Cycling in the rain

Being based in South Wales means that we have to be pretty adept at riding in certain conditions.

I'm not talking about searing sunshine here...

Bikewhenever, an American commuting site has some pretty handy advice for those of you who aren't too comfortable cycling in the rain:

Riding in the rain requires you to change your riding style a little.  Consider the following tips

Start braking early so your brake pads wipe off water from rims and make good contact.

Don't lean as much, go slower, and make your turns smooth, wide, and not sudden.

Be aware that certain items on the ground are exceptionally slippery:

• paint (such as road lines)
• metal (manhole covers, grates, bridges, railroad tracks)
• wet leaves

If you cannot avoid a slick surface, you should either dismount and walk or roll over it by doing the following:

• stop pedaling, and put the pedals at equal height (3 and 9 o'clock)
• keep the bike upright and heading straight
• stop any braking
• keep your arms somewhat bent

If you cannot actually see the ground at the bottom of a puddle, you should assume that there is a pothole.

The first rain after a long dry period lifts a lot of oil from the road, creating especially slippery conditions.

After riding in the rain, your bike will likely have some grit on it that should be cleaned off. It might be a good idea to shake or bounce the bike, then wipe it with a rag or towel, to get rid of water. If the bike has been rained on with a great deal of water, then you should also lube the chain.