General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How much does rain slow you down Rss Feed  
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2016-05-02 9:10 AM

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Subject: How much does rain slow you down

Raced in the rain on very wet roads sunday.  Was curious if there is a rule of thumb for the impact on bike speed.



2016-05-02 9:49 AM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Subject: RE: How much does rain slow you down
Originally posted by dmiller5

Raced in the rain on very wet roads sunday.  Was curious if there is a rule of thumb for the impact on bike speed.




A lot! No data here, however I slow down considerably going into any corners/curves. In a 2009 HIM I went around a curve (when it was raining) at 27MPH, normally I would have been fine but I just kept sliding towards the edge of the road until I reached the edge. At which point I went into my best impersonation of superman, fortunately it was all grass so injuries were limited to a bloody lip and a cracked helmet.

On straight roads with light rain, I think it slows me up a little but don't know if its mental or actual physical parameters such as rolling resistance.
2016-05-02 9:56 AM
in reply to: mike761

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Subject: RE: How much does rain slow you down

I'm talking about the physical slowdown.  I'm convinced there is more rolling resistance or something.  The power I put out yesterday should have had me faster haha

2016-05-02 10:19 AM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Subject: RE: How much does rain slow you down
Originally posted by dmiller5

I'm talking about the physical slowdown.  I'm convinced there is more rolling resistance or something.  The power I put out yesterday should have had me faster haha



Off the top of my head, air density increases correct. I know there are some calculators on-line(somewhere) using this as part of they power calcs. Should be able to estimate air density on dry days vs raining.

Rolling resistance will increase as well but by how much--??? Don't know of any testing on this, however since the tires pick water up off the ground and spray it(on your back) that requires energy that is not required on a dry day.

2016-05-02 10:21 AM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Subject: RE: How much does rain slow you down
It depends on how hard it is raining and what the road conditions are. I also raced in the rain on Sunday. There weren't many hills to speak of, but there were a lot of sharp corners and two traffic circles. I averaged about 4 mph slower than I expected to, but I just wasn't comfortable going faster, especially since I don't have much history riding aero and that bike is a bit twitchy.
2016-05-02 10:49 AM
in reply to: happyscientist

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Subject: RE: How much does rain slow you down
I raced in the rain yesterday too (Devilman). The cold was a whole other issue, but the rain itself also impacted my bike. In addition to the other items already noted (rolling resistance, slower in turns, denser air) I also wore allot of clothing (including non-aero jacket) and carried significantly more weight (everything I wore was completely soaked through). I did not have power readings since I took my road bike with aerobars instead of my less stable tri bike, but I was 3 mph slower than planned and consider that a victory.


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