How cold does it have to get for you not to ride?
#76
Peloton Shelter Dog
This thread is a friggin Wussy Convention.
#77
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 223
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Never met a day I couldn't ride
What about ice ?!
PS: haven't been up there lately. I do miss the wood-fired bagels and the middle eastern pastry, tho.
Last edited by Markj61; 11-19-08 at 09:13 PM.
#78
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 120
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
While all of the frigid riders are checking the thread, I'll ask a question here instead of making a new one.
How well do masks/balaclavas work, and what is a good brand? As I said earlier, my only problem with the cold is my lungs; if I can warm up the air enough to prevent an asthma attack, I will ride all year.
How well do masks/balaclavas work, and what is a good brand? As I said earlier, my only problem with the cold is my lungs; if I can warm up the air enough to prevent an asthma attack, I will ride all year.
#79
Peloton Shelter Dog
Do you idiots need a warm hug yet?
#80
Senior Member
I use a basic Bellweather balaclavas. It is now 3 years old and works just fine. If you breath through the material it will eventually get wet and really annoying. I typically keep mine just below my lips unless it is in the teens then I will slide it up over my mouth.
__________________
BMC Roadmachine
Kona Jake the Snake
BMC Roadmachine
Kona Jake the Snake
#81
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
-40C/F is the coldest I've ridden ... I could probably go colder, I just haven't tried it yet.
The thing is ... when it gets that cold, the bicycle starts freezing up a bit. And I'm sure most of you have seen this story, but here it is again:
https://www.machka.net/brevet/Coldest_Century.htm
The thing is ... when it gets that cold, the bicycle starts freezing up a bit. And I'm sure most of you have seen this story, but here it is again:
https://www.machka.net/brevet/Coldest_Century.htm
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Last edited by Machka; 11-19-08 at 09:18 PM.
#84
100% car free
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Salt Lake City
Posts: 218
Bikes: 2008 LeMond Tete de Course
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've done 15 f, at night and in the snow - that wasn't so bad. The worst is when it's 33 against the wind in strong freezing rain. A couple of weekss ago I was begging Mother Nature for snow. It did - right after I locked my bike.
I don't particularly like riding on ice, but I feel more comfortable than when I drive on it. Strangely enough, I get much colder taking mass transit (waiting and walking). Unfortunately, I can't just stay home all winter. So my bike gets me where I need to go.
I don't particularly like riding on ice, but I feel more comfortable than when I drive on it. Strangely enough, I get much colder taking mass transit (waiting and walking). Unfortunately, I can't just stay home all winter. So my bike gets me where I need to go.
#85
well hello there
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Point Loma, CA
Posts: 15,430
Bikes: Bill Holland (Road-Ti), Fuji Roubaix Pro (back-up), Bike Friday (folder), Co-Motion (tandem) & Trek 750 (hybrid)
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 503 Post(s)
Liked 336 Times
in
206 Posts
You guys are all impressively rugged, said the guy from San Diego.
__________________
.
.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
.
.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
#87
?
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,775
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Slow acclimatization. Went out today 40F-45F with knee warmers and no gloves for a while, it hurts, but hey, HTFU. Coldest? About 25F, it was fun. Nothing is as bad as 32-35 with freezing rain. Snow and below 30F is a godsend compared to 32-35 with freezing rain.
#88
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
While all of the frigid riders are checking the thread, I'll ask a question here instead of making a new one.
How well do masks/balaclavas work, and what is a good brand? As I said earlier, my only problem with the cold is my lungs; if I can warm up the air enough to prevent an asthma attack, I will ride all year.
How well do masks/balaclavas work, and what is a good brand? As I said earlier, my only problem with the cold is my lungs; if I can warm up the air enough to prevent an asthma attack, I will ride all year.
https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/450447-winter-commuting.html post #47
On a recent thread, Machka had a good suggestion to have a winter helmet that is larger than your summer helmet, to accomodate the extra layers. I should have at least tried on my current helmet withall the layers before I bought it, though I think it is the largest size available.
#89
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1,485
Bikes: Trek, Giant, PoS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I ride at zero degrees celsius with only normal arm and leg warmers. It doesn't get any colder where I live.
#90
Senior Member
I have fashioned a special cheap, homemade goggle system that shields against the wind, prevents fogging, holds a rearview mirror and rests comfortably on my face without being pressed down by the layers under my helmet. FYI, see:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=450447 post #47
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=450447 post #47
__________________
BMC Roadmachine
Kona Jake the Snake
BMC Roadmachine
Kona Jake the Snake
#91
Dances With Cars
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 10,527
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'll let T.J. expand on this or call BS, but it's my guess that in Montreal, it may just get too cold and have enough snow cover for much ice to form on streets. I had relatives that we used to visit in January each year and man it gets cold...but it stays really cold, with that crunchy snow, so there is not as much chances for the cycle of melt-freeze-melt-freeze that we have here in Chicago, where black ice (and brown slush) are a real problem.
PS: haven't been up there lately. I do miss the wood-fired bagels and the middle eastern pastry, tho.
PS: haven't been up there lately. I do miss the wood-fired bagels and the middle eastern pastry, tho.
Now when I was an Air Force brat in northern Alberta where it was consistently -30C to -45C the snow flakes were so small due to the air being so dry as to yield very little snow. The complete opposite to Montreal.
I'd still love to attempt an Idita Bike ? event in the Arctic with those double wide rims spec'd bikes. (pugsley style)
#92
stole your bike
Started out at 2C (35F) here this morning. Beautiful sunny day. Warmed to a balmy 12C (53F). Now, its down to 9C (48F).
This is unseasonably wam, even in the mildest part of Canada. I ride year round. I love the feeling of slicing through the cold. Sometimes, on a sunny day, you get frost crystals flying off the front wheel, sparkling in the crisp air. It feels like cross country skiing. As long as you're dressed properly. all's well. This story gives an impression of what riding conditions can be like here, on a "normal" November day.
"45F should be doable?"
Sorry, it just seems hilarious.
This is unseasonably wam, even in the mildest part of Canada. I ride year round. I love the feeling of slicing through the cold. Sometimes, on a sunny day, you get frost crystals flying off the front wheel, sparkling in the crisp air. It feels like cross country skiing. As long as you're dressed properly. all's well. This story gives an impression of what riding conditions can be like here, on a "normal" November day.
"45F should be doable?"
Sorry, it just seems hilarious.
__________________
I like pie
I like pie
#93
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 4,466
Bikes: many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
13 Posts
It was 48 degrees this morning in Scottsdale! Brrrrrrrrr! Where are my socks.
When I was a distance runner in the Midwest, I'm regularly run down to about 10 below and return with ice cicles in my beard.
Then I became enlightened and realized that I was not religiously or morally required to suffer through winter.
Actually, I don't mind winter weather, as long as it ends on January 6th.
When I was a distance runner in the Midwest, I'm regularly run down to about 10 below and return with ice cicles in my beard.
Then I became enlightened and realized that I was not religiously or morally required to suffer through winter.
Actually, I don't mind winter weather, as long as it ends on January 6th.
#94
Fails at being impressed
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 378
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I ride back and forth to work every day, but that doesn't really count. I stop riding my road bikes when there is snow on the ground. That's when I start running.
#95
Ride 365
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: NYC/UpperDutchess, NY
Posts: 1,882
Bikes: '06 Cannondale Six 13 Pro 2, '05 Specialized Allez Elite, '04 Jamis Satellite, 90's Raleigh M-45 single speed conversion, 80's Fuji Team single speed conversion, 70's Schwinn World Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Cold? It's not so much the actual temp as the other conditions. If it's 16 degrees, but sunny and no wind, no problem.
#96
Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 48
Bikes: Colnago C-40/Scott CR1/Lucero Lite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think it depends on where you live. My body's tolerance for cold is relative to the "normal" temperatures where I live. When I lived in MA, I could deal with 20 degree temperatures on a ride. Now I live in FL and I draw the line at 40 degrees. To me, 40 degrees in FL feels as cold as 20 degrees in MA if that makes any sense.
#98
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Soviet of Oregon or Pensacola FL
Posts: 5,342
Bikes: Still have a few left!
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 467 Post(s)
Liked 532 Times
in
267 Posts
Coldest I have ridden was 18 degrees F. I was layered in wool & comfortable but halfway to work I fell & bent a crank arm on my Centurion Pro Tour. After that, I usually drove whenever it got down near freezing just because I don't like falling on ice. Don
#99
meow
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hint: check out my BF name
Posts: 5,831
Bikes: 2016 Parlee Altum, 2013 Cannondale Super Six Evo Hi Mod Di2 only, 2011 Cannondale Super Six, Dura Ace 7800, 2007 Cannondale System Six Dura Ace 7800, 1992 Bridgestone RB-1, MB-2, MB-3, MB-5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts