{"id":18561,"date":"2019-11-14T07:00:01","date_gmt":"2019-11-14T07:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/?p=18561"},"modified":"2022-02-02T21:26:15","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T21:26:15","slug":"10-rainy-riding-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/10-rainy-riding-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Rainy Ride Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

While we might long for those cold, crystal clear days of winter, by and large, we often get drab, wet conditions.\u00a0 Ongoing rain can also make us more reluctant to get out for a ride. So when it’s wetter than an otter’s pocket, follow these tips, get out and embrace the moisture…<\/p>\n

\"obree300\" \"moses300\"<\/p>\n

Clothing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A well-fitting waterproof<\/a> jacket or cape, will help keep you drier and your lower back warm. Wet winter rides are also better with wet weather specific gloves, overshoes, skull caps and tights \/ trousers for MTB. Appropriate clothing for the weather can make the difference between enjoying a ride and enduring it, or even worse picking up a winter chill.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t have waterproof<\/a> kit, then at least wrap up warm. Warm and wet, is better than cold and wet. Layer up and try to dodge the rain drops. For dismal wet days with poor visibility, wear brighter clothing and use a flashing rear light.<\/a><\/p>\n

Eye protection <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Glasses are not just to look cool in summer. Glasses can protect eyes from the constant breeze, which can carry allergies, grit, stones pollutants and road spray. In rural areas road spray can contain waste from farm animals which washes onto roads. Clear \/ yellow \/ rust lenses in glasses <\/a>will give good protection and help your vision in the darker conditions too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Mudguards<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Full mudguards<\/a> will keep you and your ride mates as comfortably dry (ish) as you can be in the rain. Full guards are mainly found on bikes with lots of clearance and mudguard ‘eyes’ mounted on the frame.<\/p>\n

Ass Saver\u2019s<\/a> are a decent emergency last resort id you are riding without mudguards, but want to get home slightly cleaner. Ass Savers also fold up neatly under the saddle when not needed.<\/p>\n

Several manufacturers make mudguards which fit a regular road bike with close clearances between the wheels and the frame and without mudguard eyes. These mudguards give winter bike levels of protection to a standard road bike.<\/p>\n

\"joemoses\"<\/p>\n

Fresh Flaps <\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you want your bike to be as water prepared as possible, think about flaps. Front mudflaps will protect your feet, chainset and bottom bracket from road spray. Rear flaps protect the rider behind from getting a face full of filth. Making your own flaps from an old water bottle or fat mtb tyre can be a rewarding 10 minutes well spent!<\/p>\n

\"otleyreliability\"<\/p>\n

Tyres<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Get proper tyres on for winter. Riding gritty roads in heavy winter rain, on thin race tyres is likely to lead to a deflating experience. Tyres with puncture protection and decent tread should reduce the likelihood of punctures. Dropping tyre pressure down a bit from the maximum recommended should provide more grip (10-15psi or so), but retain enough air to avoid pinch punctures. Tyres such as Continental Gatorskins <\/a>help reduce the chances of puncturing in the rain.<\/p>\n

MTFU (Motivate the Flip Up!)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you are looking for motivation, remember the following;<\/p>\n