Ten years of all-season daily commuting in Vancouver, Canada... Front and rear fenders are almost mandatory - keeps you less soaked and un-muddied, and prevents discourteous flinging of water, dirt and mud at people riding behind you. Counting on staying dry inevitably leads to disappointment: water gets through, always, through collar or cuffs, imperfectly or worn material or seams, whatever. Hermetically sealing yourself prevents temp regulation, so you end up soaked from sweat. Better to stay warm and functional, even if damp or soaked. Waterproof panniers are a must - for laptop, lunch, dry clothes. Never found a good reason to commute with cycling shoes, but never found booties that keep non-cycling shoes dry in heavy rain. Waterproof closed-toe sandals (Keens - excellent treads) under Gore-tex booties works for me - slightly damp feet, but always warm. Gloves are hardest to source - something reflective (for signalling), and warm even when wet. Thin merino wool beanie - even when soaked through - keeps my rather bald head warm.
Fellow metro-Vancouverite here. On super wet days I've gone with neoprene gloves to be warm and mostly dry. Though you need to dry thoroughly every day and wash like a wetsuit every once in a while.
Until recently, I was a bike messenger for around 7-8 years. Expecting to stay dry is an exercise in futility... but you can be comfortably damp. Merino wool base layers are excellent. I'd never personally wear pants on a bike, but even without a layer over them, the merino wool stays cozy enough just being damp. Also thick merino wool socks. Mine would be pretty ripe by the end of the day, but my feet would be more comfortable than they could have ever been without em. I personally just did base layer, tee-shirt, hoodie, but you can definitely replace the hoodie with a more rain-resistant jacket if you don't have a backpack to tear it to shreds over time. On the bottom, I'd just do undies, base layer, and cargo shorts, but most people might not really have a need for the extra pockets. I'd get some winter gloves, cut off the fingertips for convenience, and sew the ends up so they didn't disintegrate, and other than messenger-specific gear, that was usually it. Riding glasses and fenders are definitely a must though, especially if you've got a bit of space between your front tire and your fork. My front fender was usually a piece of duct tape across the crown of the fork just barely touching the tire, but there really is nothing like descending a steep hill in the rain in rush hour traffic leaning off the side of your bike so you can just barely squint to see because in the middle of your bike, the front tire is trying to fling dirty water directly into the back of your eye sockets... even if you're not gonna run a proper fender, something to catch the water before it gets in front of the bike is a must.
(as for why I didn't run a proper fender on the front... well, when you're in that line of work they end up breaking, and you end up broke, and... well, you get it.)
Bike glasses as well. I held off for ages not seeing the point (relatively new to cycling). They not only keep the rain out, but the wind and flies as well. 100% recommend if anyone else is holding off
Unless they go halfway down your rear tire, mudguards won't do much to protect the person riding behind you. I had to experience this several times last fall...
Mudguards are great and so are zip lock plastic bags for putting your phone, money etc in. And yes avoid puddles, especially ones that hide a drainage ditch underneath......
Full fender, lights, rack and panniers Utilitarian Cyclist here. Great tips. Commuting, stay dry shells/pants are essential! Leave good shoes at work. Loved the video and this content! Thanks Manon and Hank!
Especially in rainy and muddy conditions I prefer a handlebarbag over a seatbag for your essentail stuff. The handlebarbag tends to stay dryer and is picking up much less dirt since its sheltered from the wheels.
I love how the still shot on this video shows them riding in the "rain" but the sun is shining and there's not a drop of water to be found on either of them or their bikes. But I digress. The one new bit of advice I took away from this is the one about not pulling a cafe stop in the rain. As tempting as that is, yeah I get it, the cold sets in on your bones and muscles even worse than in good weather and makes the rest of the ride that much more unpleasant. (But that doesn't mean I won't do it from time to time.)
Mudguards (fenders) are especially important if you ride in a wet climate and like to stay dry. I vastly prefer the full-length ones over short snap-on ones, which are honestly not much better than nothing at all. Mudguards will slow you down a little, but you're not going to be riding full-tilt in the rain anyway, and they not only keep your backside dry, they also protect your drivetrain from mud, grime, and untimely wear. I would never even consider riding a bike in winter without them.
I would say the minor slow down effect is more than compensated by all the factors you mentioned. Winter kit will certainly drag more than summer kit, and one one talks about riding in skinsuits when it's cold. And since when a bike covered in gunk is fast anyway? The thing that also baffles me is how much cleaning and servicing is needed riding without. What is the point in saving seconds, only to spend dozens of minutes cleaning/servicing?
@@gcn Well yes, actually; I just keep them on my main ("gravel") bike all the time. I care more about comfort than speed, apparently, and full-length mudguards aren't actually that noticeable. (I know some people hate the way they look, but I'm not one of them.)
nobody ever seems to talk about the wellys for commuting. I use them too and from work and they work a treat. It literally chucked it down tonight in colchester......rain to the point where the roads were rivers but I got home bone dry. Welly boots on the feet, overtrousers that sit over the wellys and then a water proof jacket. I know that's only a commuting option but it works and I actually look forward to rain before or after work because I've beat Mother Nature lol
Rule number one when you ride in the rain: Never expect to stay dry. From my experience, whatever you do, if you are out on the rain, you will get wet. Either from your own perspiration or from the rain itself, so, dress to stay comfortable while wet, not to stay dry. Windbreakers and neoprene are your friends to keep your body temperature, my worst enemy is the cold/soaked feet.
@@gcn Thanks for the reply. I've seen that, done that, didn't work for me. I'm using Shimano MW7 Goretex and i've tried a couple of things already: From wool socks, to windproof/waterproof socks, overshoes, wool insoles, fur insoles, aluminum insoles, menstrual pads ... My best option to date, is to wear feet/hand warmers, the oxygen activated ones are good for damp weather, the reusable ones are good for the pouring rain. I've also tried electric socks, which do help a bit but create a spot of extreme heat under the feet.
@@CyclingLifePT Feet are tricky! I have waterproof boots too, but they will get water in them, and their very waterproofness means there’s no way for it to get out again. Feet generate very little heat of their own, so you’re just left squelching in cold water. Very uncomfortable. I’ve been sitting on the kerb, wringing out my socks more than once. Some people advocate keeping the legs warm, so that at least the blood is not already chilled when it reaches the feet. I’m not sure that this makes a huge difference. Not really a solution, but how about a pair of spare socks in a ziploc bag, to change into half way through the ride? You’ll still get cold feet, but it’ll be something to look forward to.
@@Steve.M Not really an option since i've already run into the ER with a frostbite on my left foot. One thing i learned is that, if you can feel the cold, your body is still fighting. After that you don't feel cold, but you don't feel anything either. I got lucky because i managed to get the foot warm again with warm water, but it was a painful experience. In the end i got lucky and i just have a small black dot in my big toe of my left foot.
OMG, you people have some issues (and moan a lot 😂). I am a Londoner since 1995 but before that I used to ride in wet Wales 🏴 end of the 80s beginning of 90s and clothing was nowhere near as advanced as they are today………we just got on with it 😊 just get on with it folks, #JustRide
I don't have a lot of hair and a casquette is great for keeping wind, rain, sweat, sun out of your eyes and stops flies getting trapped in your bike helmet.
In my experience water proofs make you wet from the inside. Warm and wet with or cold and wet without. I prefer warm. Mud guards (full length) a must (with a mud flap) if you've got clearance that is. Don't forget you mechanicals too, mud and water = rusty chain etc.
@@LifeInJambles I've got a few, but favour Castelli Flanders with neck warmer for very cold days (below 6) or Castelli Core Seamless for warmer (above 6) winter rides. I combine them with either Castelli Perfetto or Assos MILLE GT Ultraz Winter EVO (that's a mouthful!) jacket - depending on temperature.
A thin waterproof jacket will help keep you dry but not overheat as you pedal your way through the colder months. Waterproof trousers are life-changing, although not exactly glamourous. Most of the water and mud splashes up the bottom of your body so you'll protect your clothes underneath.
I find a good waterproof & thermal cycling hat is a great shout this time of year. Having the peak really helps distribute water away from my eyes but it also keeps my head and ears warm and dry too.
@@ViveSemelBeneVivere ahhhh see I'm not a fan of helmet covers if I'm honest. Easy enough to drop my hat on the radiator when I get home 😁 that and my helmet matches my bike 😂😂😂 cyclists eh!
I find it interesting that people from other parts of the world have such different weather during the winter. Here in Florida, winter is very much free of rain, just more wind and colder temps. And when I say colder, I mean we may have to wear some thermal kit for a few weeks on early morning rides, but other than that, nothing too extreme. Our rain doesn't pick up again until about April or so, and continues through Oct.
@@gcn Arm and leg warmers with a light jacket mostly. For a few weeks in late January/early February we may have to dig out the thermal long bibs and jacket and gloves, but that's very rare. We love this time of the year because for about 10 months it's 80F (27c) first thing in the morning and about 95% humidity. Talk about miserable.
I like to wear protective glasses, just some from the hardware store. Sunglasses aren't really for dark or foggy weather, but having something in front of your eyes to keep off the rain (or snow) is nice.
Absolutely. Tire spray can be brutal coming down a hill when you don't have a front fender, and just the rain on its own can make it hard enough to see without some kind of cycling glasses... which is something you should definitely be able to do coming down a hill.
Arse savers are for the selfish. For the sake of your ride mates use full mudguards. It might earn you respect and a free slice of cake (no guarantee implied!)
Thin liner gloves (silk are best) inside your outers will make any pair of gloves much warmer and make it easier to get your gloves on and off……a tip learned when ice climbing.
How about sharing tips for those of us wearing prescription inserts behind our cycling glasses. Fogging and getting rain drops behind the lenses is a constant problem.
Don't forget about your eyes. You'll need some clear (or yellow) lenses for your sunglasses, when it's going to be raining, or very cloudy on your ride.
@@gcn They all have replaceable lenses, but over the years, I've picked up duplicates, so I don't have to change the lenses to suit the conditions. I have eyewear for just about any condition. Some of them go back to the 80's.
LOL, Last year I bought winter kit but, this year I got a hot yoga studio membership, guess which one gets used more this winter. On a side note when it's cold out my eyes water from the cold air, I wish Bell or Giro would sell helmets with clear visors, like the Giro I got 5 yrs ago.
I put lots and lots of hooks above the radiator at home so I can hang all the wet rain gear to dry after a winter commute. It's quite a sight! I don't know how anyone could or would ride in winter without mudguards and mudflaps! But even with those I will eventually taste the road salt in my mouth.
I NEVER stay dry on the bike... be it the water I come from swimming (I'm a triathlete) or be it the sweat for pedalling hard (in every season), I am never ever dry, not even once... so the rain doesn't really change a thing. I don't even watch the weather before going outside.
In Seattle there is highlighter yellow jackets as far as the eye can see. Stay safe, stay visible (my rain jacket is all black because I'm that person)
Will you guys do a vid on some of the cycling specific hot brew flasks which fit in your bottle cage?, Oli could fairly scientific on this one,cheers T
Hahaha sounds like a good idea! Did you catch Jack Thurston taking Si on a flask ride 👉 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RUXUcL3vf8w.html
@@gcn will have a gander, as i ride gravel more through winter carrying your own brew is a must,there are loads of brands out there so would be interesting what you come up with👍🚴♂️
If you`re riding in a group in the rain make sure that you have full length mudguards then the person behind doesn`t get a face full of water & grit off your back wheel.
I have a question? Think i bought the wrong kit. Went riding in 60 degrees farenheit. Sweat wet was rather cool. How do i avoid this best. Wind proof waterproof kit. Or am i just whining?
I want to be someplace where it only rains in the winter. What about when there's 30.5 centimeters of snow on the ground and a temperature of minus five celsius?
Don't make the mistake I did recently. I thought I was all waterproof. Had these good trekking boots on.... turns out, not so good boots. Completely permeable. I could just as all have not had any shoes at all completely wet like wearing buckets filled with water. Become waterproof from Head to toe and test everything Before hand.
Can Hank test to see how many watts each rain drop takes away from you? Deadly serious. How much harder is riding in the rain and how mad do you have to be to find out? 😎
The enemy of every cyclist, and particularly the damp cyclist, is the wind. A windproof gilet is the first thing I reach for. A Gabba style jacket works similarly: wind resistant at the front and ventilated at the back. A waterproof shell has an important role, but it’s more limited than I used to think, and is more to do with keeping heat in than water out.
Spot on. When my road to works was under water for a week I was was the only one to turn up dry. I was the only one who turned up!!! The bottom bracket got a big soggy.
Good video but there is no such thing as totally waterproof. Everything leaks, especially gloves. I must have half a dozen pairs of "waterproof" gloves. They all let water in after a few hours. You can approach waterproof by using layers of waterproof clothing but 3 layers is very restrictive. I find that 2 is ok. As to your feet, they will always get wet and will be blocks of cold ice by the time you get off your bike. Have fun out there!🚴🚵🚵♀🚴♀
Keep dry and keep riding...you need that melatonin and endorphin all year. Winter riding in the little bit more challenging weather still gives and gives in many ways😊
Arse savers are pointless. If you want to stay dry and protect your bike full length mudguards/fenders are the only way to go… unfortunately unless you have a bike with appropriate clearance and braze ons you are stuck with crappy arse savers that look odd and don’t really do the job.
How to stay dry the GCN way: go out to film a video when it's perfectly dry! Then talk about a bunch of kit that you might use, but don't actually use it or show it in the video. Honestly this whole video could have been a tweet.
If you are cycling in the rain, there’s no way to stay in dry even with the most expensive Goretex jacket. Road cycling shouldn’t be as comfortable as you suggest. What I understand is that there’s no way for any working class person with the minimum wage or 0 hour contract to cycle on a road bike according to the middle class GCN dudes. When I was a professional cyclist in the early 90s, there was no carbon hypes, no apparel hypes. For the last two decades, a kind of hyper capitalism captured road cycling too. GCN dudes also contribute to and benefit from this hyper capitalism. Keep going GCN, but this structural economic crisis which will last for a long time will wipe out majority of the brands that you’ve been promoting.
Acquaplaning, what total nonsense!! Dont go through puddles in case theres a ruddy great hole under the water!! And yes where are the presenters mud guards, if you suggest mud guards ruddy use them on a presentation! This whole video has been very poorly thought out folks!!!
Yes, it wasn't the best. Why so much talk about commuting when it looks more like a training or club style ride. As you say, no follow by example and no proper gear suggestions. Ummm. Slap dash.
