I sit here with the rain dripping outside my window, and I realize I’m not equipped for this at all. At least not to take on this weather with my bike.
Since I mostly use my bike for relatively short (five mile) commuting or errand runs, I’ve usually been a fair-weather biker. If it’s nice enough to jump on and go in jeans, I’m there. Perhaps toss a shirt in the bag to change into at the other end. I’ve never bothered to get proper gear even for slightly longer recreational rides, figuring my athletic shorts and a T-shirt would work well enough.
But now I’m trying to get a little more serious about this bike thing, and use it to get around even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. I might even become more adventurous and try to push into the dozens of miles on pleasure rides instead of being happy to break double digits. So I’m aware there are some necessary items I’m missing, but I’m less sure what exactly they are.
So for those of you who are used to hopping on a bike throughout the Seattle winter – how do you equip yourself for the elements? What are the must-haves for a wet biker’s wardrobe?
I like a wool sweater or zip up trainer for most of my riding. I’ve also take to a cycling cap under the helmet and wool gloves as you can just wring them out and put them back on. In the last few years, I’ve gravitated toward shell type jackets and even RainMates which are chaps that go over your pants. They can be put on at a stop light. I try not to ride with specialized gear but if I know it’s going to be rainy all day, I’ll put on polyester pants, like cycling knickers or long pants as they dry faster. Still, I rode 20 odd miles yesterday in the rain in jeans. It’s not an exact science and getting wet isn’t that bad in the end.
Thanks for the feedback. I expect to get wet, but I figure everyone has their own ways to minimize the discomfort of getting cold and wet. Nice to know super-specialized gear isn’t required to get out and about even in the tough conditions.
http://seattlebikeblog.com/2012/10/23/how-to-bike-in-the-seattle-rain/
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