What to do when it rains? Learn some tips for riding in the rain.
1. Appropriate clothing.
Nothing is worse than being caught in the rain without proper clothing. When cycling on cloudy days, it's essential to bring raincoats and rain boots, especially in low temperatures. During autumn and winter cycling, wear easy-to-remove warm clothing. Keeping your chest warm is crucial for resisting cold winds when cycling downhill. Purchasing waterproof gloves and jackets is also a good choice.
2. After riding in the rain, remember to clean the brake pads.
When riding a bike on a rainy day, the gravel on the road is more likely to stick to the brake pads and wheel frame. You may also find that the wheel frame is scratched by small stones, causing wear on the brake pads.
3.Be careful when turning.
Very important! When it's raining, the slippery road surface and gravel can cause the tires to slip, making turning more dangerous. Therefore, the timing of braking must be earlier, and attention must also be paid to the movements of other drivers. When turning, keep your upper body straight and slow down a bit.
4. Avoid stalling the car when driving uphill.
If the slope is quite steep, be careful not to shake the bike and avoid the rear wheel from slipping, as the wet road surface will weaken the friction of the rear wheel. Try to maintain your sitting position as much as possible, so that the rear wheel can bear more weight. Be careful of metal and smooth parts on the road, as well as fallen leaves.
5. Be aware of road conditions.
It sounds simple, but sometimes we tend to forget the simplest things. Watch out for oil stains on the road (you'll see a rainbow reflection) - and avoid murky puddles, as there may be rocks or potholes underneath the water.
Install mudguards.
Although some people may think it's not good-looking, at least you won't be sprayed all over by rainwater, and the person behind you won't be sprayed with mud on their face.
7. Maintain clear vision.
When riding in the rain, yellow or transparent lenses are a smart choice. Yellow lenses are quite useful in poor visibility, providing illumination and making objects appear clearer in shape, which transparent lenses cannot match. Remember to wipe them regularly.