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Bike to Work Guide
By Paul Dorn/Roni Sarig

WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

I'm fortunate to live in California, where the climate is generally favorable for bicycle commuting. Riding a bike in the rain can actually be fun: motorists tend to be more cautious, you'll keep cooler, you won't stall out in huge puddles, and pedestrians smile in amazement as you pass. The worst part of cycling in the rain is that your bike gets mucked up; and even that can be quickly remedied by a bucket of soap and a garden hose. Experienced bicyclists have a saying: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing."

There is a great availability of clothing suitable for all weather conditions. Many "retrogrouch" types will advise wearing wool, which is the classic material for cycling jerseys and shorts. It wicks away perspiration, retains warmth, is often light-weight, and feels pretty good. However, others will advise wearing the new "technical fabrics", polyester or nylon garments that have many of the same properties as wool. These synthetics include Polartec, Akwatek, Coolmax, and others. There isn't any formula to dressing for bicycling. Most days I travel in cotton shorts and a T-shirt; for longer weekend recreational rides I'll wear my hi-tech garments. Decide for yourself what works best, given your budget, climate, and fashion sensibilities.

For riding in rainy weather I have several outfits. I have a Carradice rain cape (or poncho) that I acquired from Rivendell, which is the classic European mode of rain protection. For really heavy duty storms I have a Bellwether Aqua-No Jacket, neoprene overshoes, and waterproof gloves. Goretex and other modern waterproof fabrics are supposed to "breath." That is, it allows perspiration to evaporate through the material while keeping precipitation out. This is only somewhat true. No miracle fabric can completely evacuate your body heat if you're really riding hard.

Another essential item for bicycling in the rain is a set of fenders, which should be standard equipment on every bike. But since bicycles are marketed as sports equipment (see earlier), things like fenders, kickstands, lights and racks are generally not included as standard equipment. This makes the bikes "lighter" and more "high performance," while perhaps keeping the price down. But don't hesitate to install fenders, which will keep the wet weather slop off both you and your bike.

Extra caution is necessary while riding in the rain. Metal objects in the street (manhole covers, construction plates, train rails, etc.) are very slick, as are painted road surfaces. Your stopping capacity is also diminished in the rain. But if you're properly outfitted, riding in the rain isn't a terrible ordeal. You will certainly avoid a lot of those multi-car pileups that delay so many motorists during rainstorms. By wearing the right protective clothing and riding at a moderate pace (i.e. below perspiration stage), I arrive at work on rainy days drier than if I'd stood waiting for a bus.

Unfortunately, I don't have much experience riding in the "Snow Belt" during the winter. Fortunately, there's a great website devoted to cold-weather cycling--including commuting--at Icebike.

Cycling in the rain -- oh, what a glorious feeling, San Francisco Chronicle
Winter cold no obstacle to bike commuting - Bike Commute Tips Blog
Wet Weather Cycling Video - produced by San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips: Low-Tech & No-Tech Ways to Find, Ride, & Keep a Bicycle

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Comments? Suggestions? Contact dornbiker@yahoo.com || Updated 09.19.08
Image: Bellwether Aqua-No Jacket