Everything You Need to Have Before Biking in the Rain

Biking in the rain isn’t an impossible task–it just takes serious preparation. Sometimes you can’t avoid it and you have to go biking in rain, but it’s not the end of the world.

In order to be fully prepared to bike in the rain, you need to have a few necessary items in your arsenal. For that and for tips on how to bike in the rain safely and comfortably, read on.

Wet Weather Cycling Gear You Need to Protect Yourself and Your Possessions

We’re going to start this list with the essential items you need to protect your gear. These are things you can wear on top of your outside gear, or that you can attach to your bike.

Below is waterproof rain gear and bicycle rain gear to keep your bike in the best shape, as well as keep your valuables safe.

Waterproof Cycle Backpack to Keep your Items Safe From Water Damage

The best way to keep valuables away from potential water damage is to make sure you’re using a waterproof bike backpack. If you didn’t know, a waterproof commuting backpack is specially designed to keep water out, even in sudden downpour. The pockets and zippers are also safeguarded against potential leaks, keeping everything dry. If you plan on biking in a rainy day, a waterproof biking backpack is the way to go.

Bicycle Gear and Accessories for the Rain: Bike Lights, Fenders, and Lubricant.

If you’re thinking of getting yourself some additional bike accessories for the rain, really there’s only a few that you really need.

1. Bicycle Lights for Added Visibility When Cycling in the Rain

This is one of those lifesaver accessories that will make it easier for drivers to see you in heavy rain. Some of these even come ith turn signal blinkers, which is safer for you, as it’ll keep both your hands on the handles.

2. Bicycle Fenders Keep Your Bottom Nice and Dry (Sorta)

Bike fenders are great if you want to minimize the amount of water and dirt that sprays on your butt while you ride.

What is a fender?

It’s a rounded, open-tube like thing that you can attach above your back wheel, and it acts as a shield against the water that your wheel picks up. Will it completely protect your bum? Sure! As long as you’re not going over puddles.

3. Bicycle Chain Lube. Yes, You Read That Right

If you bike in heavy rain, or if you bike in the rain often, you need to invest in some bike lube.

Bicycle chain lube will protect against rust, which is a big deal if you’re bike is an investment. Wet lube is best if you’re about to cycle in rain, and instructions on how to lube bicycle chains are straightforward too.

What to Wear When Cycling in the Rain: How to Stay Dry

Moving on, now I’ll touch on how to dress for biking in the rain. What you wear makes a huge difference when you bike in rain. Proper biking clothes are your best defense against a drenched wardrobe.

Bike Commuting Clothing Needs to Be Waterproof or Water Resistant

It’s important that you remember to choose dry-wick, waterproof bike commuter clothes for your ride.

Staying dry means staying warm. If you get really wet, you’re more likely to get cold, which means you’ll get sick.

Let’s talk waterproof and water resistant fabrics. The bike commuting clothes I will be suggesting are made from waterproof materials that help keep you dry underneath.

These waterproof and water resistant materials may include:

• Nylon
• Polyester
• Latex
• Rubber
• Gore-Tex
• Vinyl
• Fluoropolymer fabrics

While nylon and polyester may not be completely waterproof, they work well in the rain and will do the job.

So, the next time you’re deciding what to wear for cycling in the rain, just ask yourself this: if I dropped a cup of water on myself, will my clothes be ok?

Choosing the Best Rain Jacket For Your Commute is Super Important

Probably the most important article of clothing is your cycling rain jacket. A biking rain jacket has to do two things: protect the biggest part of your body against the rain and allow you movement.

Some rain jackets fall past the thighs, which can be an inconvenience while pedaling. Another thing to look out for when looking for a raincoat for biking is the hood. You should refrain from using a hood while biking in the rain, as that distorts your vision and interferes you from hearing sounds around you.

Remember, you need to find a waterproof cycling jacket that covers your torso and isn’t too constricting.

Columbia – Watertight II Jacket

Noth Face – Apex Flex GTX

L.L. Bean – Storeaway Rainwear Jacket

Hunter – Vinyl Poncho

Biking in the Rain Just Got Easier With Waterproof Cycling Pants

Like your jacket, biking pants will allow you to get from point a to point b, completely dry.

Compared to jackets, waterproof bike pants are made to be more breathable, and that’s to help keep you cool. As you will find, backpacking pants work well as biking pants, because they have the same function: to protect against bad weather.

Rain proof pants are also much more affordable than jackets, some starting at $50. If possible, try finding cycling pants that have velcro on the bottom, to help prevent the bottoms from getting caught in the chain.

Columbia – Rebel Roamer Pants

North Face – Women’s Aphrodite Pants

Patagonia – Houdini Pants

Waterproof Cycling Shoes Are Better Than Ever With  Different Styles Available

You don’t have to wear road biking shoes if you don’t want to. More and more shoe companies are launching waterproof sneakers and boots, which are great for cycling in the rain.

Some people have also opted for shoe covers. Though, they only function with clip-in road bike shoes, if that’s something you’re interested in.

Converse – Tekoa Waterproof

Sorel – Cheyanne Lace Boot

Hunter – Rubber Lace-Up Boots

Additional Accessories You May Need for Biking in the Rain 

Here are some last clothing accessories you might be interested in. These aren’t as necessary as the above-mentioned items, but they can make for a more enjoyable cycling experience.

•  Waterproof cycling gloves – If you bike in rainy, cold weather, you should probably invest in some good waterproof gloves. Since your hands are probably the most exposed part of your body while biking, you want to take precautions.
• Waterproof cycling cap – You need a cycling cap if you find it hard to see in the rain. This can go under your helmet because of course, you’re wearing your helmet.
• Cycling glasses – Another safety precaution is to wear glasses or goggles that’ll keep the water out of your eyes.

And Finally, Remember These Safety Tips When Biking in the Rain

1. Make sure you’re going much slower than usual. Remember, your brakes aren’t as effective on wet, slippery surfaces.
2. Avoid puddles whenever possible. You never know if a puddle is a deathly pothole.
3. Make sure your turns are also slow, as you may need to make an unexpected stop.
4. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Your prereferral will save you from any sudden changes.
5. Make gentle stops to avoid your bike from sliding.