Cycling in the rain: a practical guide for autumn

With autumn come the rainy days, and many cyclists shelve the bike until spring. You don't have to: with a few adjustments, a ride in the rain can be safe and even enjoyable. Here is where to start.

Mudguards: the best investment

A pair of mudguards changes the experience more than any jacket: they protect your back, your shoes and whoever rides behind you. Light quick-release models exist that suit road bikes too, especially useful in a group, where nobody enjoys a spray of water in the face.

Tyres and pressure

Grip drops in the wet, so it helps to lower tyre pressure slightly compared with dry conditions, within the limits printed on the tyre sidewall. Tyres with a softer compound and well-preserved tread help, and should be checked more often because glass fragments stick more easily to wet tyres.

Braking in the wet

With rim brakes stopping distance increases noticeably and there is a short delay before the pads bite: always brake early and lightly touch the brakes now and then to dry the surfaces. Disc brakes are more consistent, but the stopping distance is still longer than in the dry. Check pad wear often, as rain wears them faster.

Avoid painted lines, manhole covers and wet leaves: they are the slipperiest surfaces. Reduce speed before leaning into corners and leave more distance to others on descents.

What to wear

The real goal is not staying dry, which is impossible after an hour of heavy rain, but staying warm. A breathable base layer, a light waterproof jacket and waterproof shoe covers do most of the work.

Rinse the bike with clean water, dry it and lubricate the chain: rain washes away lubricant and brings in grit that wears the drivetrain. Ten minutes after the ride extends the life of chain and cassette.

What to buy

To start, road bike mudguards and a waterproof cycling jacket are enough.