Nobody likes riding in the rain but mountain bikers are on a different level they don’t allow weather to discourage them from enjoying biking. For beginners riding in the rain is not an easy gig as raindrops will splash on your mouth at a speed that will distract you from the track.
On rainy days a normal biker will Netflix and chill while a veteran biker will bike and chill because they know how to tackle weather hazards while being on track. Mountain biking in the rain can provide you with a thrilling experience but you will have to do it with proper preparation. The braking mechanism on wet trails is totally opposite to dry trails.
As we discussed in our previous post about mountain biking in snow that bikes don’t limit you on the basis of weather but demand certain modifications in riding style.
11 Awesome Tips for Mountain Biking In Snow
Now we will talk about tips for cycling in the rain
Never ruin a trail when it is too wet
If the magnitude of rain is extreme then trails may be flooded with water and you need to have a close look before leaving for the train. Dampness on trails does not matter but if the level of wetness is too high then you should not ruin this trail by riding on it.
Assessment of trail conditions is so necessary for the conservation of mountain biking trails. Always coordinate with fellow bikers for a collective decision about the readiness of the trail for biking.
Buy a waterproof jacket
If you are going to buy a waterproof jacket for biking adventures in rain then you need to invest in a quality waterproof jacket. It should be 100% waterproof and breathable. The jackets specifically made for mountain bikes should be your first choice.
It should be light in weight and should feature a removable hood. The ultimate goal of choosing a good jacket is to have greater mobility and more rear coverage.
You need to invest on mudguards
Mudguards do not look good aesthetically on a mountain bike but it provides awesome utility. Whether it is a winter ride or ride in rain mudguards will save you from countless splashes on Goggles and clothes. It’s better to have a mudguard than wiping your face continuously.
Mudguards are also known as fenders. Apply some water repellent spray on mudguards which will stop the accumulation of mud.
Buy special googles for mountain biking in the rain
The protection of eyes is your first priority on a biking expedition. The specialized mountain biking goggles are must to have on a ride that will protect you from splashes, storms, and raindrops.
Always buy goggles with anti-mist coating and ultraviolet protection.
Your helmet should be of top notch quality
The brain is the center of our nervous system so protecting your head as a biker is so vital. Always buy Proper Mountain biking helmets with ventilation holes. The helmet should be lightweight, waterproof, and breathable. Give more protection to your helmet by wearing a waterproof helmet cover.
Invest on mud tires
Mountain biking tires are not cheap and replacing them is not easy on the pocket but it is greatly recommended to have mud tires for biking on muddy trails. It will have longer knobs which will allow mud to fall off quickly when the bike spins. Mud tires are not made for paved roads but on muddy trails, these tires work not charm.
Waterproof you bike
Parts of mountain bikes like chains and brake pads are not cheap. As some parts will be exposed to water too much on muddy trails so you need to protect them by applying lubricant so rust does not erode them.
Wear winter biking shoes
Summer mountain biking shoes are not going to work in rains and snow. Summer boats will have breathable fabric and vents which will make them impossible to wear in snow and rain. Winter boots come with a waterproofing feature so your feet don’t get soaked in water. It will be so hard to pedal a mountain bike efficiently with soaked feet.
Bike at moderate speed
You need to slow down your roll. The effectiveness of moderate speed on muddy trails is greater than high speeds. It allows you to maneuver the obstacles
Wash your bike after ride
To keep your bike in good condition for a longer period of time you need to wash it as soon as possible after having a ride. The chains and other parts of the bike will be soaked in water and mud so removing them will help the bike to sustain its original condition.
Use brakes wisely
Don’t overuse bike brakes while biking in rain. You need to be careful about the time and location where brakes will work efficiently. If the bike will be at moderate speed then the brakes will perform better.
Keep an eye on your favorite weather application
Rains can be tricky at times so need to keep a close watch on weather news. Before going on a ride know your timing and end goal. If there is heavy rain or a storm is forecasted then avoid going on trails and wait for things to settle down. Never put yourself in a tricky position.
Adjust the tire pressure
It is the rule of thumb that you need to reduce the tire pressure if you want to cycle on snow and muddy tracks.
How much rain is too much for mountain biking
If It is absolutely pouring down you need to stay at home. If it is light drizzle and there are not big ponds of water on trails then you can go to have a biking session.
Can mud and water damage my mountain bike?
Mud and water will initiate erosion of different parts of your bike so it is better to get rid of all mud as soon as you complete your ride.
conclusion
I hope we were able to enhance your knowledge about biking in wet conditions. Please check the blog section of bikedestiny.com for more content. Happy reading
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