Racing in the Rain!!

[tfernandez]

Does anyone have any pointers on the following:

1) What to wear? Say it's 7-11C
2) Tire pressure
3) Tire selection

or any other good tips...

THKS
Tom

[Chuck Norris]

The following has helped me in the rain:

1) Don't even bother trying to stay dry. Won't happen. Just embrace the wet. 7 to 11 degrees, I'd be in shoe covers, knee warmers, arm warmers, a vest, and full fingers. A cap with a brim under your helmet will also keep some of the spray out of your eyes. Glasses are hit and miss.

2/3) I ususally run at 95psi in the rain compared to 105psi in the dry. I've also got a set of dedicated rain wheels. They're cheap so I don't care if/when they get trashed. They've got Conti 4 seasons on them. Pretty sticky in the wet. Run 700c x23's if you're going to drop the pressure. I'd pinch anything skinnier in no time.

4) Ride more defensively than usual in the rain - particularly towards the finish. If you're forced to overlap on someone's wheel going into a dicey turn, make sure your tire is on their inside. You stand a much better chance of making it through should the guy in front lay it down.

[mann83]

Tire pressure: 120-130 psi (fast, fast, fast. Who needs grip anyways?)
Chain: lightly lubed, it at all (keep the weight down)
Clothing: Jersy and shorts (bibs if you want a little warmth), no booties (rain will soak and make heavy).

Come on Fernandez, you were a stud out there on friday. You don't need to worry about rain and low temps.

Just kidding. I ride with leg and arm warmers, base layer under jersey, wind proof vest and booties and start with cap or beenie under helmet (can always remove if you heat up). Nothing TOO heavy though or you'll be a sponge (you thought you were cold before the race?). Just remember you can't layer as much in a race as there aren't enough spots to peel like on a group ride. Lower pressures in tires, but remember your weight, you want the bike to handle, not be slow or risk flating (around 95-110psi, wt depending). Give your bike some love and lube the chain well.