Caught in the Pouring Rain!!
03-17-19, 07:10 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Caught in the Pouring Rain!!
Having lived in Florida so many years, I have always been extremely careful about not riding in the rain. Unfortunately, yesterday I got caught in what felt like a monsoon while I was 6 miles away from home!
I was soaked, my bike was soaked.
When I arrived home I quickly dried my bike and sprayed "Blaster Silicone Lubricant" on my gear set, chain, cassette, every nook and cranny excepr for the frame. Actually, on my chain I sprayed it with "Blaster Chain & Cable Lubricant" (can said it was designed for bike chains, and I was in panic mode).
Not sure if I caused more harm than good. Any other suggestions? Believe it or not, this is the first time I get caught in the rain!
The bike I was riding was a Fuji Tread 1.3, aluminium frame, carbon fork, disk breaks, magnesium platform pedals, a.r.s. Planet Bike saddle. Luckily the lights held up well as did the tiny sigma riding computer. This is the closest I have to a "gravel bike" (Vera Citywide 32-622 / 700x32 tires).
p.s. I have no plans on intentionally riding in heavy rain again, but if I'm unlucky enough to encounter it again (againis Florida, after all), what recommendations do you have?
I was soaked, my bike was soaked.
When I arrived home I quickly dried my bike and sprayed "Blaster Silicone Lubricant" on my gear set, chain, cassette, every nook and cranny excepr for the frame. Actually, on my chain I sprayed it with "Blaster Chain & Cable Lubricant" (can said it was designed for bike chains, and I was in panic mode).
Not sure if I caused more harm than good. Any other suggestions? Believe it or not, this is the first time I get caught in the rain!
The bike I was riding was a Fuji Tread 1.3, aluminium frame, carbon fork, disk breaks, magnesium platform pedals, a.r.s. Planet Bike saddle. Luckily the lights held up well as did the tiny sigma riding computer. This is the closest I have to a "gravel bike" (Vera Citywide 32-622 / 700x32 tires).
p.s. I have no plans on intentionally riding in heavy rain again, but if I'm unlucky enough to encounter it again (againis Florida, after all), what recommendations do you have?
03-17-19, 09:02 PM
#3
Lopsided biped
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 737
Bikes: 2017 Day 6 Cyclone (the Buick); 2015 Simcoe Deluxe (the Xebec); Street Strider 3i (the not-a-bike); GreenSpeed Anura (the Black Swan)
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 316 Post(s)
Liked 160 Times
in
97 Posts
If you got any of that on your brake discs, make sure to get it all off before your next ride.
03-17-19, 09:08 PM
#4
Junior Member
Yeah, other than the psychological and physical discomfort it causes (me) there is not much to worry about with a bike. No worries, just dry her down and lube her up after a soaking like that.
-- Electronics may be a worry. I did lose a CatEye Speedo years ago after getting caught in an almost biblical lightning storm, but the bike was fine.
-- Electronics may be a worry. I did lose a CatEye Speedo years ago after getting caught in an almost biblical lightning storm, but the bike was fine.
03-17-19, 09:08 PM
#5
Senior Member
Having lived in Florida so many years, I have always been extremely careful about not riding in the rain. Unfortunately, yesterday I got caught in what felt like a monsoon while I was 6 miles away from home!
I was soaked, my bike was soaked.
When I arrived home I quickly dried my bike and sprayed "Blaster Silicone Lubricant" on my gear set, chain, cassette, every nook and cranny excepr for the frame. Actually, on my chain I sprayed it with "Blaster Chain & Cable Lubricant" (can said it was designed for bike chains, and I was in panic mode).
Not sure if I caused more harm than good. Any other suggestions? Believe it or not, this is the first time I get caught in the rain!
The bike I was riding was a Fuji Tread 1.3, aluminium frame, carbon fork, disk breaks, magnesium platform pedals, a.r.s. Planet Bike saddle. Luckily the lights held up well as did the tiny sigma riding computer. This is the closest I have to a "gravel bike" (Vera Citywide 32-622 / 700x32 tires).
p.s. I have no plans on intentionally riding in heavy rain again, but if I'm unlucky enough to encounter it again (againis Florida, after all), what recommendations do you have?
I was soaked, my bike was soaked.
When I arrived home I quickly dried my bike and sprayed "Blaster Silicone Lubricant" on my gear set, chain, cassette, every nook and cranny excepr for the frame. Actually, on my chain I sprayed it with "Blaster Chain & Cable Lubricant" (can said it was designed for bike chains, and I was in panic mode).
Not sure if I caused more harm than good. Any other suggestions? Believe it or not, this is the first time I get caught in the rain!
The bike I was riding was a Fuji Tread 1.3, aluminium frame, carbon fork, disk breaks, magnesium platform pedals, a.r.s. Planet Bike saddle. Luckily the lights held up well as did the tiny sigma riding computer. This is the closest I have to a "gravel bike" (Vera Citywide 32-622 / 700x32 tires).
p.s. I have no plans on intentionally riding in heavy rain again, but if I'm unlucky enough to encounter it again (againis Florida, after all), what recommendations do you have?
03-17-19, 09:21 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times
in
569 Posts
I hear you.
last week there were multiple showers, plenty of mud, even some hail.
The poor chain had actual rust on it when I got around to looking at it later.
Anyway, I recommend oiling the chain before the next ride.
last week there were multiple showers, plenty of mud, even some hail.
The poor chain had actual rust on it when I got around to looking at it later.
Anyway, I recommend oiling the chain before the next ride.
03-17-19, 09:27 PM
#7
Senior Member
No need for panic. If the bike was properly lubed prior the water probably wouldn't even bead up on your bike, Or on the discs or the chain. Frankly, it's not a lot different than driving your car in a down pour. No worries...
03-18-19, 04:48 AM
#9
Senior Member
Didn’t check your location, we may have hit the same one. I got it on mike 29-39. I generally avoid rain (yeah, I know I live in FL) as I totally detest it. Clean off the road muck, dry off, with a compressor preferably, and clean and lube well. I ride steel, so I use a little extra precaution.
03-18-19, 05:19 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: NE Tennessee
Posts: 917
Bikes: Giant TCR/Surly Karate Monkey/Foundry FireTower/Curtlo Tandem
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 169 Post(s)
Liked 84 Times
in
62 Posts
All I do is take the air hose and blow the water off the chain and out of the rear derailleur. Nothing to panic about IMHO.
Then... I take off the leather saddle, run inside, dry it off and get it into a warm place for a bit.
Then... I take off the leather saddle, run inside, dry it off and get it into a warm place for a bit.
03-18-19, 05:20 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,237
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18412 Post(s)
Liked 15,535 Times
in
7,328 Posts
Next up: Snow.
03-18-19, 05:55 AM
#12
Senior Member
03-18-19, 06:48 AM
#13
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
Rain is a fact of life. There is no need to panic.
It isn't going to kill you or harm your bike. Relax.
Lube is only needed on the chain. Clean the rest off.
-Tim-
It isn't going to kill you or harm your bike. Relax.
When I arrived home I quickly dried my bike and sprayed "Blaster Silicone Lubricant" on my gear set, chain, cassette, every nook and cranny excepr for the frame. Actually, on my chain I sprayed it with "Blaster Chain & Cable Lubricant" (can said it was designed for bike chains, and I was in panic mode).
-Tim-
03-18-19, 07:09 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,973
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,677 Times
in
827 Posts
If you are prepared, it can be fun!
03-18-19, 07:44 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 728
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 365 Post(s)
Liked 419 Times
in
248 Posts
Depending on your wheel/tire/tube set-up, you might want to take your tires off so your wheels can dry out. Moisture in the tire can cause corrosion on the tire/tube side of spoke nipples.
03-18-19, 09:44 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sin City, Nevada
Posts: 2,886
Bikes: Catrike 700, Greenspeed GTO trike, , Linear LWB recumbent, Haluzak Horizon SWB recumbent, Balance 450 MTB, Cannondale SM800 Beast of the East
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 523 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 229 Times
in
181 Posts
At least you don't have to deal with salt on the roads. That's one thing that will rust the bike far sooner than you expect. When I lived in the Midwest I always had a beater bike for winter riding. If you want something that really sucks, try riding a recumbent trike in the rain. You need beater clothes for that.
03-18-19, 10:20 AM
#18
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,098 Times
in
5,054 Posts
Cell phones don't like rain, otherwise, it usually isn't a big deal.
I've gotten caught in a couple of big thunderstorms in places where I couldn't shelter to wait it out. Not a big fan of that, especially the wind and nearby lightning strike parts.
I've gotten caught in a couple of big thunderstorms in places where I couldn't shelter to wait it out. Not a big fan of that, especially the wind and nearby lightning strike parts.
03-18-19, 10:47 AM
#19
Banned
I'd have to stay home most of the year .. I own a Cycling Rain Cape it keeps me dry..
IGH, well oiled chain, bike has Mudguards and dynamo hub - lights..
...
IGH, well oiled chain, bike has Mudguards and dynamo hub - lights..
...
03-18-19, 11:57 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,489
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7652 Post(s)
Liked 3,473 Times
in
1,834 Posts
I used to ride daily in Central Florida ... not sure how you managed to live there and completely avoid rain. I guess with readily available weather radar online, it can work.
Generally it is okay unless there is some strong wind pushing it ... then you need goggles. it doesn't hurt to have a plastic grocery bag to cover the seat if it is a type which absorbs water. I have heard that one should not use high pressure water (and I'd assume air) around bearings as it can blow some of the grease out of them. I guess the chain is okay because it is easy to re-lube, but be careful spraying solvents into the BB and wheel hubs and such.
Generally it is okay unless there is some strong wind pushing it ... then you need goggles. it doesn't hurt to have a plastic grocery bag to cover the seat if it is a type which absorbs water. I have heard that one should not use high pressure water (and I'd assume air) around bearings as it can blow some of the grease out of them. I guess the chain is okay because it is easy to re-lube, but be careful spraying solvents into the BB and wheel hubs and such.
03-18-19, 12:26 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
03-18-19, 08:57 PM
#22
Junior Member
Thread Starter
03-18-19, 08:58 PM
#23
Junior Member
Thread Starter
03-18-19, 09:07 PM
#24
Senior Member
Bicycle brake rotors tend to be made of stainless steel which resists corrosion. They might start to rust over if you leave them outside unridden for months, but the first few heavy brake applications will scrub off any surface rust that gets on them.
Buy a can of brake cleaner from your local auto parts store and give them a thorough spraying. I suggest taking the wheels off the bike before doing this because the brake cleaner will dissolve most greases and lubricants that you have on other parts of the bike.
03-18-19, 09:08 PM
#25
Senior Member