Road Cycling - Cold weather biking

Hey all,

How often do you guys ride in the cold weather? Where are your limits (i.e., won't ride below 30 deg F)? Any tips?

Also, any personal accounts on the Trek 2300? http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/road/2300.jsp

Thanks

If it's in the 20's, which it often is in the midwinter here, I'm not a big fan of riding. BUt, in the 30's it's a matter of layering with a good base layer, a middle wicking layer (usually thermal at that temperature) and a weather (read: wind) proof layer to top it all off. Add some lobster claw gloves that are a good compromise between finger mobility and mitten warmth, something to cover your feet and something to cover your head and you'll be surprised how cold it'll be outside when you ride.

If it's cold here, it usually means snow & ice, so I don't go out. If the road is clean, a temperature over 40 degrees is bearable (remember to be prepared for the wind chill). I find I do need a skull cap inside my helmet, heavy or double gloves and either shoe covers or a plastic bag around my socks. When you're 10 miles from home and you can't feel your toes, it's not fun. Wearing those extra clothes means you won't be real comfortable, and you won't be as fast, but as least you're riding.

My personal limit is 30degF although it depends upon the wind and how desperate I am.

-mark

Well it depends on the reason for riding.

Commuting I will ride down to about 0F.
Leasure rides down to about 25F.
Blasting on snow covered single track on the MTB, down to -34F. (been here, done this)

For me its not so much the temperature as it is wind. Over 60MPH shuts me down.

For me its not the temperature at all, but the wind or the road conditions. I can reiterate what others have said in that its all about layers. Wicking layer being the most important. The only bike specific gear I used all winter was a goretex rain jacket that worked great for keeping the wind out and the warmth in. Middle layer was either a cotton long sleeve t-shirt or sweat-shirt depending on the temperature. I wore bike shorts sans underware (of course) along with a pair of long johns if really cold, but usually just a pair of sweat pants. Didn't look like the typical "dudded" up biker, but hell I was out there in it and I was comfy as could be, so didn't give a squat what I looked like. I did find that vaseline went along way toward protecting my face from the cold wind, maybe just psychological but it seemed to work.

I gotta say except for the fact that naked trees leave you exposed to greater winds, naked trees and dead plants sure open up the views to the areas around you. I found so many streams, valleys and vistas along my route I never knew existed, I was amazed. Coupled with the fact no one else was out riding the trails where I avoid the crazy winter drivers, I have to say I really enjoyed riding through winter this year. OOO and the sky full of stars on those cold clear nights was just incredible, and a site not often seen here in the smoggy, humid summer nights, or the amazing warmth of the sun when it managed to appear.

Well it depends on the reason for riding.

Over 60MPH shuts me down.

Over 60 MPH would blow me backwards into the next state!

I HATE the wind.

Hey all,

How often do you guys ride in the cold weather? Where are your limits (i.e., won't ride below 30 deg F)? Any tips?

Also, any personal accounts on the Trek 2300? http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/road/2300.jsp

Thanks

Cold weather wise, wind has a big affect on my decision to ride, but 15 F is usually my minimum. I will make exceptions and have been out in -13 F weather before. Layers are always a key for me and my feet are the area where I always feel the cold. If it's 20 F or below, I wear some Murrell high top running shoes/boots and ride my mountain bike. Otherwise, I always wear GoreTex socks and toe booties or neoprene boots. Heavy weight tights lower layer and polypro UnderArmor shirt as my first upper layer is usually enough for me.

I have an old (10-11 years) Trek 2300 and it's still my only road bike. It's been a great bike. A friend just bought a new 2300 with triple and loves it.

I rode a number of times in the low 20's, in the dark. I agree with others... wind is the worse. Dress in layers with special attention to your hands, feet, & ears.

[EDIT] Where do you live that you'll be cold weather riding? I'm finally happy I can ride in warmer weather... not to mention using the sun for light rather than my NR :D

My limit this winter was -23F. In all other weather, I was out and about on the bike...

I live up here in Toronto, I have rode my bike in 1 C, and with about 10 degreec in winchill factor, and boy it is cold grrrrrrrrr

Hey all,

How often do you guys ride in the cold weather? Where are your limits (i.e., won't ride below 30 deg F)? Any tips?



Thanks Well have a look at this thread it should help you feel a bit warmer. Just take a look at the pic Mike posted.


http://64.191.20.129/showthread.php?t=18302&highlight=coldest+ride

Take a look @ www.icebike.com for some real expertise on cold weather riding. Almost anything can be endured, and with proper preparation, almost anything can be enjoyed.

My problem has always been cold feet. Check out my solution Icebike Shoe (http://johnschreiber.tripod.com/icebikeshoe/).

Below -10 to -15 C, I tend to limit myself to utilitarian trips.

hey. riding in cold weather is much harder than riding in hot weather. your lungs get messed up by sucking in all that cold air and your muscles also dont work as well (IMO). i would way rather ride inside. also, IMO you feel like crap after riding on a cold day.

as for the 2300 i just picked one up a few weeks ago. first roadie, so nothing to compare it to, but i love it. its got great components and after riding the cannondale r600, r800, r1000, trek 2100, 2200, specialized allez comp, roubaix, and a lemond, i liked the trek 2300 the best. i would highly recomend it. heres me before my first ride.