{"id":11229,"date":"2021-08-30T13:16:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-30T13:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/discerningcyclist.com\/?p=11229"},"modified":"2023-02-14T13:49:14","modified_gmt":"2023-02-14T13:49:14","slug":"how-long-are-bikes-okay-in-the-rain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/discerningcyclist.com\/how-long-are-bikes-okay-in-the-rain\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Are Bikes Okay in the Rain? [PROTECTION GUIDE]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You might get away with leaving your bike out in the rain for a few days, but it’s best if you avoid it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know the feeling \u2014 skidding through puddles of water and riding in the rain might make you feel like a child again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s great \u2014 until it’s not, and your bike suffers for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mud and water deteriorate the functionality of your bike over time. However, you might be lucky if you coat your metal frames with waterproof paint to protect them from water damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though, after some years of use, these coatings wear off or get chipped and scratched on impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Composite frame bikes have excellent water resistance and you could ride them in the rain, across wet concrete, or over a puddle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, all bike parts are not built with this feature. Besides, manufacturers advise extra care to keep water away from bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we’ll discuss a few things to consider before leaving your bike out in the rain.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What Happens if a Bike Gets Rained On?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A number of things could happen to your bike when it gets rained on. This might lead to it breaking down a lot sooner than the manufacturer stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a bike gets rained on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. The rims will get wet, interfering with the braking efficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Bike computers, lights, batteries, and other electronic components attached to the bike might get damaged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Rain, dust, dirt, and slush on the bike may not cause any immediate damage, but the mechanical parts may start to rust much later.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Will Rain Destroy My Bike?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In the short-term rain will not destroy a bike. However, if a bike is left unprotected for long periods, rain can significantly damage a bicycle’s chain, cassette and derailleur through rust and corrosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The good news is, there are a lot of ways to weatherproof all parts of your bike. One is to use a 100% waterproof bike cover<\/a>. Or, you could protect specific parts, like just the saddle, for instance, that are most in danger of water damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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