For me, it’s not so much about staying dry as avoiding wind-chill. The biggest change for me was relaxing to the idea of carrying a few extra items of clothing in a saddle-bag or small back-pack made a difference. It lets me avoid getting cold if the pace drops or I need to stop for a while. If you plan a cafe stop have a dry thermal top to put on instead of the soggy one, it’s pure luxury. Also lower your ambitions to match conditions, nothing worse than trying to ride home tired AND cold. The big thing is get out, keep it short whilst experimenting with clothing combinations and gradually go on longer rides as you get confidence in your system. It’s not like we’re short of wet days in which to figure out these things😂
I have moved to Sydney/Australia 24 years ago. The climate here is pretty awesome and we can afford to avoid cycling in the rain, but my wife and I are moving back to France for a few years so your experience is extremely valuable and will help me cope with the odd nasty wet and cold rides! Thank you so much, your videos are top notch!
Thank you for mentioning about the paint on the roads because that is a very under stated hazard, and extremely dangerous at any speed for a total wipeout.
Wet boots with tights used to drive me mad as a taller rider so I bought a pair of grip grab commuter overshoes which come higher up the leg and crucially my bib tights go over the top of these now to stop water running inside and filling the boot. Comfy ever since even in a downpour.
I second merino socks for wet cycling, running. I use Smartwool. I use Endura MT500 trousers for commuting (~20 miles) and they keep me warm and even pretty dry through the winter.
Personally, I find that the best mantra is simply to remember your skin is as waterproof as you'll ever need. Cycling in the wet is more about keeping warm than it is about keeping dry. In the case of your core, hands, and feet - these areas will certainly benefit from being dry, and luckily are fairly easy to keep that way. The arms and legs though I'm less worried about. Arm and leg warmers work even when they're wet in my experience. The real key is in the mudguards - your tyres pick up all sorts of shite from the road and all it takes is one wipe of your saddle after a wet-ride without guards to realise just how much grit, sand, dirt, etc gets thrown at you from your own wheels. A good rainproof jacket, winter over-shoes, and gloves are necessary. Depending on the temperature, arm and leg warmers to complement the usual lycra. It's done me fine for years. At the end of the day, if it is really raining you have to question why you're out riding at all. because either you don't know and maybe you should go tomorrow when the sun's out, or you do know in which case you probably already have the dedication and motivation to ignore a bit of wet for a while. Never complain about being wet when we go swimming do we? Funny that...
Good points. And can train to get used to the cold. Can do it by just cycling at milder temps over time. Does not have to be extreme ice dips! On long bike packing trips rain can become an issue with wet clothes if cannot get them dry. Causes rubbing on skin.
I agree with your first point - often repeated to club mates. The part about swimming is a tad misleading. Of course you know you will be wet swimming and their is no windchill. Of course in very cold water we are back to your point 1.😉
@Marc Daniels aye the point was just when we are prepared to be wet we don't seem to mind, it's only when we hope to not be wet that it's a problem. If you're always prepared for the rain you'll always be content!
Loving your videos. Just wanted to add a thought concerning being seen at night. Having one front flashing light gets you noticed however, it’s really difficult for car drivers to judge your distance , especially in the rear view mirror. As you mentioned, it’s better to have one front light on flash and a fixed light which helps a driver judge your distance.
Absolutely Michael - worth reinforcing too. In fact I don't like a flashing front light at night because it gives a strobe effect and I find it a little harder to see. Flash and stable on the rear for me.
Wet feet are always the one bain of my life in winter. I find the combination of boots with shoe covers (Velotoze, preferably, carefully slipped on) and mudguards provide maximum safeguarding as possible, for me certainly. But, in my opinion, heading out and just accepting you’re going to get a bit wet and soggy does help. Another well produced upload 👍🏻
My recipe for warm feet is wool socks. Thick ones. You can't keep the water out, but you can keep the feet warm. This has to be paired with either a boot cover or the old standby of sandwich bags over the socks (just tuck them up under the tights to keep them neat). This keeps the wind out so you can warm things up. I also recommend safety glasses from the hardware store for riding in the rain. Sunglasses are unnecessary in the day and dangerous at night, but you need to shield your eyes. You can of course get cycling specific ones, but I've found they don't work any better.
A trip to a kayaking store can offer some great ideas. I find the only areas that I can keep dry are my head (helmet cover & bandanna) & core (rain jacket) so I use kayaking socks, neoprene over covers, full finger insulated gloves & GoreTex over mitts. I just bought fenders to try out but, not crazy about their weight & bulk.
Helmet covers are very good, totally dry and air space allows head to breath. Never had one blow off the helmet. I use goretex ski mitts when the weather is very wet. I also use a goretex jacket with a hood. Goretex again for my trousers. Important to treat goretex as per manufacturers instructions. I travel everywhere with rear panniers and handlebar bag. On the offside panniers I tie on a cut up high vis jacket. My experince ... I have just spent two years on a fully loaded 50 kg plus bike around Europe and Africa, wild camping for weeks on end, in all weather's. Comfort over speed. Also good to carry a shower cap for a leather saddle, when stopped and treat saddle with wax often.
Thermal liner socks, thinner, with water proof socks on top. I think my waterproof socks need replaced they're ancient, but did great for riding through rivers for years, and a few years of commuting. I Remember the old broke days in the 80's riding with plastic bags over my socks, staying dry but still freezing, lol. It's bad that helmet covers are so hideous mine is arriving Friday for any rainy days here, lol. Not on staying dry but staying warm, on cold winter rides here i have my velo canteen filled with coffee on most rides, 1 canteen of coffee and one regular bottle for water.. happy winter riding. Drew.
For keeping my head dry I carry a shower cap. Those cheap thin throw away ones that you get in hotels. Put your helmet on over the shower cap. It also protects the ears.
Dude thanks from a young 63yo Beginner, here in California we are not getting a lot of rain lately. But when we do I’ll be ready. I need to find a bike riding in Fire video.
I'd laugh Mike but I guess climate change isn't something to laugh at, and neither are those wildfires which have beenb happening all around the world. Always good to be ready though.
Good job, ol chap. You are very well spoken and a master of the English language and very knowledgeable about wet weather cycling. Be advised it is good to check the radar for any incoming storms before your daily commute or just phone for a lift. Be alert to objects and puddles in your path. Tree leaves, crossing wet rail road tracks, and wet roads are slipping hazards.
All excellently advice Charles. So many puddles end up being potholes that can pitch you off the bike. My accent is not exactly RP - I think it’s just posh Geordie. 😁
Quite true,@@alwaysanotheradventure. It is not safe to hit a pot hole while carrying an umbrella a sudden loss of balance and you go over the handlebars. That is one for the top 100 causes of bicycle accidents.
Another great video Simon, thank you. No mention of the cycling cape. Back in the 60s they were commonplace and I got very used to one and it keeps you dry but also warm and there’s no problem with condensation. The only part of you that will get wet is from the knees downwards. Nowadays, I only go on half day touring trips, but to have the cape in a pannier bag is quite convenient. It is really only for emergencies, and one drawback is that if you’re in to a strong headwind it’s almost impossible to make any progress, but with an electric bike, this is far less of a problem. You also need a photographic memory of what is on your handlebars because you can’t see any of it.
Oh I had a bright yellow cycling cape. It didn’t need to be breathable because of the ventilation but had all the problems you mention. I noticed one in Lidl yesterday although it might have been a hiking cape. I wonder if I can get one to play with?
I have a small cheapo red flashing light on the back of my helmet. It's amazingly eye catching in poor visibility I think because of the height above the road and your head movements. Another interesting and informative vid.Thank you
I tried the plastic bags as first layer in feet and it did seem to work. Also tried the think plastic gloves as first layer on hands which worked. Cheap ways that work.
Bib tights ‘over’ the overshoes works much better if you your kit allows. The wicking flow of water goes over the overshoe instead of into it. Also tape over the shoe vents and stick blue tack in the cleat bolt to fill the gaps. Without that water spray will very quickly fill your shoe from below.
Check out the Showa 282 fishing gloves. Completely waterproof and have warm liners. Used in the fishery industry. A lot of people use them for mountaineering, backpacking, and biking. They are amazing! The newer SHOWA 282-02 have drawstrings and are black instead of blue. They received feedback from the mountaineering community.
If its going to be both cold and wet I reach for neoprene booties/ shoe covers. Made from material similar to a wetsuit they offer some protection against wet, but more importantly offer insulation. When your feet eventually get wet, these keep them warm and happy.
Race cars increase tyre pressure on wet roads to reduce aquaplaning because the water can't escape through the grooves quick enough when the contact patch area is increased. In mud, higher pressure also makes tyres cut through to solid ground underneath. Lower pressure helps traction on gravel, rocks and sand, places where increased contact surface area is beneficial..
I agree that reducing tire pressure for wet roads doesn’t make sense on a bike. But bikes really can’t aquaplane-the canoe-shaped contact patch, round crosssection of the tires, and higher pressure all combine to make it basically impossible. Slip on wet surfaces? Absolutely! Trap and ride on a cushion of water? Not so much.
Clingwrap (plastic foil) around the shoes under the overshoes is the best tip I’ve found for Keeping feet warm. Like pointed out in tye video goretex shoes will eventually fill with water and your feet are suddenly in a cold swimming pool. The cling film keeps the drier as long or longer but also let’s water drain out. Keeps feet way warmer too. I ride all winter in norway with normal shoes, cling film and normal shoe covers. 3 merino wool tops under a a decent winter jacket keeps me warm in tye rain at around 0C and warm enough down to -10C (then it’s dry ofc). Then just put a lightweight rain jacket over the top and I’m good down to at least -15C.
Thanks for your videos. Love your enthusiasm. I'm a bit surprised you didn't mention neoprene in this one. I use neoprene overshoes to combat both wet and cold, and neoprene gloves when it's wet (but no colder than autumn temperatures). The point being that it's virtually impossible to keep out the wet completely, but neoprene allows that layer of moisture on your skin to stay warm, like with a wetsuit. No such thing as bad weather... only the wrong clothing!
Glad you like the videos Gerald. This was aimed at people new to cycling, so I have gone into more depth and highlighted neoprene in this one on gloves ua-cam.com/video/_p0h3hSOb-8/v-deo.html and on overshoes ua-cam.com/video/_hFpINhchUQ/v-deo.html
One big variable is temperature; cold and wet = miserable, warm and wet = not so bad. I don’t ride much in winter but between April and September, I don’t bother trying to keep legs and feet dry. SPD sandals work well for me.
If you live on the west coast of Scotland you sure must know about rain and the tips are very welcome. There are really two schools of thought: try to stay as dry as you can but accept you never will entirely or accept you're going to get wet and try and stay as warm and comfortable while sopping. I guess I now subscribe to the latter school but still dream of dryness. I do like waterproof socks and should add that the newer Sealskinz models have a built-in gaiter to stop water running into the socks. Did it take them 20 years to figure this out? Mudguards make a huge difference because arguably you get wetter from road spray than rain. Mudguard clearance is the first thing I check out when buying a new bike, long before carbon, steel titanium, unobtanium and the rest.
I agree with all of that. Staying warm even when wet is important and I should have mentioned it. I used the SealSkins with the bead of silicone around the cuff, but they still leak - check this video ua-cam.com/video/hKuAyyAlaWM/v-deo.html Oh and mudguards - absolutely!
I have never understood why the traditional yellow cycling cape has been abandoned. It worked! Coming from a notoriously wet part of the country, NW England, I used a readily available plastic or fabric shield around the rear of the front mudguard held on to the front spindle nuts by elastic cord. Not very aerodynamic of course but my legs and feet stayed dry.Nowadays, at 84 I tend to avoid heading out in the rain!
Waterproof shorts are THE best thing in really wet and/or cold conditions. Mtb'ers use them a lot, but road they work as well. I've had a pair for 15 years now, I wear them canoeing and sailing too.
I've had Endura and Scott. The Scott's were a better cut, latest Endura are lasting well even though they are the lighter weight model. If you've a bag or pocket you can always take them off or add mid ride like arm warmers.
I've found Jack Luke's (Bike Radar) suggestion of putting plastic bags directly over your feet before socks works well at keeping feet warm in winter, while using shoe covers as well. It also keeps feet warm when shoes and socks are soaked, but your feet are usually damp inside the bags anyway due to sweat, but at least they're warm & damp.
Thanks Andrew. My current favourite (this is an older video) is the one used by TransCon and other racers this year which I took on the TNR by MonkeySee. Day and night visible but extremely light and packable.
Two things I have found vital: mudguards and a drybag backpack. Mudguards protect me and the bike and I can get soaked and still have a dry change of clothes in a backpack. Alternatively drybag panniers work well too.
They are great points. Yep, my mudguards just went on for this winter, and I've been looking for a good, smallish, bright waterproof backpack. We had planned to do a video on commuting but the C19 changes messed up those plans.
Chamois creme is good for more than just riding, I worked as a landscape labourer in a very tropical climate. On the worst days without chamois creme could leave you bleeding at the end of the day
Coming from the renowned highly precipitous city of Manchester and regularly riding the equally rainy Pennines I like to have separate bidons for rainy rides with flip lids aswell as the conventional sipping teat. This protects the teat from road spray, dirt and specifically on country lanes farm related detritus including animal and chemical waste and in turn reduces the chances of me picking up bugs and mouthfuls of horribly tasting hydration.
Spatz overshoes with tights outside = ZERO trickle -down from the top and with good mudguards you can do many hours in heavy rain without too much penetration from cleat area. Waterproof socks would stop that too. Also simple to get on & off - unlike those dreadful velottoze. Expensive but my current pair now into third winter and used most days October to March.
For early morning rides, I wear a high visibility reflective vest/harness along with high vis velcro straps at my ankles. I have helmet mounted lights both front and rear and the same set also on my bike. Finally for side visibility, I added these cheap colorful pulsing LED lights that take the place of my screw on Shrader valve covers. They only light in the dark and when I’m in motion so come daylight, they stay off. Except for the helmet, I spent about $50 on the entire group of high vis equipment.
This past year I discovered that Velcro is a good way to keep the wind and rain from blowing my helmet cover off I put short lengths on the sides and front and back of my helmet. the type of Velcro that sticks to fabric and hard surfaces.. I also use it to attach my helmet mirror
Great video 👍 I don’t run flashing lights though, apparently it can affect epilepsy sufferers, and find it blinds me, really uncomfortable and dangerous, I’ve clipped a lamppost seeing stars! So now I wear yellow hi vis, a normal light, and I have a little low powered light facing towards my chest to illuminate my jacket. It makes more sense to drivers eyes, to see a ‘whole person’ shape, subconsciously they know which direction I’m going.
As always a great informative video - hope it reaches people who’d benefit most from the tips. Glad you dismissed helmet rain covers - so dorky looking!! Let’s hope for more dry weather over summer👍
always another adventure Cling film would look even worse although GCN promoted it in one of their videos as well as wrapping it around your feet - that might work a bit like using Polly bags inside boots 😉
@@alwaysanotheradventure I didn't have you down as a fashionista Simon, and I truly think if you put the same amount of good effort into researching helmet covers as you do all else - well you just might change your mind 🙂 Especially if your helmet has a visor, then the helmet cover does double duty, keeps specs dry(ish) and head too. Almost dispenses for a need for neck buff also. I ride in torrential stuff and - combined with good waterproofs & overshoes & helmet cover - manage to stay nearly completely dry, much to the surprise of many.
I'm a big fan of waterproof shorts. I find the Madison ones really good and a decent price. I love seal skinz socks as well even if they do fill with water I find they act like wetsuit boots and keep my feet pretty warm.
Thanks for that, I'll look out for the Madison ones. I'd tried some Endura from Wiggle but sent them back as they were too big and seemed a bit like plastic pants!
I used to get awful saddle sores years ago until my past bike riding buddies told me about "Bag Balm". I use a little when I plan to do longer rides and...no more saddle sores :).
I’m about to devour every beginner’s tip video you have on repeat. I wonder how different Scotland’s weather is from Maine, where I just moved. I’m going by the “buy fancy, buy once” ethos. Expensive outer layers, 2 base/core layer outfits and done with it. Quick opinion: carbon seat posts? GO!
Glad you find them useful Chris. Carbon seatposts - why? Clamp them too hard and they could break; they can't really handle bikepacking bags without excessive wear; can't take a clamp-rack like a Tailfin; and save only a few ounces that would be better taken off body weight 😁
@@alwaysanotheradventureThanx for responding! I've just heard a lot about how it absorbs the bumps really well, saves you some butt soreness. I'm riding road mostly though, haven't gotten to bike packing but its a goal for next year.(I got a Cannondale Synapse 3L for versatility.). I swear I notice the difference with carbon forks...al sot feels like I have front shocks.
@@winstonsmith8236 front fork is a lot longer than the part of the seatpost that is above the frame (and therefore could flex to absorb shocks) on most bikes. Best thing I’ve found for the saddle is a sprung saddle. I go with one of the Brooks leather saddles that has coil springs. Though even the unsprung Brooks saddles have a little more give because the leather is suspended from the rails-there’s no rigid shell underneath. Spouse prefers a saddle with rails that are designed to have a little more flex, and at least one of the saddles also doesn’t have a rigid shell under the saddle.
So… in conclusion. For us tour riders in the rain.. stay warm. Thats it. I ride wet. Very wet at times but am not cold. Rain is just a different kinda wetness and somewhat nicer than sweat. Waterproofs just result in a boil in the bag chicken feeling for me… ride safe..
Do you have any videos on riding etiquette for beginners? Like signaling for turning, transitioning from road to side walks and vice versa? Today's was my second ride ever and I decided to try riding in the road and I just felt like I was doing something wrong lol. Maybe because I'm not used to it.
Hi Helen - I haven't made any videos like that, sorry. Are you in the US? I ask because you wrote 'side walks', what we call 'pavements', and I believe in the US that means the 'road'. That's one reason not to make that video 😁. Seriously though, how cyclists interface with traffic hugely depends on location; the single-track roads around here would be utterly different to our busy main roads, to our towns and especially cities. The Highway Code has lots of really useful information regarding signalling.
You sound almost _exactly_ like ITV's Real Crime presenter (I Googled it and I think it's Mark Austen). Your videos are excellent BTW. It looks like you haven't been at this long, but you're gonna get soooooo many subscribers, I can just tell. 👍
Thanks! Mark Austen is a new one on me. I've been compared to John Craven and before him Michael Rodd form Tomorrow's World (going back in time). I guess it's just a TV voice 😂
Veotoze work pretty well but tape up any ventilation on the soles of your shoes as the water will eventually get in there. Downside is that they do tear easily and are difficult to put on. I like my cap from gore. Waterproof and the peak keeps the rain out your eyes.
I must admit I don't tend to go out riding much if it is wet but I too live in Scotland so it is an occupational hazard. For road spray, mudguards and neoprene overshoes are what work best and even neoprene toe protectors improve comfort greatly (pretty cheap too from the likes of Lomo or Wiggle) in the damp. I've got a number of 'water-proof' socks (DexShell & Sealskinz - the former being somewhat cheaper) but I always seem to get wet feet anyway. More recently I have focused trying to stay warm rather than dry and what works best there are thick merino socks (Bridgedale hillwalking socks but I have recently discovered some really cheap & warm socks on Planet X, like £3 a pair!) inside roomy shoes under neoprene overshoes. I get wet but generally stay pretty warm. The other main thing is choice of shoe. I don't have any gucci boots like yours (one day, maybe) but have a well ventilated pair and a non-ventilated pair. Guess which ones I wear on damp days? As for the shoes with vents in the soles, I don't think it ever gets warm enough for those in Scotland!
To add to the above, the emphasis on warmth over dryness is also gleaned from mountain biking where river crossings were guaranteed to get you wet so staying warm was paramount. In such conditions wearing shorts & leaving bare calves also keeps you warmer (I will wear tights on the road bike though). Also, making sure your shoes are not too tight so that circulation is maintained to your feet is very important for keeping you warm. My road shoes are a bit narrow so I have a tendency to get cold feet even on dry days. Not ideal.
With Sealskinz, assuming they aren’t worn out, either the water is running down your leg and past their cuffs, or it’s not rain, it’s sweat. If it’s running down your leg, waterproof pants, tights, or chaps that go over the socks will mostly fix it. But you’ll still get sweaty. Only solution I’ve found for that is silk sock liners or thin wool socks. Won’t keep you from sweating, but might keep you dry, and will keep you warm and comfortable even if you sweat more than the socks can wick away.
u mentioned everything but eyes, aka i'm looking for transparent rainprrof cycling glasses... for camera go pro 10 has the lense for rain, water just wipes off, i want the same for the glasses
Look for Rain-X, a product designed for car windscreens. I used that on my GoPro lenses when kayaking and it causes water to bead and roll off. I've yet to try on glasses though, and I'm not aware of any which come with the coating of a GP10 lens.
Well done video for beginners! Just one more hint: Wash out the pads of your helmet after every tour. If you just let it dry after a couple of tours and then get into rain all the dried salt washes out and runs in a concentrated fluid over your face and probably into your eyes - what is really no fun at all!
Thanks Markus - I can see how that would happen, but it's not something I have experienced, even when not wearing a cap. That said, the helmet pads should be cleans or they get really, well, ugh!
@@alwaysanotheradventure That was one of my first mistakes at the beginning... I did three or four long rides and just hang up my helmet and the next one I got into a heavy rain - with pretty salted water in my eyes. And, yes, you are right - besides the avoiding of a really bad sting in your eyes the pads should be cleaned regularly. - Greetings to Scotland! Been there three times and really love it - not only the landscapes, also the people!
I just fell today minor things i was like 25 kph as soon as i lean the bike (bye) the road was very wet not wet there was until 1cc of water very wet my wheels was rising a lot of water too and i was using 6 bars in my 700x28c tyres (very bad idea) was combination of going too fast in a roundbout using the max pressure lack of skill taking a curve and i think i gone over a metal platarform. I broke my front brake wire and a have a little Scratch in forearm, on the way to home i say i Guy with a MTB going fast drifted and made a wheelie i would like to ride like him. Hope i learn some day
Excellent, thank you! What about the chain of the bike after a wet ride? Do I need to dry it off or what care needs to be done to it? #newb and loving it!
Now that is an excellent point! A lot depends on the lube you're using but yes try to dry it if you can and, if it's a thin lube, get fresh back on. I'll do something on this because I have a trick to drying a chain with a cheap heat-gun and a bent bit of metal (so it doesn't damage frame, wheels or tyres). SO much to do right now! Glad you enjoy the content Joal.
Hi Mike - I have done a video about these but it's not yet finished. They're made by Sunwise and the brand is Austin. They're only available through opticians. The prescription bit, in my case, is varifocal and works well.
Thank you. Those are some interesting tips. So far, I have only used a poncho. What do you do to prevent sore ears because of cold wind in the morning and during rain?
Hi Robert - since shooting this video I've bought a pair and they're great on summer rainy days. I'm waiting for winter to see how they work over tights - slightly concerned they might be a little too slippery. Watch this space...
My issue is salt. Canadian here. They love to put salt on the roads, sidewalks, and it is not very nice for any thing mechanical especially if we get wet weather. I take my bike to the local car wash about once every two weeks for a gentle spray but it is just a PITA. Almost no one else will ride from Nov to May so I feel like I missed the seminar about not going out unless it is ideal conditions - what does everyone else do just sit and watch videos instead?
Great vid thanks. I have started commuting 24 miles a day all year round and slightly worried about how wet the winter will be (the cold is much easier to manage!) My only disagreement maybe is that you seem to say that all overshoes are useless?
Sorry if I gave the impression they're useless Fred. It's just that I've found most won't keep my feet completely dry on a longer ride when rain starts running down my legs and filling my shoes. If you ride 24miles a day year round, you do far more wet weather riding than me, so I'll benefit from your experience if you've found some which manage to avoid this. The ones which DO work for me are the tight, neoprene ones by Spatz - love these ua-cam.com/video/_hFpINhchUQ/v-deo.html
Rain is awful if you’re not dressed/prepared for it. Even a little bit of rain is trouble. It turns your bike into an unholy mess, contaminates your brake pads and rotors, and makes for really uncomfortable pedaling. That and the cold - still recovering from last Friday morning. Got dead-cold over five hours…
But what about glasses? What are the perfect glasses for rain/winter riding for commuting? I already tried some pair but they all get foggy. An the ones which dont fog up, are useless when it rains because the rain "sticks" to the glasses. The best pair that worked till now are actually clear ski glasses.
I wish I knew! However, I am working on this with an optician who is also a cyclist. I have an eye test booked early next year (when I hope we can travel) and then we’ll see if I’ve found an answer for you. My current glasses don’t fog up riding only when wearing a mask in a cafe. But they do bead with rain at times. Two options that work for me are RainX on the outer visor and, most useful, the stubby peak of that cap deflects the worst. There is a video all about the glasses I’m using (Sunwise Austin) you might find helpful.
Yes Derek, it was Look North. Go to 3:10 in this video to see how I looked 40 years ago! 4 Key attitude essentials for healthy ageing ua-cam.com/video/XcOlzueUYA8/v-deo.html
Here in 2022. Getting ready to head out into potential rain and this videos shows up recommended when I log into YT. We are in the matrix. Is Mandela still alive in this timeline??? 😂
@@alwaysanotheradventure is it less rain in the west? I first wanted to move to Highlands but I was told accent is heavier there than Glasgow. It was the only reason I came to Glasgow instead of Highlands:) I work now in NHS.
@@travellerseko Serkan - frankly if you can comprehend a strong Glaswegian accent you can understand anyone on the west coast. The rain is about the same here, maybe a little more. By comparison, Edinburgh is relatively cold and dry.
Kind of ironic how he mentions a recycled bag immediately after showing off his Gortex jacket. I guess pfas haven’t been on peoples radars for very long.
Sadly the zipped cuff one is ancient and not Shakedry. All the Shakedry I can find is black, and I do have one with fluro panels on the arms and back, but not zipped cuffs.
The only other thing to add is make sure shampoo is entirely rinced out of hair before riding in rain . If you don't the shampoo residue will irritate your eyes .
Do you do all of the production yourself? This is professional level and a lot better than some dedicated bike channels. How are you finding the Camino since your video on it? Anything new of note? That's a dream bike for me I hope to get one day. For now I ordered the Wonder Frontier for my long range trips!
Thanks Keith - yes, I'm a one-man-band. Forty years in broadcasting, doing every job from presenting live TV, to pointing cameras, to driving a radio studio has given me a weird bag of skills that only now seem to be coming together! 😂 I must say I rather fancy a Frontier for longer off-road rides. The Camino continues to delight me - about to go for a ride now - and they have updated the frame design, although I'm not sure exactly what they've changed. Hmm, I need to find that out... That said, there are some great Ti gravel bikes out there from PlanetX, Ribble and more, all at good prices.
@@alwaysanotheradventure You voice is very familiar to me, I've heard you in more than one documentary I think. I took your advice and cancelled my Frontier order, went with an entry level Gravel bike, Marin Gestalt X10
I did 18 mile today during this horrible rain once your that wet you just dont care and speed up and ride stright through puddles and dirt and smile at the drivers with there window wipers going full speed
Matt R - “Hothands” footwarmers, with single sided adhesion stuck on top of your socks at the toes, or their insole footwarmers both work a treat and last several hours.
Its tough for me cause i use my bicycle instead of my car for commuting everywhere even tho im not a cyclist. I do struggle to find waterproof coats and trousers, performance isnt my priority just getting from A to B.
Hmm, Altura do some tough cycling specific over trousers which I used to use when commuting in Glasgow. They have velcro straps to pull the legs in. For a jacket I'd go fluro and the most bombproof Goretex I could find - hood and all.
Endura makes some good all weather gear. And fox has a "waterproof" glove that has kept my hands dry for 3 years now. but if its really cold rain they dont help keep out the cold, endura has one that does both but they're bulky and not good if its not really cold out as your hands will just sweat in them. Pants are the hardest thing for me to find when it comes to keeping dry but not having my pedaling restricted, If i use endura's rain pants I have to have leggings under, because the material clings to your legs if you sweat at all.
Honestly, a portable wind resistant umbrella works pretty well for commuting in most situations. It is what a lot of people here in the Netherlands use, me included. A simple raincoat over your normal outdoor clothing works too. And there is of course always the option of toughing it out, but in that case I recommend having something on your head that protects your eyes. One advantage of wearing glasses is that pretty much any kind of cap or hat will keep the rain out of my eyes while cycling without hindering visibility on the sides. As for your pants, I got nothing. Here in the Netherlands we don't really care about wet pants. The few times that they do get wet enough we just let them dry while wearing them or take them off at home and put on dry pants. Some spare pants and socks also work pretty well as long as you keep them in a plastic bag. As long as there is a toilet with a proper door on your destination, you can just swap out your pants on location.
It was as simple as an iPhone and a GoPro for a while. Now it's getting fancier. I'll think about doing one but I wasn't sure whether anyone would be interested.
The detail, thoughtfulness and quality of this video is astounding. This is television quality. Bravo.
Thanks Christian - that was my old job.
@@alwaysanotheradventure you can clearly tell
For me, it’s not so much about staying dry as avoiding wind-chill. The biggest change for me was relaxing to the idea of carrying a few extra items of clothing in a saddle-bag or small back-pack made a difference. It lets me avoid getting cold if the pace drops or I need to stop for a while.
If you plan a cafe stop have a dry thermal top to put on instead of the soggy one, it’s pure luxury. Also lower your ambitions to match conditions, nothing worse than trying to ride home tired AND cold. The big thing is get out, keep it short whilst experimenting with clothing combinations and gradually go on longer rides as you get confidence in your system. It’s not like we’re short of wet days in which to figure out these things😂
I have moved to Sydney/Australia 24 years ago. The climate here is pretty awesome and we can afford to avoid cycling in the rain, but my wife and I are moving back to France for a few years so your experience is extremely valuable and will help me cope with the odd nasty wet and cold rides!
Thank you so much, your videos are top notch!
This is quite old now and kit has improved. The rain hasn’t 🤣
Thank you for mentioning about the paint on the roads because that is a very under stated hazard, and extremely dangerous at any speed for a total wipeout.
Wet boots with tights used to drive me mad as a taller rider so I bought a pair of grip grab commuter overshoes which come higher up the leg and crucially my bib tights go over the top of these now to stop water running inside and filling the boot. Comfy ever since even in a downpour.
I second merino socks for wet cycling, running. I use Smartwool. I use Endura MT500 trousers for commuting (~20 miles) and they keep me warm and even pretty dry through the winter.
I got a pair of Altura waterproof socks that have a merino inner liner. Work great. Not smells on long bikepacking trips too.
Endura are my go-to company. For me, they seem to have struck the right balance between price, performance and quality.
My best tip is merino wool. Even when wet it keeps you warm. Unlike the synthetic materials.
Couldn't agree more - that top I'm wearing is Merino. I should have made more of that, so thanks.
Personally, I find that the best mantra is simply to remember your skin is as waterproof as you'll ever need. Cycling in the wet is more about keeping warm than it is about keeping dry.
In the case of your core, hands, and feet - these areas will certainly benefit from being dry, and luckily are fairly easy to keep that way. The arms and legs though I'm less worried about. Arm and leg warmers work even when they're wet in my experience. The real key is in the mudguards - your tyres pick up all sorts of shite from the road and all it takes is one wipe of your saddle after a wet-ride without guards to realise just how much grit, sand, dirt, etc gets thrown at you from your own wheels.
A good rainproof jacket, winter over-shoes, and gloves are necessary. Depending on the temperature, arm and leg warmers to complement the usual lycra. It's done me fine for years. At the end of the day, if it is really raining you have to question why you're out riding at all. because either you don't know and maybe you should go tomorrow when the sun's out, or you do know in which case you probably already have the dedication and motivation to ignore a bit of wet for a while.
Never complain about being wet when we go swimming do we? Funny that...
Good points. And can train to get used to the cold. Can do it by just cycling at milder temps over time. Does not have to be extreme ice dips! On long bike packing trips rain can become an issue with wet clothes if cannot get them dry. Causes rubbing on skin.
I agree with your first point - often repeated to club mates. The part about swimming is a tad misleading. Of course you know you will be wet swimming and their is no windchill. Of course in very cold water we are back to your point 1.😉
@Marc Daniels aye the point was just when we are prepared to be wet we don't seem to mind, it's only when we hope to not be wet that it's a problem.
If you're always prepared for the rain you'll always be content!
Where would I find arm and leg warmers and what material would you recommend. Wool?
Where would I find arm and leg warmers and what material would you recommend. Wool?
Loving your videos. Just wanted to add a thought concerning being seen at night.
Having one front flashing light gets you noticed however, it’s really difficult for car drivers to judge your distance , especially in the rear view mirror. As you mentioned, it’s better to have one front light on flash and a fixed light which helps a driver judge your distance.
Absolutely Michael - worth reinforcing too. In fact I don't like a flashing front light at night because it gives a strobe effect and I find it a little harder to see. Flash and stable on the rear for me.
Wet feet are always the one bain of my life in winter. I find the combination of boots with shoe covers (Velotoze, preferably, carefully slipped on) and mudguards provide maximum safeguarding as possible, for me certainly. But, in my opinion, heading out and just accepting you’re going to get a bit wet and soggy does help. Another well produced upload 👍🏻
Thanks - and I agee with you. Understanding you’re going to get soggy is a bit part of the mindset.
I agree, feet are the worse to bear wet. I don't mind so much about the rest of my body.
My recipe for warm feet is wool socks. Thick ones. You can't keep the water out, but you can keep the feet warm. This has to be paired with either a boot cover or the old standby of sandwich bags over the socks (just tuck them up under the tights to keep them neat). This keeps the wind out so you can warm things up.
I also recommend safety glasses from the hardware store for riding in the rain. Sunglasses are unnecessary in the day and dangerous at night, but you need to shield your eyes. You can of course get cycling specific ones, but I've found they don't work any better.
A couple of great tips there Brian - thank you.
As a brand new road cyclist I found this video extremely helpful. I am looking forward to watching the rest of the beginner series.
Thanks for letting me know - that’s exactly my goal with the series.
The honesty in this video and no pandering is refreshing
Thanks André - I hope you find more you like on the channel
A trip to a kayaking store can offer some great ideas. I find the only areas that I can keep dry are my head (helmet cover & bandanna) & core (rain jacket) so I use kayaking socks, neoprene over covers, full finger insulated gloves & GoreTex over mitts. I just bought fenders to try out but, not crazy about their weight & bulk.
Helmet covers are very good, totally dry and air space allows head to breath. Never had one blow off the helmet. I use goretex ski mitts when the weather is very wet. I also use a goretex jacket with a hood. Goretex again for my trousers. Important to treat goretex as per manufacturers instructions. I travel everywhere with rear panniers and handlebar bag. On the offside panniers I tie on a cut up high vis jacket. My experince ... I have just spent two years on a fully loaded 50 kg plus bike around Europe and Africa, wild camping for weeks on end, in all weather's. Comfort over speed. Also good to carry a shower cap for a leather saddle, when stopped and treat saddle with wax often.
+1 on the shower cap/leather saddle hack.
Thermal liner socks, thinner, with water proof socks on top. I think my waterproof socks need replaced they're ancient, but did great for riding through rivers for years, and a few years of commuting. I Remember the old broke days in the 80's riding with plastic bags over my socks, staying dry but still freezing, lol. It's bad that helmet covers are so hideous mine is arriving Friday for any rainy days here, lol. Not on staying dry but staying warm, on cold winter rides here i have my velo canteen filled with coffee on most rides, 1 canteen of coffee and one regular bottle for water.. happy winter riding. Drew.
I don't think helmet covers are that bad looking. Better unstylish than cold and damp.
For keeping my head dry I carry a shower cap. Those cheap thin throw away ones that you get in hotels. Put your helmet on over the shower cap. It also protects the ears.
Dude thanks from a young 63yo
Beginner, here in California we are not getting a lot of rain lately. But when we do I’ll be ready. I need to find a bike riding in Fire video.
I'd laugh Mike but I guess climate change isn't something to laugh at, and neither are those wildfires which have beenb happening all around the world. Always good to be ready though.
Good job, ol chap. You are very well spoken and a master of the English language and very knowledgeable about wet weather cycling. Be advised it is good to check the radar for any incoming storms before your daily commute or just phone for a lift. Be alert to objects and puddles in your path. Tree leaves, crossing wet rail road tracks, and wet roads are slipping hazards.
All excellently advice Charles. So many puddles end up being potholes that can pitch you off the bike.
My accent is not exactly RP - I think it’s just posh Geordie. 😁
Quite true,@@alwaysanotheradventure. It is not safe to hit a pot hole while carrying an umbrella a sudden loss of balance and you go over the handlebars. That is one for the top 100 causes of bicycle accidents.
Cycling about recommends the traditional poncho. I invested in a shakedry myself. Very good but does seem fragile!
Another great video Simon, thank you. No mention of the cycling cape. Back in the 60s they were commonplace and I got very used to one and it keeps you dry but also warm and there’s no problem with condensation. The only part of you that will get wet is from the knees downwards. Nowadays, I only go on half day touring trips, but to have the cape in a pannier bag is quite convenient. It is really only for emergencies, and one drawback is that if you’re in to a strong headwind it’s almost impossible to make any progress, but with an electric bike, this is far less of a problem. You also need a photographic memory of what is on your handlebars because you can’t see any of it.
Oh I had a bright yellow cycling cape. It didn’t need to be breathable because of the ventilation but had all the problems you mention. I noticed one in Lidl yesterday although it might have been a hiking cape. I wonder if I can get one to play with?
I have a small cheapo red flashing light on the back of my helmet. It's amazingly eye catching in poor visibility I think because of the height above the road and your head movements. Another interesting and informative vid.Thank you
That's a good idea!
I tried the plastic bags as first layer in feet and it did seem to work. Also tried the think plastic gloves as first layer on hands which worked. Cheap ways that work.
Bib tights ‘over’ the overshoes works much better if you your kit allows. The wicking flow of water goes over the overshoe instead of into it. Also tape over the shoe vents and stick blue tack in the cleat bolt to fill the gaps. Without that water spray will very quickly fill your shoe from below.
Check out the Showa 282 fishing gloves. Completely waterproof and have warm liners. Used in the fishery industry. A lot of people use them for mountaineering, backpacking, and biking. They are amazing! The newer SHOWA 282-02 have drawstrings and are black instead of blue. They received feedback from the mountaineering community.
They look good! Fairly cheap too. Thanks for that.
If its going to be both cold and wet I reach for neoprene booties/ shoe covers. Made from material similar to a wetsuit they offer some protection against wet, but more importantly offer insulation. When your feet eventually get wet, these keep them warm and happy.
Apologies if this has been mentioned before but the ....erm....best cream /stuff for Girlies is Vaseline IMHO!😁 Great tips thanks! Steph
Race cars increase tyre pressure on wet roads to reduce aquaplaning because the water can't escape through the grooves quick enough when the contact patch area is increased. In mud, higher pressure also makes tyres cut through to solid ground underneath. Lower pressure helps traction on gravel, rocks and sand, places where increased contact surface area is beneficial..
I agree that reducing tire pressure for wet roads doesn’t make sense on a bike. But bikes really can’t aquaplane-the canoe-shaped contact patch, round crosssection of the tires, and higher pressure all combine to make it basically impossible. Slip on wet surfaces? Absolutely! Trap and ride on a cushion of water? Not so much.
Clingwrap (plastic foil) around the shoes under the overshoes is the best tip I’ve found for Keeping feet warm. Like pointed out in tye video goretex shoes will eventually fill with water and your feet are suddenly in a cold swimming pool. The cling film keeps the drier as long or longer but also let’s water drain out. Keeps feet way warmer too. I ride all winter in norway with normal shoes, cling film and normal shoe covers.
3 merino wool tops under a a decent winter jacket keeps me warm in tye rain at around 0C and warm enough down to -10C (then it’s dry ofc). Then just put a lightweight rain jacket over the top and I’m good down to at least -15C.
I’m going to try the clingfilm for sure.
Thanks for your videos. Love your enthusiasm. I'm a bit surprised you didn't mention neoprene in this one. I use neoprene overshoes to combat both wet and cold, and neoprene gloves when it's wet (but no colder than autumn temperatures). The point being that it's virtually impossible to keep out the wet completely, but neoprene allows that layer of moisture on your skin to stay warm, like with a wetsuit. No such thing as bad weather... only the wrong clothing!
Glad you like the videos Gerald. This was aimed at people new to cycling, so I have gone into more depth and highlighted neoprene in this one on gloves ua-cam.com/video/_p0h3hSOb-8/v-deo.html and on overshoes ua-cam.com/video/_hFpINhchUQ/v-deo.html
@@alwaysanotheradventure Brilliant - thank you!
One big variable is temperature; cold and wet = miserable, warm and wet = not so bad.
I don’t ride much in winter but between April and September, I don’t bother trying to keep legs and feet dry. SPD sandals work well for me.
That's a very good point, so thanks for making it.
Warm and wet : sounds like my mrs on a Saturday night
In winter I wear hiking boots to cycle and make sure they’ve absorbed plenty of boot polish. They keep my feet dry and warmish.
This is great stuff. And that case made from old car tires is awesome! Fair play for reusing in a clever way 🙂
If you live on the west coast of Scotland you sure must know about rain and the tips are very welcome. There are really two schools of thought: try to stay as dry as you can but accept you never will entirely or accept you're going to get wet and try and stay as warm and comfortable while sopping. I guess I now subscribe to the latter school but still dream of dryness. I do like waterproof socks and should add that the newer Sealskinz models have a built-in gaiter to stop water running into the socks. Did it take them 20 years to figure this out? Mudguards make a huge difference because arguably you get wetter from road spray than rain. Mudguard clearance is the first thing I check out when buying a new bike, long before carbon, steel titanium, unobtanium and the rest.
I agree with all of that. Staying warm even when wet is important and I should have mentioned it. I used the SealSkins with the bead of silicone around the cuff, but they still leak - check this video ua-cam.com/video/hKuAyyAlaWM/v-deo.html Oh and mudguards - absolutely!
Okay you mentioned a lot of things I didn't even think of. Thanks
You're so welcome!
I have never understood why the traditional yellow cycling cape has been abandoned.
It worked!
Coming from a notoriously wet part of the country, NW England, I used a readily available plastic or fabric shield around the rear of the front mudguard held on to the front spindle nuts by elastic cord. Not very aerodynamic of course but my legs and feet stayed dry.Nowadays, at 84 I tend to avoid heading out in the rain!
So many bikes don’t have mudguards now so a cape is less than ideal for road spray - but I get your point Keith!
Another advantage of a cap under the helmet is the peak helps keep rain off specs.
Waterproof shorts are THE best thing in really wet and/or cold conditions. Mtb'ers use them a lot, but road they work as well. I've had a pair for 15 years now, I wear them canoeing and sailing too.
Any brand recommendations Matt?
I've had Endura and Scott. The Scott's were a better cut, latest Endura are lasting well even though they are the lighter weight model. If you've a bag or pocket you can always take them off or add mid ride like arm warmers.
Well done. Very thorough and informative.
I've found Jack Luke's (Bike Radar) suggestion of putting plastic bags directly over your feet before socks works well at keeping feet warm in winter, while using shoe covers as well. It also keeps feet warm when shoes and socks are soaked, but your feet are usually damp inside the bags anyway due to sweat, but at least they're warm & damp.
Altura do a high vis vest high reflective vest. Packs up super tiny and goes over any layer. Can get night only versions that are not yellow.
Thanks Andrew. My current favourite (this is an older video) is the one used by TransCon and other racers this year which I took on the TNR by MonkeySee. Day and night visible but extremely light and packable.
Two things I have found vital: mudguards and a drybag backpack. Mudguards protect me and the bike and I can get soaked and still have a dry change of clothes in a backpack. Alternatively drybag panniers work well too.
They are great points. Yep, my mudguards just went on for this winter, and I've been looking for a good, smallish, bright waterproof backpack. We had planned to do a video on commuting but the C19 changes messed up those plans.
Chamois creme is good for more than just riding, I worked as a landscape labourer in a very tropical climate. On the worst days without chamois creme could leave you bleeding at the end of the day
Ooof. That’s tough.
Coming from the renowned highly precipitous city of Manchester and regularly riding the equally rainy Pennines I like to have separate bidons for rainy rides with flip lids aswell as the conventional sipping teat. This protects the teat from road spray, dirt and specifically on country lanes farm related detritus including animal and chemical waste and in turn reduces the chances of me picking up bugs and mouthfuls of horribly tasting hydration.
Oh very good idea!
Spatz overshoes with tights outside = ZERO trickle -down from the top and with good mudguards you can do many hours in heavy rain without too much penetration from cleat area. Waterproof socks would stop that too. Also simple to get on & off - unlike those dreadful velottoze. Expensive but my current pair now into third winter and used most days October to March.
Thanks Phillip - I really am going to have to take a serious look at those Spatz.
For early morning rides, I wear a high visibility reflective vest/harness along with high vis velcro straps at my ankles. I have helmet mounted lights both front and rear and the same set also on my bike. Finally for side visibility, I added these cheap colorful pulsing LED lights that take the place of my screw on Shrader valve covers. They only light in the dark and when I’m in motion so come daylight, they stay off. Except for the helmet, I spent about $50 on the entire group of high vis equipment.
Sounds like you have it well covered!
This past year I discovered that Velcro is a good way to keep the wind and rain from blowing my helmet cover off I put short lengths on the sides and front and back of my helmet. the type of Velcro that sticks to fabric and hard surfaces.. I also use it to attach my helmet mirror
That’s such a good idea. Wish I’d put some inside my hood for really bad mountain days.
I really like this series, It`s some very useful Information!
Glad you think so Jonas!
Great video 👍 I don’t run flashing lights though, apparently it can affect epilepsy sufferers, and find it blinds me, really uncomfortable and dangerous, I’ve clipped a lamppost seeing stars! So now I wear yellow hi vis, a normal light, and I have a little low powered light facing towards my chest to illuminate my jacket. It makes more sense to drivers eyes, to see a ‘whole person’ shape, subconsciously they know which direction I’m going.
What an interesting idea Jesse
@@alwaysanotheradventure Ta! My husband calls it ‘The Ghost thats Cycling Past’ but that’s better than a UFO 😂
As always a great informative video - hope it reaches people who’d benefit most from the tips. Glad you dismissed helmet rain covers - so dorky looking!! Let’s hope for more dry weather over summer👍
Thanks for that Graham. Helmet covers are ugh, except the ones by Velotoze which actually look decent, but I didn't want to confuse things.
always another adventure Cling film would look even worse although GCN promoted it in one of their videos as well as wrapping it around your feet - that might work a bit like using Polly bags inside boots 😉
@@alwaysanotheradventure I didn't have you down as a fashionista Simon, and I truly think if you put the same amount of good effort into researching helmet covers as you do all else - well you just might change your mind 🙂 Especially if your helmet has a visor, then the helmet cover does double duty, keeps specs dry(ish) and head too. Almost dispenses for a need for neck buff also. I ride in torrential stuff and - combined with good waterproofs & overshoes & helmet cover - manage to stay nearly completely dry, much to the surprise of many.
The only advice for cycling in the rain is don't stop until you've got there
😂
I'm a big fan of waterproof shorts. I find the Madison ones really good and a decent price. I love seal skinz socks as well even if they do fill with water I find they act like wetsuit boots and keep my feet pretty warm.
Thanks for that, I'll look out for the Madison ones. I'd tried some Endura from Wiggle but sent them back as they were too big and seemed a bit like plastic pants!
I used to get awful saddle sores years ago until my past bike riding buddies told me about "Bag Balm". I use a little when I plan to do longer rides and...no more saddle sores :).
Lots of other chamois creams available too.
This is great thank you, sharing it on our Bike Revolution Facebook page.
Thanks - looks like you have a lot of good stuff on that page!
I’m about to devour every beginner’s tip video you have on repeat. I wonder how different Scotland’s weather is from Maine, where I just moved. I’m going by the “buy fancy, buy once” ethos. Expensive outer layers, 2 base/core layer outfits and done with it. Quick opinion: carbon seat posts? GO!
Glad you find them useful Chris. Carbon seatposts - why? Clamp them too hard and they could break; they can't really handle bikepacking bags without excessive wear; can't take a clamp-rack like a Tailfin; and save only a few ounces that would be better taken off body weight 😁
@@alwaysanotheradventureThanx for responding! I've just heard a lot about how it absorbs the bumps really well, saves you some butt soreness. I'm riding road mostly though, haven't gotten to bike packing but its a goal for next year.(I got a Cannondale Synapse 3L for versatility.). I swear I notice the difference with carbon forks...al sot feels like I have front shocks.
@@winstonsmith8236 front fork is a lot longer than the part of the seatpost that is above the frame (and therefore could flex to absorb shocks) on most bikes.
Best thing I’ve found for the saddle is a sprung saddle. I go with one of the Brooks leather saddles that has coil springs. Though even the unsprung Brooks saddles have a little more give because the leather is suspended from the rails-there’s no rigid shell underneath. Spouse prefers a saddle with rails that are designed to have a little more flex, and at least one of the saddles also doesn’t have a rigid shell under the saddle.
So… in conclusion. For us tour riders in the rain.. stay warm. Thats it. I ride wet. Very wet at times but am not cold. Rain is just a different kinda wetness and somewhat nicer than sweat. Waterproofs just result in a boil in the bag chicken feeling for me… ride safe..
very useful info thanks!!
Do you have any videos on riding etiquette for beginners? Like signaling for turning, transitioning from road to side walks and vice versa? Today's was my second ride ever and I decided to try riding in the road and I just felt like I was doing something wrong lol. Maybe because I'm not used to it.
Hi Helen - I haven't made any videos like that, sorry. Are you in the US? I ask because you wrote 'side walks', what we call 'pavements', and I believe in the US that means the 'road'. That's one reason not to make that video 😁. Seriously though, how cyclists interface with traffic hugely depends on location; the single-track roads around here would be utterly different to our busy main roads, to our towns and especially cities. The Highway Code has lots of really useful information regarding signalling.
Great information and very well put together. Thank you Simon!
Thanks Darren, glad you liked it
You sound almost _exactly_ like ITV's Real Crime presenter (I Googled it and I think it's Mark Austen). Your videos are excellent BTW. It looks like you haven't been at this long, but you're gonna get soooooo many subscribers, I can just tell. 👍
Thanks! Mark Austen is a new one on me. I've been compared to John Craven and before him Michael Rodd form Tomorrow's World (going back in time). I guess it's just a TV voice 😂
Veotoze work pretty well but tape up any ventilation on the soles of your shoes as the water will eventually get in there. Downside is that they do tear easily and are difficult to put on.
I like my cap from gore. Waterproof and the peak keeps the rain out your eyes.
Good advice - I'll look out for one of those Gore caps too, thanks.
I'd like to add that its important to keep your knees warm when commuting or cycling in colder wet weather.
You're right - good point.
Thank you very much Simon, very good video
I must admit I don't tend to go out riding much if it is wet but I too live in Scotland so it is an occupational hazard. For road spray, mudguards and neoprene overshoes are what work best and even neoprene toe protectors improve comfort greatly (pretty cheap too from the likes of Lomo or Wiggle) in the damp.
I've got a number of 'water-proof' socks (DexShell & Sealskinz - the former being somewhat cheaper) but I always seem to get wet feet anyway. More recently I have focused trying to stay warm rather than dry and what works best there are thick merino socks (Bridgedale hillwalking socks but I have recently discovered some really cheap & warm socks on Planet X, like £3 a pair!) inside roomy shoes under neoprene overshoes. I get wet but generally stay pretty warm.
The other main thing is choice of shoe. I don't have any gucci boots like yours (one day, maybe) but have a well ventilated pair and a non-ventilated pair. Guess which ones I wear on damp days? As for the shoes with vents in the soles, I don't think it ever gets warm enough for those in Scotland!
To add to the above, the emphasis on warmth over dryness is also gleaned from mountain biking where river crossings were guaranteed to get you wet so staying warm was paramount. In such conditions wearing shorts & leaving bare calves also keeps you warmer (I will wear tights on the road bike though).
Also, making sure your shoes are not too tight so that circulation is maintained to your feet is very important for keeping you warm. My road shoes are a bit narrow so I have a tendency to get cold feet even on dry days. Not ideal.
Some great advice here!
With Sealskinz, assuming they aren’t worn out, either the water is running down your leg and past their cuffs, or it’s not rain, it’s sweat.
If it’s running down your leg, waterproof pants, tights, or chaps that go over the socks will mostly fix it.
But you’ll still get sweaty. Only solution I’ve found for that is silk sock liners or thin wool socks. Won’t keep you from sweating, but might keep you dry, and will keep you warm and comfortable even if you sweat more than the socks can wick away.
u mentioned everything but eyes, aka i'm looking for transparent rainprrof cycling glasses... for camera go pro 10 has the lense for rain, water just wipes off, i want the same for the glasses
Look for Rain-X, a product designed for car windscreens. I used that on my GoPro lenses when kayaking and it causes water to bead and roll off. I've yet to try on glasses though, and I'm not aware of any which come with the coating of a GP10 lens.
Well done video for beginners! Just one more hint: Wash out the pads of your helmet after every tour. If you just let it dry after a couple of tours and then get into rain all the dried salt washes out and runs in a concentrated fluid over your face and probably into your eyes - what is really no fun at all!
Thanks Markus - I can see how that would happen, but it's not something I have experienced, even when not wearing a cap. That said, the helmet pads should be cleans or they get really, well, ugh!
@@alwaysanotheradventure That was one of my first mistakes at the beginning... I did three or four long rides and just hang up my helmet and the next one I got into a heavy rain - with pretty salted water in my eyes. And, yes, you are right - besides the avoiding of a really bad sting in your eyes the pads should be cleaned regularly. - Greetings to Scotland! Been there three times and really love it - not only the landscapes, also the people!
I just fell today minor things i was like 25 kph as soon as i lean the bike (bye) the road was very wet not wet there was until 1cc of water very wet my wheels was rising a lot of water too and i was using 6 bars in my 700x28c tyres (very bad idea) was combination of going too fast in a roundbout using the max pressure lack of skill taking a curve and i think i gone over a metal platarform. I broke my front brake wire and a have a little Scratch in forearm, on the way to home i say i Guy with a MTB going fast drifted and made a wheelie i would like to ride like him. Hope i learn some day
Ouch - hope you're ok Lonardo
Excellent, thank you! What about the chain of the bike after a wet ride? Do I need to dry it off or what care needs to be done to it? #newb and loving it!
Now that is an excellent point! A lot depends on the lube you're using but yes try to dry it if you can and, if it's a thin lube, get fresh back on. I'll do something on this because I have a trick to drying a chain with a cheap heat-gun and a bent bit of metal (so it doesn't damage frame, wheels or tyres). SO much to do right now! Glad you enjoy the content Joal.
A great video, well put together
Can you please tell me about your glasses and sunglasses. What do you use for sunglasses over prescription glasses?
Hi Mike - I have done a video about these but it's not yet finished. They're made by Sunwise and the brand is Austin. They're only available through opticians. The prescription bit, in my case, is varifocal and works well.
Thank you. Those are some interesting tips. So far, I have only used a poncho. What do you do to prevent sore ears because of cold wind in the morning and during rain?
The winter versions of the caps I wear under the helmet have ear flaps. Others use a snood.
Cotton balls or ear plugs with ear warmer wrap.
Waterproof baggy shorts interesting, thanks mate good video
Hi Robert - since shooting this video I've bought a pair and they're great on summer rainy days. I'm waiting for winter to see how they work over tights - slightly concerned they might be a little too slippery. Watch this space...
Another smart video. I don't ride in cities either as I don't want to die 😅
😂😂 I had to ride through Edinburgh last June, tram tracks and traffic. God but it was scary!
Yet when I last googled, it seemed like an awful lot of hit-and-run cyclist deaths seemed to happen on rural roads.
My issue is salt. Canadian here. They love to put salt on the roads, sidewalks, and it is not very nice for any thing mechanical especially if we get wet weather. I take my bike to the local car wash about once every two weeks for a gentle spray but it is just a PITA. Almost no one else will ride from Nov to May so I feel like I missed the seminar about not going out unless it is ideal conditions - what does everyone else do just sit and watch videos instead?
Hello @alwaysanotheradventure, I would need to ride with prescription glasses, any thoughts?
There are these Toby, but I'm working on a video (for the UK) about some better ones ua-cam.com/video/TcN3S67ijJE/v-deo.html
Great vid thanks. I have started commuting 24 miles a day all year round and slightly worried about how wet the winter will be (the cold is much easier to manage!) My only disagreement maybe is that you seem to say that all overshoes are useless?
Sorry if I gave the impression they're useless Fred. It's just that I've found most won't keep my feet completely dry on a longer ride when rain starts running down my legs and filling my shoes.
If you ride 24miles a day year round, you do far more wet weather riding than me, so I'll benefit from your experience if you've found some which manage to avoid this. The ones which DO work for me are the tight, neoprene ones by Spatz - love these ua-cam.com/video/_hFpINhchUQ/v-deo.html
Rain is awful if you’re not dressed/prepared for it. Even a little bit of rain is trouble.
It turns your bike into an unholy mess, contaminates your brake pads and rotors, and makes for really uncomfortable pedaling. That and the cold - still recovering from last Friday morning. Got dead-cold over five hours…
But what about glasses? What are the perfect glasses for rain/winter riding for commuting? I already tried some pair but they all get foggy. An the ones which dont fog up, are useless when it rains because the rain "sticks" to the glasses. The best pair that worked till now are actually clear ski glasses.
I wish I knew! However, I am working on this with an optician who is also a cyclist. I have an eye test booked early next year (when I hope we can travel) and then we’ll see if I’ve found an answer for you.
My current glasses don’t fog up riding only when wearing a mask in a cafe. But they do bead with rain at times.
Two options that work for me are RainX on the outer visor and, most useful, the stubby peak of that cap deflects the worst.
There is a video all about the glasses I’m using (Sunwise Austin) you might find helpful.
Were you on Look North or maybe Border tv? I do seem to recall seeing/hearing you.
Yes Derek, it was Look North. Go to 3:10 in this video to see how I looked 40 years ago!
4 Key attitude essentials for healthy ageing
ua-cam.com/video/XcOlzueUYA8/v-deo.html
Thanks.
When riding in rain you have a choice: Either you get wet and warm by water or by sweat. I prefer the former.
Succinctly put!
I don't care which, it's usually both. It's about being warm.
Here in 2022. Getting ready to head out into potential rain and this videos shows up recommended when I log into YT. We are in the matrix. Is Mandela still alive in this timeline??? 😂
🤣 he’s World King
Hi Simon. You didn’t mention capes. I sense you would not recommend these, or am I wrong?
I’d decades since I used one and if they’re still the same they do nothing for road spray - although great mudguards help.
@@alwaysanotheradventure I’m only asking, for, at the end of the day, they don’t make you attractive to women.
Here in Australia we just wait for the next day...😂😂😂😂
Thanks for the tips. I moved to Glasgow and I need to follow them strictly 😂
I worked ten years in Glasgow and rarely went out without a foldable umbrella in my bag. Just a way of life in the west.
@@alwaysanotheradventure is it less rain in the west? I first wanted to move to Highlands but I was told accent is heavier there than Glasgow. It was the only reason I came to Glasgow instead of Highlands:) I work now in NHS.
@@travellerseko Serkan - frankly if you can comprehend a strong Glaswegian accent you can understand anyone on the west coast. The rain is about the same here, maybe a little more. By comparison, Edinburgh is relatively cold and dry.
@@alwaysanotheradventure that was nice 😂 your accent is the best one to be understood when comparing witg the people I have met in Glasgow in a year
@@travellerseko You do know I'm not Scottish? I'm a Geordie who talks posh 'cos I worked for the BBC. Like. Man. Howaay. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geordie
Kind of ironic how he mentions a recycled bag immediately after showing off his Gortex jacket. I guess pfas haven’t been on peoples radars for very long.
“He”. is me. That jacket was bought to bin 2011.
Hi Simon, I'm a bit late to the party but which Shakedry jacket do you have with the zipped cuffs?
Sadly the zipped cuff one is ancient and not Shakedry. All the Shakedry I can find is black, and I do have one with fluro panels on the arms and back, but not zipped cuffs.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Ah my bad, thanks for taking the time to respond
The only other thing to add is make sure shampoo is entirely rinced out of hair before riding in rain . If you don't the shampoo residue will irritate your eyes .
😂😂😂
Do you do all of the production yourself? This is professional level and a lot better than some dedicated bike channels. How are you finding the Camino since your video on it? Anything new of note? That's a dream bike for me I hope to get one day. For now I ordered the Wonder Frontier for my long range trips!
Thanks Keith - yes, I'm a one-man-band. Forty years in broadcasting, doing every job from presenting live TV, to pointing cameras, to driving a radio studio has given me a weird bag of skills that only now seem to be coming together! 😂
I must say I rather fancy a Frontier for longer off-road rides. The Camino continues to delight me - about to go for a ride now - and they have updated the frame design, although I'm not sure exactly what they've changed. Hmm, I need to find that out...
That said, there are some great Ti gravel bikes out there from PlanetX, Ribble and more, all at good prices.
@@alwaysanotheradventure You voice is very familiar to me, I've heard you in more than one documentary I think. I took your advice and cancelled my Frontier order, went with an entry level Gravel bike, Marin Gestalt X10
I did 18 mile today during this horrible rain once your that wet you just dont care and speed up and ride stright through puddles and dirt and smile at the drivers with there window wipers going full speed
😁 true to a point - if you can get warm and dry again at the end of the ride. If not then things change a bit
@@alwaysanotheradventure you aint riding anywhere near hard enough if your cold
So good!
I forgot one other - double layer of tin foil under your insoles does really boost foot warmth.
Matt R - “Hothands” footwarmers, with single sided adhesion stuck on top of your socks at the toes, or their insole footwarmers both work a treat and last several hours.
Have you tried "rain legs?"
For your bike: clean it after being out in the rain, and lube the chain and other exposed moving parts.
Absolutely Jeff - like this?: ua-cam.com/video/vm2t1LYLqKM/v-deo.html
Its tough for me cause i use my bicycle instead of my car for commuting everywhere even tho im not a cyclist. I do struggle to find waterproof coats and trousers, performance isnt my priority just getting from A to B.
Hmm, Altura do some tough cycling specific over trousers which I used to use when commuting in Glasgow. They have velcro straps to pull the legs in. For a jacket I'd go fluro and the most bombproof Goretex I could find - hood and all.
Endura makes some good all weather gear. And fox has a "waterproof" glove that has kept my hands dry for 3 years now. but if its really cold rain they dont help keep out the cold, endura has one that does both but they're bulky and not good if its not really cold out as your hands will just sweat in them. Pants are the hardest thing for me to find when it comes to keeping dry but not having my pedaling restricted, If i use endura's rain pants I have to have leggings under, because the material clings to your legs if you sweat at all.
Honestly, a portable wind resistant umbrella works pretty well for commuting in most situations. It is what a lot of people here in the Netherlands use, me included. A simple raincoat over your normal outdoor clothing works too. And there is of course always the option of toughing it out, but in that case I recommend having something on your head that protects your eyes. One advantage of wearing glasses is that pretty much any kind of cap or hat will keep the rain out of my eyes while cycling without hindering visibility on the sides.
As for your pants, I got nothing. Here in the Netherlands we don't really care about wet pants. The few times that they do get wet enough we just let them dry while wearing them or take them off at home and put on dry pants. Some spare pants and socks also work pretty well as long as you keep them in a plastic bag. As long as there is a toilet with a proper door on your destination, you can just swap out your pants on location.
Forgot to ask: any chance of a video or two on the equipment you use to video your adventures etc or is it as simple as a cell phone?!
It was as simple as an iPhone and a GoPro for a while. Now it's getting fancier. I'll think about doing one but I wasn't sure whether anyone would be interested.
always another adventure Count me as interested - I’m a cyclist, and interested in technical geekery too!
You didn’t mention cycling rain ponchos… Have you tried them?
A long time ago. They really don't hold up well to any kind of wind, in my view
Any suggestions to get chamois cream out of the chamois pad? After washing, some still lingers
Sorry Jon - I never use that much so it's not an issue - sorry.
Thank you
You're welcome Robert
What about glasses for rain keeps getting in my eye
That's one of the reasons I wear a cap - it keeps the rain off the glasses lens