Riding in the rain?

Originally Posted by Spiderman

if, like some on this site, you are more inclined to go with 70%rear and 30%front in the dry.

I think those people, whoever they are, need more training.

As for leaning in the wet, I'd recommend not even thinking about it. Do what feels safe. Trying to increase the anglge will only lead to a spill. It takes a while to get used to it, don't try and speed it up.

Originally Posted by Nekkid

I think those people, whoever they are, need more training.

I must need more training then as I'm a renowned rear braker - maybe that's why I'm so slow .


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In addition to all the bike-riding techniques... don't forget to wear appropriate clothing. There's nothing more miserable (and distracting - so therefore dangerous) than having cold soggy hands / legs / bottom etc.

Cover-up (and wrap-up in winter) so you're dry and toasty - and you'll have fun!

Whoops double post

Originally Posted by Spiderman

My 2p worth.

I find i always lock the rear when braking in the wet. maybe an adjustment of your braking balance for wet riding is a good idea if, like some on this site, you are more inclined to go with 70%rear and 30%front in the dry.

However i would also advise that you make the change (and practice) in the dry till you have the braking more at 70%front and 30%rear. Changing the manner in which you normally apply your brakes can be a bit hairy the first time you try doing something "diffrent" from your normal way.

Personaly i always do the 70f & 30r so its been a little easier for me to just stay off the back brake altogether in the wet.

hth

IMO you arent braking hard enough if you can use your rear brake. If you were your rear would be in the air!

Use more "even" braking in the wet, say 50.50. I can say this with confidence and 365 days a year riding. So, to date around 1500 days.

According to the DAS instructors its supposed to be 70/30 in the dry and 50/50 in the wet on the brakes, or thats what my ones said anyway.

I've found that smoothly does it seems to do the job. You are aware of the hazards already and if you can't avoid a manhole cover then its not the end of the world if you have to go over it.

One thing I have noticed is that when I come to a stop and put my foot down, quite often the ground is so slippery that my foot skids, easily sorted by again, being smooth and relaxed and not just stomping the foot down.

Originally Posted by Kate

According to the DAS instructors its supposed to be 70/30 in the dry and 50/50 in the wet on the brakes, or thats what my ones said anyway.

surely it will be different for every bike. all depends on how the bike is set up.

someone correct me.

[Kylie]

Cheers for all the tips, rode much more confidently on the way home, going as fast as the cars on the roads round most corners now, which is the main thing (I'm not mad on being rear-ended). Its a matter of developing a trust for your tyres I guess.

Changed my mind on the rain on visor problem though, that got more of a hassle when it got dark too. Maybe need to stitch a chammy into palm of left hand glove....

Originally Posted by jonboy

Trust uncle jonboy, take it easy in the wet or you'll come off .


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Where was this advice when I needed it

Originally Posted by Kate

According to the DAS instructors its supposed to be 70/30 in the dry

Is that 70 front or 70 rear?

I was always told (and taught) to use (in the dry) 70 f / 30 r, as you have so much more braking power / grip through the front brake / tyre when braking.

If the rear was meant as your primary source of slowing down then surely the front disks would be smaller and larger at the rear.

I try not to touch the rear brake in wet (unless I'm doing a slow manouvere) until I have done most of my braking, as it is so much easier to lock up.