How cold is to cold?
#51
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 614
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I will say that without an adjustment period exerting myself in heat is awful. I traveled to Argentina one February and since it was their summer I planned to do a bunch of skateboarding.
It was -13 F no humidity to speak of when I went to the airport here, and 109 F with 100% humidity when I arrived in Buenos Aires.
For every five minutes I spent riding at the skate parks I would spend the next ten pouring ice water over my head.
#52
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,337
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From: CLE-OH
Bikes: '84 Basso Pista, Masi Heinz '57 SS beater. Couple Stingrays...
The worst idea ever is wearing those waterproof socks. Yer feet sweat like crazy, then freeze.
#53
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 213
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From: Queens, Ny
Bikes: Klein Q-Pro Carbon Team, Bridgestone MB-3, Mercier Kilo TT, BB17 Karma
Usually anytime its below 30 degrees I tend to not ride only because the only thing that bothers me the most are my feet since I do not like wearing bulky shoes. They are never warm enough. But I got me some Defeet Woolie Boolie socks and hope they work!
#56
When it gets down to the thirties and raining I'll do a pair of those socks, longer wool socks over that, shoes and then shoe covers and my feet are invincible.
#57
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 169
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From: Charleston SC
Bikes: Scott Addict Cross/ Ritchey Road Logic/ Niner Air 9
I know this 100% based on personal opinion but this winter the weather has been hovering between 45-55 degrees, high 50's being my cut-off for whether I ride or not, mainly because I refuse to wear jeans or any kind of pants because I can't stand riding in anything but shorts. I will however wear a long sleeve and maybe a beanie under the helmet. But im pretty bummed out because I feel trapped in this damn house and really want to get out and ride. So after my lame rant I just want to know what you guys do in the winter ( California disregard ) and at what point do you just lean the bike and stay in.
#58
Full Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 409
Likes: 33
If I'd had a car over the last few years, it would have been used on the crap wet days 27-45F. Crispy, dry snow is pretty nice to ride on/through. 2nd the wool. Dbl wool socks in big rubber boots and water resistant windproof pants, balaclava, goggles and flip-mitts down to 10F, and full snowboard mitts below 10. I'm usually plenty warm at mile 1 and sweating at 2.
#59
I don't think these guys get that for us lowcountry South Carolinians, temps in the 50's are ****ing cold. we get summers that are in triple digits with 100% humidity so we get used to it being warm. ill ride in anything but if its 55 or lower I'm in full winter kit.
#60
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 169
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From: Charleston SC
Bikes: Scott Addict Cross/ Ritchey Road Logic/ Niner Air 9
I was using 50's as an example because he said that was his cutoff and most South Carolinians consider that cold. It has stayed around 30 for the lows every night. And I'll take 105 degrees all day. We live in what's basically a swamp. It's the humidity that gets ya. Not the heat
#61
I've gone down to 10 degrees but my water froze in under 30min and that sucked. Usually if it's below 25 I'll stick to the rollers.
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#62
I don't think that it is supposed to break 20° here today, and it is currently snowing. We are expecting 8-12" by Monday morning. There is at least 2" on the ground, and I will be riding to work today in a few hours. The low tonight will be 8° and some wind. I will make sure that I have no exposed skin, and will be wearing my Specialized Defroster boots with thick SmartWool socks. Taking water with me will be a waste of time because it will probably freeze, as mentioned above. My commute is 7.7 miles if I cut it down, and usually takes about 32 minutes depending on traffic. I will be giving myself ample time since I have no idea what the paths and roads will be like. I have ridden in this cold of a temperature before, but not in this type of snow. At this rate, there will be at least 4" or so if not more on the ground when I leave.
#63
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 88
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From: Beaufort S.C.
Bikes: 2005 Kona Cindercone, Pake "Rumroller"
Well I rode the other day when it was 55 with a long sleeve and shorts. ears and face got cold at first but after a solid 10 miles ( half of ride ) I felt great. Today is 63 with full sun and I'm gonna take advantage
#65
Coffee Stud
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 205
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, MD
Bikes: Fuji ALOHA TT, Scott Speedster 35, Nashbar Road Bike, Marin MTB, Dolomite Fat Bike
Your stated occupation is a Marine, so "Semper Fi". However, as a retired Army guy, you have to toughen up Marine. :-) I would suggest you might try wearing loose pants (like BB warm-ups) with some kind of long johns or pajama pants under them to keep warm. You should be able to get use to them after a few rides.
#66
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 88
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From: Beaufort S.C.
Bikes: 2005 Kona Cindercone, Pake "Rumroller"
Your stated occupation is a Marine, so "Semper Fi". However, as a retired Army guy, you have to toughen up Marine. :-) I would suggest you might try wearing loose pants (like BB warm-ups) with some kind of long johns or pajama pants under them to keep warm. You should be able to get use to them after a few rides.
#67
The space coyote lied.



Joined: Sep 2008
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From: dusk 'til dawn.
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Below 20 is when I start thinking I'd rather just stay home.
It's usually cold rain that keeps me in, though. Like right now. 40 degrees and raining. No thanks.
#68
gotta get on them podiums
if we can spare a broment, i think our beards are the same length now, and similar colors
brofist.
#70
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
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From: NYC
Haven't met a cold I can't bike to work in... granted, my commute is only 6 miles each way!
I've done a century below freezing with ~25 mph winds. It's made a lot easier with warmers for your hands and feet, but that didn't stop my water from turning into a block of ice
I've done a century below freezing with ~25 mph winds. It's made a lot easier with warmers for your hands and feet, but that didn't stop my water from turning into a block of ice
#71
#72
My beard is now 2 month longer from that photo.
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#73
#74
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 437
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From: Chicago, IL
Bikes: Surly Steamroller FG, Trek 800 SS MTB, Omega Tandem Sport
#75
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 510
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cold is when you fall asleep in a warm 10 man army tent in the Alaska winter wilderness and wake up because the stove ran out of fule and your face is coated with frost and its your turn to go outside and change the fuel can.




