The short version: fit mudguards, dress in layers you can shed, make yourself easy to see, and let a little air out of your tyres for grip. Most “too wet to ride” days are really “not set up for it” days — and the setup is cheap.
Dress in layers, not a single heavy coat
Riding makes its own heat, so you’ll be warmer than standing still. Start slightly cool:
- A windproof, breathable outer layer blocks the chill of moving air and light rain while letting sweat escape. A fully waterproof shell keeps rain out but can leave you damp from the inside on a hard effort — a trade-off worth knowing.
- A mid-layer you can unzip or remove as you warm up.
- Cover the extremities first — hands, ears, and feet get cold before your core. Full-finger gloves, a thin hat under the helmet, and warm socks do more than a heavier coat.
Make yourself easy to see
Grey, wet, and dark travel together. Good lights, front and rear, are the cheapest safety upgrade there is — run them day or night in poor weather. Add reflective detail on the parts that move (ankles, pedals, wheels), since motion catches the eye. More in the lights guide.
Grip and comfort in the wet
- Let a little air out of your tyres. Slightly lower pressure puts more rubber on the road for grip; a wider tyre helps too.
- Brake earlier and gentler. Wet rims and roads stretch stopping distance; an early, light touch also wipes water off the brakes.
- Respect the slippery bits — painted lines, metal covers, wet leaves, and the first rain after a dry spell are all more slippery than they look. Cross them upright and straight, never mid-corner.
Keep your things dry
Waterproof bags beat a backpack in the rain — see carrying errands by bike. A dry-bag, or a couple of zip-lock bags for phone and wallet, costs nothing and saves a bad afternoon.
Know when to skip it
There’s a real limit, and honesty about it is part of the point: ice, storms, and heavy snow are worth sitting out. Riding when you want to is what keeps the habit alive, so take the bus on the genuinely bad days without a shred of guilt. And after wet or salty rides, wipe the grit off the chain and re-oil it — road salt is what quietly wears a drivetrain out.
This guide is durable, practical how-to advice for riding in poor weather, not gear picks — adapt it to your climate, and lean on each city’s Compass to see how the riding year looks where you are. Tick off the kit list below before you head out.