Black reflective tape on the Rain Bike
Everyone knows you need at least three road bikes – two if you’re absolutely determined to make a point about minimalism. Bike Number One is reserved for good weather and events, and the Rain Bike for inclement weather. Just like our guns need to be pampered and rubbed down whenever we’re off the bike, any time Bike Number One isn’t being used as a weapon of Mass V-struction, it should be pampered and polished lovingly. Best to leave the dirty work of training in Rule #9 conditions to a dedicated, loyal workhorse with less expensive componentry. It isn’t so much that a bike can’t handle getting wet – don’t be ridiculous – but rather that everything wears more quickly; road grit gets into the drivetrain, water seeps into bearings, and brake pads and rims wear like butter on a grindstone.
I find myself in the enviable position of having my repaired Cervélo R3 holding rank as my current Rain Bike. Having such a steed at hand any time the rain falls makes riding in bad weather all the more enjoyable. I did make some modifications to it, however. For starters, the cassette and chain are both Veloce instead of Record; not only are the less expensive, they appear to be more durable as well. As for hoops, a pair of Mavic Open Pros can’t be beat for durability and reliability.
But perhaps the most important modification centers around making the bike elegantly hi-vis. In addition to Lezyne flashers front and back for visibility, I have also applied strips of black 3M reflective tape to the chain stays, seat post, crank arms, down tube, and head tube. When a light isn’t shining on the tape, you can’t even see its there, but under the shine of a car’s headlights, the bike springs to life.
Riding in bad weather is all about durability and safety; the bike should be outfitted with reliable parts, and the rider should take care to be safe and visible. So whenver you’re riding in Rule #9 conditions, remember these safety tips:
Riding in bad weather means you’re a badass, but it also means cars are less likely to see you or expect to find you out on the road. In accordance with two of the V Tenets of the Velominati, we are to Look Fantastic at All Times, and Return Home Safely To Ride Again Tomorrow. My Reflective Bike of Authority plays nicely in both respects.
Vive la Vie Velominatus.
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Thought for a moment this was a posting for April fools day- reasonable, well thought out, encouraging function over form/appearance and without hyperbole. Alas, I checked the date and has to concede that it was just a decent thoughtful article.
@KW
I'll try and get a WI cogal set up for this summer. It'll be on the good roads in Washington, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac and possibly Ozaukee counties. Well away from the burbs . . . unless you count Kewaskum as a burb of West Bend . . .
@wiscot
Most all of my rides take me north and west of the city. I get into Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties quite a bit. Some fantastic roads up there. Makes me feel like I'm in Flanders with the aroma of all the cow shit.
@KW
We have a mix of great drivers and horrible drivers around the Fox Valley. Love riding in Ozaukee (son and daughter-in-law live in Cedarburg) and Washington (Sister in Richfield) Counties. Two weekends ago was able to ride around the Pewaukee Lake area -- great riding, and some nice little hills to boot.
We have plenty of Flanders smells around here; this was only a few weeks back. That's not exposed dirt from snow melt in the background....
@sthilzy What do you need to have a gun there though?
@teleguy57
Ah, I can smell it just looking at the photo.
Pewaukee Lake is a great ride--one of my favorites in the area. In fact it might be on this weekend's agenda. It's a nice 70-75km loop around the lake from my house. More climbing than you might expect at first too.
Now that it doesn't rain in Texas anymore I have no use for a "rain" bike... it is now simply known as "#2". That doesn't mean there is no Rule 9 riding.... Quite the contrary. Extremely bitter winter (for us) with morning temps consistently in the 20's & 30's for waaaay longer than past years. Oh and its often ridiculously windy as well. You want to ride those Zipp 404's? That's fine- just stay in the back of the pace line because nobody wants to ride behind you today. Good advice on the visibility of riders. Most of our rides begin in the dark and I've never heard anyone complaining of being too visible. We also put a premium on respectful riding while in traffic zones.... Nothing like a group of 20 blowing through red lights with their team kit on... Thank You sponsors!
@KW
Ok, ok, ok. I will get a WI cogal on the slate soon. Sounds like there's a bunch of us riding around unaware of our mutual Velominati status. Any of you guys doing the Cheesehead Roubaix? The UPAF ride in Mke is too easy. The Oostburg Christian School does a nice 160 kms ride in spring. If you want an awesome late season ride, the Maywood Nature Center in Sheboygan do the best 180 kms ride around. Great roads, organization and a nice, brutal route.
@wiscot I agree with Wisconsin drivers. I once had a woman stop and flag me down to apologize for passing so closely. Thing about it was that I hadn't noticed.
A WI cogal is a necessity.
Cheesehead Roubaix is definitely on the agenda this year. I did the Door County Century last year. Very well run event.
I'm still not sure which other big rides I'm going to be able to do this year. Our baby is due in early September, so I'm afraid that a lot of late season stuff may have to go by the wayside this year. That said, I'd like to do Race the Lake. We'll see what happens.