What rain changes
Rain does not stop you riding, but it changes several things at once. Tyres have less grip on wet surfaces, brakes take longer to bite, spray and wet glasses make it harder to see, and drivers may find it harder to see you. Wet clothing can also leave you cold. Most of wet weather riding comes down to leaving more margin: more distance, more time and gentler inputs.
Heavy rain, thunder or flooded roads are a different matter. In those cases, staying home is usually wiser, and our extreme weather article explains how to decide.
Braking in the wet
Wet surfaces generally reduce grip, and wet brakes can be slower to respond, particularly rim brakes. Disc brakes tend to cope better, but all brakes need extra distance. The practical response is simple:
- Start slowing earlier than you would on a dry day.
- Squeeze the levers gradually and smoothly instead of grabbing.
- Use both brakes, with the front doing much of the work only when you are upright and travelling in a straight line.
- Brake before a corner rather than in the middle of one.
Brake pads that are worn will perform poorly when wet, so check brake pad wear regularly. If your brakes feel weaker or make unusual noises after riding in the rain, have them looked at by a bike shop. The science behind braking distance factors explains why even small changes in surface and speed matter.
Know which surfaces are slippery
Not all wet surfaces are equal. Paint, metal covers, tram or rail tracks, manhole lids and road markings can be especially slick. Wet leaves are notorious, and so is the first light rain after a dry spell, which can lift oil and dust to the surface. Puddles can hide potholes or debris.
Developing wet road traction awareness is mostly a matter of looking ahead. Try to ride on the cleaner, grippier parts of the road, cross markings and tracks as upright and as straight as you can, and avoid sudden steering. Lean the bike a little less than usual in corners, and slow down before you reach them.
Cornering and steering
Smooth and early is the rule. Pick your line, slow down, then roll through the turn with a gentle lean and no hard braking. Keep your weight balanced, and relax your shoulders and arms, since tension can make small slips worse. If the bike does start to slide, avoid grabbing the brakes harder, and try to keep steering smoothly.
Being seen
Rain and low cloud often make daytime feel gloomy, and spray cuts visibility. Use front and rear lights even in daylight, wear bright or reflective clothing, and keep your lights clean. Cycle caps or glasses with clear lenses can help keep water out of your eyes, though they may fog up, so choose what works for you. Local laws on lights and reflectors vary, so check the rules where you ride. Drivers’ windscreens and mirrors are also affected by rain, so assume you may be harder to spot and ride predictably.
Mudguards and clothing
Mudguards are one of the most useful additions for regular rain riding. They stop spray hitting your back, feet and the bike’s drivetrain, and they keep riders behind you drier too. If you cannot fit them, a small saddle-mounted guard can help a little.
For clothing, a waterproof or water-resistant jacket with some ventilation works well, and a rain-ready kit often includes gloves, a cap under your helmet and shoe covers or quick-drying footwear. Avoid cotton, which holds water. Dress for the temperature as well as the rain, as wet and wind together can chill you quickly. Our guide to riding in various conditions has more on layering.
Drying and caring for the bike afterwards
Rain brings grit and moisture that wear parts and encourage rust. A little care after wet rides makes a difference:
- Wipe down the frame, wheels and brakes with a cloth, and if the bike is muddy, wash it gently with clean water.
- Dry the bike, and let it air indoors, away from direct heat.
- Clean the chain and add fresh lubricant suited to wet conditions, following the product’s instructions.
- Check tyres for embedded glass or flints, which are easier to spot on wet rubber.
- Dry your helmet, gloves and shoes too.
Do not spray high-pressure water at bearings or hubs, since it can force water into places it should not go. For anything you are unsure of, ask a bike shop.
Take it step by step
If you are new to riding in the rain, start with light drizzle on quiet, flat, traffic-free roads and wear a helmet. Practise gentle braking and wide turns until they feel natural. Keep rides short while you learn how your bike behaves. Because conditions vary so much, no technique guarantees you will avoid a slip, so keep speeds modest and stay alert.