Ideal cycling temperature
03-09-21, 10:27 AM
#26
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I've ridden from as low as 14F to as high as 125F. I avoid rain (don't want to risk damage to the e-bike), snow and ice (working on a "winter" bike though) and high winds, although that's more about crosswinds than headwinds. I have an entire closet full of seasonal clothing and usually have a day bag for the extra layers on those big temp swing days. My commutes are only about 4 miles each way so it's not like I have to endure the weather for a really long period of time so I don't have an "ideal" temp, really. 
03-09-21, 11:39 AM
#27
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84 degrees
Or any temp between 65 and 100. It has to be warm enough that a t-shirt and shorts is all you need. I hate long pants to ride in.
Or any temp between 65 and 100. It has to be warm enough that a t-shirt and shorts is all you need. I hate long pants to ride in.
Last edited by rydabent; 03-28-21 at 11:03 AM.
03-09-21, 12:14 PM
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Mid 60's is perfect for climbing. I prefer mid 70's for going downhill. The average of those two are fine.
John
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03-09-21, 12:50 PM
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For me, upper 60s to mid 70s F, as long as there's little (as in, single digit) humidity.
In the velo, I can comfortably shave about 10F off that and still be comfortable.
As far as I'm concerned, it's never too hot to bike, though. I enjoy sweating in the heat.
In the velo, I can comfortably shave about 10F off that and still be comfortable.
As far as I'm concerned, it's never too hot to bike, though. I enjoy sweating in the heat.
03-09-21, 01:05 PM
#32
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I worked outdoors for many years, so I can usually tune out the extremes of temperature. Many times I've arrived home from a ride and everything I am wearing is soaking wet from sweat (Chicago gets humid in the summer).
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03-09-21, 01:35 PM
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This ^^^^. That covers most of the year in Southern California's metro areas. A little more clothing as you get down to 40F, a little less up near 90F. I have ridden in temps down to the high 20F's here on SoCal, but that was a really odd cold snap we had a few years ago.
03-09-21, 01:41 PM
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Like most, I prefer 15 to 20C. But I like 30-32C if overcast.
03-09-21, 03:52 PM
#37
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I guess it depends on how many watts I want to dissipate. If I’m really working, 60F seems optimal. If I’m working less, I’d rather have it closer to 70F.
Otto
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03-09-21, 04:10 PM
#38
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My preference is 65 to 75 F. I don't mind 55 - 85 F, but much outside that range and my motivation drops a lot.
03-09-21, 05:06 PM
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I would say anywhere from 5-15C (40-60F) is perfect. I do prefer colder if I had to pick a temperature outside of that range, but I refuse to take my nice bike out into the salt.
03-09-21, 05:41 PM
#40
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It's not so much the heat, but the humidity.
I'd go with 70 as about right, if goal is to be in short sleeves and shorts.
Happy at 60 also though, as it just means maybe a LS jersey and/or knicker length pants.
I'd go with 70 as about right, if goal is to be in short sleeves and shorts.
Happy at 60 also though, as it just means maybe a LS jersey and/or knicker length pants.
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03-09-21, 06:55 PM
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Mid 60s is ideal for me. But if I only rode when it was that temperature, I'd only get a few weeks of riding in a year.
03-09-21, 10:56 PM
#43
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To me, it is not possible for it to be too hot to ride. Cycling is one of those rare sports which can keep you cooler on a hot day, so long as you can ride steadily. I've ridden in the tropics where it is incredibly hot and humid in the summer (when it isn't pouring down rain), and I have ridden in the Mojave desert in the summer (no worries about rain there), and have enjoyed the rides. I do not, however, like to ride in the cold. I was in Niseko, Hokkaido, a couple of week ago, where the snow is piled 3 or 4 meters high along the roads, and passed an old guy on a bicycle. Thanks, but no thanks.
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03-09-21, 11:07 PM
#45
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This thread is funny imo. Many times us So Cal riders post that it is cold at 45 degrees and have gotten slack from others with claims of riding in much colder temps. But looking at the responses here and other thread, many won't ride in temps of 75+ whereas some of us So Cal riders are doing long mountain climbs in 100 degrees. I guess it all balances out.
doing those climbs earlier or later in the day on a hot day-okay.
the descents under those conditions are bad enuff...it's like having a giant hair-dryer pointed right at you the entire time once you get above 92 or so degrees.
03-09-21, 11:08 PM
#46
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Living in SoCal close to the ocean makes it easy as it never get to cold or hot. I find that a range of kits is helpful. Thermal tights with a jacket and a few under layers for 40-50. Light tights a long sleeve jersey with a single under layer 50-60, shorts and a jersey with a light shirt 60-70 and shorts with a short sleeve light jersey above 70. Love the different combinations for each daily condition.
03-09-21, 11:18 PM
#47
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I've read threads complaining about it being too hot to cycle in the summer and too cold in the winter. What's the ideal temperature for cycling? My thought is 60 degrees F (16 degrees C). Cool enough that I'm not dripping sweat all over my bike; warm enough that once I'm going, I can dress lightly and I'm not cold. What do you think?
I used to be able to enjoy riding up to 108, but not so much anymore, so time to move outta Phoenix!
03-10-21, 12:45 PM
#49
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Because of COVID I started riding this winter in the 40 to 50s and found that since I am wearing thermal pants and a nice jacket that I enjoyed this more than warmer weather(65+). I just have to put sunscreen on my face and my arms and legs are covered. I also do not get as dehydrated as I do in warm weather no matter how much water I drink. The only down side is that I use some eye drops when I get back as my eyes do seem to dry out more.
I tried thirties too for the first time this year. Was fine... until I got that first flat in 30 degree weather.... changing the tire took forever and my hands were annihilated... been on the indoor trainer since.
03-10-21, 01:54 PM
#50
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I ride from the 50's up to about 110F. Here in New Mexico **** gets real after June 1st, especially in the afternoon - but as they say "It's a dry heat" and I don't know, I just somehow got used to it. There is a sort of point around 100F where if I stop for more than a few minutes, it's very rough to get going again, so no afternoon-long rides in the summer.
I used to love the cold - I'm an old ice climber from pre-climate-change New England. I lost some toenails due to frostbite, and did some bigger climbs in the Andes that weren't exactly warm. Then I got old, and while I still love a day on the slopes at Taos, I'll be god damned if I'll ride a bike in the cold any more.
Never thought I'd shrug at putting 50 miles in at 101F, but 7% humidity and lots of water help.
I guess things change.
I used to love the cold - I'm an old ice climber from pre-climate-change New England. I lost some toenails due to frostbite, and did some bigger climbs in the Andes that weren't exactly warm. Then I got old, and while I still love a day on the slopes at Taos, I'll be god damned if I'll ride a bike in the cold any more.
Never thought I'd shrug at putting 50 miles in at 101F, but 7% humidity and lots of water help.
I guess things change.
