRESSURE: reduce by 5 to 10 psi – increases your surface area, and thus grip on the road as well as comfort.
  2. RAIN PANTS & JACKET: get your self a good one as it's important to regulate your body temperature on a wet ride.
  3. MUDGUARDS: most of us avoid mudguards as they don’t look good, rattles, and adds excess weight, which we totally agree, but they are essentials during the monsoon. Keeps the filthy water and splashes off your feet & garment. Alternatively, you could also use the saddle fender to fend off mild splashes.
  4. TO BE SEEN GEAR: can’t emphasize how important it is to been seen by other motorists. A pair of LED blinkers on the front and rear is a must. Your chances of being seen will increase by 35% if you wear a fluorescent jacket with reflective strips. It is well worth making yourself more visible when it’s raining, even in the middle of the day.
  5. STAGNANT WATER: riding over standing water can be dangerous, as it not only gets you wet, what's even more dangerous is you never know the depth of the puddle/ditch. Only ride through if you can clearly see what’s underneath.
  6. CLEANING UP: after a ride in the rain first take a shower and dry up, the same goes with your bike (especially the drive train) spray WD40 over the chain and rub it off with a cloth until its visibly dry, by doing this you increase the life span of the chain, It’s also good to spray the other metallic moving parts too; front and rear gear mechanisms and brake calipers. Finally, dry wipe your cycle to avoid rusting.

If you feel we missed out on any points feel free to leave it in the comments.

Ride safe & ride more! 🚴🏻 🚴🏻‍♀️ 👍🏻
-

Nelson John 

Follow The Bangalore Cyclists on Strava

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Comments

  1. Natesh.MSeptember 30, 2020 at 9:44 AM

    Very informative, thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownSeptember 30, 2020 at 11:30 AM

    Proper cleaning and oiling is must to consider after a rainy ride otherwise it makes lots of noise from crankset, and sometimes from seddle too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. RajeshSeptember 30, 2020 at 12:18 PM

    As always thanks a ton for all these helpful tips. 🙏🙏🙏 & For your time as well on this work

    ReplyDelete

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