Keep it slick for more grip
Unlike car tyres, there’s no danger of aquaplaning on wet roads when cycling due to the more rounded profile of bike tyres, which easily displace water.
Therefore, there’s no need to fit tyres with a grooved tread – in fact, a slick tread is much better in all conditions, since it means there’s more rubber in contact with the tarmac and thus grip is better.
Another thing you can do to improve grip is let a little air out of your tyres (reduce the pressure by as much as 15-20psi), which provides a larger contact patch on the road, and therefore more rubber in contact with the tarmac at all times, even on rough road surfaces.
Watch out for your feet
There are many reasons to invest in a decent pair of overshoes for riding in wet weather.
It’s practically impossible to keep all of the rain out when cycling, but a pair of overshoes made of neoprene (the same material used in making wetsuits for divers) will at least keep your feet warm and stop you developing a nasty case of trench foot.
Among our favourites are Gore Windstopper overshoes (£49.99, goreapparel.co.uk) which are also available in a high-viz fluoro yellow for added visibility on grey days.
Preparation is key
British weather being what it is, even if you set out in glorious sunshine, there’s no guarantee it won’t be pouring down before you finish.
This is why it’s always a good idea to pack a lightweight rain jacket in your pocket – they may not protect you from the heaviest downpours but they will fend off showers.
We’re big fans of the Sportful Hot Pack Ultralight jacket (£125, sportful.com) – made from wind-resistant nylon with a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment, it weighs a mere 56g and packs down into a tiny bundle so won’t take up much space in your pocket when not being worn.
Care for your shoes
Your cycling shoes are especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of road spray, being right in the line of fire behind your tyres.
Overshoes can keep off the worst of the grit, grime and oil thrown up from the road, but if you’re caught in a shower, always clean your shoes properly when you get home – get stuck in with an old toothbrush.
It’s also a good idea to dry them out properly – but don’t put them on a radiator, as the heat can damage the synthetic fabrics and glues. Instead, stuff them with scrunched up newspaper to absorb the moisture.
Protect your head
In summer, a helmet with lots of vents will keep you cool, but it won’t do much to keep the rain out.
A traditional cycling cap under the helmet can be handy in wet weather, asaa the peak will deflect the rain away from your eyes.
A helmet with a built-in visor will do the same job, although these are more common on MTB designs than on helmets aimed at road cyclists.
You could also get a waterproof helmet cover that fits over your lid with an elasticated hem – or opt for a helmet such as Bollé’s The One (£109.99, bolle-europe.co.uk), which comes with clip-in panels to cover up the vents when you want to be more aero or keep the rain out.
Consider going tubeless
Once the preserve of mountain bikers, tubeless tyres are increasingly popular with road cyclists, especially with the fashion for go-anywhere adventure bikes.
Their main advantage in wet weather is the sealant which means any small holes in the tyre are filled almost instantly, preventing air escaping.
Another advantage is that they can be run at much lower pressures than conventional clinchers, giving you a larger contact patch which is a real help on slippery roads.
Use your brakes wisely
In normal riding conditions, most of your stopping should be done with the front brake. However, this changes when there’s water on the road.
Reduced grip makes it far more likely that you’ll lock up the front wheel if you brake hard, and once your front wheel loses traction, it’s almost impossible to stay upright on a bike.
Try to ‘feather’ your brakes to slow down gradually, and make more use of the rear brake, which lacks the stopping power of the front brake but is useful for scrubbing off excess speed.
Watch out for punctures
It’s no surprise that cyclists suffer a lot more punctures in wet weather. This is for two reasons. First, the rain washes all the debris out of the gutter and into the road.
Secondly, water acts as a lubricant, so those flints and glass shards cut through far more easily than in dry conditions.
This is why it’s a good idea to look for tyres with extra puncture protection in autumn and winter, when rain is likely – we like Vee Tire Co’s Rain Runners (£32.99, veetireco.co.uk) – available in 23 or 25mm options, these are supple, high-performance tyre for fast riding, offering impressive levels of grip on wet roads, and featuring rugged sidewalls for added puncture protection.
Look after your eyes
Sunglasses may not be the most obvious thing to wear when dark clouds loom overhead but some form of eye protection is always a good idea.
Shades with a wraparound design will help keep stinging rain out of the eyes, and many designs come with changeable lenses for different conditions.
Endura’s Char glasses (£59.99, endurasport.com) come with two sets – light-reactive photochromic lenses that adjust to variable light conditions, and a clear set with an anti-fog finish and super-hydrophobic coating to repel water, which makes them ideal for riding in all weather, all year round.
Get a proper waterproof jacket
For heavy rain, only a fully waterproof jacket will do. There are certain key features to look for when choosing a jacket.
First, a high collar will keep rain from dripping down inside at the top, and a long tail to fend off any spray from the road, while extra-long sleeves will ensure there’s no wrist gap between cuffs and gloves.
If you’re putting in some effort on the bike, breathability is vital to ensure you don’t get soaked from the inside with sweat.
Altura’s Nightvision Evo 3 Jacket (£99.99, altura.eu) fits the bill, being rated to 15k waterproofing, with pit and yoke vents to let moisture out, and incorporates Darkproof technology for added visibility.
Clean your bike
While components such as the chain and brakes require special attention after a wet ride, it’s a good idea to clean your whole bike as soon as you get home – if you get into the habit, it won’t take long.
After cleaning, dry the bike off as thoroughly as possible with a clean cloth, then use Muc-Off MO94 spray (£5.99 for 400ml, muc-off.com) to lubricate moving parts such as brake pivots and derailleurs, and Muc-Off Silicon Shine spray (£9.99 for 500ml) on the frame – this will also help repel water and grime next time you’re riding in the rain.
Steady in the corners
Grit washed into the road by rain doesn’t just cause punctures – loose material on the road surface can significantly reduce grip when cornering.
In fact, cornering is perhaps the biggest challenge for cyclists in wet conditions. The key to cornering safely in the rain is to take it steady as you approach the bend – do your braking before you start turning, and stay away from the edge of the road where you’ll find the worst of the debris.
Also look out for painted road markings, which can be slippery when wet, while in autumn, fallen leaves are a major hazard.
Keep your hands warm
Most gloves are not properly waterproof, even if they are made with waterproof fabrics.
This is because they have lots of seams – necessary to make sure they fit well – which can let water in, and being stuck out on the front of your bike, they bear the full brunt of any wind and rain you encounter.
Neoprene gloves such as Endura FS260 Pro Nemo (£29.99, endurasport.com) have bonded seams so are completely waterproof. Their thin material and snug, stretchy fit also means they won’t interfere with braking or gear shifting.
Lube your chain
Among bike components, your chain is one of the most vulnerable to wet conditions. Riding in a shower will see much of the vital lubricant being washed off, which leaves your chain prone to becoming rusty and seizing up later.
Especially in winter, use a lubricant specifically designed for wet conditions such as Shimano Wet Lube (£6.99 for 100ml, madison.co.uk), which is made with high-viscosity synthetic oils for optimum chain performance in all weather conditions and great durability.
Also remember to clean your chain after every ride to remove the grime that accumulates on the outside – over time, this will work its way into the links and cause premature wear.
Be seen – fit some lights
When skies overhead fill with heavy clouds, it can get a bit gloomy out there, so do your bit to ensure your visibility by using lights at all times, not just at night.
Avoid puddles
When you were a kid, popping on a pair of wellies and jumping in puddles was the height of fun, but puddles are a hazard when you’re on a bike.
The simple reason for this is that you don’t know what’s lurking beneath that murky water – it could be a puncture-causing stone or worse, a deep pothole or drain cover that could wreck your wheels or send you flying when you hit it at speed.
The same rule applies to metal manhole covers, which are treacherously slippy when wet.
Fit some mudguards
Many clubs make mudguards obligatory on winter rides, for obvious reasons. If your bike has the necessary mounting points, a set of full-length mudguards are always the best option.
Otherwise, fit a set of clip-on guards such as SKS Raceblade Pro XL (£44.99, zyrofisher.co.uk) – with their quick-release fittings, these are compatible with most road bikes, even ones with aero forks.
As an emergency measure, the SKS S-Guard (£7.99, zyrofisher.co.uk) will clip under your saddle and keep the worst of the road spray off your backside, though it won’t protect following riders.
Dress like a pro
Even the most breathable waterproof jacket won’t be permeable enough to let water vapour out fast enough when you’re riding hard, but fortunately there are other solutions.
A few years ago, Castelli’s Gabba made a name for itself when it was worn by the pros in cold, wet, early-season races.
This softshell jersey is made with Gore’s Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric for a combination of superb breathability with warmth and protection from wind and rain.
\We’re big fans of the long-sleeve version, called the Perfetto (£175, castellicafe.co.uk) which uses the same tech, and even has holes in the rear pockets to let any collected water drain out.
Check your brake blocks
Riding in the rain can leave your wheels coated with water and grime, which will eat through brake blocks and wheel rims very quickly, as well as reducing their stopping performance.
Feathering your brakes while riding will also help keep your rims relatively clean and make braking safer and more effective. After your ride, be sure to wipe down your wheel rims and inspect the brake blocks for any embedded grit.
Also consider fitting brake blocks made with a compound designed for all-weather riding, such as Kool Stop Dura 2 Salmon (£8.99 a pair, i-ride.co.uk).
Adjust your attitude
Also known as ‘HTFU’ or ‘harden the flip up’. This is all about embracing the weather rather than being afraid of it.
If you’re kitted out sensibly with the right gear, there’s no reason to be afraid of the rain – in fact, it can be fun to be out on the bike when the skies open, safe in the knowledge that there’s a warm shower and hot coffee waiting for you at home.
Once out there, you’ll often find conditions aren’t as bad as you feared, and it’s got to be preferable to sitting on the turbo trainer staring at the garage wall, right?
This feature originally appeared in BikesEtc