1. Let some air out
Every downhill rider knows that in the wet, you switch to tyres that shed mud fast and don’t clog. In the city, you’re unlikely to run into full-on trail conditions, but the loss of traction is just as real – and just as painful. A fall here doesn’t mean a DNF from a race, but maybe from a job interview. Want to avoid that? Don’t ride your tyres like they’re pumped up for a velodrome. Hard tyres slip. Let a little air out, and you’ll increase the contact patch with the ground. More grip means less shame.
2. Watch the weather (like, really watch it)
Sounds obvious, right? But we’re all so rushed, trying to gain time – sometimes the smart move is to wait for the right moment. If you’re heading to a meeting and it’s raining Pirates-of-the-Caribbean-style, that meeting’s not going to go well. Take a breath, check your weather app (try Windy, RainViewer, or Yr.no), and wait for the worst of the storm to pass before you hop on your bike. You’ll arrive on time and with dry socks.
3. Mudguards are not lame
Sporty riders often turn their noses up at them, but mudguards can turn any bike into an all-weather urban warrior. Add some decent clothing and you’ll cruise through the city sludge with a clean back and a winning smile. No fender mounts on your bike? No problem. Get ones with quick-release attachments for your seatpost and head tube. Like these from Decathlon.
4. Someone said “clothing”? Yep.
Sure, when we head to the mountains, we pack like we’re summiting the Matterhorn. But in the city? We often just wing it and then regret it hard. Staying dry makes all the difference between a decent ride and swearing you’ll never ride again. Can’t afford top-shelf Gore-Tex? No problem. Grab a cheap waterproofing spray and treat your city-cycling outfit once a week. Add waterproof gloves, socks, and a helmet with a visor, and you’re good. Stay dry, stay smiling.
5. Protect your eyes
Speaking of helmets, let’s talk about your eyes. These biological sensors only work if they’re not constantly bombarded with muddy drops spiced up with street grit. The same logic from mountain trails applies here: protect your vision. Clear-lens glasses work great in rain and fog. For bonus points, hit them with some anti-fog spray before heading out.
6. Beware of wheel lockups
You panic, grab the brakes too hard, wheels lock, and boom – another urban wipeout. Skidding is one of the most common causes of bike crashes, especially on wet asphalt. When it rains, you might hit the ground before you can even say ‘puddle’. What helps? Look ahead, anticipate danger. Ditch the old rim brakes for disc brakes with better modulation. And if you’re on an e-bike (or shopping for one), ask about ABS braking from Bosch eBike Systems. What’s mandatory in cars and motorcycles is finally available for bikes, and can reportedly prevent up to 30% of falls on slippery surfaces.
7. Avoid the classic urban bike traps
Rain makes the worst city hazards even worse: tram tracks, crosswalk paint, leaf piles. All of them turn into soap bars under your wheels. Puddles? Don’t trust them. Many hide potholes are deep enough to taco your rim.
Bonus bike hacks
Got caught in a downpour? Stop and stash your phone (or anything you care about) in a plastic bag. Then into your pocket.
That same plastic bag works magic for your saddle, too. Expecting rain while parking your bike? Wrap your seat. Or remove it entirely to prevent theft.
Want to keep your backpack dry, including your laptop and all? Wear the backpack, then throw a cheap poncho over yourself. Instant waterproofing.
