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The Chubby Cyclist


Tips for riding in the wet


How to keep your bike rides going even when the sun isn’t shining


As we head into autumn, it’s tempting to put your bike away until next year, however, with a few simple tips there is no reason why you can’t continue to ride-on whatever nature has in store. So to help you along, here’s some helpful hints ways to get you happily riding the mist.


You


Keep your core warm - make sure you have a waterproof jacket with a dropped tail and a hat or liner for under your helmet. Modern base-layer clothing made from wool or polypropylene will help. You may wish to consider neoprene shoe covers. In low light, clear or yellow lenses glasses are critical for eye protection.


The bike


Consider getting a rain bike. Really, are you going to trash your pride and joy with water and grit? The best investment is a dedicated rain bike, you’ll be far happier knowing that your best bike is cosy at home. Alternatively, shop for something with generous


room for mudguards as well as for larger profile tyres. Install mudguards, they will vastly increase your comfort and help to keep your vision clear. Getting seen is vital, so a good quality light set is essential. Heavy rain and car headlight glare will reduce motorists’ vision, so it is a good idea to have a bright LED lamp on both seatposts and handlebars. A mixture of road grit and water is the fastest way


to erode rubber brake pads. Pads can run metal to metal on the rims in a month of wet-weather rides. Also remember your wheels need a full revolution


62 | Clyde Life – September/October 2013 @clydelifemag


before the pads begin stopping properly, so brake early. Plenty of chain lube for sustained wet conditions.


The road The road surface will be the slickest and most dangerous just after the rain has begun. During this time the rain will cause the oil build-up to rise to the surface, causing it to resemble a giant oil slick. Keep an eye out for little rainbow-edged patches


on the road, this is an indication of an oil patch. Don’t brake or corner in the centre of the roadway at intersections, as this is where cars leave the majority of their drippings. Notice metal surfaces such as manhole covers or tram tracks, painted traffic markings and wet leaves, as they all become very slick in the wet too.


As fun as it can be bash through puddles, avoid


them. More than one cyclist has broken a wheel in a submerged pothole or far worse – think Vicar of Dibley at 20 miles an hour.


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