Comments on: Cycling in the Wet

By: Kevin

Kevin — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 23:24:43 +0000

In reply to Jim Slim. Divers trick is spit on them or lick them, then wash. Another is a drop of anti-fog liquid used for dive mask. Rain just flows off.

By: Criggie

Criggie — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 22:24:11 +0000

In reply to Jim Slim.

A bke cap with a visor helps a lot – if your helmet has a visor then its probably made with holes and isn’t that good at stopping water.

A bike cap will have a brim/peak/visor that is solid and will shed water. Downside though they spoil the airflow and its easy to fog up instantly when you stop at lights. The only solution is to pull up, and lower your glasses down your nose a little to get them away from the sweaty head. That is, make like you’re looking over the top of them. When you see the lights change to yellow the other way, push the glasses back up and ride away on the green.

Personally I do not recommend “baseball caps” because the corners come down too far and tend to mess up your quarter-vision. IE straight ahead is okay, but the 45 degree line can be obscured.

By: Allan Taunt

Allan Taunt — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:44:17 +0000

In reply to Jim Slim.

Hey Jim, I find when there is a decent rain the water tends to run off my glasses (the rain tends to be in big droplets, the weight of them causes them to run off). I also try to do a good pace which I think helps as the wind helps blow off the droplets.

I could leave it there and say just bike faster :-). However fog is an example that is related, I find the droplets are small and don’t run off. The best solution I have found for this is to smear a thin layer of non-foaming handwash on the glasses. It can make it a little blurry, but it he droplets don’t settle so on balance it is much better. Just careful though, I’d avoid this if you have an anti-glare surface on a the glasses.

Perhaps opticians may have a better solution to apply to the glasses?

By: samfnz

samfnz — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 04:07:08 +0000

In reply to Ross. Top idea. This was my standby for quite a long time; people would never quite believe that they'd dry in time but they always did.

By: Ross

Ross — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 01:03:59 +0000

One nice idea I picked up from a friend; if its wet but not freezing, wear cheap board shorts for cycling. They dry really fast, so you won’t have to put on wet clothes to go home.

By: Don Babe

Don Babe — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 01:24:25 +0000

Sorry to be unpatriotic but I have got my last 2 wet weather coats from England for less than $100. They are very bright and quite waterproof. The first one developed a faulty zip after 2 years almost constant wearing but I decided it was probably cheaper to get a replacement than replace the zip. NZ retailers just seem expensive, a further barrier to cycling.

By: ****ing Andrew

****ing Andrew — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 08:53:52 +0000

Megan, V brakes properly adjusted with good pads just feel a little disconcerting when wet as they initially wipe the braking surface, the only times I’ve known them to be inadequate they were wet and muddy on steep off road.
Painted surfaces and metal drain covers shouldn’t be a problem with good tyres.
If you’re comfortable it’s little different than dry riding and there’s those nice feelings of being out in but safe from the elements and achievement that will have you declining lifts in foul weather once you’re accustomed to it.
I like a peaked cap for keeping my jacket hood and rain out of my eyes, waterproof or resistant gloves and gumboots (surprisingly unrestrictive).

By: Megan

Megan — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 11:09:26 +0000

It’s not so much the getting wet part that makes me a fair weather commuter (although in winter when it’s cold too that’s definitely a factor), it’s the increase in the perceived hazard that puts me off. Brakes aren’t as effective (my next commuter will have disc rather than v brakes), and it feels like drivers are less likely to see you when it’s gloomy, drizzly, their windows are fogged up, etc. Also there’s all of those painted surfaces and metal drain covers to be extra wary of! Other than bright colours, lights, and being super defensive, any other suggestions?

By: Lennyboy

Lennyboy — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:27:16 +0000

…and a little closer to home, here’s some more useful advice on commuting in the rain – http://bikingtowork.org/7-ways-to-make-commuting-in-the-rain-pleasanter/

By: Lennyboy

Lennyboy — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 19:24:31 +0000

Timing is everything – the wonderful Bike Portland blog has just posted an article with tips on riding in the rain (and cold) – see http://bikeportland.org/2012/10/22/what-are-your-best-tips-for-staying-warm-and-dry-79158. There are even a few hints about cycling with glasses (search the comments); mainly around wearing visors and carrying a dry cloth.