How to Rainproof Your E-Cycle in 5 Simple Steps

How to Rainproof Your E-Cycle in 5 Simple Steps

⁠You may have recently purchased an electric cycle and love to ride to your workplace for errands or fun. But the dreaded monsoon comes and rains on your parade. Your passion for biking prevents you from catching a bus or a cab, and you can’t take your electric cycle either. What a dilemma! Don’t be bummed out cause we have got you covered with some easy tips so you can enjoy riding in the rain too.  You should remember that even after taking extreme precautions, you might lose your grip and slip, and that’s what we want to avoid as much as possible. Moreover, wet roads, mud splashes, and constant rain can damage your electric cycle too. Here are a few ideas to make biking a fun-filled experience, even if it rains. ⁠

Slipping is all about traction, surface area and a change in the resistance between the road and your tyre. All the sciencey mumbo-jumbo aside, when you reduce the tyre pressure by about 7-10 psi, you broaden the surface area of the tyres, which significantly increases the grip, despite the slippery road. You may even consider swapping the tyres with wider ones for better grip.

GET FENDERS  

Installing mud guards and fenders can help save your electric cycle and your legs, face and back from splashes. Not only do these inexpensive additions keep your clothing clean, but they also protect your electric cycle from collecting dirt and keep it more weather-resistant.   LUBE THE DRIVETRAIN 

The drivetrain consists of your chain, pedals, and derailleurs - all the parts that move the electric cycle forward when you pedal. Keeping your drivetrain lubed up is essential for frictionless braking, smooth gear shifting, and pedalling. But, using a lubricant or grease invites all sorts of grime and dirt which then clogs the drivetrain. In that case, a silicone-based dry lubricant goes a long way to keep your e-cycle healthy. The dry lubricant not only keeps it free from dirt but it also seals the moisture out and protects it from rusting.  ⁠REGULAR CLEANING 

It can’t be stressed enough- clean your e-cycle after every ride. You can use a microfiber cloth to clean off dirt and grime and wipe it dry. Whenever you use your electric bicycle in the rain, brush off the dirt from the cassette, chain, rims, brake pads, frame, drivetrain and tyres. This will ensure that your bike does not deteriorate quickly. 

RAINPROOF YOURSELF 

Ride with a plan in mind for every weather. For instance, your shoes will get wet in the rain and can slip from the pedal - which is definitely something you don’t want, not to mention the uncomfortability. Use rainproof, slip-resistant shoes with good grip. Similarly, wearing waterproof clothes made from breathable material will protect you from the rain and keep you away from sweat on your long rides. Get a pair of water-resistant gloves so you don’t lose your grip. Use accessories like riding glasses which can be worn over spectacles comfortably, wear reflective gear so people can see you, and make sure you don’t skip out on necessary maintenance checks. Know more about it here. 

It is crucial to change your riding style to better suit the weather too. Things that one can do with an electric bicycle or even a traditional cycle under normal weather circumstances become difficult when the roads are slippery. Braking earlier than usual when going into a corner is recommended. You should also try to maintain distance between yourself and other vehicles, giving you enough room to stop in time.  ⁠ Lastly, remember to have fun. The weather will keep changing but the vibe shouldn’t. Happy riding!