The Good Cyclist's Guide To Bad-Weather Riding

- Nick Soldinger

RIDING IN THE RAIN

Riding in heavy rain is something that’salmost inevitable if you’re a cyclistin this country. But by preparing properly you can make sure that you reduce the impact of wet weather on your cycling enjoyment. Preparation is the key. Although it’s nigh-on impossible to stay completely dry when you’re riding in the rain, there are a few essential bits of kit you can use that will go a long way to ensuring you don’t end up soggy and soaked-through.

We’ll start with your head because a good cycling cap is perhaps the most underrated (and relatively inexpensive) item when it comes to combatting wet and cold weather. Worn under your helmet, not only will it keep water out of your eyes, it will also provide insulation for your head, keeping rain water out and your head heated. Assos’s RainCap S7 (£34.99, wiggle.co.uk) is a superb option, as is Gore’s Bike Wear 30th Equipe Gore-Tex Cap (£35.99, goreappel.co.uk) although we admit it’s not got the snappiest name.

Common sense would suggest that getting a waterproof jacket for wet-weather riding would also be a good idea. But as with all your clothing at this time of year, there’s a balance to be struck between keeping the rain off and letting the sweat out. In other words, opting for a softshell jacket is often your best bet. Yes, they’re more often water-resistant than waterproof, but they’re a lot more breathable and you only have to look at what the pros ride when the weather gets wet to see that they’re a great solution. Something like Gore’s Oxygen Softshell (£175, goreapparel. co.uk) – with its ‘Windstopper’ tech featuring a dual membrane that keeps the worst of the weather out while allowing moisture to leave – is a great example. A recent