We’ve mentioned before at Discerning Cyclist how a clean and dry chain will give the most efficient ride but penalise you financially if it is in poor running order. They will hold water longer if you don’t. Buy a small thin-bristled paint brush for drying hard to reach areas. If you mix them up you may cause damage to other parts of the bicycle or rub grease in and attract more dirt and grit. Keep one for your brake pads or disc brakes. Keep a soft lint-free towel for your frame and rims. Tip 2 – Designated Towelsĭon’t mix your towels. If the rain persists, it may be a while before you think of going back to it. If you don’t, it probably won’t dry on its own quickly enough. If it’s safe and you can get out of any lingering rain, you should dry it straight away. If you can, wash and / or dry your bicycle as soon as you step off it. Train yourself to have a routine after each ride. Can’t do that? Let’s look at some tips instead. Liquids which find their way into the smallest of nooks can be flushed out with repellants. Carbon-fibre is resistant to rust but steel is not.Įlectric bikes are manufactured in order that they pass safety standards which ensure neither you, pedestrians or other road users are unaffected if your ride is rained on. If you have a computer or lights that are wet following a ride, then these should be wiped down. Don’t just leave your bicycle without checking whether it needs lubrication or not. If you benefit from a warm enough sun to allow your bicycle to air-dry in less than ten minutes, this would be fine. Cleaning may or may not be necessary.Īnything like a shower or heavier suggests taking moisture off the rims, brakes and chain at the very least. A quick wipe with a towel when you return to base is recommended. You should be fine after a light shower which darkens the surface of the road and you avoid any puddles that build up. The best type of bicycle that the author can think of for rain-proofing is the Dutch-style which offers mudguards / fenders and a chain guard to help keep the showers away. Riding with mudguards / fenders helps if the roads are wet from rain by channeling it away from most of the moving parts of the bicycle but they cannot protect your chain.
Parts which usually turn at between 75 to 110 times per minute. Parts that rely on lubrication to ensure the smooth running of the machine. Some parts of your bicycle are deliberately sealed. And even if you can scrub rust away, you will have affected the performance. If you leave it too long, you may not be able to remove the rust. If you have steel components on your bicycle, the attraction of the water may also cause low-level rusting. Your chain, brake pads, rims and frame will all hold this dirt if you simply rely on air-drying your ride. This Suit for Bike Commuters Won a WORLD RECORD 👉 FIND OUT HOW Especially parts that have a sticky layer of lubrication already acting like flypaper. This dust, grit, or sludge will remain attached to your frame and moving parts. If you ride a mountain bike, fat bike or gravel bike off road, multiply this muck again and again if it’s raining. If you ride in the countryside, you risk collecting mud and the run-off from fields and meadows. These then attach themselves to your bicycle after making contact with it. If you commute in the rain, small particles of salt, grit and dust from the road gather together in the drops.
The moving parts of your bicycle and its gearing and brakes will be damaged by rain if not handled carefully.
They attract dirt, oil or road-spray even though they might look clean on the surface. Think about the condition of your car or even your clothes after being caught in the rain. You also want to make sure it’s available to ride without seizing up the next time you hop on. Paying attention to ensuring your bicycle is dry is a good way to reduce maintenance and longer term bills and replacing parts over time. It definitely makes sense to make sure you are dry and warm but please don’t neglect your machine. Unless you’re wearing a sou’wester, or you can slink between the raindrops, you will want to dry yourself first before thinking about your ride. Drying your bicycle before you dry yourself or your clothes might not be seen as a high priority.
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