When does it get too cold for you to ride?
10-20-14, 02:53 PM
#51
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When I lived in Atlanta I wouldn't ride when the temps were below about 35F. Now that we live in west central FL the temps don't get low enough to keep me indoors. 
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
10-20-14, 03:01 PM
#52
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As long as there is no snow or ice on the ground, I'll ride in temperatures as low as 20 degrees F. Here in central New Jersey it very rarely gets below that, but regardless that's my limit!
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10-20-14, 04:13 PM
#53
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I've never been stopped by the temp, it's icy roads covered in salt that ends the season for me.
10-20-14, 04:18 PM
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You can send it. It will take years to recharge the aquifer that they have been using to keep the crops from dying. The compensation for more rain here is lower food prices...Calif produces a LOT of produce...and pretty much all of the almonds if you like them
10-20-14, 05:14 PM
#55
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Riding below -20 F gets pretty chilling - have to be so careful to not have exposed skin.
for me, a bigger barrier to riding is lack of daylight during cold weather - hard to see ice ridges that trip you.
for me, a bigger barrier to riding is lack of daylight during cold weather - hard to see ice ridges that trip you.
10-20-14, 05:53 PM
#56
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The last two weekends were 37º when I went out, I will probably go to 30-32º before I retire to the garage and the trainer.
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nine mile skid on a ten mile ride
nine mile skid on a ten mile ride
10-20-14, 10:11 PM
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I'll start an early morning ride at 40degF, but it better plan on getting into the 50's.
10-21-14, 05:40 AM
#58
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I'm not quite old enough - but I'll say that I ride to -20F in Minneapolis area. Limiting factors are more about road conditions with snow and ice. Cold doesn't really bother me. I think 40F with rain is much colder (more uncomfortable) than -5F.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 10-21-14 at 05:49 AM. Reason: Added quote by Slaninar
10-21-14, 05:47 AM
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Jim,
The wet and cold hands, or feet, is my gripe point at myself for riding in the winter temps and rain or ice. I found the Cannondale, 3-seasons gloves/mitt covers last fall in our LBS, a full fingered glove with a mitt cover, that pulls a wind and water proof piece over the fingers, lobster type with a thumb cover, too. The mitt cover rolls up and stows in a fabric pouch integrated into the back of the glove for warmer weather, that part in handy for me. Probably not the absolute warmest set up, but for our area they are a godsend in the colder months. Still able to warmly grip the bars and levers, while not feeling to bulky. Now, I need to get some water proof neoprene shoe covers and I'll be set.
Bill
The wet and cold hands, or feet, is my gripe point at myself for riding in the winter temps and rain or ice. I found the Cannondale, 3-seasons gloves/mitt covers last fall in our LBS, a full fingered glove with a mitt cover, that pulls a wind and water proof piece over the fingers, lobster type with a thumb cover, too. The mitt cover rolls up and stows in a fabric pouch integrated into the back of the glove for warmer weather, that part in handy for me. Probably not the absolute warmest set up, but for our area they are a godsend in the colder months. Still able to warmly grip the bars and levers, while not feeling to bulky. Now, I need to get some water proof neoprene shoe covers and I'll be set.
Bill
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I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
10-21-14, 06:00 AM
#60
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Jim,
The wet and cold hands, or feet, is my gripe point at myself for riding in the winter temps and rain or ice. I found the Cannondale, 3-seasons gloves/mitt covers last fall in our LBS, a full fingered glove with a mitt cover, that pulls a wind and water proof piece over the fingers, lobster type with a thumb cover, too. The mitt cover rolls up and stows in a fabric pouch integrated into the back of the glove for warmer weather, that part in handy for me. Probably not the absolute warmest set up, but for our area they are a godsend in the colder months. Still able to warmly grip the bars and levers, while not feeling to bulky. Now, I need to get some water proof neoprene shoe covers and I'll be set.
Bill
The wet and cold hands, or feet, is my gripe point at myself for riding in the winter temps and rain or ice. I found the Cannondale, 3-seasons gloves/mitt covers last fall in our LBS, a full fingered glove with a mitt cover, that pulls a wind and water proof piece over the fingers, lobster type with a thumb cover, too. The mitt cover rolls up and stows in a fabric pouch integrated into the back of the glove for warmer weather, that part in handy for me. Probably not the absolute warmest set up, but for our area they are a godsend in the colder months. Still able to warmly grip the bars and levers, while not feeling to bulky. Now, I need to get some water proof neoprene shoe covers and I'll be set.
Bill
Thanks for the reply.
I’m all set for waterproof footwear, and I’m thinking of trying plastic bags over my gloves for rain in the 30’s and 40’s. We are about to enter that zone.
JfB
10-21-14, 06:23 AM
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…Of course for me, cycling is transportation, not recreation, so I have less choice in the matter. OTOH I live and work on a bus line, so I suppose I have more choice than I give myself credit for.
I enjoy overcoming the challenges that Mother Nature throws at you. I always tell people that once you get over the cold, the riding can be good. Of course it can also turn into an adventure for the hardy ones. One thing is for sure. There is nothing like it. It's a great winter activity if you don't ski or do something like that.
…If you want to discover the real thrill of winter cycling, see this thread on the Commuting Forum, “Winter commuting - Create List of potential hazards”
This list is too one-sided (I do understand it's the thread subject but anyway...). how about all the reasons why winter commuting is awesome? To start... The list goes on...
10-21-14, 07:37 AM
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Yesterday did a 50 mile ride and the temperature was in the 50s with a cold wind and not much sun until later in the afternoon. Pretty close balance between pleasure and pain. Won't be able to ride much longer this season. Had on four light layers, a t shirt (poly), long sleeve jersey, short sleeve jersey and my Izumi lightly insulated jacket; also tights and full fingered gloves. Still felt the cold.
Last edited by Sculptor7; 10-21-14 at 07:41 AM.
10-21-14, 09:57 AM
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Not sure I've found a lower limit (but I'm sure there is one). Once you cover ALL skin (goggles, total head and face mask, mittens) and layer sufficiently --it doesn't matter. I never use studs and only ride the commuter at low temps (lowest I remember is -29F), --and my commute to train station is a little over 2 miles so I can gut it out almost no matter what. But it's not necessarily fun.
Snow depth is the bigger issue --and only if it's rutted and/or driven but not plowed. I've done 10+ inches of fresh snow no problem.
Snow depth is the bigger issue --and only if it's rutted and/or driven but not plowed. I've done 10+ inches of fresh snow no problem.
10-21-14, 07:26 PM
#65
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Upper teens is the lowest I've tried. Not too many days below that here. With the gear I have my main concern is staying out of the frostbite in 30 minutes zone on windchill index.
10-22-14, 04:47 AM
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Can handle down to about 25ºF comfortably, and have gone as low as 10ºF or so. Won't go much below that, nor when it's really icy or snowy. Gotta look into a set of Nokian Hakka bike tires and some better layering options, before I'll do that.
10-22-14, 06:53 AM
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I've never noticed any effects and I do nothing for maintenance and cleaning of my commuter beyond a ~yearly chain replacement. It's an old steel specialized mtb frame and looks pretty crappy --which I cultivate as a theft defense. But it functions perfectly and has dynamo lights and IGH. Converting to aluminum soon. Maybe salt will be harder on aluminum.
10-22-14, 06:59 AM
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I've never noticed any effects and I do nothing for maintenance and cleaning of my commuter beyond a ~yearly chain replacement. It's an old steel specialized mtb frame and looks pretty crappy --which I cultivate as a theft defense. But it functions perfectly and has dynamo lights and IGH. Converting to aluminum soon. Maybe salt will be harder on aluminum.
10-22-14, 07:32 AM
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Wind chill is my deciding factor winter riding... face getting burned the little that shows. Usually that is below -20F chill. IF I NEED a ride... much lower.. just so my eyes don't freeze shut or open.
10-22-14, 07:43 AM
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+ 1, same here in IA. Last year's polar vortex kicked my butt. I just bought a pair of bar mitts though and I'm investing in studded tires. I'd like to try to make it through the winter.
10-22-14, 07:48 AM
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My early March rides (with vintage racers) definately calls for attention to wind chill. I'm out the door when it hits a sunny 35F. I'm bundled up and with a knit hat to keep ears from frosbite.
10-22-14, 08:15 AM
#73
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Last winter with the vortex I did several 25 mile rides when it was around -40f. I and my bike were on my TACX and there was a bunch of window glass between me and the -40f.
My winter riding is all on a Workcycles Opafiets w/ studded tires. I'll do 1 mile each way in any temp, 2 miles (distance to several cafe's and such) down to about +10f or 0f depending on sun & wind, and just about any distance so long as it's over 25f or 30f. Snow/Ice is rarely a problem as the city generally keeps the MUPs quite clear. Last year there were a couple of weeks I didn't ride because the MUPs had become really awful when people walked on them on a sunny day and the footprints all froze in that night.
My wife will tend not to ride if it's below about 40f or if there's snow on the paths and streets.
My winter riding is all on a Workcycles Opafiets w/ studded tires. I'll do 1 mile each way in any temp, 2 miles (distance to several cafe's and such) down to about +10f or 0f depending on sun & wind, and just about any distance so long as it's over 25f or 30f. Snow/Ice is rarely a problem as the city generally keeps the MUPs quite clear. Last year there were a couple of weeks I didn't ride because the MUPs had become really awful when people walked on them on a sunny day and the footprints all froze in that night.
My wife will tend not to ride if it's below about 40f or if there's snow on the paths and streets.
10-22-14, 09:19 AM
#74
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35F and raining is colder than 20F and dry, but I can manage both for a relatively short commute. Below 10F it's cold, maybe my wife can drive me to work.
For a fun ride, I'll usually draw the line at about 40F. Except in February, if it's sunny I'll go anyway.
For a fun ride, I'll usually draw the line at about 40F. Except in February, if it's sunny I'll go anyway.
10-22-14, 09:36 AM
#75
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I try to commute when I can - Milwaukee Wisconsin on bike trails/roads. It's a 12.5 miles each way and I've ridden down to single digits F. It's a nice adventure before work. As soon as there is ice on the trails I switch from road bike, ( 83 Cannondale ) to steel studded tires on Giant Yukon.
Works for me, I'm 63
Works for me, I'm 63