While our cities are starting to shift to bike-friendly layouts, one thing we unfortunately can’t shift is the weather.
It’s Murphy’s Law that if there are rain clouds in the air, the skies will open up as soon as you push your bike down the driveway and start your commute.
While wet rides aren’t the most fun you could have on two wheels, they don’t have to be uncomfortable.
Prepare your gear for a foul-weather bike commute with our list of must-haves.
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Wrap your Face with a Custom Neck Gaiter
Your number one consideration has got to be protecting your face from not only the natural elements, but from all of the gritty smog that city bike commuters will know all too well.
By wrapping your face in a selection of custom neck gaiters, you can keep your face clean and your lungs free of larger particles found in exhaust.
Neck gaiters are a great choice for a wet commute because of their versatility. You can wear them as a face mask (perfect for these unprecedented pandemic times), neck covering, headwrap or more.
When choosing a neck gaiter, choose one with both moisture-wicking technology and UPF30+ sun protection, ensuring you keep yourself safe and protected no matter the weather.
Get a Quality Waterproof Jacket
Next on our list is getting a quality waterproof jacket. Not only will a jacket keep your chest dry in the rain, but it will also help protect you from any harsh morning winds.
If you’ve ever cycled to work close to sunrise, you’ll know the feeling. That icy, morning wind that somehow finds its way onto your skin through multiple layers (how?!).
When it comes to cycling jackets, you have two main choices available, depending on the climate where you’re commuting:
Cold climate jacket: A thick, waterproof jacket to protect yourself from the wind as well as the rain.
Warm climate jacket: A thin shell jacket. While still waterproof, they’ll prevent you from sweating through your shirt before you even get to your desk.
Protect your Extremities With Overshoes and Gloves
Coming in third on our list of foul-weather bike commute must-haves, are overshoes and specialist wet-weather gloves.
Your extremities such as toes and fingers are the key to regulating your body’s temperature, meaning that keeping them dry and warm is imperative for a healthy, wet morning commute.
Overshoes: Protect your toes and feet with a pair of overshoes. A pair of lightweight rain booties fit comfortably over your shoes to keep you dry and comfortable on your pedals.
Gloves: Keep your fingers warm and your hands firmly wrapped around your handlebars with a pair of specialist wet-weather gloves. Choose a pair of gloves designed for warmth on the inside and grip on the outside.
Add an Extra Layer on Your Head With a Cycling Cap
While you’re going to have to wear a helmet if you’re commuting in the city, have you considered wearing a thin cycling cap underneath to protect your head from the wet?
These iconic cycling fashion items come in a variety of materials and sizes, but if you’re looking for a wet-weather solution, pick a moisture-wicking material such as neoprene.
Cycling caps not only look great when you’re on the bike, but they protect your hair and eyes from the dirty city rain that will seep through the vents in your helmet.
Choose a cycling cap with a small brim and that extra inch protruding from even hooded helmets will add another layer of protection from spray as you pick up speed.
Block Blinding Water Spray with Clear Glasses
Last but not least on our list of must-have gear for a foul-weather bike commute, is a pair of glasses designed to block water spray.
When it rains, you don’t only have to contend with rain and mist falling from the clouds, but also with road spray from traffic.
A pair of light, see-through glasses are ideal for a wet commute because they’re designed for visibility in harsh conditions.
Choose a pair that adjusts to light and doesn’t fog or retain moisture on the outside of the lens for maximum visibility in all conditions.
Happy pedaling!
