How cold is too cold?
#76
Senior Member
Ive ridden in worse, but its not an accurate comparison. Your bikes engine is a giant heater, at least on my R1. Plus your wearing alot more gear. And if your tucking, most of the wind aint hitting your chest. If you hands and feet are covered, your good. As for biking, ive ridden with snow falling, so had to be in the 20's.
#77
Senior Member
6000 foot pass in blizzard
In April I went east out of Reno nevada. There was a once in a lifetime tailwind that literally pushed me along like I was on a motorcycle. I didn't have to peddle on the flats and going up hill I used higher gears. I was loaded for cross country. I kept looking to the north at the nasty dark snow clouds. I gained elevation and then the blizzard hit with weird shaped Styrofoam like packing peanut hale/snow clusters. Was on major interstate highway and the visibility was so bad only saw 2 or 3 vehicles an hour. I don't know the temp but it had tobebelow freezing. I rode all day, froze my througt/lungs. Couldn't swallow anything but cream of mushroom soup for a week.
#78
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I usually don't ride in cold weather which for me is anything under 50F. I have gone out on a few sunny 47F days but am not particularly fond of it. Usually I escape the wet and rainy Seattle area weather for warmer climes over the winter. However, due to Covid-19, it looks like that won't be happening this year. I don't mind running in colder and wetter weather but riding in it is something quite different.
#79
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If it's a training ride, it depends on what you are able to get out of it. I love the cold and routinely am active in very cold weather activity (-60F) and my primary concerns are to take care of my lungs and exposed skin. To the other excellent wear recommendations, I would add for raspatory protection the ColdAvenger® Expedition Balaclava which has a unique mouth cover which uses your exhaled heat to warm inhaled breaths and protects your facial skin. In addition to protect your eyes and promote vision for safety, I would recommend the 509 Sinister X5 Ignite Heated Goggle.
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#80
your god hates me
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There is no temperature threshold (that I'm likely to encounter in the North-East United States, at least) below which I won't consider cycling.
There are however combinations of temperature, precipitation, wind, visibility, and/or road conditions, that will prevent me from cycling.
But cold alone? Meh. Bring it. I know how to dress appropriately.
There are however combinations of temperature, precipitation, wind, visibility, and/or road conditions, that will prevent me from cycling.
But cold alone? Meh. Bring it. I know how to dress appropriately.
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#82
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My setup

Studded tires and 250w Hilltopper. Layers,goggles and hiking boots good for most winter temps on my 10mi comute.