URBAN BIKING: Tips for Biking in the Rain

[@alfredorodriguezphoto]

That lady got everything right except to make sure that your tires are properly inflated (her rear tire is flat).

[@louisjansen3520]

I live in Amsterdam and we pretty much ride all year, rain or sunshine. Fenders are a must have though because 80% of the water is throne up by the tires. So fenders and you can also easily use an umbrella!

[@LauraLukitsch]

Joris Goedbloed Cool statistic about fenders. I've seen folks using umbrellas in Beijing. In San Francisco, it's not really possible with all of the hills. Hope to try biking in Amsterdam some day.

[@Polioooo0]

I love riding in the rain. People call me crazy, but call me whatever you want, rain is love, rain is life

[@totophandhamaly9944]

I live in Aloha, Oregon and feel the same way bro.

[@opthugclans18]

Same😂

[@rc_23]

love walking in the rain with my waterproof jacket but still trying to get over my fears of biking in the rain being more slippery with my road bike tires.

[@harshbarj]

I'm a fan of a poncho made just for bicycles. It covers most of the upper half of the bike. I just clip the front to my basket so the wind is not an issue. This way I can ride in my work clothes and still get there bone dry. In light rain with low wind, an umbrella actually does rather well, but you need the proper bicycle that can be ridden one handed. I also HIGHLY suggest fenders and a full chain case, not just a silly guard common in the states.

[@Amaspiritartist3]

Very nice to have 3 different viewpoints and solution to the same challenge..!

[@LauraLukitsch]

Ama Spiritartist Thanks! Yes, there are lots of types of cyclists out there and it was fun to interview riders with different points of view.

[@IronFreee]

For me a yellow poncho is the way to go. You look a little bit ridiculous, but you are protected. You need to open your cloth underneath it to avoid getting too hot and sweaty. I also use rain pants in case of heavy rain, a size bigger so I can put them with my shoes on. And don't forget fenders and lights to be seen.

[@ShermanSitter]

good advice! for me, i look ridiculous no matter what i wear. :) i just go full bicycle gear. booties, pants, helmet cover, etc...

[@n3iliusism478]

Where I live, It rains very often. I usually carry a small hand towel in my backpack to dry my saddle.

[@ChrisTooley]

PLEASE install fenders. If not for yourself, for the guy/gal riding behind you!

[@ShermanSitter]

that is a good point. i've always hated fenders due to the noises and hassle. (and i have nice road bicycles and they don't fit) but that is a good point about the people behind you. i'll think about that and maybe change my lines next time i'm riding past someone.

[@m9078jk3]

I live in the Pacific Northwest USA and I use an English Rain cape rather than American rain clothing.It covers most of your body well except for your face and keeps your handlebars,hands nice and dry.It also keeps a lot of the bike dryer too.Next of all it's open so one does not sweat while riding unlike American bike rain clothing.I have found an inexpensive Chinese rain cape (like the English style one) at Amazon for around $12 so I purchased two of them.

[@userone1000]

Oh wow! Thanks for talking me out of using the MTA today! I'm not geared up properly exactly, but riding in the rain is bad-ass!!

[@OlgaLevin]

The brakes is my biggest problem in we weather. Also storing away some cash for any kind of repairs is something that I would recommend. If you are a cyclist like me who commutes in rain or shine, I bike all year round, even in the winter time except when it starts snowing and the temps drop to the 20's here in Seattle. So checking your gears after a certain period of riding is important. Especially the brakes, stopping distance is important to master.

[@HealthWisdom]

Cycling really helps in burning fat, building muscle and boosting cardiovascular system.

[@ShermanSitter]

Thank you for posting this! It's a great cross section of different types of commuters! I'm more of the "roadie" type, but its nice for people to see you can look normal and still ride. :)

[@XGaming1]

I wear the same cloth I wear when it’s not raining, shorts, a t shirt and a hoodie. I ride my breakless, reflectorless, no light bmx bike while it’s pouring.

[@m9078jk3]

It works well however I have had to glue some Velcro straps on it so that it sticks to the front of the handlebars in case of heavier winds.Also I saw the french made commercially available Veltop which is a windshield fairing that has a top cover with side protection.It looks somewhat expensive though.Might be nice to have both a Veltop bike attachment also with a rain cape to keep ones lower body dry as well.Someone on KZbin has something similar to the Veltop that he calls the rainfish.

[@Tyj2000]

This video is great motivation to ride to work in the rain! "The Professional" was helpful. I have to dress professionally but still want to ride my bike to work even when it rains.

[@ShermanSitter]

that's great you are inspired! here are a few more tips if you are still interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXncfH9-gMZmY5Y

[@alonzomartii]

Blue light is illegal where i live. And I take the bus if it rains. That's definitely very light rain and definitely would ride as well.

[@edselbobpacer]

You all are amazing

[@LauraLukitsch]

Nice. I have a Chinese rain cape but haven't tried it out yet.

[@tubeMonger]

Can't get over the flat tyre.

[@ShermanSitter]

i love that they pointed it out! :) i went back and watched a few times for a laugh.

[@SamuraiClinton]

OK, so you are giving advice about brake use. Well, the beach cruiser I ride on many occasions has a "pedal backwards" brake system that is immue to splash-up water.

[@djkenny1202]

Fenders are #2 most important, just behind a rain jacket and pants.

[@LauraLukitsch]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful.

[@robinheil]

actually a very nice job picking those three different people. I want to see them in a sitcom together.

[@RobBastien]

Great stuff guys....thanks!!!

[@douglasmccarty1196]

I usually wear a bright colored tank top with denim shorts and flip flops in the rain as well as when it is sunny.No need to over dress.

[@ShermanSitter]

in a way that is smart. less stuff to dry out upon arrival. :)

[@arlenestegeman1732]

What stops me from biking in the rain is my glasses get wet and then I can't see. Any tips for keeping the rain off your glasses.

[@gerald8006]

You can wear a golf visor or baseball hat. There are even bicycle helmets that come with a visor flap built into the helmet.

[@adamgh0]

Chrome bags are awesome! The citizen bag can fit a whole case of beer in it : )

[@amitskanda]

Is biking in rain ok? Do you think biking to school, locking it outside for a few hours and then biking back home would be ok for the bike? I live in Germany where it rains about 5-10 days a month. Safety isn't an issue. Thanks for your answer.

[@rockobo2210]

+Amit Skanda why should it not be okay? most parts of modern bikes are made of non-rusty materials like aluminium

[@NightmirrorXx]

Fenders for the bike are good because the water that splashes up from the road mixed with everything else is worse for the bike. Just dry off the bike after and also clean and re oil the chain now and then. A chainguard might help too.

[@jerrycheung6568]

and also freeze faster too. it's about getting a cold every time it rains

[@LauraLukitsch]

Hi, that is a bag by Chrome. Several bag companies make bags with roll down top including Timbuktu.

[@SamuraiClinton]

Hey, I bike in the rain alot. Wanna know why? Because a bike is my only means of transportation and I don't want rain to stop me.

[@stevenrose86]

This is essential viewing if (like me) you live in England.

[@OlgaLevin]

That's because beach cruisers are not meant to be commuter bikes or even used to ride in the rain. If you have the money you can buy the parts or take the bike to the shop and have them customize your bike to handle bar breaks though.

[@LauraLukitsch]

@Moxspot Hi, thanks for the additional tips! I'm curious when you use your cable ties?

[@johnwick1483]

Tips for Biking in the Rain AIR UP YOUR BACK WHEEL 0.44 🤣

[@jomoland]

I have the same bike helmet (worn by the lady) by Nutcase! Nice!

[@LauraLukitsch]

+YourMagicGirl Yes, cute helmet! I need to upgrade.

[@SamuraiClinton]

Oh, I just came up with another strategy to follow if it rains when biking. You might as well find a battery charging system for the cell phone since it could be done when biking in the rain.

[@OlgaLevin]

Putting plastic bags over headlights is not a bad idea. However when riding at night in pouring rain, the bags can cause a glare making it a bit tough to see the road. That is why I just bit the nail and bought myself 400 lumins Stella head lights put out by Light and Motion. They were NOT CHEAP at all, but it was THE BEST waterproof $400.00 investment I made at REI (where they have a lifetime warranty btw so they can just do an exchange and upgrade free of charge if the lights break).

[@LauraLukitsch]

Nice. Puddles!

[@pesto5k]

I like the 3 perspectives, donald seems like a bad ass, haha.

[@OlgaLevin]

Well I guess I may see you at the next Solstice parade here then lol. The naked bike riders I think do that here at every one of those here.

[@HalfLifeAMD]

Nice video.

[@kingcarcas1349]

What is it with those nano bikes?

[@maravilla1992]

why is the back tire at 0:43 with little air, i know on rainy days you put less air, but don't you think its too low?

[@LauraLukitsch]

That was a filmmaking issue - we were waiting for rain when it finally did rain we didn't have a air pump so got the shot with the flat. I just included an annotation mentioning that the tire needs air (especially for going uphill!). Thanks for commenting.

[@insideout2600]

good bid , nice one

[@HaiRuiDe]

Chrome Rocks... The Citizen is BA!

[@jazper4000]

riding in the rain is fine. ..if only I had mini wipers for my glasses. ha. it's basically the only reason I don't ride in the rain

[@LauraLukitsch]

+Jasmine Lewis That would be golden if someone came up with a solution for both rain drops and glass fog!

[@djkenny1202]

+Jasmine Lewis Add a little Rain X on your glasses. Fixed. Or, contact lenses. I find it actually harder to see out a foggy car window with rain pouring down than on my bicycle with eyes exposed. So little ends up near my eyes anyway.

[@jazper4000]

djkenny Cool, I'll have to look that up!

[@gerald8006]

I wear a baseball cap under my helmet whenever it's raining. It does a very good job of preventing the rain from hitting my glass lenses. I do recommend finding a cap with a thin material that will fit under a helmet though. A visor is another option.

[@djkenny1202]

Gerald F Yep, that works great. Also there is contact lenses. Or, put a little Rain X on the outside of your glasses.

[@adlcity]

"Sometimes you just need to harden up and ride".....I like that.......seriously though, if you are serious about commuting then spend some of the cash you are saving on petrol, registration, insurances and licenses and buy some decent bike gear.........don't go riding with a flower hand bag over your shoulder...buy a waterproof hydropack...wear safety or bike glasses (I can't believe that wasn't mentioned).......if you are keen, you'll have 2 bikes both set up for wet or dry so you can get gettn

[@SamuraiClinton]

Oh, and one more thing: I use a 30 watt headlight since visibility is a priority.

[@weloveourohana]

hi i live in the uk and we get rain alot anyway sometimes the heavy rain makes it difficult to see through my glasses do you have any tips

[@LauraLukitsch]

sacredlotus I read recently that a hat with a brim (like a racing cap) might help with rain on your glasses. With heavy rain that might not work, but give it a try.

[@velo1337]

+sacredlotus get a visor on your helmet, or wear a baseball cap under your helmet

[@djkenny1202]

+sacredlotus RainX on your glasses or get contacts.

[@smellth1s157]

What brand bag is that or does anyone know a brand that carries a similar bag the water proof one not the plastic one.

[@LauraLukitsch]

smellth1s The yellow one is Ortlieb. I use one like this for touring. Chrome also has a good waterproof bag.

[@ShermanSitter]

they have some new bags at performance bike that are a clothy waterproof material. i actually like the "plasticy" ones though. they are not actually plastic, are surprisingly strong and protect well in the wet.

[@fixedonfixies]

Does anybody know what bag that is at 2:30

[@shpljonk]

Thank you dear. :)

[@shpljonk]

So, what is that most waterproof bags he ever used? 2:30

[@aloythesaviour]

She had a pucca funny love bag!

[@manofallsorts6022]

Cool

[@Dahl0s]

The sock trick works, been using it for 15 years. tuck right trouser into sock :)

[@ShermanSitter]

i've had a hard time with this. i find that the exposed sock 'wicks' water into the shoe. of course i commute as much as 40 miles a day. neoprene booties help me, but still on really long rides there seems to be no stopping the water since i'm not willing to go hard core boots like these folks. :)

[@RedbadvanRijn-ft3vv]

Turn were it looks more dry. That works in the fresh snow,and in the rain

[@insideout2600]

yeah same , phone in a carrier bag . sorted

[@robertkristiansen3085]

Isit about Fashion our real RainBike clothing....Guess its a Big Differents between New York and where i live wich is Norway....!

[@Puma860408]

"The Professional" - How not to commute in the rain

[@Koofumhead]

Agreed I'm not convinced he isn't just doing some PR Did you catch his job title?

[@ShermanSitter]

i suppose if he is close enough. maybe since he has a job that requires a suit he's rich enough to live within walking distance and its super close? :)

[@clacclackerson3678]

I'm guessing his "commute" is 100 metres.

[@felixsavvy13]

I like Donald's hat. @ 0:54

[@Arben.b]

what about fenders??! thats the most important item.

[@CanItAlready]

The guy with the nose ring talked about fenders.

[@redred11212]

You understand! :D

[@Seymourdigitalmedia]

Loved the video. I hope you don't mind I posted it on our social media simonsbikeshop! We just loved the video.

[@LauraLukitsch]

Thank you! Feel free to share! Hoping this will help get more people biking safely. 🙂

[@Seymourdigitalmedia]

We love bike safety. We're a small shop in Vancouver and we love helping people get the best out of the bikes and bike stores. Your video will be a small but significant hit!

[@LauraLukitsch]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing! Glad this will help.

[@LauraLukitsch]

That was a Chrome bag with a rollable top.

[@logicalmisery3737]

+Shower cap for seat cover instead of a grocery bag.

[@SamuraiClinton]

And ya know, I'd rather just use a basket with lining to carry stuff around while its raining when riding the bike.

[@jamesy954]

Sod mud guards that's the beauty of mountain biking getting absolute covered in mud . But when going to college I have these waterproof trousers and a north face jacket and you can buy this water proof spray which I use for my hi tops.

[@happyrainbow236]

COUNTRY BIKING: Tips for biking in the rain :p -watch out for city drivers -Watch out for city bikers -Grab your old bike that you've used your whole life -helmet (optional) -t shirt (impress the ladies) -RIDE THROUGH ALL THE MUD PUDDLES EVERYWHERE DON'T MISS ONE OR YOU HAVE TO TURN AROUND AND RUN THROUGH IT.

[@clacclackerson3678]

This is for people who have to ride 3km on flat land when the the weather is 15 degrees celsius. No good for people who work in Sydney.

[@LauraLukitsch]

San Francisco doesn't have the flat advantage (my last four years in SF I lived at the top of a hill - different hills). We do have cooler weather, though.

[@clacclackerson3678]

@@LauraLukitsch Nowadays on my commute I wear lycra top and bottoms and allow myself to get totally wet if it rains (I have a waterproof backpack and have clean, dry clothes waiting for me at work). So basically, I swim to work! When it gets too cold to ride in the rain like that (< 12 degrees C) I rwear waterproof stuff and use the ebike.

[@platinumdrakon]

I spit water all over my keyboard because of your comment.

[@darkangel242009]

Great way to keep the pant leg out of the chain: cut off the top of some beat-up socks. Better than neon velcro straps. Cost? ZERO. Just make sure the color of the sock you sacrifice is the same color as your pants…or you look like a dork.

[@WallyPCify]

lol at least you weren't thirsty

[@AnimeStudioMotion]

The only thing I hate riding in the rain is when your bike gets stolen :(

[@A3203503]

Need to put some air in your rear tyre Laura (at 44 secs). :-)

[@161trx]

use a coaster brake, thats the best advice there is

[@Lovelightsmith]

The Lady should also keep enough air in her tires.

[@WallyPCify]

sick in the head or sick with a cold. Sick in the head i don't mind. lol

[@d.b.cooper8878]

Was i the only one that thought that was Ally Sheedy from The Breakfast Club?

[@russellqualls8467]

The professional has the most comfortable seat.

[@antcox2006]

Guy with coat flapping. If he aint come off his bike with it getting tangled in the wheels/chain, its only a matter of time.

[@ShermanSitter]

i had a friend who got a scarf caught! yikes! this guy is a professional, so i'm guessing he's ok. :)

[@TurkiyeCumhurbaskani]

music is too loud

[@WallyPCify]

I like riding naked in the rain you dry up faster

[@OlgaLevin]

And then you wonder why you are sick lol.

[@DrProfessorBolton]

Timbuk2

[@happyrainbow236]

I'm too chicken to bike in the city, too many cars and I'd cross the streets like an idiot lol

[@platinumdrakon]

I live in California. We're always thirsty. Kind of makes this video pointless though.

[@gary40rochy]

JUST GO ON THE BUS OR TAXI

[@pitts3219]

R u riding in the rain pregnant?

[@Brozius2512]

You do realize that you don't melt by the rain even if you are pregnant.

[@wannabetyouarefat]

1:08 Tim, you fucking look like you're playing quidditch.

[@cyclingnut2122]

in the rain, GET A CAR

[@Brozius2512]

Serious??? Are you made of sugar? You not gonna die from getting wet you know?