16deg, Morning Commute
 

It's the first time I've been able to get out on the road since early Dec. I was given (paid forward) a crap load of winter threads. So I decided to HTFU and ride to work this morning. I must say with all my layers other than my face I wasn't cold at all.

This is my first winter that I've been able to ride. Is it normal for riding in cold weather e.g. 16deg, feels like 4deg. to have a much higher heart rate than compared to riding when it 40+deg?? My HR was a consistent 160-185bpm on a route I normally ride in on when it's warmer and my HR is usually 150-165bpm.

Commuting with a HR of 150-165bpm -- and, for that matter, even knowing what your HR is when you are commuting -- isn't commuting. It's training.

Force of habit I always wear my HRM when I ride. So I happen to have the data for today's ride, which was a short commute to work.

Wind resistance. Cold air is more dense.

I'd say that's plausible

I'm just guessing, but maybe you're dedicating more effort to staying warm so your heart rate elevates for that. As I understand it, different aerobic activities have different ranges for heart rate. And I'd say cold weather (less than freezing) biking is pretty different from warm weather biking.

I'd ignore it :).

Did you remove other variables such as wind? You're carrying a lot more weight with all that winter clothing, which incidentally also increases drag.

I also think with all my gear my chest felt a tad bit restricted. But overall I think it's just a normal reaction to riding in sub-freezing weather.

Indeed. There's commuting then there's commuting

;)

It's 2 things.

1) Air much more dense hence more resistance. It's good for 2-3 mph in my experience
2: Cardio will bump to keep your core warm. After it warms up the peak HR should fall off some.

It's really normal. While most of the 41 is sipping lattes and riding trainers I commute every day and that's the same behavior I see..

Also, the way I read it, it's been over a month since the OP was on a bike. That'll probably cost some fitness and result in a higher HR.

I have noticed the same, higher heart rate and significantly slower speeds for similar routes. I thought it secondary to the inertia of layers, additional weight from clothes, care in downhill runs, warm up time. Also mentioned was increased resistance from increased density of cold air, a factor I had not considered.

Actually it was only a month since I've been on the road. I've been indoors on the trainer as a result of not having winter clothes until a few days ago.