Commute in rain?
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I will typically drive to work on the first big rainy day of the season. 1) All the oil that dripped from the cars into the asphalt rises to the surface and makes the road super slippery, particularly at intersections. And 2) Sacramento drivers absolutely lose their minds and forget everything they ever knew about driving in the rain, even though it was less than a year ago.
#27
OwainGyndwr
Definitely. Once when living in Chicago I rode my regular 7 mile commute in -14 F. Full face balaclava, ski goggles, Marmot goosedown mittens, Powergrip straps w/platforms, silk base layer, gumboots, wool socks, windproof Gortex hoodie, Craft CC ski tights, and, ahem windblocker cycling shorts. Would ride in that weather every day than ride in what you describe once per year. Cold or rain is fine. Cold plus rain is the worst. lol
#28
Senior Member
Riding in the rain totally sucks. You never stay completely dry even if you wear waterproofs and then you've got wet gear that you've got to put somewhere. If it's cold and the rain finally finds a way in you're faced with being wet and cold which is pretty miserable.
But, I still do it cause part of me still smiles through it all and it's quite rare where I live that it rains really hard when I need to commute and it doesn't do it all week usually.
But, I still do it cause part of me still smiles through it all and it's quite rare where I live that it rains really hard when I need to commute and it doesn't do it all week usually.
#29
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7346 Post(s)
Liked 2,452 Times
in
1,430 Posts
Well I did it on Wednesday, and as I did it, I thought of this thread. It was 37ºF and raining. I didn't even expect rain; it was a surprise. The sun had set. I was underdressed.
Well, it went far better than I would expect. My hands got cold, and near the very end of the ride, they hurt. But that's all that got truly cold.
I've been working on improving my tolerance for low temperatures. I think it's working. In previous winters, one of my biggest challenge was keeping my feet warm. They got painfully cold. Well, unrelated to cycling, at the end of the summer, I decided to find the lowest temperature at which I can tolerate wearing sandals. I'm wearing them with thin wool socks, and I know it looks dorky, but it's comfortable, and most other shoes don't fit comfortably. Well, guess what, I was wearing my sandals and dorky socks on my rainy ride on Wednesday, and somehow my feet did not get cold. I can't figure it out. Maybe it's because my toes are freer to move around? Well, I'll keep going at 37º and lower and see how it goes.
The problem with rain at night is that it's hard for me to see and even hard for motor drivers to see. I was about to take my street route home, and then I realized I could take the park path home instead where there are no motor vehicles. That route is a bit longer, and it's much more exposed to wind, but in cold rain with low visibility, it seems like the best bet. And I survived, so there I go.
Well, it went far better than I would expect. My hands got cold, and near the very end of the ride, they hurt. But that's all that got truly cold.
I've been working on improving my tolerance for low temperatures. I think it's working. In previous winters, one of my biggest challenge was keeping my feet warm. They got painfully cold. Well, unrelated to cycling, at the end of the summer, I decided to find the lowest temperature at which I can tolerate wearing sandals. I'm wearing them with thin wool socks, and I know it looks dorky, but it's comfortable, and most other shoes don't fit comfortably. Well, guess what, I was wearing my sandals and dorky socks on my rainy ride on Wednesday, and somehow my feet did not get cold. I can't figure it out. Maybe it's because my toes are freer to move around? Well, I'll keep going at 37º and lower and see how it goes.
The problem with rain at night is that it's hard for me to see and even hard for motor drivers to see. I was about to take my street route home, and then I realized I could take the park path home instead where there are no motor vehicles. That route is a bit longer, and it's much more exposed to wind, but in cold rain with low visibility, it seems like the best bet. And I survived, so there I go.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Likes For noglider:
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Chicago area
Posts: 2,546
Bikes: Airborne "Carpe Diem", Motobecane "Mirage", Trek 6000, Strida 2, Dahon "Helios XL", Dahon "Mu XL", Tern "Verge S11i"
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 980 Post(s)
Liked 580 Times
in
398 Posts
The feet are a "terminal circulation" area. Blood doesn't just pass through on its way to another body part; it does a turn-around in the feet. If the blood flow is relatively unrestricted, warmth is maintained.
In really cold weather, stuffing your shoes with multiple layers of socks is counterproductive because of the restriction on blood flow. Thick, or multi-layered socks are fine, but only if the shoes are large enough to accommodate them.
Same thinking applies to the hands.
Likes For sweeks:
#31
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7346 Post(s)
Liked 2,452 Times
in
1,430 Posts
@sweeks, right, I figured that. And thanks. The hands and feet have a higher surface area to mass (or surface area to volume) ratio making them better dissipators of heat. Eventually, they will need more bundling than the rest of the body. It will be interesting to learn how low I can go like this. Being comfortable at 37º in the rain was a pleasant surprise.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Likes For noglider:
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 444
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
5 Posts
I found that same experience having worn thicker socks but having colder feet. During the cold weather rain I have gotten used to wearing overshoes/gaiters instead of thicker socks, and found that my feet were much warmer, in part as you mention that the feet were not constricted, and the overshoes provided an extra layer of insulation around the shoe.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Chicago area
Posts: 2,546
Bikes: Airborne "Carpe Diem", Motobecane "Mirage", Trek 6000, Strida 2, Dahon "Helios XL", Dahon "Mu XL", Tern "Verge S11i"
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 980 Post(s)
Liked 580 Times
in
398 Posts
@sweeksBeing comfortable at 37º in the rain was a pleasant surprise.
I find it satisfying to commute in any weather... though coming home tonight against high winds was less enjoyable!
#34
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7346 Post(s)
Liked 2,452 Times
in
1,430 Posts
At those temperatures, near freezing, your clothes have to keep you dry as well as warm. A few degrees lower, and the rain turns to snow (or maybe sleet/hail), and you just need to be warm.
I find it satisfying to commute in any weather... though coming home tonight against high winds was less enjoyable!
I find it satisfying to commute in any weather... though coming home tonight against high winds was less enjoyable!
Wool clothing helps a lot. I have a rule for myself, never to wear cotton socks. I have a theory that sweaty feet in cotton socks breed fungus, and I don't want to get that again. Wool is comfy anyway, and when it's 15% nylon, it's also durable and economical.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Likes For noglider:
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Chicago area
Posts: 2,546
Bikes: Airborne "Carpe Diem", Motobecane "Mirage", Trek 6000, Strida 2, Dahon "Helios XL", Dahon "Mu XL", Tern "Verge S11i"
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 980 Post(s)
Liked 580 Times
in
398 Posts
I found that same experience having worn thicker socks but having colder feet. During the cold weather rain I have gotten used to wearing overshoes/gaiters instead of thicker socks, and found that my feet were much warmer, in part as you mention that the feet were not constricted, and the overshoes provided an extra layer of insulation around the shoe.
Keeping the core warm also helps the extremities by providing plenty of warm blood to the "radiators".
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Chicago area
Posts: 2,546
Bikes: Airborne "Carpe Diem", Motobecane "Mirage", Trek 6000, Strida 2, Dahon "Helios XL", Dahon "Mu XL", Tern "Verge S11i"
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 980 Post(s)
Liked 580 Times
in
398 Posts
Wool is good. I've also had good luck with Polar Fleece, which is somewhat lighter. A Polar Fleece long-sleeve shirt with a vest of the same material under a shell is good down to minus 20F. Below 10F, I wear a pair of Polar Fleece pants over my work slacks, and a pair of nylon shell pants over both. With proper gloves and a balaclava I don't feel the cold. If I get too warm, I just open the zipper(s) on the things on top. My favorite socks are thick ones of a wool blend from REI.
#37
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7346 Post(s)
Liked 2,452 Times
in
1,430 Posts
For some reason, my body seems to make a lot of heat. Polar fleece is no good for me. When I exercise a bit, I overheat.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Queens, NY for now...
Posts: 1,515
Bikes: 82 Lotus Unique, 86 Lotus Legend, 88 Basso Loto, 88 Basso PR, 89 Basso PR, 96 Bianchi CDI, 2013 Deda Aegis, 2019 Basso Diamante SV
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Liked 172 Times
in
113 Posts
I'm already more cold- and wet-tolerant than most New Yorkers. But not nearly as good as Minnesotans. I get cold after others do, but I do get cold.
Wool clothing helps a lot. I have a rule for myself, never to wear cotton socks. I have a theory that sweaty feet in cotton socks breed fungus, and I don't want to get that again. Wool is comfy anyway, and when it's 15% nylon, it's also durable and economical.
Wool clothing helps a lot. I have a rule for myself, never to wear cotton socks. I have a theory that sweaty feet in cotton socks breed fungus, and I don't want to get that again. Wool is comfy anyway, and when it's 15% nylon, it's also durable and economical.
On a bike, I have to pull my hands off the bars and shake them to keep the warm blood flowing. Feet aren't as bad, but I find that cold wind really bothers my ears. Anything under 40 degrees and they start to ache within minutes, so I usually wear ear plugs (just a hat isn't enough).
Anyway, all of that is just motivation to ride harder and faster, in order to warm up.
#39
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,498
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7346 Post(s)
Liked 2,452 Times
in
1,430 Posts
I believe that tolerance to this stuff is possible to build in most people. You have to be willing. I’m living in the country in the woods currently, so I step outside naked for a few seconds every morning. Some people turn the shower to cold in the last few seconds.
And when cycling, if I get cold, I make a note of which body part is cold, and next time I ride in those conditions, I cover that body part up. My ears don’t bother me, but my jaw really does. I can use a gaiter/buff to wrap my jaw up, and I’m happy.
And when cycling, if I get cold, I make a note of which body part is cold, and next time I ride in those conditions, I cover that body part up. My ears don’t bother me, but my jaw really does. I can use a gaiter/buff to wrap my jaw up, and I’m happy.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#41
Junior Member
Only with an aluminum bike frame for me, had a bike frame rust from riding it for only a few weeks. I use to wipe it down and the water still managed to get inside the tubes.
#42
Must be symmetrical
I commuted in the winter when I lived in Minneapolis MN. Studded tires.
Now (or at least before the pandemic), I commute in the rain or snow because a) anything is easier than Minneapolis in the winter and b) that's just the only way for me to get to work.
It's not unusual where I live.
Now (or at least before the pandemic), I commute in the rain or snow because a) anything is easier than Minneapolis in the winter and b) that's just the only way for me to get to work.
It's not unusual where I live.
#44
Must be symmetrical
And within limits, I do think it is possible to stay dry. In Germany, it is not uncommon to see commuters covered head to toe in Gore-Tex or whatever the currently fashionable wp/b fabric is, riding straight through puddles on their bikes equipped with full fenders and Ortliebs.
#45
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Highly depends on temperature! I hop on the bus when it's cold with rain; otherwise, fine with a helmet with a bit of a lip over my eyes and a shirt and shorts that wick the moisture away.
#46
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
ive been layering two rain jackets- it's been cold and the outer layer works like an unlined pogie, i noticed i stayed more dry- but it's also been cold so didnt sweat as hard as it would've been if warmer.
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,546
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5223 Post(s)
Liked 3,579 Times
in
2,341 Posts
#49
Let's Ride!
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Triad, NC USA
Posts: 2,569
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 327 Post(s)
Liked 37 Times
in
24 Posts
I used to commute in the rain. If it happened, it happened. In cool weather, I found that if I put on my waterproof socks and raincoat I would be fine for close to 9 miles. (thank goodness for fenders) This is usually the go to plan in the rain. If it was warm weather rain, I would ride most days. Especially, if it was light rain. I would wait out stronger storms. (love smart phone with radar)
Likes For RidingMatthew: