Can Mountain Bikes Get Wet? Can You Ride in Rain?

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Mountain bike going through puddle in the rain

The adrenaline rush, the sense of freedom, and the stress-free environment are reasons why 8.69 million people participated in mountain biking in 2021. But since your bike is your biggest asset, you want to ensure it’s safe to use.

So, can mountain bikes get wet? Can you ride in the rain? We’ll answer these questions in this article, so let’s dive in.

Can Mountain Bikes Get Wet?

A good mountain bike is made of corrosion-resistant materials, and the bottom brackets, hubs, and forks will be sealed to withstand different weather conditions. This means that short exposure to water won’t damage your mountain bike.

But prolonged exposure to rain and riding your mountain bike in wet conditions will cause the fast deterioration of its parts. Your mountain bike can get wet for brief periods, but you need to dry it as fast as possible.

There’s no way you can keep your mountain bike dry all the time, and you might need to wash it from time to time. Corrosion and damage happen when you keep it wet for extended periods.

Can You Ride in Rain?

Your mountain bike’s reliable parts allow you to ride it in the rain. But some parts, like the drivetrain, can slightly deteriorate when they’re kept wet.

This means that you can definitely ride the mountain bike in the rain, but you need to dry the different parts as soon as possible. Keeping the bike parts wet over time will damage them.

You might think that the wind will dry the different parts of the bike. Unfortunately, this isn’t true, as the moisture will gradually corrode the steel part, and they’ll get damaged over time.

It’s not recommended to always ride your mountain bike in the rain, as this will reduce the expected life of its different parts. You’ll be paying more to maintain and keep it functional.

How Does the Rain Affect Your Bike?

Water damage depends on how long your mountain bike stays wet. Frequent mountain biking in the rain will lead to corrosion and wear and tear.

Corrosion happens when the non-stainless steel parts of your bike rust. This makes the bike more difficult to control, and riding it can be dangerous.

Wear and tear happen when the metal parts rub against each other. This happens because of the dirt and mud that cover the bike’s parts. This buildup accelerates the wear and tear rate, and the parts eventually get damaged faster.

Which Parts Are More Prone to Damage?

Mountain bike in the mud
Riding in the rain will effect different components on your bike

Some of the bike’s parts won’t get damaged if they get wet, but others can easily corrode. Here are the parts that can easily get damaged.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain contains the parts that push the mountain bike forward. The water from the rain will wash out the grease that keeps the chain and the cassette working the way they should. This means that changing gears will lead to excessive friction that eventually ruins the different parts of the drivetrain.

Headset

The headset allows the mountain bike to rotate and facilitate steering. This part connects the fork to the frame, and it’s not usually sealed properly. The different parts will eventually rust, and you won’t be able to rotate the mountain bike easily.

Bottom Brackets

This part connects the frame to the crankset, and even if it’s sealed, the water usually slips in. This is why you need to dry it after it rains.

Cables

If you have a good-quality mountain bike, the cables will probably be made of stainless steel and won’t rust or corrode. Yet, most medium-grade mountain bikes have cables that aren’t made of stainless steel, so they shouldn’t be kept wet. 

Screws

Most screws aren’t made of stainless steel, so they will rust and corrode with time. Keeping them dry will help them last longer.

Can You Wash Your Mountain Bike?

You can definitely wash your mountain bike using a garden hose. However, pressure washing isn’t recommended because it can damage the different parts. After washing your bike, you need to use a dry cloth to remove all the moisture to protect the bike’s parts from damage.

What Should You Do With Your Mountain Bike When It’s Raining?

You can’t control the weather, but it’s always recommended to use a weather app to predict the rain. But if it starts raining during your ride, you can do these things to protect your mountain bike.

Avoid Puddles

Try to avoid puddles because the water and dirt will damage the different parts of the mountain bike. Whenever possible, you should try to avoid riding when it’s pouring.

Clean Your Bike

Clean your bike as soon as you bring the mountain bike home. Use a garden hose to remove the mud, as the accumulation of dirt will damage the different parts of your bike.

Washing the mountain bike while it’s still wet before the grime dries up will be easier. After removing all the dirt, use an old T-shirt or a piece of cloth to dry all the different parts of the mountain bike.

Pay Attention to the Chains

Your bike’s chains require more attention because the accumulation of dirt and grime will affect the way they move. This is why you need to use a small toothbrush to remove all the buildup before cleaning and drying them. You should also lubricate them adequately to guarantee that they move easily and smoothly.

Tips For Riding The Mountain Bike In the Rain

Going on bike rides in rainy weather might sound like fun, but it’s not recommended unless you absolutely have to. So, if you want to ride your bike while it’s raining, follow these tips for maximum safety.

  • Always be alert of your surroundings because controlling the bike in the rain is more challenging.
  • Avoid high speeds.
  • Adjust your tire pressure.
  • Be cautious while using your brakes.
  • Opt for organic brake pads, which are easier to control.
  • Practice balancing your weight and handle curves carefully.

Wrap Up

Your mountain bike can get wet, but you must dry it as soon as possible. Rain rides can be fun, but you should be careful while handling your bike. Once your ride is over, use a garden hose to clean your mountain bike and dry it thoroughly to keep its parts in excellent shape.

Photo of author

AUTHOR

Paul Tuthill
Growing up in Scotland, Paul developed a love for the outdoors and a desire for adventure from an early age.