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    My first commute in the rain. Is it normal or can I do something about this?

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    27 Comments

    1. Fimbir on

      A longer, wider and well-channed fender will catch more spray from the front wheel. Speed is a factor as well. SKS makes a very long front fender that can handle wet pavement but the channeling is not so good for puddles.

    2. royaltheman on

      I’ve known people who use leg gaiters to protect their pants when riding in the rain, seems to do the trick

    3. Trumbez_ on

      I always use shorts and a t-shirt and change into normal clothes when I get there. No worries about getting muddy or getting sprayed by cars

    4. thanthelion on

      Think about getting some shoe water repeller or some shoes with weather protection. There are also protective covers if you don’t mind a small dose of dorkiness in your outfit.

      This year I’ve bought Vans Old Skool made with Cordura fabric, which are additionally weather sealed – they are great when used on bike! They didn’t even let through water from a car wash when I accidentally sprayed it on my feet when washing a bike.

    9. hilariuspdx on

      I commute in the Pacific Northwest through the rain all winter and I never have that happen. Your fenders are just too narrow for your tires’ throw.

    10. w1n5t0nM1k3y on

      Put your work clothes in your backpack/pannier and then change when you get to work. If you don’t have changerooms, then just used the bathroom/toilet stall.

    11. inDefenseofDragons on

      Front fender doesn’t go down far enough. Might consider installing a mud flap if possible

    12. BrightDamage8260 on

      rain gear. i have no fenders, ride in rain frequently and stay dry. high or mid tops will help too so the rain pants actually cover them. if you are shorter you may not have a problem but i am a fuzz over 6ft and even xl pants tend to be too short for me.

    13. 49thDipper on

      Put a flap on the bottom of your fender that almost touches the ground. Flare it out a bit on both sides

    14. beast_of_production on

      If the weather is warm, wear crocs. You can rinse them with water and leave to dry.

    15. oldfrancis on

      You might want to look at slightly wider fenders and you might want to look at installing a front fender flap that extends almost all the way to the ground.

    16. Accurate_ManPADS on

      Waterproof over pants. Or wear shorts and change when you arrive.

      I personally favour the shorts and a T-shirt approach. I find I get wet anyway from sweat if I wear rain gear so still need a shower and a change of clothes when I arrive. Easier to just wear shorts and put up with the rain.

    18. Sallsy on

      Even with mudguards, your legs can still get sprayed like crazy, especially from stuff bouncing off the road and your tires. You can wear rain pants, not the thick winter kind, just those light waterproof overpants. They roll up super small, you can toss them on when the clouds roll in. Total game-changer. Keeps your legs dry, blocks splash, and no soggy jeans smell when you get inside. Use waterproof shoe covers or just keep a dry pair of shoes/socks at work and ride in old beaters you don’t mind getting wrecked.

    22. that_one_guy63 on

      Been there. Mud flap and/or shoe cover (which usually covers the ankles too)

    23. Zen100_ on

      I leave a pair of work shoes wherever I work so I can wear whatever shoes works best on my bike rides and change when I get there. Packing some extra pants helps too. There’s a lot of other good ideas in the comments. 

    24. TheIrishBlur6 on

      The best bike commuting purchase I have ever made was a very breathable rain gear set. Jacket and pants. Light, compact and quick to put on and take off.

    25. svanen17 on

      I wear knee-high waterproof boots when it’s cold and raining. This look might be easier to pull off with womenswear, though.

    27. Turdsby on

      Waterproof over pants are simple and cheap enough, get ones with little metal ring holes or vents up the sides or you will seal in your juices and soak yourself 😛

      I used to use water resistant(COMPLETE GARBAGE AND FREEZING ABOMINATIONS) and waterproof bootys but the cheaper ones are such a pain the arse to get on and my pair fit my sneakers for instance but will not get anywhere close to covering boots. If money isnt an option than more expensive waterproof bootys might work well but I opted for a pair of shoes I dont give a crap about getting wet and a decent pair of waterproof socks in the end. The socks cost me half the price of my waterproof bootys which were 60e.

      Waterproof socks tucked over waterproof pants is fool proof but again I would recommend breathable socks or you seal in the juices.

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