The Chainlink

Tips for riding in cold rain?

This is kind of a specific question that I couldn't find directly addressed in the existing Forum by searching; apologies if I should have.

With the (fingers crossed) upcoming thaw, I am trying to decide how to dress when we get the cold rains - in the 30-50 degree range. This is my first Chicago winter biking, so it'll be my first experience with that kind of biking weather, and I'm trying to figure out how to do it without giving myself hypothermia (or something).

I know and can handle snow and warm rains, but I worry that a ride through 35-degree rain might make me much colder, faster, than I'd be riding even through -5 degrees, dry (okay, that might be an exaggeration); and I might not be able to generate as much core heat, as effectively, which is a key part of getting through those really cold days.

Am I over-thinking it? Freaking myself out?

In terms of gear - I was thinking (at 40-50 degrees) I would go with a thin thermal underlayer on top with a hardshell windbreaker, and my go-to tights over shorts that have served me well so far this winter. Shoes will have covers; still thinking about the glove options; and I'm thinking I'll continue with the balaclava until it becomes obviously too warm. Basically my get-up for the dry cold, minus ten degrees. One possible addition/replacement would be to get some baggy rain pants, though I'd much prefer the tights to carrying leg-sails on my long-ish commute.

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Permalink Reply by Haddon on February 13, 2014 at 11:32am

Heresy (I know) but for longer trips in freezing rain this is often my solution which works 100% guaranteed.

Permalink Reply by Simon Phearson on February 13, 2014 at 11:44am

Freezing rain is a whole different story, as far as I'm concerned! I don't have studs, so I'll likely take transit any day the rain is putting ice on the ground. I am strictly thinking about what to do in the cold rain when there's not also ice everywhere.

Haddon said:

Heresy (I know) but for longer trips in freezing rain this is often my solution which works 100% guaranteed.

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on February 13, 2014 at 9:05pm

I know my view will be in the minority here but I think you are worrying over nothing.  I commute 4x a week through the winter. With the exception of my jacket nothing I wear is waterproof.  It just doesnt' rain that often, and certainly freezing rain is even rarer. I can remember one cold day last year..think it was in April ..that there was freezing rain and it was so cold that I had to pull  over. 

Usually when it rains in Chicago it stops in 5-10 minutes. For the few times it is more intense I either push through it, jump on the bus with my bike, go into a starbucks, or get under an awning/bridge (typically with others). 

I certainly don't think you have to outfit yourself for this or worry about it.

Permalink Reply by Simon Phearson on February 13, 2014 at 9:19pm

I hear you, and thanks for your input. I guess the underlying premise of my question is that I won't be doing any of that - I'll be pushing through it. If what you're saying is that you don't think cold rain really requires anything other than a commitment to ride through it, I appreciate that point of view - I'll have to give it a try. That's what I'd rather do, anyway. I'm just trying to avoid a thoroughly miserable, under-equipped ride my first time out; my post is coming from the position of not knowing exactly what to expect. 

And y'know - it hasn't been my experience that Chicago rains are all that merciful. I have definitely ridden through lengthy, continuing rain and downpours - and right past those people huddling under bridges. 


jolondon30 said:

I know my view will be in the minority here but I think you are worrying over nothing.  I commute 4x a week through the winter. With the exception of my jacket nothing I wear is waterproof.  It just doesnt' rain that often, and certainly freezing rain is even rarer. I can remember one cold day last year..think it was in April ..that there was freezing rain and it was so cold that I had to pull  over. 

Usually when it rains in Chicago it stops in 5-10 minutes. For the few times it is more intense I either push through it, jump on the bus with my bike, go into a starbucks, or get under an awning/bridge (typically with others). 

I certainly don't think you have to outfit yourself for this or worry about it.

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on February 14, 2014 at 6:21am

Thanks for the clarification Simon.  I applaud you for pushing through it.

My point  is that the frequency of this happening is very, very low.  Maybe someone reading will have stats to the contrary but I not only commute every day but use my bike for everything - shopping, the gym, socializing.  I don't think I have to deal with rain more than a half  dozen times a year.

For me a big part of the joy of biking is the relative simplicity of it.  Yes, I have a lot of "technical" clothes for winter biking.  But I refuse to carry two u locks, as one of the other posters here constantly recommends.  And I wear $25 hiking shoes  for winter biking so I don't need to spend time putting on/removing boots or carrying another pair of shoes to walk around in.  My point is when you have to prepare for  every possible instance - what if a guy cuts two locks, what if it rains  - you are burdened down with enough stuff that just getting out the door is a hassle. 

My two cents. :)


Simon Phearson said:

I hear you, and thanks for your input. I guess the underlying premise of my question is that I won't be doing any of that - I'll be pushing through it. If what you're saying is that you don't think cold rain really requires anything other than a commitment to ride through it, I appreciate that point of view - I'll have to give it a try. That's what I'd rather do, anyway. I'm just trying to avoid a thoroughly miserable, under-equipped ride my first time out; my post is coming from the position of not knowing exactly what to expect. 

And y'know - it hasn't been my experience that Chicago rains are all that merciful. I have definitely ridden through lengthy, continuing rain and downpours - and right past those people huddling under bridges. 


jolondon30 said:

I know my view will be in the minority here but I think you are worrying over nothing.  I commute 4x a week through the winter. With the exception of my jacket nothing I wear is waterproof.  It just doesnt' rain that often, and certainly freezing rain is even rarer. I can remember one cold day last year..think it was in April ..that there was freezing rain and it was so cold that I had to pull  over. 

Usually when it rains in Chicago it stops in 5-10 minutes. For the few times it is more intense I either push through it, jump on the bus with my bike, go into a starbucks, or get under an awning/bridge (typically with others). 

I certainly don't think you have to outfit yourself for this or worry about it.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on February 14, 2014 at 6:46am

Great thread so far!

I'll add another tip: If your rain jacket's front zipper is covered by a velcro rainflap,  bypassing the zipper and using only the velcro will give you a lot more potential for flowing air. If the rain isn't coming down sideways it doesn't get inside the jacket, but the increased air flow helps push some of your body vapor out the rear or pit vents.

This doesn't really apply for the PO, but, if you're on a budget and aren't in a hurry nothing breathes more, is as light, and is cheaper than a simple rain poncho. You can attach it over your brake levers to create a tent-like effect that essentially covers your upper body, hands and legs. Add some spats over your regular shoes and you don't need any special base layers or sports wear.

Permalink Reply by Matthew [cannonball] Franzen on February 14, 2014 at 1:06pm

I got some rain pants (gortex) at the village discount for 3 bucks... totally worth it! I can keep them in my bag and put them on whenever I need them over my other clothes. With the waterproff pants and a waterproff jacket, you will be warm, dry, and your pants stay clean! I try to wear some wicking layers underneath, but I can usually gauge how many layers I will need form checking out the temp before I go out. Lately the waterproof layer has been helping me keep the heat in which is very nice. But if your too hot, take some off. Works for me. Also a nice pair of knee high rubber boots can be really handy. Not the most comfortable to ride in, but more comfortable than being sopping wet. Village discount has tons of waterproof stuff on the cheap!

PS - there are a lot of waterproof layers out there that also have hidden vents to help prevent overheating and create some airflow. They are designed to allow for breathing without letting the water in. Mine has these and they sure help when it isn't too cold outside [=

 

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