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So what's the deal about riding/training in the rain?
Well I know this is a tough dirty sport and these bikes were designed to take it all in and last forever.....NOT!
With all the rain lately and probably more coming, what do the sages reckon about riding in the rain?
I know that riding in the rain and the trails is not great for your bike due to the obvious grit wear and tear, especially on the drive train; then of course there are the trails that suffer from riding on them when it's wet....no brainer!
So what about riding in the rain on the asphalt...for a few hours at a time.....what sort of damage can be done?
Is this something you would recommend considering the nature of these bikes?
I'd love to hear your opinion and technical input!
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Aside from some accelerated pad wear I haven't notice any other issues. The drive train need to be dried and lubed but that's about it. I'm also partial to a bit of wet weather mtbing. Perimeter and Long are fire trail and can be ridden when wet. A good wet lube on the drivetrain helps, as does using an old cassette and chain. Again, pad wear is the biggest issue.
Basically, go for it.
... Any recommendations?
so far I've tried rock'n roll and muc off's wet lube. The rock'n roll doesn't last very long and while the muc-off seems to stay on (and has a great fruity smell) it turns the drivetrain into an absolute mess that takes forever to clean.
I usually run squirt for most of the year and its great but it only lasts for 5 minutes when it's really wet. And once your chain is wet you can't reapply either...
Would be interested to see what you guys run...
Cheers
S
Ive been using Squirt on my commuter and its been pretty good. The other one that seem to be alright and is better in the wet is Purple Extreme
I've noticed that my rear wheel has somehow filled up with water (maybe 300mls), as too my frame! my apparently water proof rear light - well, isn't. Pads have worn quicker, drivetrain has accumulated lots of residue (prob due to me lubing it before and after each ride). Tyres are wearing quicker thanks to higher pressures, and riding on the Tarmac.
But my frame is clean...
Now for the effects on the body...
Prune like body....
Reduced visibility
Wind chill factor with the rain
Chaffing?? Prevented with a zinc based cream.
Otherwise it's all part of htfu riding...
I rode this weekend because I'm getting worried about Capital Punishment and I need some miles rather than none. I rode mostly on the road to the cascades and through and around that area. The bike doesn't show any real damage despite the flooding rivers and the wet sand every wear but I can tell that the break pads, chain and everything else on the drivetrain has moved towards its terminal ride. I use Rock'n'Roll and I take the small bottle with me and top up the lube every hour so as to keep it going. The morale of the story is as has been repeated many times I suppose - stay off the trails in the wet. I just can't stand the road. I need help to get over that resistance.
Now theres an oxymoron... ha!