Riding in very cold temperatures.
 

Hi,

Does anyone have any tips for riding in very cold temperatures. I'm planning a ride in a couple of days and the forecast is for 8 degrees F ( -13 C). In particular I am wondering if it is better to ride slow and not breathe in the cold air too deeply or to ride fast to generate warmth. I have a lot of experience walking and hiking in temperatures this low but not riding.

Thanks

Riding "faster" will increase wind chill.

From experience I would say ride as fast as the conditions will let you , cover your neck, and ears and hands well. The hardest thing (for me) is having enough layers on when I start so I'll actually get going, and being able to remove them as I start to sweat / warm up. -13 isn't too bad , you'll do just fine.

for example:


Current Weather Fri. Jan 13, 2012, 13:00 CST Winnipeg Airport

-17°C
Partly cloudy
Feels Like : -27°C

A neoprene face mask will help with cold air and keep your face warmer.

You basically want to make sure everything is covered including your eyeballs. A balaclava and ski goggles work pretty well. I've run and cycled in weather as cold as -22 F. Sometimes I can do without the goggles in single digit temps but it depends on the wind. Anything below 0 and I need them for sure.

If you don't have a balaclava a scarf can work, or a neck gaiter but you might want to put a little vaseline on any exposed skin.

Of course everyone has different definitions of 'cold or warm' but I find that it's got to be at least -20c before I use a face mask or balaclava, overheat way too quickly otherwise.

Check in the tip's thread... i posted a link to an article about how to make it more comfortable.

I find riding is a bit different than hiking ... i use different dressing styles for sure.

What length of time will you be riding? You can over or under dress and adjust as you go if it's 30-40 minutes, but you need to take care if you don't ride in the cold regularly and are planning 6-8 hours.

Tips section is a good place to start. keep you skin covered, even if very thinly. If you plan on riding in the cold a lot, begin to develop a clothing chart by paying attention to what is too hot and what is too cold and adjusting the record as you learn more about what is comfortable to you.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...ng_vs_Temp.jpg

That's not too cold. Sort of a standard morning ride around here right now. I don't adjust my effort at all. I go as fast as I can given the various challenges of winter riding. For me this is not cold enough to cover my face or to require googles but you may feel differently. One problem with covering your face is watching to make sure that your exhaled breath does not exit your face cover and onto your glasses. At these temps you can quickly frost over your glasses if you are not careful. Manage the layers to keep the sweat at bay.

Hi there. Do you guys know where I can order a neoprene face mask.

http://www.rei.com/product/725711/se...ce-combo-scarf

I wear this one and it's great for hideous, horrible cold days.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/SubCate..._202329_202360

I have the Nashbar one, seems fine so far.

Keep your ears and neck covered, as well as your hands and feet well insulated. Use a light layer of insulation like a thin fleece under a windbreaker of some sort. I have a thin balaclava I wear when the temp is colder than -5 or so. MY head does get a little worm but it keeps my ears from freezing and falling off.

-13c is not terribly cold. THere is no need to worry about breathing in -13c air - there is no danger in that... there is some danger when it gets real cold like -40, but certainly not -13.