8 Tips and Tricks for Wet Weather Riding
The shortest days of the year have arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, which also means that the rainy season is in full swing in many areas. For some, it's hibernation time, a time to increase the caloric intake, binge on Netflix, and let the bike sit, untouched, in a corner until the sun decides to show its face again. Others become Zwifters, the denizens of the online cycling world, battling away against their virtual competitors from the comfort of their basements. And then there are the riders who aren't going to let a little (or a lot) of rain dampen their spirits, riders who have cracked the code and figured out how to have a good time outside, even when building an ark seems like it would be a smarter activity.
Interested in joining those hearty souls? Here are eight tips and tricks that will help to make those journeys out into the deluge as enjoyable as possible.
1. Front Fender
It's no fun being forced to spend an evening trying to coax chunks of mud and pine needles out of your eyeballs, which is why a simple front fender is a must-have accessory. There are a variety of options out there, but the basic concept is the same – a flexible piece of plastic is zip-tied or Velcroed to your fork's legs and brake arch, preventing the stream of mucky water that comes off the front wheel from hitting you in the face.
It's no fun being forced to spend an evening trying to coax chunks of mud and pine needles out of your eyeballs, which is why a simple front fender is a must-have accessory. There are a variety of options out there, but the basic concept is the same – a flexible piece of plastic is zip-tied or Velcroed to your fork's legs and brake arch, preventing the stream of mucky water that comes off the front wheel from hitting you in the face.
Fenders provide inexpensive protection against flying mud and water.
2. Metallic Brake Pads
Many brake sets come with organic pads as the stock configuration, a fact that I still find baffling. Yes, they are a little quieter in dry conditions, but they also wear out faster, aren't as consistent during sustained braking, and most of all, perform extremely poorly when they're wet. Swap out those pads for a set of metallic ones and you'll be rewarded with improved braking performance, increased pad life, and the ability to actually stop when you want to while riding in wet weather.
Many brake sets come with organic pads as the stock configuration, a fact that I still find baffling. Yes, they are a little quieter in dry conditions, but they also wear out faster, aren't as consistent during sustained braking, and most of all, perform extremely poorly when they're wet. Swap out those pads for a set of metallic ones and you'll be rewarded with improved braking performance, increased pad life, and the ability to actually stop when you want to while riding in wet weather.
Swap to metallic pads and you enjoy increased stopping power no matter the weather.
3. Goggles / Glasses
Even with a fender installed it's still a good idea to have some sort of eye protection in place to keep the flying mud and pouring rain at bay. Clear lenses are a must – when there's no sun, the only thing a tinted lens does is make it harder to see the tree that's rushing at your face.
If you decide to go the goggle route, it's worth taking a look at how much replacement lenses cost, since that mud will inevitably lead to scratches, no matter how careful you are. The same thing goes for sunglasses – shelling out hundreds of dollars for a set of glasses with clear lenses isn't going to be worth it when there are more economical options available at your local hardware store, although the cheaper options do tend to be more prone to fogging up.
Even with a fender installed it's still a good idea to have some sort of eye protection in place to keep the flying mud and pouring rain at bay. Clear lenses are a must – when there's no sun, the only thing a tinted lens does is make it harder to see the tree that's rushing at your face.
If you decide to go the goggle route, it's worth taking a look at how much replacement lenses cost, since that mud will inevitably lead to scratches, no matter how careful you are. The same thing goes for sunglasses – shelling out hundreds of dollars for a set of glasses with clear lenses isn't going to be worth it when there are more economical options available at your local hardware store, although the cheaper options do tend to be more prone to fogging up.
Goggles or glasses with clear lenses help save you from wasting time picking dirt chunks from your eyes.
I typically ditch the glasses or goggles when I'm climbing, and don them for the descents, which helps keep them fog-free for as long as possible. What about running tear-offs or roll-off lenses? Well, unless you're the kind of person that tosses your empty soda cans out the car window, skip the tear-offs altogether – they inevitably end up as trailside litter, and that's never a good thing. Roll-offs can be useful, but if you're not racing, it's just as easy to stop every once in a while to clean the mud off your lenses – a quick spritz of water and a wipe with a cloth or the inside of a goggle bag usually does the trick.
4. Proper Tires
The arrival of fall and winter rains means that it's time to take off that fast-rolling semi-slick that you installed at the beginning of summer and replaced it with something meatier for more gripping and less slipping. Proper tire choice will depend on your location – what works for the loamy mud of the Pacific Northwest may not be the best choice for the the slippery, greasy soil found somewhere like Champery.
Full-on mud spikes can be an option, at least as a front tire, but that'll depend on how often you'll be encountering rocks or roots. A softer compound rubber can also help provide increased traction in slippery conditions, as can running slightly lower tire pressures than you would on dry, hardpacked trails.
The arrival of fall and winter rains means that it's time to take off that fast-rolling semi-slick that you installed at the beginning of summer and replaced it with something meatier for more gripping and less slipping. Proper tire choice will depend on your location – what works for the loamy mud of the Pacific Northwest may not be the best choice for the the slippery, greasy soil found somewhere like Champery.
Full-on mud spikes can be an option, at least as a front tire, but that'll depend on how often you'll be encountering rocks or roots. A softer compound rubber can also help provide increased traction in slippery conditions, as can running slightly lower tire pressures than you would on dry, hardpacked trails.
Look for taller, square lugs and a more open tread pattern when picking a tire for wet weather.
Spikes are best when they can dig into the soil – put them on a solid surface and that confidence-inspiring traction slips away. In the Pacific Northwest, the classic Maxxis Minion DHF or DHR II will work year round, but when the heavens really open up, I'm a fan of running a tire that resembles a cut-down mud spike up front, whether that's a Specialized Hillbilly, Continental Der Baron, Maxxis Shorty, or something similar.
5. Appropriate Apparel
A waterproof, breathable shell is a worthwhile investment, but you don't need to go too crazy – remember, you only need something that will keep you relatively dry while you cruise a few hours; it's unlikely you'll end up trying to tackle Everest while wearing the same jacket. Look for a jacket with pit or chest zippers – no matter how breathable a jacket may be, you'll likely find yourself looking for even more ventilation on long climbs.
In the summertime it's easy to get away with wearing a cotton t-shirt instead of a synthetic jersey, but when it's cold and wet out it's best to stick with synthetic or wool layers. They'll help wick your sweat away, which will keep you drier and warmer. Even if your shoes aren't waterproof a pair of wool socks will go a long way towards helping you maintain feeling in your toes.
A waterproof, breathable shell is a worthwhile investment, but you don't need to go too crazy – remember, you only need something that will keep you relatively dry while you cruise a few hours; it's unlikely you'll end up trying to tackle Everest while wearing the same jacket. Look for a jacket with pit or chest zippers – no matter how breathable a jacket may be, you'll likely find yourself looking for even more ventilation on long climbs.
In the summertime it's easy to get away with wearing a cotton t-shirt instead of a synthetic jersey, but when it's cold and wet out it's best to stick with synthetic or wool layers. They'll help wick your sweat away, which will keep you drier and warmer. Even if your shoes aren't waterproof a pair of wool socks will go a long way towards helping you maintain feeling in your toes.
On really wet days I'll bring two pairs of gloves, one for the climb and one for the descent, or sometimes I'll stash my gloves in my pocket or pack and go gloveless until it's time to descend. Yes, there are waterproof, windproof, and insulated options out there, but I still haven't come across any that match my preference for having as little material between my hands and the bar as possible, and as long as it's above freezing I'll stick with the same thin gloves I wear in the summer.
Everyone's different, though, so some experimentation will be necessary to figure out the exact layering system that works for you. There's also the temperature and terrain to consider – in the Pacific Northwest there tends to be a thick tree cover, which keeps some of the wind and rain at bay. That's in contrast to some of the more open terrain in Scotland or other similar areas, where there's minimal shelter, and entire rides are spent fully exposed to the elements.
6. Flat Pedals
I regularly switch back and forth between clipless pedals and flats, but when things are really sloppy I usually bust out the Five Tens and flat pedals. It's a good way to brush up on some skills, it's much easier to take a foot off, and there's nothing to get clogged with mud.
Of course, flat pedals aren't a requirement by any means, but at the very least you may want to look for a clipless pedal with some sort of platform around the mechanism. That way there's a place to rest your foot if you can't clip in right away.
I regularly switch back and forth between clipless pedals and flats, but when things are really sloppy I usually bust out the Five Tens and flat pedals. It's a good way to brush up on some skills, it's much easier to take a foot off, and there's nothing to get clogged with mud.
Of course, flat pedals aren't a requirement by any means, but at the very least you may want to look for a clipless pedal with some sort of platform around the mechanism. That way there's a place to rest your foot if you can't clip in right away.
Flats aren't a necessity, but they're worth a try when the trails are messy.
7. Adjusted Expectations
Remember those long summer rides, the ones where you blissfully pedaled for hours and hours without worrying about the sun setting, or succumbing to hypothermia all by yourself deep in the woods? Those happy memories can give you something to look forward to, but keep in mind that it's not going to be all sunshine and rainbows when you go out for a mucky late-season ride. The sun has a tendency to slip away before you know it, if it shows up at all, which means it's not a bad idea to pack a light in your pack, even if a night ride isn't in your plans.
Remember those long summer rides, the ones where you blissfully pedaled for hours and hours without worrying about the sun setting, or succumbing to hypothermia all by yourself deep in the woods? Those happy memories can give you something to look forward to, but keep in mind that it's not going to be all sunshine and rainbows when you go out for a mucky late-season ride. The sun has a tendency to slip away before you know it, if it shows up at all, which means it's not a bad idea to pack a light in your pack, even if a night ride isn't in your plans.
It's also best to approach riding in inclement weather with an open mind, and be prepared to adapt accordingly. Rather than trying to set a speed record, maybe it's time to fine-tune those technical climbing skills – after all, if you can clean a section when it's shining with slug-snot, just think how easy it will be when the sun returns. Or what about heading out for a trail maintenance / exploratory mission? Toss a small folding saw in your pack and take care of the smaller fallen trees and branches that you come across, and unclog any blockages that are keeping trails from draining properly. You'll still get a ride in, plus you'll get bonus points for doing a bit of maintenance.
8. A Post-Ride Cleaning Routine
Ok, you survived your journey out into the storm, but now you're back home, cold, wet, and covered with mud. Developing an effective post-ride cleaning routine is key to making the transition from the outside to the inside world as easy as possible. Everyone's different, but after really sloppy rides I'll typically rinse off my bike while I'm still wearing my muddy gear.
Next, I'll turn the hose on myself, spraying the mud off my shorts, jacket, shoes, etc... Having a towel and a laundry bag for those soggy clothes nearby is handy – wrap up in the towel, toss the wet clothes into the bag and make your way inside. This is where a boot drier is especially handy – put those soggy kicks and your gloves on the drier now, and your feet and hands will thank you the next time you head out for a ride.
Ok, you survived your journey out into the storm, but now you're back home, cold, wet, and covered with mud. Developing an effective post-ride cleaning routine is key to making the transition from the outside to the inside world as easy as possible. Everyone's different, but after really sloppy rides I'll typically rinse off my bike while I'm still wearing my muddy gear.
Next, I'll turn the hose on myself, spraying the mud off my shorts, jacket, shoes, etc... Having a towel and a laundry bag for those soggy clothes nearby is handy – wrap up in the towel, toss the wet clothes into the bag and make your way inside. This is where a boot drier is especially handy – put those soggy kicks and your gloves on the drier now, and your feet and hands will thank you the next time you head out for a ride.
Nobody likes starting a ride with soggy feet - boot dryers are worth every penny.
Disclaimer: When it comes to wet weather riding, there's a short phrase that pretty much covers all the bases: "Don't be an idiot." If you live in a location where the soil turns into a gloppy, sticky mess after only a little bit of precipitation, it's best to give the trails time to dry out rather than risk damaging them. Ask your local bike shop or trail organization for suggestions about where to ride when it's wet and sloppy.
The rainy season is also usually the prime time for trail building and maintenance – don't be afraid to trade out those bike shoes for some work boots and give back to the trails.
The rainy season is also usually the prime time for trail building and maintenance – don't be afraid to trade out those bike shoes for some work boots and give back to the trails.
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Bring a towel in your vehicle. You WILL be covered in mud. You can shake most of it off, and then sit on the towel to keep your interior nice.
Bring an extra pair of socks and shoes in your vehicle. Driving home with wet feet sucks. Drinking a beer in your favorite bar or brewery with wet feet sucks.
I go for the cheap $5 safety glasses you can get at Walmart. Available in clear or amber. Great for dark trails and if you break them or lose them, you aren't heartbroken.
Load your bike into your truck or rack and THEN take your gloves off...
Expectations. Be prepared to bail on your ride. Too windy? Maybe too cold for your attire? Too hard of rain? Skip it and use the time to enjoy a frosty beverage instead. In the PNW where I am, we get good winds (30-50) fairly regularly (like last night), that knock branches off of trees regularly. Or they just get knocked over. Better to play it safe and ride another day.
Edited to add: And moto moccs are the best damn thing... I carried this over from moto but get some moccasins for after-wards feels great you're feet get toasty warm in them after the ride.
Just gotta get the layering formula right
Personally I prefer mulled cider for winter riding, as it tastes good even when it's actually warm, like tea or coffee.
Cheers
Flats - yep, for sure. Even better - if you're riding flats all year, put longer pins on for the winter. And make sure you buy shoes before the wet season, rather than before summer. You want your sticky soles at their stickiest when things get slimey, especially when it gets cold (and the rubber is less pliant because of that).
Bike cleaning - it's amazing how five minutes of rinsing after riding and five minutes of lubing before riding can keep a drive train in good shape...
Trails - around here, most trails are built with enough armor and drainage to be all-year affairs (they take more damage in the dusty late summer months than they do in the sloppy winter). But man, it pisses me off when people bomb through soft sections. It pisses me off even more when after trail days that involve lots of fresh dirt people don't respect the trail closures and rip shit up before it has a chance to compact down.
The expectations thing is huge - I used to hate riding in sloppy slippery conditions. And then I sort of adjusted my mindset. Not just about how big a ride I'd get in, but about the ride itself. If you slow down a bit and get really deliberate about placing your front wheel, keeping the rear nice and loose, and get extra clean on form, then all those wet roots and slimy puddles can be a total giggle fest instead of annoying or scary. Nope, you're not getting that g-force vestibular hit we all love, but you can still find flow.
Also Sealskinz socks, 5 Ten Elements, Endura MT500 Spray shorts and a ride in the rain is a pleasure.
I don´t get the metallic brake pad thing
my tipp for wet days - sealskinz socks with hydrostop
In Arizona it's a big no-no in the mtb community to go riding while it's raining or still very wet after a rain storm. Do other areas not have issues with trails getting detroyed by riding in the wet?
I live in Vancouver now and can ride almost all year round (if I want to miss out on the snow)!
but theres two other items that make a big deal to my comfort:
1) Waterproof socks. I got showers pass socks for a 60 mile mud race. Have >30 hours on them, they are amazing because they look like socks, thin enough to fit in my shoes but really are waterproof and breathe. Sounds crazy impossible but its true. These makes a huge difference to my foot temperature and comfort when its freezing and wet.
2) Lightweight running gaiters. $20, stop rain and mud from going into the tops of my shoes, helps prevent shoes from filling with water and dirt.
Road bike with full fenders.
Also, the FiveTen FreeriderEPS high tops are a great flat pedal winter shoe. I used them all last winter as a riding shoe, and also a shoe to throw on after snowboarding all day for trekking around in the snow. Then pair them with a good sock.
Coulnd't fit any mudgurad on Manitou Mattoc, not enough clearance.
I find kevlar pads good .I would rather have fast pad ware than disk ware with metal pads
love it
That's really environmentally responsible... have you people never wondered what happens with all this cheap clothes, glasses and other crap you throw away?
Sounds stupid but it works quite well... goggles with no lense is the way to go
Also packing an extra pair of nitrile/latex gloves in the bag, usually breaking them out for the downs and layering them under my regular gloves, they really do wonders as they act as a vp barrier, helping keep the hands a tad warmer, and especially when it is wet. (It feels weird when the hands are wet, but if they’re warm, it doesn’t matter!)
This has saved my hands plenty in wet / cold conditions, even with wet gloves!
Keeps from scaring the locals and if it's a pre-work ride, chunks of mud don't fall off my shins on the office carpet as they harden under my pants.
They also make a great mobile shower for dry camping. I'm a VW Westfalia guy and we use these for all kinds of things.
antibacterial baby wipes / flushable wipes for de-funking as you change out of your gear into the drive to home stuff
Here in the Pacific Northwest things turn to slop pretty quickly and there's not much worse than a nasty drive home after an awesome day of riding.
The earth is round.
Like a pancake.
Don't stress about the coat being breathable - you're gonna sweat in all of them, no matter how much money you throw at it
Most of the coats breathable-ness is lost when the coat is covered in mud and rain.
Vents make a far bigger difference
www.pinkbike.com/news/interview-gee-atherton-on-flat-pedals-and-his-win-at-the-cairns-world-cup-dh-2014.html
“I asked a spectator what size feet he had, as I'd seen he had a good pair of flats on. He agreed to swap shoes with me trackside! By the time I'd finished anti doping after the race, the guy had left, so I still have his shoes. I need to find out who he was. His name was Sam.”
Indeed it was.