Living Car Free - How cold will you go?!?

:) This morning I thought it was cold out..but little did I know Little!:p that with the windchill, and it was blowing hard at 8 am, as well as 11 am when coming back it was -5 degrees..
I was a bit cold, but it was still fun to ride...Though I think zero degree's is a far a si will go..windchill I will go as far as -15. Currently it is 18 degrees out here in Ohio.

I wore 2 pairs of undies..2 socks..a boot..a scarf, coat with a insulated shirt, and a long sleeve shirt,a hat with ear muffs..long pants( yes I have seen folks riding shorts in any wheather:eek: and thinsulated gloves..I was toasty..for the most part..

So how low will you go (weatherwise)?

Have a great and safe winter!

Our weather was yesterday was exactly as you describe. I left the bike at home and walked instead. Less windchill. My personal all-time low is 12F with windchill near something like absolute zero. :)

You should post this in the Winter Cycling forum. Those guys go pretty low.

freezing. No lower.

I don't have much choice but to go out, whatever the temp. All you need is the right clothing and the right attitude. This year we haven't gone below 8 degrees F here in Michigan.

I'll go down into the upper 20's as long as there is no wind and the roads are dry. For DC that means I can bike pretty much 11 months out of the year. We're just entering the period, late January through the end of February, where we often get nights dipping into the low 20's or teens.

I've got my eye on a few pieces of clothing, like booties, insulated socks, wool jersey and jacket that I may try to get this Spring on sale. Then I should be set for next January!

I'll go down into the upper 20's as long as there is no wind and the roads are dry. For DC that means I can bike pretty much 11 months out of the year. We're just entering the period, late January through the end of February, where we often get nights dipping into the low 20's or teens.

I've got my eye on a few pieces of clothing, like booties, insulated socks, wool jersey and jacket that I may try to get this Spring on sale. Then I should be set for next January!
Did you ever try riding with regular winter clothing, instead of the cycling-specific stuff? That's what I do. I save a lot of money, and I'm always warm and toasty up here in Michigan.

Did you ever try riding with regular winter clothing, instead of the cycling-specific stuff? That's what I do. I save a lot of money, and I'm always warm and toasty up here in Michigan.

I think I'm almost there. Maybe I should look through the winter cycling forum a bit for ideas ;)

For example - I have winter cycling tights. But when it gets into the 20's the cold wind still cuts through. So maybe I just need to get a pair of wind-breaking pants to wear over top of the tights?

I think I'm almost there. Maybe I should look through the winter cycling forum a bit for ideas ;)

For example - I have winter cycling tights. But when it gets into the 20's the cold wind still cuts through. So maybe I just need to get a pair of wind-breaking pants to wear over top of the tights?


Cold Lizard tights rule. I have a pair of their heavyweight and lightweight. The lightweight ones have sort of a slick surface and are designed to work as a base layer. When it gets really cold I wear both. I haven't found a temp yet that was to cold.

I wear just the heavyweights into the 20's

-D

Like Roody, I pretty much have no choice on going out. For the past couple of days we've had some bad cold temps -- single digits with windchill well below zero (-15 to -33), and it's a toss-up between "biking will get me there faster" and "walking will hurt less". I made the mistake of biking home from work during the lower phase of the temps. When it hits 8 or less, I'm walking.

I think I'm almost there. Maybe I should look through the winter cycling forum a bit for ideas ;)

For example - I have winter cycling tights. But when it gets into the 20's the cold wind still cuts through. So maybe I just need to get a pair of wind-breaking pants to wear over top of the tights?

Tights are fine. Regular khaki pants (like cotton dockers) over them will keep you warm down to 25F or so. When it's colder, wear wool pants (from resale shop) or hiking pants like from Land's End or Duluth Trading Co. Actually, from bottom layer to top, I wear: padded cycling shorts, polypro long johns ($8 from Target) and pants (cotton, wool or hiking pants from resale shops). The reason to buy outer clothes from the resale shop--riding in this weather is really hard on pants, so it makes sense to get them second hand.

Another thing to snap up at resale shops is cashmere and merino sweaters. They can be worn anywhere in the layering system, even right next to skin. They wick moisture and still insulate even when wet. I wear them 9 months of the year. They might cost $200 or more when new, but I often find them used for $3 or $4.

Remember, if you're dressed right, you'll be WARM--like 80 degrees F next to your skin, and you'll sweat just as much as you do in the summer. If you are not warm--even HOT--when you're riding, you're not dressed right. That right there is the "secret" to the whole thing. Pretty simple....your body is designed to work best at 80 degrees F, so that's right where you should be. When you vent your outer layer, you literally see steam rising off your body. 99 % of people who complain about the cold just aren't dressed properly.

i'll go as low as i can reasonable go with the gear i have. as it stands right now i think i can withstand below zero temperatures with skiing toe warmers over clipless shoes, booties, and heavy wool socks on my feet. but i think i would need some ski goggles. i'm good for pretty much anything else, though. i have a pair of flannel lined carhartt pants i can wear over warm tights, keeps me toasty. for your hands, skiing overmitts can be a good solution in super cold situations. but experiment in the cold and figure it out. everyone is different in terms of what they can tolerate and what they find comfortable. people ski in pretty cold conditions... what makes cycling any different?

however, you have to respect the cold. a friend of mine usually dresses light, but she got 1st degree burns on her ears from riding to the waterfront a couple days ago. she didn't have anything on her ears though, it was about 24 degrees out.. also the other day i rode in like 33ish weather in freezing rain with some friends... i was soaked through but still warm when i got back. but a part of my inner thigh felt like it was burning kinda. just don't be stubborn and impulsive and i think you will be okay.

The lowest I've gone this winter was somewhere between -25C and -30C on my commute to work (counting wind chill it was around -40C). I haven't really felt cold while cycling, because I spent a fair amount of money on clothing for winter riding (ski goggles, fleece pants, Gore-Tex shell, windproof balaclava, etc).

The only problems I've had are my goggles fogging up, and the pawls in my freewheel sticking (which happened once around -25C). Other than that, winter cycling hasn't been too bad.

keeping my feet warm is the hardest. with sandles thick wool socks and fleece lined seal skinz I can handle the 20s for atelast 10 miles. my bent with a fairing really helps too.

Well, I was going to wimp out and take the bus half way the other day when it was -5F (actual, not counting the windchill) .... Well, plans changed when I got to the bus and the bike rack was frozen solid! :eek: So... I just rode the 14 miles. It wasn't too bad, though my feet were pretty cold by the time I got to work. :)

-12F is my personal record... I've ridden twice at that temp, once in high school and once last winter.

This is what I wore:

Thermal socks ($1 from Walmart sporting goods section) over my normal socks, with a pair of Brahma boots (I like the boots because they're water proof)
Medium weight long underwear (<$10 from Target)
Blue jeans or Military issue Cammo pants
Athletic works wicking under shirt (<$10 from Walmart)
Sweat shirt
Zippered hoodie sweat shirt
Water resistant windbreaker ($10 from Target)
waterproof, windproof hunting gloves ($10 from Walmart sporting goods section)
Athletic Works neck gaiter ($3 from Walmart)
Stocking cap for extra warmth on my ears

If it's above 10F I drop the stocking cap and use a ball cap to keep the hoodie out of my eyes.
Above 20F I drop the long underwear
Above 30F and I can wear a t-shirt instead of the inner sweatshirt

I also have a pair of windproof, water resistant pants I use if it's raining or snowing. they fit over whatever pants I'm wearing for the temps.

yesterday's ride was in the low 30's. The face shield I used kept getting in the way of nose secretions. Not fun. I like living in climates where winter only lasts a couple weeks, if that.

I changed my mind..Zero both actual or as a windchill is my new low..Walking is always a option, a long option..or the taxi serivce!

Great posts fellow bikers!

What about those of you with children? How cold does it have to be before you put the brakes on their biking? Case in point, I have provided my son with winter gear like long johns, good gloves, etc. but when it's really cold outside, I don't feel right about having him ride. Especially if he has the sniffles. I'm terrified of making the poor child catch pneumonia! As a result, we haven't biked anywhere in quite a while. I really want to re-establish our biking routine though. What do ya'll think?

So how low will you go (weatherwise)?


I don't know. It's only been down to about 25 degF here in GA, and I haven't found my limit yet. It's something lower than 25, which felt pretty good this morning.

It's like trying to live, have childcare, and work where you can bike to. I also try to live and work where it doesn't get too cold to bike. That way, I can keep going even when it's too cold to bike, 'cause I can tell myself it won't last much longer.

I'll go down into the upper 20's as long as there is no wind and the roads are dry. For DC that means I can bike pretty much 11 months out of the year. We're just entering the period, late January through the end of February, where we often get nights dipping into the low 20's or teens.

I've got my eye on a few pieces of clothing, like booties, insulated socks, wool jersey and jacket that I may try to get this Spring on sale. Then I should be set for next January!
Slow Train; You can cycle year round in DC weather. We're going into the teens tonight, no problem. I'm going to wear rain pants over my regular pants. A face mask and an ear band and some layers. I'll be peeling layers by the time I get downtown from Mt. Pleasant. I know I'll pull the facemask down after I'm done with the downhill on 14th street. If I get stopped at a light near the convention center I'll be unzipping the outer layer. I agree with Roody's approach. One problem isn't cold it is when they over salt the roads, and it dries up then the wind blows or the cars blow the dust up in my eyes. For the very coldest days I start out with these motorcycle gloves but always end up switching them for lighter gloves after a few miles.

Slow Train; You can cycle year round in DC weather. We're going into the teens tonight, no problem. I'm going to wear rain pants over my regular pants. A face mask and an ear band and some layers.

Yes you're right. Right now I'm good down to 27F. If I can subtract another 10 degrees that should cover all but the most extreme weather that we get here. I need better covering for head, hands and feet but that's easy enough to find. But with the cycling tights I have really chilly air seems to leave my legs perpetually cold. That's why I'd like add a layer over top dedicated to breaking the wind.

I like the idea of rain pants since they could serve double duty in the Spring for rainy windy days.


Another thing to snap up at resale shops is cashmere and merino sweaters. They can be worn anywhere in the layering system, even right next to skin. They wick moisture and still insulate even when wet. I wear them 9 months of the year. They might cost $200 or more when new, but I often find them used for $3 or $4.

Roody - you must be quite the budget shopper! The part of town I live in is heavily populated by the homeless but the only discount places are services run out of the basement of the churches. Can you see me in a tug-of-war over a fine Merino sweater with the corner bum? ;)

But I am getting turned off by synthetic and liking wool much better. I have a sweater from New Zealand that I'm wearing everywhere now. Though I don't particularly want to sweat it all up by riding in it.

I have a lot of cycling clothing left over from the days when I was club riding. Most of it is lousy synthetic crap that doesn't work below a 40F sunny day. As this stuff wears out I'd like to replace it with just a few versatile piecse of quality gear.

It doesn't get much colder than 10F here in C-BUS. The absolute lowest I'd go is about -273C

I've gone down to -26 degrees celcius so far this year (not counting windchill - that's for wimps :)). Not sure what that is in USIAN but I can vouch that it's darn cold. I'm no martyr though - my ride is only about 30 minutes.

Yes you're right. Right now I'm good down to 27F. If I can subtract another 10 degrees that should cover all but the most extreme weather that we get here. I need better covering for head, hands and feet but that's easy enough to find. But with the cycling tights I have really chilly air seems to leave my legs perpetually cold. That's why I'd like add a layer over top dedicated to breaking the wind.

I like the idea of rain pants since they could serve double duty in the Spring for rainy windy days.

My problem with rain pants....the cheap ones don't hold up very well, and they're hot. But they're fine in hot weather. Sturdy breathable ones are well over $100. I won't spend that much on a pair of pants! Of course, if I had a long commute to work I would bite the bullet and buy $100 pants. It all depends on what you really need.


Roody - you must be quite the budget shopper! The part of town I live in is heavily populated by the homeless but the only discount places are services run out of the basement of the churches. Can you see me in a tug-of-war over a fine Merino sweater with the corner bum? ;)

But I am getting turned off by synthetic and liking wool much better. I have a sweater from New Zealand that I'm wearing everywhere now. Though I don't particularly want to sweat it all up by riding in it.

I have a lot of cycling clothing left over from the days when I was club riding. Most of it is lousy synthetic crap that doesn't work below a 40F sunny day. As this stuff wears out I'd like to replace it with just a few versatile piecse of quality gear.

I agree that cycling specific stuff isn't very good in cold weather, probably because most cyclists don't ride in cold weather. To a lot of club riders, 50F is cold. :rolleyes: To find good secondhand clothes, go to the nicer neighborhoods. Shop around and keep your eyes open. I went to a resale shop today and didn't see one thing, but last time I was there I found a merino sweater and a pair of nice water-resistant hiking pants. I buy good stuff when I see it, even if I don't need it right then. Oh--and one nice thing about wool is that it doesn't get smelly when you sweat in it like polyester does. Just air it out good every night and it will smell good even after a couple years. Of course you don't want to wear your nice sweater on a hard ride--that's what secondhand stuff is for.

Around here I've seen younger guys wear wool knickers over cycling tights. That looks pretty cool.

When I lived in Colorado and was forced to be car-free I always rode down to 20 degrees and once down to -5 but regretted it. Now In California I stop at 33, I just do not have the gear for anything colder.

60.

I might have to put on a jacket and pants by that point.

What about those of you with children? How cold does it have to be before you put the brakes on their biking? Case in point, I have provided my son with winter gear like long johns, good gloves, etc. but when it's really cold outside, I don't feel right about having him ride. Especially if he has the sniffles. I'm terrified of making the poor child catch pneumonia! As a result, we haven't biked anywhere in quite a while. I really want to re-establish our biking routine though. What do ya'll think?

Hey ya'll :) I'm bumping my own post. I would really like to here another parental perspective on this. Thanks!

Hey ya'll :) I'm bumping my own post. I would really like to here another parental perspective on this. Thanks!
If they want to ride, let 'em, unless ice is likely to be on their route. The cold won't hurt as long as they are riding within walking distance of some sort of shelter in case of breakdown.

I couldn't have paid my kids to ride in the low temperature that I enjoy, and certainly wouldn't have forced them to do so to prove some obtuse point and sour them on cycling forever.

If they want to ride, let 'em, unless ice is likely to be on their route. The cold won't hurt as long as they are riding within walking distance of some sort of shelter in case of breakdown.

I couldn't have paid my kids to ride in the low temperature that I enjoy, and certainly wouldn't have forced them to do so to prove some obtuse point and sour them on cycling forever.
I agree. I see kids out waiting for the bus every day. Temperatures here are about 5-10F in the morning and these kids seems no worse for it. I notice they are moving a lot, running, playing tag which is what you need to do in those kind of temps.

The big deal in this type of weather is to make sure they are dressed warm and dressed completely. No point in being warm and then have your exposed ears frost-bitten.

Of course, there is all the peer pressure you will get if none of the other kids bike or walk to school. That's probably the hardest part of it.

I agree. I see kids out waiting for the bus every day. Temperatures here are about 5-10F in the morning and these kids seems no worse for it. I notice they are moving a lot, running, playing tag which is what you need to do in those kind of temps.
On my non workday Fridays, I like to watch the small kids waiting for the school bus from my living room window. They are like little squirrels running around in all directions. Luckily it is in front of my neighbor's house because they also run up and roll down the hill on his lawn the entire time.

ouch..the newscast just said the windchill this am (Sunday) is about -22 degrees! (Ohio)

Hey ya'll :) I'm bumping my own post. I would really like to here another parental perspective on this. Thanks!
OK. I just made sure she had appropriate clothes. My parental perspective is that you let kids choose among options that are acceptable to the parent and some things like brushing teeth, doing homework, going to school, eating with the family... have only one option. I know other parents who disagree with me. They let the kids make bad choices and learn through the consequences. I know other parents who go further and behave as slaves to their children for example cooking each kid a separate meal and serving it at a separate time according to the kid's whims. That isn't how I did it, I felt that parents are supposed to set boundaries on behaviour in order to teach good habits. Some things I did almost ritually just to make the home life predictable and to make sure they got done like brushing teeth and reading before bedtime.

I've posted before that when I was car lite the rule was "If the destination is in the city limits we walk or bike, outside the city we'll think about it." There was nothing sacred about the boundary it just made it easy to verbalize the rule it could as easily have been 5 miles. When she was a young teenager I got rid of the car altogether. It doesn't get so cold here in this area so even when we go sledding in the snow we don't wear so many layers.

The temperature was near -40C when I rode home Friday night. Thankfully I only have to ride for 25 minutes. My cold weather gear consists of a balaclava, ski goggles, a rain jacket with t-shirt underneath, jeans or sweat pants with long underwear beneath, light wool gloves with heavy mitts on top, and Thinsulate winter boots. I tried wearing a down winter jacket for awhile but it was just too warm, I was sweaty when I arrived at work. Even with good hand and footwear the hands and feet still get cold though. I'm looking forward to the warm -20 weather this week! :D

Ok - thanks for sharing your perspective!

here in michigan its bad. a friend and i went out last night to mess around it was 3 with windchills as low as -15, i took some pics but the cold (plus a crash into a 3ft drift) took its toll on my camera so posting them might not happen.today its 1 i rode a half mile to do some laundry, it was cold. i like the looks of the people in there cars, i hope there thinking "man im weak" to themselves.

here in michigan its bad. a friend and i went out last night to mess around it was 3 with windchills as low as -15, i took some pics but the cold (plus a crash into a 3ft drift) took its toll on my camera so posting them might not happen.today its 1 i rode a half mile to do some laundry, it was cold. i like the looks of the people in there cars, i hope there thinking "man im weak" to themselves.

Bad here in Illinois(Chicago)too. About 0 to -8F with windchills to the negative twenties. I was going to go riding this weekend but weenied out. Not so much the cold but just way too windy. Lowest I have biked this winter was about 10 to 15F. Wasn't too bad, actually I got drenched with sweat I had 2 layers plus a windbreaker that didn't breathe and trapped the moisture. Did about an hour on the trainer though.

Homer

What about those of you with children? How cold does it have to be before you put the brakes on their biking? Case in point, I have provided my son with winter gear like long johns, good gloves, etc. but when it's really cold outside, I don't feel right about having him ride. Especially if he has the sniffles. I'm terrified of making the poor child catch pneumonia! As a result, we haven't biked anywhere in quite a while. I really want to re-establish our biking routine though. What do ya'll think?
Back when I was growing up in New England, it was expected that kids would be outside no matter how cold it got. We'd dress up in huge wool snowsuits and romp around or go sledding in temperatures below 0 F all the time. Not do do so would have been unimaginable --what else is winter for? Nowdays, there are good synthetic outfits that provide better insulation than the heavy old wool stuff did, but with much less bulk. As they say, "it's never too cold -- you just might have inadaquate clothing."

Paul

On my non workday Fridays, I like to watch the small kids waiting for the school bus from my living room window. They are like little squirrels running around in all directions. Luckily it is in front of my neighbor's house because they also run up and roll down the hill on his lawn the entire time.
And of course you'd have to call the cops if they got on your lawn. ;)

here in michigan its bad. a friend and i went out last night to mess around it was 3 with windchills as low as -15, i took some pics but the cold (plus a crash into a 3ft drift) took its toll on my camera so posting them might not happen.today its 1 i rode a half mile to do some laundry, it was cold. i like the looks of the people in there cars, i hope there thinking "man im weak" to themselves.
Are you still in Muskegon? If so, I know you're getting hit hard by lake effect snows. It's colder here in Lansing, but we only get about one inch of lake snow for every foot you guys get. Stay warm!

-10 f. is about the limit of my comfort zone. I've gone biking in colder, but it's not much fun. Ideal temp. is 15-20 f. It's not cold enough to freeze you, but it's cold enough to keep you from sweating too much. It's bracing as opposed to chilling.

And of course you'd have to call the cops if they got on your lawn. ;)
I keep the hose on lock and load at all times just in case. :D Have to hook it up to the inside bathroom right now since the outside connection is turned off for the winter

I agree that cycling specific stuff isn't very good in cold weather,

I have some cycling specific windproof tights and shoe covers that are quite nice. I rode in to work this morning at -15F. For the most part, I was completely comfortable, the exception being that my ski goggles were too warm.

Are you still in Muskegon? If so, I know you're getting hit hard by lake effect snows. It's colder here in Lansing, but we only get about one inch of lake snow for every foot you guys get. Stay warm!

yup still in muskegon, we got a ton of snow. its a heat wave today 11.

in terms of commuting, i don't really have a limit in terms of cold because i'm moving and stay waaaay warmer than the schmucks waiting for the streetcar. in terms of riding for fun, i start getting reluctant somewhere around the -5/10 celcius mark.

in terms of road conditions however, i don't like riding the first day of real snowfall because drivers that are not prepared for/used to snow yet. i'm not a big fan of riding during a blizzard either, but i live downtown in a big city, so again it's more about being worried about traffic than the weather. i recently tried riding my mtb (complete with big knobby tires) in accumulated snow/ice and i found it much easier than my SS with slicks...

Ellen:
I should also add a parental perspective. I'm a bit limited here because my daughter has not yet mastered the art of staying upright on her bike for more than about 15 seconds, so all her riding has been on a Trail-A-Bike or in a trailer. This has included being dropped off and retrieved from Christmas Holiday Camp when school was closed. We do a lot of outdoor things, including skiing in Canada at -25 F. My experience is that as long as the child is properly dressed for conditions and you are able to take a hot chocolate break whenever things get cold or boring, there are no real temperature limitson outdoor activities.

Paul

man, and I thought it was cold this morning ...!!!

I just recently gave up driving and started riding everywhere, mostly to save money for my upcoming wedding but also to get more into the lifestyle that I enjoy .... and so when I set out for my church this morning, I was doubting whether or not I really wanted to go.

I put on an extra layer and it was fine, but it was only 50 degrees!! You guys are talking about freezing and -15 ...... jeez!! It gives me a whole new appreciation of living in Florida.

man, and I thought it was cold this morning ...!!!

I just recently gave up driving and started riding everywhere, mostly to save money for my upcoming wedding but also to get more into the lifestyle that I enjoy .... and so when I set out for my church this morning, I was doubting whether or not I really wanted to go.

I put on an extra layer and it was fine, but it was only 50 degrees!! You guys are talking about freezing and -15 ...... jeez!! It gives me a whole new appreciation of living in Florida.

Freezing and -15 are separated by 47 degrees F. About the same difference as between freezing and 80.

Different worlds indeed. :D