Cycling in the rain: how to protect your bike and enjoy the ride?

When the weather forecast shows nothing but rain for weeks and you don't want to miss out on your planned bike adventures, there's only one solution – prepare properly and learn to enjoy riding in the rain. To ensure summer rain doesn't damage your bike or ruin your mood, we've gathered the most important tips to help you take care of your bike and yourself in wet weather conditions.

Before riding in the rain

If you know it’s going to rain (or you're riding on wet roads right after rain), you can prepare properly. We recommend taking care of a few things:

• Lubricate the chain with wax designed for wet conditions

  Chain wax specifically designed for riding in or after rain protects the chain and cassette and improves drivetrain performance in wet conditions. Less dirt sticks to wet-condition wax, and it lasts longer on the chain while riding in the rain. We recommend trying the customer-favorite UFO Drip Wet Chain Wax or the advanced absoluteBlack GRAPHENlube, which lasts up to 1800 km in dry and over 150 km in wet conditions with maximum friction reduction. Important: after applying, let the wax dry. Ideally, lubricate the chain at least 8 hours before your ride.

• Mudguards

  To make riding in the rain more pleasant, don’t forget to attach mudguards. Bike mudguards can be installed on both the front and rear to reduce splashing when encountering puddles. Our customers love the easy-to-attach Ass Saver mudguards, which can be easily put on and taken off whenever needed.

• Clothing

  If the summer rain is light and occasional, it might be best to ride in your regular cycling kit – short-sleeved jerseys dry quickly once the rain stops. However, if more rain is expected, consider wearing a rain jacket. Jackets designed for cyclists are compact and fit easily in a bike bag or jersey pocket.

• Lights

  Finally, if you’re riding under cloudy skies, don’t forget to take (and charge!) your front and rear bike lights. Our range includes various bike lights for different ride types, but in challenging weather conditions, we especially recommend radar-equipped lights for added safety. Check out the new Wahoo Trackr rear radar light or the Garmin Varia rear radar light with camera.

While riding in the rain

With proper preparation, even heavy rain won’t spoil the fun. Here are a few safety tips for riding in wet conditions:

• Avoid puddles...

  ...not because you’ll get wet, but because puddles can hide potholes or other hazards that might cause crashes. If you’re in a puddle-heavy section, plan your riding line in advance and avoid last-minute decisions. Riding in a group? Warn your fellow riders of obstacles.

• Use lower tire pressure

  Reducing tire pressure slightly (but not below the minimum!) increases surface grip – crucial when riding in the rain. If your tires feel too firm, release a bit of air. The safest way to check is with a digital pressure gauge like the SKS Airchecker.

• Shift gears early and brake gently

  If conditions are both wet and muddy, shift gears early before hills or changes in terrain, and avoid putting too much strain on the chain and drivetrain – mud can interfere with shifting and increase wear. Moisture also reduces braking efficiency, so brake early and as gently as possible.

After riding in the rain

Just got back from a wet ride? Your post-ride steps are crucial. Give your bike some attention to ensure a smooth and silent ride next time.

• Wash your bike

  Here’s the truth: if you want your bike to perform efficiently, you should wash it after every muddy rain ride. Sounds like a chore? With the right products, it's not bad. We recommend the Dynamic bike care set (our customers never look back after trying it) and paying extra attention to cleaning the drivetrain. Dry your bike with a microfiber cloth to prevent moisture damage, and once it’s fully dry – re-lubricate it.

• Inspect your bike components thoroughly

  Typically, the first casualties of wet rides are your brake pads. The second? Bearings affected by water ingress. If you know how, check for wear after roughly every three rainy rides. Not sure how? Book a service appointment at Velonova’s professional bike workshop online.