Statistics show that 75% of people have had a heart-stopping experience while cycling in the rain. Generally, few people would consider riding their bicycles on a rainy day.

For those who don't have cycling as a hobby, their feeling would almost certainly be "I don't want to ride" or "I won't ride."

But what if you've already bought a bike? What if it's the day of your first cycling event? If it's just a light drizzle, you'd still want to enjoy your ride, right?

This time, we will explain how to enjoy cycling on a rainy day, along with important precautions!

Is it necessary to ride a bike in the rain?

When it rains during a cycling trip, your spirits tend to sink. However, sometimes you get caught in the rain while cycling. Sometimes, you just have to ride in the rain.

To enjoy cycling even on a rainy day, you need to prepare three things: your "mindset," "cycling gear," and "rainwear."

Cycling in the rain can be dangerous, but with proper preparation, even a light drizzle can make for a thoroughly enjoyable ride.

Here are some opinions about cycling in the rain:

There were various opinions online about cycling in the rain. Dividing them by weather conditions such as a rainy forecast, getting caught in the rain midway, or after the rain:

Opinions for "days with a rainy forecast but no rain yet":

・I'm an experienced rider, so I'll ride.

・If I've planned it, I'll go even if it rains.

Opinions for "getting caught in the rain midway":

・Take shelter and wait for it to stop.

・Push through, but make sure to maintain the bike thoroughly afterward.

・Cancel the ride and turn back.

・I'm prepared for rain, so I'll keep riding.

・Use bike bags (輪行).

・Beginners should not cycle in the rain.

・If it's a long ride, I'll keep going.

Opinions for "after the rain":

・Ride with mudguards installed.

・Wait for the road surface to dry.

You might think that most opinions would be "don't ride" on rainy days, but many cycling enthusiasts also said, "I'll ride even in the rain."

Precautions for cycling in rainy weather

It turns out that many cycling enthusiasts will ride even in light rain. If you're considering cycling in the rain, make sure to prepare thoroughly beforehand.

Precautions for cycling in the rain

・Beware of tire slippage

Road surfaces are slippery on rainy days. Absolutely avoid sudden braking.

Many people might also have the impression that road bikes, with their narrow tires, are prone to slipping.

However, narrow tires mean less water enters the gap between the tire and the road surface. Therefore, narrower tires actually slip less. That being said, tire grip will still be reduced. Please be very careful.

・Precautions with clipless shoes

Clipless shoes can also be slippery and dangerous on rainy days. The wet road surface when you put your foot down to stop the bike can cause you to slip.

・Beware of concrete and manholes

Asphalt has irregularities and is less slippery, but exposed concrete and especially manholes significantly increase the risk of slipping. When riding, pay close attention to manholes and try to avoid them.

 Still have to ride in the rain?

Looking at it this way, cycling in the rain involves many dangers, and it's best avoided if possible.

However, there are times when you really want to ride, even in the rain.

On the day of a highly anticipated cycling event, you'd want to participate even if it rains, right?

A "Brevet" is a long-distance cycling event where the goal is to complete the course within a time limit, not to compete for time or ranking. It's not a race.

200km is considered a short distance. What if you get caught in the rain during a Brevet?

It's a ride you've been looking forward to, and no one else is retiring. You probably wouldn't stop riding for a little rain. And if you're participating with friends, you might feel like you can't be the only one to drop out.

So, in situations where you want to or have to cycle on a rainy day, we'll explain what precautions you should take.

5 tips for enjoying cycling in the rain

You want to go cycling even on a rainy day. But it still feels a little gloomy.

For those people, here are 5 tips to make cycling enjoyable, not miserable, even on rainy days.

Tip 1: Be particular about your wear

Buy rainwear that prioritizes design. Usually, functionality is prioritized, but functional-first designs might not be fun to wear. If you wear clothes with a design you like that boosts your mood, cycling becomes more enjoyable. Men, especially, tend to choose plain designs. Colorful wear that catches the eye of others has the benefit of safety and should also make you feel more cheerful when wearing it.

Your friends will also approve!

Tip 2: Pay attention to the temperature

When you get wet from the rain, your body temperature will drop as heat is lost from your wet skin. In severe cases, this can lead to hypothermia.

This is a term often heard in mountain climbing, and it's a mistake to think it rarely happens in daily life. It can happen at the beach, in a pool, and even on rainy days. Be especially careful in early spring and autumn when temperatures can drop sharply.

Tip 3: Ensure safety

Furthermore, on rainy days, visibility decreases, and water droplets on eyewear can make it difficult to see. Therefore, it's often easier to see without eyewear. Moreover, a cycling cap with a brim can provide surprisingly effective rain protection.

Tip 4: Braking technique

In rainy weather, the effectiveness of brakes is naturally greatly reduced. If you have rim brakes, apply them lightly beforehand to clear any water from the rims.

Tip 5: Mudguards are essential

The last tip is about mudguard対策 (mudguard countermeasures). You don't often see people with mudguards on their hybrid bikes or road bikes. Road bikes, in particular, which aim for even a slight weight reduction, don't come with mudguards. However, in rainy weather, there's a lot of mud splashed up from the rear wheel, and you'll get surprisingly muddy. There are quick-release mudguards available, so carrying one with you is a very helpful item.

Maintenance after riding in the rain

After cycling in the rain, always remember to maintain your bicycle. Specifically, drain water from the frame and lubricate the chain. To drain water, remove the saddle and place the frame upside down. This will allow any water accumulated inside the frame to drain out.

Also, don't forget to apply water-displacing lubricant to your chain. Normally, water and oil don't mix. If you drop oil into a glass of water, the oil will float. However, water-displacing oil will penetrate the chain even when it's wet, displacing the water.

It's also necessary to choose not to ride in rainy weather.

　　・Bicycle may rust

　　・Getting wet can make you sick

　　・Bicycle maintenance is required

　　・Dangerous

Nevertheless, for those who say "I'll still ride my bike even on a rainy day!" as mentioned above, please re-read the 5 tips for enjoying cycling in the rain and enjoy your ride safely!