Preparation does most of the work
A wet ride is far easier when the gear is sorted before you leave the door. This article is about kit and bike set-up: what to wear, fit and carry. Riding technique in the wet, such as braking and cornering on slippery roads, is covered elsewhere, and so is the broad question of whether to ride at all.
None of this is a guarantee of staying dry. Some water will get in whatever you do, and the goal is comfort and function. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your equipment, and see a bike shop for fitting and repairs.
Mudguards
If you ride in rain regularly, mudguards are probably the single most useful addition. They stop the spray from the wheels coming up your back and legs, protect the person behind you in a group, and shield the frame and drivetrain from some of the grit. Full-length guards are generally better than short clip-on ones, and a mud flap on the front guard can help keep your feet drier.
Fitting depends on your frame and tyre clearance. Some bikes have mounts, and others need clip-on or strap-on versions. Check that the guards are secure and that nothing rubs, because a loose guard can jam a wheel. Your bike shop can advise what works with your frame and tyre width.
Waterproof layers
Outer layers that block water but let sweat escape are generally more comfortable than ones that seal completely. Features worth looking for include:
- a hood or collar that fits under a helmet, or a cap with a peak;
- a longer back so the seat area stays covered;
- zips and vents that let heat out on a climb;
- adjustable cuffs and hem to stop water running in;
- bright colours or reflective panels.
Waterproof trousers or overshorts are useful in heavy or cold rain, but they can feel hot in mild conditions. Make sure nothing flaps near the chain, and use a strap or clip on the trouser leg. Where possible, keep a dry set of clothes at your destination.
Gloves and hands
Cold, wet hands cannot brake well, so glove choice matters more than it seems.
- Water-resistant gloves help in light rain, though they can soak through.
- Fully waterproof gloves keep water out but may trap sweat; consider thin liners underneath.
- In mild weather, thin or fingerless gloves that dry quickly are sometimes better than heavy ones that stay wet.
- Carry a spare pair in a waterproof bag if the ride is long.
- Test that you can still operate brake and gear levers with the gloves on.
Your fingers should feel the levers. If they cannot, try another pair.
Feet, head and eyes
Shoe covers keep wind and some rain off your feet, and a spare pair of dry socks at your destination feels like luxury. Choose shoes that drain and dry rather than trap water. A cap with a short peak under the helmet keeps rain off your face, and clear or lightly tinted glasses protect your eyes from spray and grit.
Lights and visibility
Rain cuts how far you can see and how well drivers see you, so bike lights matter. Use front and rear lights, even in daylight, and check that they are suitable for wet use: many are rated for splashes or rain, but ratings vary, so check the maker’s guidance. Switch them on before you set off, and clean the lenses. Reflectors and reflective clothing add to your visibility. A fast check of your lights and reflectors before a ride is worth building into the routine.
Keep your phone and valuables dry
Water and electronics do not mix, and a phone is how you call for help or find your way.
- Use a waterproof case or a small waterproof pouch, and keep it inside a jacket pocket or bag.
- If you use a handlebar phone mount, choose a model with a cover, and take the phone off the mount and put it away in heavy rain if you can.
- Pack other items in dry bags or plastic bags inside your pack; backpacks and panniers are rarely fully waterproof. A rain cover can help, and so can a roll-top bag.
- Keep a spare layer, a cloth and a small bag for wet clothes.
The bike itself
A few small steps help your bike cope with wet roads:
- Check your tyres for cuts, embedded glass and wear before the wet season starts.
- Check your brake pads for wear. Worn pads work worse when wet.
- Lubricate the chain with a lubricant suitable for wet conditions, wiped so it is not dripping. Reapply it regularly during rainy spells.
- Look at cables and bearings. Water can find its way into them over time. A bike shop service helps.
- Keep a small kit with a spare tube or repair kit, a mini pump and a multi-tool for roadside repairs, because debris is often washed onto the road in the wet.
Habits that help
- Pack and plan the night before, so you are not hunting for gloves in a hurry.
- Hang wet kit somewhere airy to dry, and put damp shoes near, not on, a heater.
- Wipe the bike dry after the ride and give it a quick check.
- Accept that you may arrive slightly damp, and allow extra time.
With the right kit, many people find wet riding more pleasant than expected. If you feel unwell or very cold, stop somewhere warm. This is general information and not a substitute for advice from a bike shop or medical professional.