Why exactly is winter cycling harder?
 

A, B, D, E, but probably not C. And a bunch more reasons besides!

I say not C) because the air is actually denser, so you get more oxygen per lungful of air. Of course, if you don't use a balaclava the dry air could cause some asthma which might make breathing hard.

These guys have a great list:
http://www.icebike.org/Articles/SlowerWinter.htm

Any possibility that with the crummy weather, you are riding less and therefore in less-than-optimal shape?

Fantastic -- thanks for the link to the article. I'll read it tonight, but it seems to speak directly to my issue!

I guess to be more precise, it's not just that I cycle slower, but also tire out faster. My top theory is just that I'm burning more energy to stay warm -- which I hope means I'm burning more calories and losing more weight, which would be a good thing, especially as we approach the holiday feasts!

I'd welcome any other thoughts.

I'd look closely at warm-up as the major factor. It takes longer and then the effort required to generate enough heat for your systems to stay in optimal heat range is greater.

Then, Winter brings on in some of us a general "Bugger-All" attitude towards dealing with the low light, cold air, drizzle, snow, all that dratted extra gear. The very idea of swapping out a flat tube in the drizzle while your hands freeze up is enough to keep all but the most committeed inside.

According to the Icebiker folks, unless you're dressed with intent to develop frostbite, you're not burning any more energy to stay warm since you're already generating more than you need (as evidenced by sweat).

They explain the entire effect through differences in air density. As the air gets more dense, you experience more drag. Add to that the fact that you're wearing more clothing, which gives you a larger wind cross section, and they derive from that about a 20% reduction in speed.

I would add to that the fact that the east coast is only really windy in winter, and headwinds hurt more than tailwinds help. Put it all together, and it's basically like riding with a brake dragging on the rim.

In terms of the drop in conditioning, so far I have been pretty good about keeping up my hours on the bike, if not miles, but there's clearly the prospect of a vicious cycle -- less satisfying cycling leads to fewer hours on the bike, which turns into lower conditioning and harder effort...

Using the wider/heavier tires many of us switch to for the winter makes you slower too. I recently switched to them from the slicks I used all summer, and wonder if I'm still moving some times it feels like I'm going so slow.

I think the main factor is that cold air is denser, creating more resistance. I commute year-round and my mileage is pretty consistent month-to-month. I had some of my highest average speeds of the year commuting during September and October when temperatures were still pretty mild, but my speed immediately dropped 1-2 mph as soon as we had our first real cold spell in November.

This is my major issue. I rode to work last week only once and it wiped me out. I'm starting back commuting next week and the major reason is to keep my gut from hanging over my pants.

Because it is cold as hell in Minnesota, my studded tires are running 60psi instead of the 110psi my summer tires run, and it's dark.

Glad to see this post today. For the past 3 weeks I have been worried something was wrong with my bearings! Ah, the joys of getting into something new and the subsequent learning process!

Another reason I think we go more slowly might be that it is more windy in the winter (at least here in NYC anyway). I too am already looking forward to spring!

...They explain the entire effect through differences in air density. As the air gets more dense, you experience more drag. Add to that the fact that you're wearing more clothing, which gives you a larger wind cross section, and they derive from that about a 20% reduction in speed...

I can buy this reasoning. The air is denser and there is "more" of me due to the winter garb. Sounds logical.

Everything about cycling in the cold is slower and takes longer. All the reasons stated so far add up to a fairly significant whole. I figure it adds about 20% increase in time to my commute

For me the change in seasons also means I really need to change in my mindset. One where I don't get discouraged, and fight it, and accept that things are harder and take longer. I try to adopt a strategy of facing winter riding as a challenge and a daily adventure. That helps.

It takes a while, I really fight it. I love warm weather and each year I have to find a way to endure cold weather

This is why God gave us cyclocross.

What if you do use a balaclava? I have no idea, but it seems like it is more difficult to breathe with one of these on. Does this restrict the amount of air, there for reducing the amount of oxygen getting to our muscles?

Yeah I'm going through that too. Seems to be independent of how I dress too, just temp-specific.

Thank you for asking this question, and the subsequent answers!

I was totally bummed to see my average speeds drop over the past few months, despite my feeling stronger on the bike. I thought I was doing something wrong.

The Icebiker article is very well written and thorough.

Sweetlou: When it's below 0C (32F), I use a balaclava and a neoprene mask, and yeah, it restricts my breathing, not to mention my speech. It still beats getting sick though, which is what I'd be if I rode without it. For me, the problem isn't the cold, it's the fact that I hate riding on ice.

reflective vests and synthetic long johns don't get much love from the ladies. just one more reason the winter sux.

I might not have been clear, I do ride with a balaclava when the temp is cold and I do notice it makes it harder to breathe. I was just wondering if that had any effect on slower speeds. Since the colder air is denser, we get more oxygen to the lungs, but since it is being restricted, is it a wash, still getting more oxygen or less. And if there is a change, how does that effect speed or muscle efficiency?

I guess it doesn't matter though. I will continue to wear one no matter what when it is cold outside. I was just curious.

Not that these two numbers relate that much but... As air drops from 80 F saturated to 0 F sat. it increases by 19% in density. Same density change if you go from sea level to 5,400 feet. I've tried them all and prefer the 80 F at sea level to the 0 F that usually came at 5,400 feet. No way did the added density of the cold off-set the thinner air.

cold tires have higher rolling resistance:
http://www.recumbents.com/mars/pages...other/Crr.html

The Greek joint down the street makes really excellent balaclava. It doesn't seem to affect my breathing at all.

Winter weight? Just call me Dozey
 

Tons of about bears, hedgehog and mice gaining weight for the winter. Here at Bike Forum at least some of us are in tune with the cycles of nature!http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...cue-staff.html

Ton and a half of articles about weight loss and anti nature "avoiding winter weight gain". Snake oil remedies.

Across the street there is a middle ground article but beware! If wrong you might wake up hungry in January. http://www.roadcycling.com/training/...d_002484.shtml