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Keeping dry when it rains
A waterproof jacket: Relatively lightweight and not too bulky
is best. A hood is essential (wear underneath your helmet). Also
swallow your fashion pride and consider a bright/fluorescent/neon
color to make you more visible. A basic waterproof jacket starts
at $25 and the more breathable and fitted jackets cost $100 to $200.
Rain Pants: Keep it basic but make sure it’s strong
enough to take wear and tear of saddle wear but not too heavy. Prices
range from $25 to $150.
Plastic Bags for your feet: They look dorky but reused plastic
bread bags work the best. Simply slip over your shoes and use a
rubber band to seal off the top.
Spare Socks: Keep a pair of clean and dry socks at work in
case your socks do get wet on the bike ride over.
Keeping Warm in the Cold
The cold days, especially the mornings can make biking less appealing
but winter clothing takes the bite out of the chill and remember
once you start pedaling you’ll get warmer.
Layer: a windproof outer shell blocks the wind. Follow with
quick drying synthetics of at least two layers. Layering is especially
important if you have a longer bike commuter since you will warm
up as you bike and therefore you can stop and take a layer off.
Gloves: Keep your hands warm with a pair of thin gloves,
which allow you to brake and shift. I prefer polypropylene gloves
($10-15).
Hat or Ear Warmer: A thin synthetic hat fits underneath your
helmet and keeps warmth from escaping. If a hat is too much than
ear warmer bands work really well.
Have fun and stay fit by riding year round.
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Equip your Bike for Rain
Fenders: Buy a set at your local bike shop and keep the wet
road grim off of you. Most of fenders are easy to install and can
be taken off in the late spring.
Lights: are even more necessary in winter as there is less
daylight and lower visibility in the rain. LED front lights ($20-$35)
are relatively inexpensive and don’t use up tons of batteries
but rechargeable battery powered lights are a better long-term investment.
A good rechargeable light ($80-$150) allows you to see the road
a whole lot better.
Red Rear Light: Absolutely essential for nighttime riding.
These red blinking lights are cheap ($10-$20) and come in a variety
of styles, which attach to your bike, backpack, or even your helmet.
Plastic bag for your Saddle: This keeps your saddle from
getting wet if you are parking it outside.
Park out of the Rain: If possible this is best since long periods
of rain will impair your bike.
Waterproof Bike Bags: A few companies make waterproof bike
bags, which attach to a standard rear bike rack. These are great
for keeping your stuff dry. But they aren’t cheap, $150-$250.
Tune Your Riding Skills
Biking in the rain is a nuisance but when you are prepared it can
actually be exhilarating. Beside clothes and equipment you also
need to adjust your riding to avoid accidents due to wet, slippery
roads and reduced driver visibility.
Reduce speeds: Because of increased stopping time you should
bike a bit slower. Bike defensively: Assume that car drivers might
not see you. Be extra aware of cars turning, parked car doors opening,
and water covered debris/hazards.
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