13 tips on how to cycle safely in wet weather conditions
You’ll inevitably hit classic British weather if you plan to maintain your cycling regime or your commute to work throughout the winter months. Although it’s possible to cycle in the rain, wet conditions pose their own challenges.
From slippery road surfaces to limited visibility, cycling in the rain can be hazardous. However, at Swinnerton, we want to equip you with the knowledge and equipment to help you continue cycling, whatever the weather. Here are our top 13 tips on cycling in wet weather conditions to help you get to work or achieve your cycling goals throughout the rainy British months.
Table of contents
- Is it OK to ride a bike in the rain?
- How do you cycle in wet weather?
- Wet weather cycling gear
- Is it worth cycling in the rain?
Is it OK to ride a bike in the rain?
There is nothing stopping you from riding your bike in the rain. However, you should prepare your bike and body for wet weather for a safer ride.
How do you cycle in wet weather?
To cycle in wet weather safely, follow these 13 top tips.
1. Wear eye protection
Rain in your eyes while cycling can compromise your vision, which can be hazardous on the roads. Stay safe while cycling by wearing eye protection in the rain.
Opt for glasses with clear lenses to help you see as much as possible. Alternatively, if you have photochromatic lenses, they will automatically adapt to the lower light level.
Some cycling glasses also have a hydrophobic coating, which repels water to help keep them clear of rain as you cycle.
2. Wear a peaked cycling cap
Rain can also run into your eyes from your head and helmet. Prevent water from blinding your vision by wearing a peaked cycling cap.
Peaked cycling caps sit underneath your helmet and help keep water from running into your eyes while cycling. For further rain protection, opt for a cycling cap made from waterproof and breathable material to wick away moisture and sweat.
3. Use lights
Even during the daytime, rain can significantly reduce visibility for other road users. Furthermore, cloud cover reduces the ambient light, and rain droplets impair vision from vehicle windows.
Use front and rear bike lights in the rain to increase the visibility of your presence for other road users. Use flashing modes to increase this further.
4. Lower your tyre pressure
Increase your tyre grip as much as possible to stop your bike wheels from skidding in the wet weather. Reduce tyre pressure when cycling on wet roads to increase the grip surface area.
5. Avoid puddles
As a road user, you can use the entire carriageway. If you approach a large puddle on the road, safely signal and manoeuvre into the centre of the lane.
Going through a puddle at speed can cause you to skid. Puddles can also conceal mud and debris like wet leaves, which can cause skidding and puncture risks.
If the puddle disguises a pothole, the abrupt unevenness can puncture your tyre, damage a wheel or even throw you off your bike.
6. Avoid ironware and painted road surfaces
Man-hole covers, drains, cattle grids, and painted road surfaces can become extremely slippery in the rain. So try to avoid them in wet weather. If you have to ride over any ironware or road markings, control your speed on your approach and avoid using your brakes as you pass over it to lower your skid risk.
7. Brake carefully
In wet conditions, your stopping speed increases, and there is also a high risk of skidding. Brake carefully and anticipate when to start braking sooner to avoid crashing or skidding. Furthermore, shift your weight backward while braking to help you stop safely in wet weather.
Be more aware of other road users who are also navigating the treacherous conditions. Anticipate their actions and stay well back from other road users.
8. Use the right chain lube
In wet weather, your chain can be jet-washed with rain and wheel spray, which can rapidly remove the dry lube. If you’re cycling in the rain, always apply wet weather chain lube to keep your bike chair from squeaking and rusting.
9. Use handlebar grip tape
To increase safety while cycling in wet weather, reduce the risk of your hands slipping on your handlebars and brake levers with anti-slip grip tape.
10. Modify your handling
In wet weather conditions, you are also at risk of skidding when turning a corner. Reduce your speed before entering a turn and avoid aggressive handling. Lean into your turns gradually to maintain control.
Is it slower to ride a bike in the wet?
Yes. With more surface water on the road, your bike will experience more drag.
Furthermore, it’s essential to slow down your speed in wet weather. With a longer stopping distance and more risk of skidding, cycling slower will lower your risk of accidents.
11. Always be prepared
If you must cycle in wet weather, ensure you are prepared with essentials like quick puncture repair kits, a spare tube and a pump, as rain can wash fresh debris onto the road, meaning you’re more at risk of a puncture.
It’s a good idea to know or plan your route and plan for any shelter locations in case of heavy rain.
12. Add pedal straps
Add pedal straps if you’re wondering how to stop your feet from slipping off your pedals while cycling in wet weather. Whether you’re riding a mountain bike or road bike without clip-in pedals, your feet are more likely to slip in wet weather, potentially causing you to lose control of your bike.
How to get your feet into pedal straps
- Firstly, attach the pedal straps to your bike pedals.
- Then, adjust them to your foot size with the buckle or velcro strap adjustment.
- Stand next to your bike and hold it steady.
- Rotate one of the pedals with your foot so the strap is on the top side, facing upward.
- If the strap collapses, use your hand to create a gap to insert your foot.
- Slide one foot into the pedal strap.
- Adjust the tension to your liking. The strap should be snug to hold your foot securely but not too tight that it restricts circulation or causes discomfort.
- Repeat on the other foot.
To insert your foot in and out of a pedal strap while stationary is straightforward but much more challenging on the go and in the rain. Practice getting your feet in and out of the pedal straps in a safe environment before riding in the rain.
If pedal straps aren’t working, consider clip-in pedals, offering a more secure connection.
13. Add mudguards
Get yourself some mudguards if you want to cycle in the rain. They will stop the wheels from spraying you with water and mud, making your cycle a safer and more comfortable experience.
Do I need a mudguard?
You don’t need them, but they will help make your rainy cycle easier. Full-coverage mudguards are the best solution, but clip-ons are a reasonable alternative.
You can get a specific MTB mudguard for mountain bikes and road bike mudguards for road bikes.
How to install a mudguard on a bicycle
If this is your first time attaching a mudguard to prepare for wet weather cycling, follow these easy steps.
Tools you will need:
- A set of mudguards that match your bike and tyre size.
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
Steps for the front mudguard:
- Firstly, turn the bike upside down or put it on a bike stand to make it easier to work.
- For the front mudguard, identify the mounting points on the fork. They are usually eyelets or holes near the top and bottom of the fork.
- Line up the front mudguard with the mounting points on the fork. Insert the bolt through the holes in the mudguard and thread them into the mounting points. Tighten the bolts using the adjustable wrench.
- Ensure the mudguard is in the centre and doesn’t rub against the tyre.
- Many mudguards have stays (metal support struts) to hold them in place. Attach these stays to the fork using bolts or clips. Adjust the stay length to get the best position and angle, and tighten the bolts securely.
Steps for the rear mudguard:
- Locate the mounting points on the frame and rear dropouts. The eyelets are typically near the rear wheel, and the bottom of the seat stays.
- Align the rear mudguard with the mounting points on the frame and rear dropouts. Insert the bolts through the holes in the mudguard and thread them into the mounting points. Then, tighten the bolts using the adjustable wrench.
- Similarly to the front mudguard, ensure the mudguard is in the centre.
- Then, attach the stays.
- Spin the wheels to ensure enough clearance between the mudguards and the tyres.
Wet weather cycling gear
Safety is one thing, but protecting yourself from the cold and wet weather is just as important when cycling in the rain. Here are our top 6 essential wet-weather cycling garments you need if cycling in the rain.
1. Waterproof jacket
Your waterproof jacket is an essential piece of gear when riding in the rain. Protect your top half from driving rain with a waterproof jacket, and with Gore-Tex or technical fabrics, your skin will still be able to breathe as you cycle and get warm.
To ensure the water stays out, look for jackets with tapered seams.
2. Technical base layer
Layer against cold rain with a technical base layer. The technical fabric will keep you warm even if the material gets wet. The fabric is also breathable, wicks away sweat and is fast drying.
3. Bib tights
For your bottom half, you may prefer waterproof bib tights. The shoulder straps will stop water running down your back and onto your skin.
Alternatively, you can choose waterproof trousers or overtrousers for extra water protection.
4. Overshoes
Overshoes are an excellent investment if you ride in the rain regularly. Pull them over your cycling shoes to keep your feet dry and warm on cold and wet rides.
5. Gloves
Gloves are essential for riding in the rain. Waterproof gloves will help keep your hands warm and dry in the rain while allowing your skin to breathe and stopping your hands from going numb.
They also help you grip wet handlebars with silicone grippers on the palms and fingers.
6. Snood
Wearing a snood or neck warmer will keep your neck warm and help avoid the dreaded drip down the neck while cycling in wet weather.
Is it worth cycling in the rain?
It depends on what your aim is. If you are commuting and you need to get to work by more economical means, as long as you have the right gear, it is still worth it.
If you want to continue your cycling fitness regime, cycling in the rain shouldn’t deter you. However, adhere to the additional safety precautions to avoid putting yourself and other road users at risk.
If you’re trying to achieve your top speed goals, cycling in the rain is not worth the risk. You will need to cycle slower to reduce the risk of skidding.
Prepare for cycling in wet weather with Swinnerton Cycles.
Whether committed to your commute or trying to stay fit in winter, you will inevitably experience cycling in the rain. Cycling in wet weather poses additional challenges and puts you at more risk of skidding or crashing due to poorer visibility and slipperier road surfaces.
However, if you follow our 13 tips on cycling safely in the rain, you should be good to go! At Swinnerton, you can easily prepare your bike for wet weather from our components and accessories collections.
You can also equip your cycling wardrobe with wet-weather cycling gear from our clothing collection.
Happy cycling!
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