Ideal cycling temperature
#79
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The worst part of extreme heat is wind does not do a damn thing for evaporative cooling. Add the Central Valley's humidity and air pollution and I would not last 10 miles before aborting the ride. One more thing, riding up a grade is agony with the sweat stinging my eyes and blurring my vision. I'll take the cold any day as long as there is no ice.
We get some days high into the 100s in the Central Valley towards Sacramento; riding on the flat in that is like the moment when you open the oven, only you don't get the smell of dinner cooking, and it goes on and on for the whole length of your ride.
I've gone climbing in the mid-high 90s, but usually sticking to routes with a bit of shade.
I've gone climbing in the mid-high 90s, but usually sticking to routes with a bit of shade.
#80
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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?
OTOH, for a social ride, sunny 75F is most enjoyable.
EDIT/AFTERTHOUGHT: I'm jonesing for that first 75F ride of '21! Next week might get up to 70F in Minneapolis for the first time this year.
Last edited by Hypno Toad; 03-25-21 at 09:08 AM.
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#81
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The worst part of extreme heat is wind does not do a damn thing for evaporative cooling. Add the Central Valley's humidity and air pollution and I would not last 10 miles before aborting the ride. One more thing, riding up a grade is agony with the sweat stinging my eyes and blurring my vision. I'll take the cold any day as long as there is no ice.
When it's colder and colder, you can just add more and more layers. No real comparable option as the temp climbs.
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gearing up sucks. ever have to undo the gear because now all of a sudden you have to poo poo? The bowels know this, just like when rain happens after you wash the car.
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Wind is a more important weather factor for me than temperature. And we get a lot of wind in SE Wyoming. That said, I prefer cooler temperatures to extreme heat. I can layer up for cold. Not much I can do about heat except time the rides for early morning or late afternoon.
#85
Aussie Commuter
I much more prefer commuting in Autumn and Winter. Easier to get warm than it is to stay cool.
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I jive at 65.
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#87
Junior Member
Seems rare to have just the right temp so wearing layers is not that much fun but if you want to ride you dress for the weather what ever that might be, ! prefer it perfect like the rest of you.
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#88
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I get my kicks at degree sixty-six.
My enthusiasm for riding declines the more I have to wear to keep warm. Will ride into the low 90s, though.
My enthusiasm for riding declines the more I have to wear to keep warm. Will ride into the low 90s, though.
#89
Fredly Fredster
Wind is definitely worse than the cold. I'd rather ride at 20°F and calm, than 72°F with winds at 15mph or above.