This is the first year where I will attempt to ride through the winter. In classic Rhode Island fashion, we've gone from Summer to Winter, bypassing Fall. So, the last two days have seen temps in the low 30s at the start of my ride. In previous years, I would not have gone out in these temps.

My legs felt fairly sluggish for about the first 25 minutes or so. Once I warmed up, they felt better, but not 100%. Is this typical? I would have thought that once I warmed up a bit, I'd feel like my usual self.

My speeds always drop in the winter. I attribute it to the effects of the added clothing. More weight, more wind resistance, less flexibility, etc. Pretty much an accepted norm for those of us that bike year round. Just keep going hard on the effort and it will have paid off by the time spring arrives.

Get's even slower once the winter bike with studded snow tires has to come out, LOL!!

There is an effect on the size of the male organ.

I defended you on the hot babies thread. I'm out!

Slower, sweat like a pig under all the clothing..in general it sucks, thus Miami in 2 weeks...

+1

In addition to the above, air density increases as temperature decreases, and if I recall correctly, this increases aerodynamic drag.

Hey, you can run the Miami Beach 1/2 marathon with me!

Warmup has more of an impact in colder weather - feeling sluggish early on is normal when it is colder. In my case, my hands are often miserably cold, which clouds the rest of the factors related to performance. Most of us don't like being out in the cold and wet, so psychologically it is normal to expect we don't do as well. But, to coin a phrase, just do it! It'll feel better in the spring!

Don't worry, got some pills over the internet to fix that.

I am noticeably slower in the cold here in the NE vs. California. The cold effects my muscles, strong headwinds, tights which add resistance - all a drag. I hadn't thought much about the density of the air ...makes sense. Overall, a complete drag for another five months.

https://www.bikerumor.com/2010/09/27/...nging-the-hea/

No thanks. If your gloves aren't working well enough for you then you can buy those hand warmer packets to put in your glove for a lot cheaper and without the battery pack hanging from the top tube. I accept winter riding for what it is and enjoy it, though some days are indeed tough to deal with especially with bitter cold headwinds. It's a challenge though and one which pays off well come the spring time when you'll have a head start on fitness than those who didn't ride.

i just saw it in a magazine today. I also would never ride that cold...

Ah, the cold's not a big deal with proper planning. Rode down to -7 F. last winter with just basic winter clothing.

"Warming up" is much slower in the cold and for short rides (10-20miles) you barely start to loosen up before you are done. If you have a trainer try spinning 15-20min indoors before heading out and your ride will feel better and faster. Just be careful about breaking a sweat indoors and then heading out into 30degree weather....

I find doing some calisthenics (pull-ups, leg lifts, push ups) and drinking some hot coffee in the morning helps with warming up. Definitely helps get me going before the ride.

Then again, I live in SoCal. It's a cold ride if it's, like, below 60 when I leave the house.

mittens are your friend. yes, you can manipulate the brakes and shifters.

i am glad to see other people's speed is getting butchered in the winter. i took about 2 1/2 weeks off at end of summer, and getting back on the bike couldn't figure out how much lost speed was due to winter conditions and how much was lost fitness. still having wardrobe problems. got a new pair of bib shorts for under bib tights. the chamois on bib short must be receiving payments from south american generalissimo the little assasain dealing out some serious pain..

On the flip side, caffeine is a vasoconstrictor so if you get cold feet or hands, stay away!

So the concensus is that slower in the Winter is the norm...at least I have something to blame it on other than me.