Cold air vs warm air
03-21-07, 07:03 PM
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Cold air vs warm air
Okay, this question is for the true brains of the bunch. I have been evlauating my rides over the past few winters and am finding that my averg speed is considerably slower in "cold" air (under about 45-50F) than in "warm" air (above 50F or so). I believe I've factored in the fact at colder temps I am wearing more layers and have a bit more weight, my overall fitness level doesn't change that much in comparing over the winter rides to a ride in warmer weather in March. Today as an example had some really strong winds +20MPH and I was easily doing more than 1 MPH faster than in similar wind conditions in colder air. So the question of the day comes down to this, is colder air thicker than warm air, does it possibly hold more mositure. Am I headed to looneyville or do others perceive this difference. Maybe, it is a bit psychological as it is a lot more fun to be crusing along in 60F weather than 25F weather.
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03-21-07, 07:10 PM
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03-21-07, 07:12 PM
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I know when it's cold out, my muscles/joints are a lot "tighter" and I'm a LOT slower!
Also cold for me, means rainy/windy and I simply ride much less. Thus my conditioning goes even further "downhill".
Also cold for me, means rainy/windy and I simply ride much less. Thus my conditioning goes even further "downhill".
03-21-07, 08:34 PM
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The conclusions on the site provided by Beverly hit the nail on the head. Higher air density and more drag.
03-22-07, 02:47 AM
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Thus proving what 50+ers already knew. Winter is a drag!
03-22-07, 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by G60
ooohweee!
can't wait till we hit 110F+ here
can't wait till we hit 110F+ here
I actually like that better than anything below 20F. At least when it's hot my joints don't ache as much.
03-22-07, 06:02 PM
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Beverly - excellent link, thanks a bunch. I actually feel better about my winter slowness.
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03-22-07, 06:35 PM
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I can feel the difference in my joints in winter weather. They just don't function as well and it can really slow me down. Of course, I'm not a fast rider even in hot weather
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Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
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