Outfitting Your Bike

• 1
  Fenders keep water and mud from slinging off the wheel and onto your pants, legs or back.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
  
  Obtain fenders, an important piece of equipment for cycling in the rain. Without fenders, you will get wet and increase the chance of a miserable ride. Find good fenders at any bike shop for about $40 and up. Cheap fenders sell for about $15.
  
  
• 2
  Bike lights come in a number of styles and shapes -- pick one that matches your bike.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
  
  Install heavy-duty bike lights. Good bike lights are available at most bike stores for about $30. Visibility is decreased when you ride in the rain, and a lights help alert drivers to your presence, keeping you safe. A light also helps you see large puddles or other hazards. Equip your bike with a bright white light on the front and a flashing red light on the back.
  
  
• 3). Keep your bike tuned up and clean. You do not need to spend a lot of money on a tuneup, and it is essential for riding in the rain. It's much harder to correct for a mistake or malfunctioning bicycle when it's pouring rain and the streets are wet. If every part on your bike is working correctly -- especially the brakes -- you minimize your chances of crashing.
  
  

Outfitting Yourself

• 1
  Choosing bright colors helps with visibilty.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Purchase a rain repellent overcoat or a rain cape. Pick something long in the back to cover your rear end while riding. Rain capes are good if you carry a backpack; wear the cape over your pack to keep your body and belongings dry.
  
  
• 2). Wear water-resistant pants. Snowboarding pants work well and you may find these at thrift stores or sporting good stores. Be sure to consider breatheability if you're cycling a long distance. Another good option for maximum breatheability and minimal wetness is a pair of strap-on, protective rain pants sold specifically for biking and horseback riding.
  
  
• 3). Cover your hands with waterproof gloves, such as snow gloves.
  
  
• 4). Pack a change of clothes. Even with all these precautions, sometimes you get wet. Carrying along an extra set of work clothes in a waterproof bag is smart and keeps you from spending a day at work wearing wet clothes.
  
  

Riding in the Rain

• 1). Keep alert. Rain compromises visibility for both you and drivers. Take a second look over your shoulder before turning, and always signal.
  
  
• 2). Stay clear of huge piles of brush or leaves; they could be hiding rocks or large branches. Wet leaves can be uite slippery, so use caution when navigating even small amounts of leaves on wet ground.
  
  
• 3). Keep an eye out for train tracks, which are slick when wet. Always cross perpendicular to the tracks; try not to take them at an angle.