"Wet Weather? No Problem! A Short Guide to Biking in the Rain"/Sleet? * Video *

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Permalink Reply by john89 on April 8, 2016 at 3:19am

Everyone will be faced with riding in the rain, and with a little knowledge and the appropriate gear, spinning through showers can actually be an enjoyable experience.The wetter you get the colder you are going to be. Being cold and wet is a quick way to get sick. Keep your core warm. A waterproof vest or jacket with a dropped skirt in the back and a hood is critical for heavy conditions. Wear a wicking underliner made from wool or polypropylene and wool socks.

Cover your shoes with neoprene booties to insulate them when they are soaked, and use full fingered water- and wind-resistant gloves. Remember, your body sweats rain or shine, so your jacket and garments must breathe (chose Gore-Tex-type fabrics or ventilated outer garments) or you'll arrive wet from the inside, instead of the outside.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Stahlman on April 8, 2016 at 9:10am

When I went looking for a rain cover for my helmet, I discovered that my helmet manufacturer (Lazer) makes a hard plastic shell made to exactly fit my helmet. This is an amazing addition. It pops on easily for raining days. I also use it all winter long, since it dramatically cuts down the ventilation through the helmet and holds the heat in. I bike in -10 F days with a thin balaclava underneath it with no problems.

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Permalink Reply by ad on April 8, 2016 at 2:27pm

I think many people who ride without them would be amazed at what a difference full fenders on a bike can make.  Most rainy days, as long as you have some flexibility in your schedule, you can avoid riding in a straight out down poor.  The road spray is going to leave your feet/lower half soaked, however, if you don't have a a front fender long after it's stopped raining hard.        

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on April 8, 2016 at 2:38pm

I agree. Definitely fenders. 

Nothing like a good waterproof jacket and waterproof pants in a downpour. I love the Shower's Pass jacket I reviewed. It is also great at blocking wind. I also wear the booties and constantly forget that road shoes don't do well in puddles. 

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Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on September 29, 2016 at 12:32pm

With the fall weather bringing a seemingly endless cycle of rain this week, there is the typical drop off of riders occurring.
Hope this Info can help any new cyclists with riding in the rain.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on September 29, 2016 at 3:03pm

Some very inexpensive solutions: A shower cap helps keep your head dry, and you can hear traffic noise. A baseball-style cap with a long bill is good for keeping water out of your eyes. An extra large pair of dishwashing gloves will keep you hands dry.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan D on September 29, 2016 at 3:12pm

While these are very sensible suggestions, I just got a mental image of someone wearing yellow dish washing gloves, a shower cap, and rain boots pedaling like mad on a Divvy bike... Please let this happen.

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