Please keep the content as is. There are enough people selling bike products online. I like your show for selling the ride. Some people need inspiration to buy the latest drivetrain. Others need content like yours for ride inspiration.
I'm a full time bike commuter and always get the question, "so what do you do when it rains?" I just say, "I get wet." The range of reactions is always entertaining.
I’m a bit like you in that I don’t have to ride in the rain and don’t plan to leave if it’s raining. If I get caught out I don’t mind much. What I do dislike is the cleaning up the bike afterwards. I love that Erin suggested the stop for having a beer. She’s one of the good ones! I can’t get my wife on a bike or into a brewery.
did a rain ride on Sunday 9/29...small window-light rain-went about 22 miles into CLE. wasn't bad at all especially if the temps are warm....cooler in the 40's/50's, another story...can get chilly but as long as it's on the warm side-don't mind
It's a timely topic. My husband and I just rode the Granite State Wheelers Seacoast Century two Saturdays ago. The weather was cool, windy (17mph w/20+ gusts), and we had a steady rain during large portions of the ride. I went with merino wool underneath my event jersey and had a Patagonia rain jacket on top. I wore rain pants on top of my usual pair of bike shorts. My husband was a little more cavalier in that he did have the base layer but didn't bother with a jacket. He did have rain pants though. Because the weather stayed in the high 50s low 60s, I never got too warm or too cold. My husband did regret not having at least a shell. But he never got so uncomfortable that he had to stop the ride. We did end up with a solid layer of grit on us and obviously the bikes needed a cleaning. I can't tell you how excited we were to find out that our airbnb had laundry facilities in the room. Despite the weather, we loved the ride. Ended up with 106 mi for the day.
Awesome! Everyone's temperature and comfort levels are so different it is hard to give any solid advice but I love reading what everyone else is doing to see if there is anything better to try out.
I agree with a lot of what you said. Riding in wet is a mindset. If you go in knowing there is some discomfort vs the myth you can remain dry. Warm weather rain, I agree I am a no jacket person. I am a fender geek. Love them.
Thanks for another beautiful and relevant capture! For me, it can be a mindset, similar to winter riding. I need self motivation, or group motivation - but I don't think I ever regretted a wet ride. You go with the flow (and sometimes it's the flow of water on the towpath - that is when the deer laughed at me). And when there is pie, what a bonus! When it's warm enough, I just embrace getting wet. When colder, I pay more attention to warmth and less stupidity. - if possible
Thanks Tim and Erin . I have 3 Ass Saver things , one at front fork , one on down tube behind front wheel , and the Win-wing on the rear seat stays, just above the rear wheel . My bottles , feet and back get protected , and they go on and off in a second . Be well , Hi to Edmund , of course .
A wet chilly ride like that is a good excuse to switch from beer to irish coffee.😃 I really hate the stream of water that comes off the front wheel and straight onto your feet. If I can at least keep my feet moderately dry I don't feel like I'm suffering so it's the full fender bike if I get a whiff of rain.
I have the same philosophy as you Tim. If I get caught out in the rain, so be it, but I typically never ride in the rain. In the Chicago winters, I ride with the quick attach, nearly full coverage SKS Raceblade or SKS Speedrocker fenders primarily to keep my bikes as clean as possible. It's a pain the a$$ to wash bike when you don't have heated indoor facility. I enjoy your content.
I carry a rain jacket on cooler days when commuting, but I tend to carry a change of clothes in a pannier. When recreational riding, the wool is what works best for me in a cool rain.
I like the look of a fender bike. I also like AssSavers. I use them regularly. I will not start a ride in the rain, but I'm ok with taking a chance that I'll get caught in the rain.
When it's hot or warm, there's no point in wearing waterproof gear-I’d rather be soaked by rain than drenched in my own sweat. I focus on wearing quick-dry clothes. In the winter, I layer up with merino wool or synthetic fabrics, add a light rain jacket with a hood, and wear cheap Frogg Toggs waterproof pants...oh and I ride in some waterproof work boots if it is really bad.
There is nothing cooler than riding through a forest before, during, and after a light rain. So I have rain-ride routes that take me up to and through the forests (redwoods in my case). Always ride the hardtail for the better traction, set the suspension lockout, pump up the tires to 40 and ride the wet roads and trails. A light nylon shell with a helmet cover works well over standard bike clothes. This works well to keep some rain off reduces chills on the downhill and dries quickly.
Ok. I am a geek but I really love my cycling poncho. If it is threatening I can throw it in its over the shoulder bag (like a musette) and pop it out in seconds. I don't need rain pants but need some system for my feet since even with fenders they get wet. Booties are a pain in my opinion. Gaiters maybe? Ponchos ventilate so well so I rarely sweat. They are a bit floppy though. As for apples I don't go to a u-pick apple place for photo ops (though I did with kids when young). My wife and I picked a couple bushels of apples and pears in less than 20 minutes. It wasn't what I would consider work and we enjoyed the walk. It ain't Rocket surgery...but glad you enjoyed your pie.
I totally forgot about the ponchos and capes. What brand is yours? I kind of want to try one. I haven't found a good solution for wet feet when it is warm as I use flat pedals with pins. As mentioned - I get that people like picking apples - I like picking up bags of apples😂
I mostly do the same as you in the rain. Wool is my friend. Sometimes I just wait until I’m cold to put on my raincoat, that’s a lot easier than taking it on and off or over heating.
I like softshell hoodies for misty shoulder seasons and full three layer fabrics in the winter. Gloves are tricky tho. I go with nitrile mechanics gloves underneath fingerless bike gloves. Grippy and rain resistant. Rain riding above 60 is too sweaty so I don't bother. I just use an sks clip on fender for the back and don't worry to much about the front.
I like this, Tim, like that you just deal with the rain as it falls and same here. And not really a strategy but large rear panniers for the win and change of clothes, lol. And a piece of plastic or even cardboard on the top of the rear rack as a fender. And generally, I am okay with riding in the rain, except when temps are in the 30s. I got lulled into complacency on a commute when the road surface was wet but the shoulders were black ice. I eased over on a narrow descent to give a rushing driver a little more room and down I went and I injured my right rotator cuff for the second time in the my life in 2015. I was car-free at the time and I had to get to work, so I used my left hand to set my right hand on the bars and I rode another 15 miles to work and I got through that winter of life and work until it healed, thankfully.
30/40s I just skip it unless I am travelling or I had already signed up for an event. Wow - that is quite the story! I know they aren't for everyone but also a big reason I like to ride with studded tires in the winter.
I've been a year round commuter for almost a couple decades and agree about the clothing situation. I don't have any rain gear, I just get wet. Granted, my commute is only 2ish miles, so I'm never in it for very long. However, I've been soaked to the bone, been terrified of some lightning storms, trudged through snow, and dealt with snirt (snow dirt) for days, but I'm never going to buy a car to avoid it. I will occasionally take the bus when the first couple of snow falls happen since people forget how to drive in it and crash all over the place. I'd rather not be a part of that mess. Most of my clothing deals with getting dry fast. I do have a few pieces of wool base layers, but then I layer on top of that with various wicking garments. I figure the wool keeps me warms since it's next to the skin, then the wicking stuff gets rid of any moisture and sweat, which I do a lot.
Interesting. I could see that going either way - as you do because it is short. But also - going full water proof because it is a short trip. I wish not having a car here was an option - then I would really try to get it dialed in more.
@@TimFitzwater I guess I should caveat that the wife and I have 1 car, and she drives it to work, but I couldn't see forking out any money to have a second car when I can ride just as easily. Oh, and our town definitely does not have very good bike infrastructure. Midwest car centricity, and all.
I live on Vancouver Island, i commute everyday by bike. It rains here 200+ days a year. I wear MTB wet gear for rain days. Moves the best, lightweight, durable, comfortable. Wear merino base layer for body moisture. Currently running the Leatt Hydradri 5.0 jacket and pants for this wet season.
I rode in the rain all day yesterday clearing the trail from branches and storm debris. Had to report several downed trees to the park rangers, so the crews would bring their chainsaws to the effected areas first thing on Monday. I did not notice I was wet until the drive home. Rain booties really helped keep my feet dry in my cycling shoes. I'll be keeping a pair with me at all times from now on.
I haven't really found a good warmish weather option for keeping feet dry with flat pedals and pins. So I just go with extra socks or wet feet - which I hate.
Living in the UK, if you’re not gonna ride in the rain, you’re not gonna get to ride very much. I have a full fender rain bike which is outstanding for keeping you dry gortex over shorts they look a bit mountain bikey, but keep your butt very dry over shoes are better than winter shoes in my experience too.
I totally understand that. Being that I run flat pedals with pins I haven't really found a solution to keeping my feet dry. I do have winter, water-resistence shoes/boots but it has to be reasonably chilly to wear those.
Some of my favorite riding is during New England winter early mornings with snowfall. Dead silent, no wind, moonlight bouncing off of the fresh snow. It's like being on the ocean at 3-4 AM, when the water's so smooth you can't even hear it slap the boat and there's not a soul around. It doesn't last long, by 6 AM the wind has picked up, there's light and people are waking up -- but for an hour or two, it's like another world almost. Riding in the rain sucks. Rain gear is a scam, you just get soaked by your own nasty sweat. At least if you're soaked with rain, you feel kind of clean after drying off. Riding in the rain in the middle of winter is horrific.
I will take snow over rain any day of the week. Global warming has really made our winters worse though - we get a bunch of rain in the 30s and 40s now instead of much snow.
I can't see if you're riding your leather saddle or not, but I do, and rain or shine, I carry the 'rain cap' attached to the saddle rails to put on any time it's raining. And the rear clip on fender also prevents a steady stream of water from hitting the underside of the saddle.
Yup - Erin and I always ride leather and don't leave home without the saddle covers. I actually used a grocery bag these days because I put my saddle cover in my tool kit and couldn't find it(forgot I did that).
@@TimFitzwater [I put my saddle cover in my tool kit and couldn't find it(forgot I did that).] I forgot that some come with the Velcro strap, and others don't. It's the ones with the strap that secure under the rails of leather saddles, which means you know where it is when you need it in a panic. Reply
Well, there is a way to stay dry , and it's by using a cape /poncho. I drape it over the handlebars and have it hanging over the back of my seat. The right cape won't slow you down aerodynamically either. I get so much air movement under the cape that I actually dry out as I ride.
I should really try one of those - I kinda forget about them as they are not very common to see. My buddy Brian, Yellow Bird Threadworks, wore one last year at Higher Ground and seemed to like it. Do you have to worry about them getting stuck in any parts of the bike?
@@TimFitzwater Stuck? No, not even close with the one I have. Shame I can't show a pic here. Was on a long tour and got frustrated by rain and had to fix it. Now I look forward to the rain. Much like putting up a car window to become more aerodynamic, I think my cape works that way.
Do you run full fenders? My buddy Brian (who I reached out to after your comment) said he has to make sure to sit on the back of the poncho or he just gets sprayed from underneath
@@TimFitzwater I have full fenders on my electric and touring bikes, but I use something like you have, on the rear of my Brompton folder. The plastic shield. I'd like to see Brian's setup. My cape is tight enough that it really hugs the rear of my bike seats, keeping my butt dry, without having to sit on it. All that said, I live in SoCal and rain isn't much of a problem here. By the way, I haven't said so yet, but your videos are really entertaining and informative. You would have made a great voice man in entertainment. Crystal clear, and easy to listen to.
Ha! I just ordered a rain jacket today. I’m kind of hoping it breaths well enough to be an outer layer in cool dry weather as well. I love full fenders. I have one set currently living on the “grocery getter. I have the full set of win wing/ ass saver clip-on’s for the gravel bike. I’m hoping the combo will come close to replicating full fenders but allow me to max out tire width. I haven’t put them on yet so we shall see. I think I’m going to get some pie this week. 😀
You'll have to let us know how your jacket works out. When I worked on the farm we wore breathable rain jackets and pants every morning because the fields were always so dewy - they worked well for that but in a deluge we still just got soaked through.
i kinda try to avoid the rain but i think with where i live where it rains half the year it's just better to get used to it especially with just clip on fenders. but also being cold and wet isnt great especially when you don't have the clothing and equipment to keep yourself dry and all of it is so expensive.
I'm trying to make sure my bikes don't overlap too much. So my cyclist bike has no fenders, drop bars, and when it rains I get wet. My commuter bike has full fenders, swept back upright bars, and when it rains I stay dry enough. I'm going to try pogies this year since no glove ever works. And as a glasses wearer who recently went back to contacts it's been a rain ride gamechanger.
I have absolutely no problem knowing that I am a fair weather rider for local rides. If im living on the bike on tour or something, I try to work around the rain.
Personally, I don't mind the rain so much, but that's partly because of wearing a merino shirt. The only thing I hate is wet feet so I have a pair of shoe covers. Not so much for the rain itself as for the puddles that form
Don’t like riding in the rain much. I usually use my rides as workouts on the weekend anyway and wasn’t feeling like treadmill/NordicTrack inside yet. Rain isn’t a problem if you were going to get sweaty anyway. Need those clip on fenders though.
Anytime you hear someone talking about "wool" in the cycling or outdoor activities space it is always about Merino. I guess I just kind of forget to say that at this point.
Smart Wool makes great stuff. On the cheaper end I like Wool 365. and I do have a link to a family run business in my videos but I have only tried their heavier winter stuff(which is fantastic).
If I'm alone narrating on the fly is fine - its just too weird with friends. Plus its nice to fully put my thoughts together and be able to edit when its after the fact.
Every "format" exists. I bought some boxers and some briefs - but that answer will just come down to personal taste. I normally wear boxers so I prefer the boxers. Thanks!
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Please keep the content as is. There are enough people selling bike products online. I like your show for selling the ride. Some people need inspiration to buy the latest drivetrain. Others need content like yours for ride inspiration.
Thanks!
U-pick? Never! I had to pick beans as a kid. Never, ever again. Massive respect for people who have to do it for a living.
I'm a full time bike commuter and always get the question, "so what do you do when it rains?" I just say, "I get wet." The range of reactions is always entertaining.
Ha! I bet.
You did the impossible. You made riding in the rain look fun.
Ha! Thanks!
I’m a bit like you in that I don’t have to ride in the rain and don’t plan to leave if it’s raining. If I get caught out I don’t mind much. What I do dislike is the cleaning up the bike afterwards.
I love that Erin suggested the stop for having a beer. She’s one of the good ones! I can’t get my wife on a bike or into a brewery.
This time I did hose my bike down right after the ride - its so much easier to do that than letting the dirt dry....but I rarely actually do that.
You guys riding is just fun to watch, lively, spirited. The music and your narrative take us along the ride. No pressure, keep it up and thanks😊
did a rain ride on Sunday 9/29...small window-light rain-went about 22 miles into CLE. wasn't bad at all especially if the temps are warm....cooler in the 40's/50's, another story...can get chilly but as long as it's on the warm side-don't mind
I like fenders but I do ride in the rain, and even it’s pouring and I’m soaked, it’s still a great day to be in the saddle!👍🚴 great video sir!
I'm a avoid the rain rider but if I get caught in it so be it. Relaxing video thanks.
after a few tours in northern maritime places, I am fully into full fenders, woolies, and a rain cape with belt.
I'm saf and it works really well
It's a timely topic. My husband and I just rode the Granite State Wheelers Seacoast Century two Saturdays ago. The weather was cool, windy (17mph w/20+ gusts), and we had a steady rain during large portions of the ride.
I went with merino wool underneath my event jersey and had a Patagonia rain jacket on top. I wore rain pants on top of my usual pair of bike shorts.
My husband was a little more cavalier in that he did have the base layer but didn't bother with a jacket. He did have rain pants though.
Because the weather stayed in the high 50s low 60s, I never got too warm or too cold. My husband did regret not having at least a shell. But he never got so uncomfortable that he had to stop the ride.
We did end up with a solid layer of grit on us and obviously the bikes needed a cleaning. I can't tell you how excited we were to find out that our airbnb had laundry facilities in the room.
Despite the weather, we loved the ride. Ended up with 106 mi for the day.
Awesome!
Everyone's temperature and comfort levels are so different it is hard to give any solid advice but I love reading what everyone else is doing to see if there is anything better to try out.
I agree with a lot of what you said. Riding in wet is a mindset. If you go in knowing there is some discomfort vs the myth you can remain dry. Warm weather rain, I agree I am a no jacket person. I am a fender geek. Love them.
Wool rules!
Thanks for another beautiful and relevant capture! For me, it can be a mindset, similar to winter riding. I need self motivation, or group motivation - but I don't think I ever regretted a wet ride. You go with the flow (and sometimes it's the flow of water on the towpath - that is when the deer laughed at me). And when there is pie, what a bonus! When it's warm enough, I just embrace getting wet. When colder, I pay more attention to warmth and less stupidity. - if possible
100%
Thanks Tim and Erin . I have 3 Ass Saver things , one at front fork , one on down tube behind front wheel , and the Win-wing on the rear seat stays, just above the rear wheel . My bottles , feet and back get protected , and they go on and off in a second . Be well , Hi to Edmund , of course .
Edmund is running around bonkers right now but I will pass that along when he chills out!
A wet chilly ride like that is a good excuse to switch from beer to irish coffee.😃 I really hate the stream of water that comes off the front wheel and straight onto your feet. If I can at least keep my feet moderately dry I don't feel like I'm suffering so it's the full fender bike if I get a whiff of rain.
I hear that. I hate wet feet too. My biggest solution in warmish weather has only been extra socks though.
Awesome music. Awesome video.
Thanks!!
I have the same philosophy as you Tim. If I get caught out in the rain, so be it, but I typically never ride in the rain. In the Chicago winters, I ride with the quick attach, nearly full coverage SKS Raceblade or SKS Speedrocker fenders primarily to keep my bikes as clean as possible. It's a pain the a$$ to wash bike when you don't have heated indoor facility. I enjoy your content.
Thanks!
I'm lucky that my basement has stairs from the outside and floor drains.
I carry a rain jacket on cooler days when commuting, but I tend to carry a change of clothes in a pannier. When recreational riding, the wool is what works best for me in a cool rain.
Agree. Just get wet if warm enough. The effort isn’t worth it. Too hot.
I like the look of a fender bike. I also like AssSavers. I use them regularly. I will not start a ride in the rain, but I'm ok with taking a chance that I'll get caught in the rain.
When it's hot or warm, there's no point in wearing waterproof gear-I’d rather be soaked by rain than drenched in my own sweat. I focus on wearing quick-dry clothes. In the winter, I layer up with merino wool or synthetic fabrics, add a light rain jacket with a hood, and wear cheap Frogg Toggs waterproof pants...oh and I ride in some waterproof work boots if it is really bad.
There is nothing cooler than riding through a forest before, during, and after a light rain. So I have rain-ride routes that take me up to and through the forests (redwoods in my case). Always ride the hardtail for the better traction, set the suspension lockout, pump up the tires to 40 and ride the wet roads and trails. A light nylon shell with a helmet cover works well over standard bike clothes. This works well to keep some rain off reduces chills on the downhill and dries quickly.
Ok. I am a geek but I really love my cycling poncho. If it is threatening I can throw it in its over the shoulder bag (like a musette) and pop it out in seconds. I don't need rain pants but need some system for my feet since even with fenders they get wet. Booties are a pain in my opinion. Gaiters maybe?
Ponchos ventilate so well so I rarely sweat. They are a bit floppy though.
As for apples I don't go to a u-pick apple place for photo ops (though I did with kids when young). My wife and I picked a couple bushels of apples and pears in less than 20 minutes. It wasn't what I would consider work and we enjoyed the walk. It ain't Rocket surgery...but glad you enjoyed your pie.
I totally forgot about the ponchos and capes. What brand is yours? I kind of want to try one.
I haven't found a good solution for wet feet when it is warm as I use flat pedals with pins.
As mentioned - I get that people like picking apples - I like picking up bags of apples😂
People's Poncho. It has a belt and packs up well.
I mostly do the same as you in the rain. Wool is my friend. Sometimes I just wait until I’m cold to put on my raincoat, that’s a lot easier than taking it on and off or over heating.
Looks like a great ride. Enjoying the fall vibes in this one.
Thanks!🍂
I like softshell hoodies for misty shoulder seasons and full three layer fabrics in the winter. Gloves are tricky tho. I go with nitrile mechanics gloves underneath fingerless bike gloves. Grippy and rain resistant. Rain riding above 60 is too sweaty so I don't bother. I just use an sks clip on fender for the back and don't worry to much about the front.
I like this, Tim, like that you just deal with the rain as it falls and same here. And not really a strategy but large rear panniers for the win and change of clothes, lol. And a piece of plastic or even cardboard on the top of the rear rack as a fender. And generally, I am okay with riding in the rain, except when temps are in the 30s. I got lulled into complacency on a commute when the road surface was wet but the shoulders were black ice. I eased over on a narrow descent to give a rushing driver a little more room and down I went and I injured my right rotator cuff for the second time in the my life in 2015. I was car-free at the time and I had to get to work, so I used my left hand to set my right hand on the bars and I rode another 15 miles to work and I got through that winter of life and work until it healed, thankfully.
30/40s I just skip it unless I am travelling or I had already signed up for an event.
Wow - that is quite the story!
I know they aren't for everyone but also a big reason I like to ride with studded tires in the winter.
I've been a year round commuter for almost a couple decades and agree about the clothing situation. I don't have any rain gear, I just get wet. Granted, my commute is only 2ish miles, so I'm never in it for very long. However, I've been soaked to the bone, been terrified of some lightning storms, trudged through snow, and dealt with snirt (snow dirt) for days, but I'm never going to buy a car to avoid it. I will occasionally take the bus when the first couple of snow falls happen since people forget how to drive in it and crash all over the place. I'd rather not be a part of that mess.
Most of my clothing deals with getting dry fast. I do have a few pieces of wool base layers, but then I layer on top of that with various wicking garments. I figure the wool keeps me warms since it's next to the skin, then the wicking stuff gets rid of any moisture and sweat, which I do a lot.
Interesting.
I could see that going either way - as you do because it is short.
But also - going full water proof because it is a short trip.
I wish not having a car here was an option - then I would really try to get it dialed in more.
@@TimFitzwater I guess I should caveat that the wife and I have 1 car, and she drives it to work, but I couldn't see forking out any money to have a second car when I can ride just as easily. Oh, and our town definitely does not have very good bike infrastructure. Midwest car centricity, and all.
I live on Vancouver Island, i commute everyday by bike. It rains here 200+ days a year. I wear MTB wet gear for rain days. Moves the best, lightweight, durable, comfortable. Wear merino base layer for body moisture. Currently running the Leatt Hydradri 5.0 jacket and pants for this wet season.
I will look into those - I think I may want to attempt something better for our upcoming trips.
We have peach orchards out close to here. We’ve done rides to the Porter Peach Farm and to the Amish Cheese House for breaks. The pies are the best!
Our orchards grow peaches too(my favorite!) but it depends on the season as to how well Ohio peaches do.
I rode in the rain all day yesterday clearing the trail from branches and storm debris. Had to report several downed trees to the park rangers, so the crews would bring their chainsaws to the effected areas first thing on Monday. I did not notice I was wet until the drive home. Rain booties really helped keep my feet dry in my cycling shoes. I'll be keeping a pair with me at all times from now on.
rain booties?? they arnt shoes?
I haven't really found a good warmish weather option for keeping feet dry with flat pedals and pins. So I just go with extra socks or wet feet - which I hate.
I know with clipless people put something over them.
Living in the UK, if you’re not gonna ride in the rain, you’re not gonna get to ride very much. I have a full fender rain bike which is outstanding for keeping you dry gortex over shorts they look a bit mountain bikey, but keep your butt very dry over shoes are better than winter shoes in my experience too.
I totally understand that. Being that I run flat pedals with pins I haven't really found a solution to keeping my feet dry. I do have winter, water-resistence shoes/boots but it has to be reasonably chilly to wear those.
Some of my favorite riding is during New England winter early mornings with snowfall. Dead silent, no wind, moonlight bouncing off of the fresh snow. It's like being on the ocean at 3-4 AM, when the water's so smooth you can't even hear it slap the boat and there's not a soul around. It doesn't last long, by 6 AM the wind has picked up, there's light and people are waking up -- but for an hour or two, it's like another world almost.
Riding in the rain sucks. Rain gear is a scam, you just get soaked by your own nasty sweat. At least if you're soaked with rain, you feel kind of clean after drying off. Riding in the rain in the middle of winter is horrific.
I will take snow over rain any day of the week. Global warming has really made our winters worse though - we get a bunch of rain in the 30s and 40s now instead of much snow.
I can't see if you're riding your leather saddle or not, but I do, and rain or shine, I carry the 'rain cap' attached to the saddle rails to put on any time it's raining. And the rear clip on fender also prevents a steady stream of water from hitting the underside of the saddle.
Yup - Erin and I always ride leather and don't leave home without the saddle covers. I actually used a grocery bag these days because I put my saddle cover in my tool kit and couldn't find it(forgot I did that).
@@TimFitzwater [I put my saddle cover in my tool kit and couldn't find it(forgot I did that).]
I forgot that some come with the Velcro strap, and others don't. It's the ones with the strap that secure under the rails of leather saddles, which means you know where it is when you need it in a panic.
Reply
Fenders are a must in the PNW.
Well, there is a way to stay dry , and it's by using a cape /poncho. I drape it over the handlebars and have it hanging over the back of my seat. The right cape won't slow you down aerodynamically either. I get so much air movement under the cape that I actually dry out as I ride.
I should really try one of those - I kinda forget about them as they are not very common to see. My buddy Brian, Yellow Bird Threadworks, wore one last year at Higher Ground and seemed to like it. Do you have to worry about them getting stuck in any parts of the bike?
@@TimFitzwater Stuck? No, not even close with the one I have. Shame I can't show a pic here. Was on a long tour and got frustrated by rain and had to fix it. Now I look forward to the rain.
Much like putting up a car window to become more aerodynamic, I think my cape works that way.
Do you run full fenders? My buddy Brian (who I reached out to after your comment) said he has to make sure to sit on the back of the poncho or he just gets sprayed from underneath
@@TimFitzwater I have full fenders on my electric and touring bikes, but I use something like you have, on the rear of my Brompton folder. The plastic shield. I'd like to see Brian's setup. My cape is tight enough that it really hugs the rear of my bike seats, keeping my butt dry, without having to sit on it.
All that said, I live in SoCal and rain isn't much of a problem here.
By the way, I haven't said so yet, but your videos are really entertaining and informative. You would have made a great voice man in entertainment. Crystal clear, and easy to listen to.
Ha! I just ordered a rain jacket today. I’m kind of hoping it breaths well enough to be an outer layer in cool dry weather as well.
I love full fenders. I have one set currently living on the “grocery getter.
I have the full set of win wing/ ass saver clip-on’s for the gravel bike. I’m hoping the combo will come close to replicating full fenders but allow me to max out tire width. I haven’t put them on yet so we shall see.
I think I’m going to get some pie this week. 😀
You'll have to let us know how your jacket works out.
When I worked on the farm we wore breathable rain jackets and pants every morning because the fields were always so dewy - they worked well for that but in a deluge we still just got soaked through.
i kinda try to avoid the rain but i think with where i live where it rains half the year it's just better to get used to it especially with just clip on fenders. but also being cold and wet isnt great especially when you don't have the clothing and equipment to keep yourself dry and all of it is so expensive.
Really cold rain I just avoid from home - it isn't worth it it.
I'm trying to make sure my bikes don't overlap too much. So my cyclist bike has no fenders, drop bars, and when it rains I get wet. My commuter bike has full fenders, swept back upright bars, and when it rains I stay dry enough. I'm going to try pogies this year since no glove ever works. And as a glasses wearer who recently went back to contacts it's been a rain ride gamechanger.
People love pogies - they absolutely swear by them
I’m pretty much like you. I don’t mind getting caught in the rain 🌧️ but I will not start in the rain.
I keep a fender handy, and I have started a merino wool collection, but Im not a rainy day rider.
The feders are good for riding right after the rain too.
I have absolutely no problem knowing that I am a fair weather rider for local rides. If im living on the bike on tour or something, I try to work around the rain.
Yup. We will try to work around the rain a bit on a tour but we almost always have our destinations booked so we can only adjust so much.
Personally, I don't mind the rain so much, but that's partly because of wearing a merino shirt. The only thing I hate is wet feet so I have a pair of shoe covers. Not so much for the rain itself as for the puddles that form
I hate wet feet too which is why I bring lots of socks. I haven't found a good solution for warmer weather though as I ride flat pedals with pins.
Don’t like riding in the rain much. I usually use my rides as workouts on the weekend anyway and wasn’t feeling like treadmill/NordicTrack inside yet. Rain isn’t a problem if you were going to get sweaty anyway. Need those clip on fenders though.
Are you doing anything to keep your Brooks saddle dry on wet rides?
I always carry a saddle cover with me. I had misplaced them(but found them today) so on the second day I was riding with some grocery bags over it.
@@TimFitzwaterdo you ride with the cover on? or do you just keep it on you?
I am curious, when you say "wool", what material are you refering to? Merino? I would like to have something for the rainy-fall-riding-days.
Anytime you hear someone talking about "wool" in the cycling or outdoor activities space it is always about Merino. I guess I just kind of forget to say that at this point.
@@TimFitzwater ah thanks for the clarification. Any shirts you reccomend?
Smart Wool makes great stuff. On the cheaper end I like Wool 365. and I do have a link to a family run business in my videos but I have only tried their heavier winter stuff(which is fantastic).
One day I will learn to do narratives on my posts. Seems like a better ish idea then trying to narrate on the fly
If I'm alone narrating on the fly is fine - its just too weird with friends. Plus its nice to fully put my thoughts together and be able to edit when its after the fact.
My cantilever brakes don't like rain. So, if it rains, I'll do something else.
Huh - I never thought about not riding because of my brakes. I just leave more space!
@@TimFitzwater Well - It ain't just the brakes that don't like the rain. It's kind of an excuse I guess.
Is wool underwear boxer shorts or briefs? If both exist, is one or the other design a better choice?
Fun to watch your videos!
Every "format" exists. I bought some boxers and some briefs - but that answer will just come down to personal taste. I normally wear boxers so I prefer the boxers.
Thanks!
@@TimFitzwater Thank you. Want to try wool. Ride Hase Lepus here. Love watching your videos!
Embrace the suck
Gross