Originally Posted by
PatrickGSR94
OP: how long is your commute?
Mine is 15.5 miles each way and in winter when it's below freezing and I'm wearing multiple layers, it always seems like I'm slower. Usually takes 80-85 minutes in the morning. 20F is about my limit. My toes feel frozen after about the first half or so. I'm just not prepared or equipped (nor do I desire) to be out in the cold that long when it's below 20. And really 20 is pushing it. The other morning it was about 24 with a wind chill of 18 and I felt like I barely made it.
Good question. I have previously posted,
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
...I have often posted that for any evaluation of winter gear, the poster should specify temperature and distance (as a function of time). One post once suggested that a "cold" ride is one where the water bottle freezes solid; a function of temperature and time. For my 14 miles that occurs at about 15 degrees F or less (-9.4° C).
My usual experience on my 14 mile one-way commute in difficult weather, cold and/or wet, is that when dressed as appropriate as possible, I am comfortable for the first 10 miles, about 30 to 45 minutes, then tolerate the rest. I’m not inclined to ride farther than that distance other than in nice weather.