How cold is too cold?
 

Recently I have had to add an undershirt on my rides along with a light riding jacket. Today it was in the low 60s, but tomorrow, Thanksgiving day, it is going back into the upper 60s. The forecast for next week is for temps in the mid 50s. It is really starting to cool down. Luckily there has been no wind on my rides these last few days. We did have one windy day a couple of weeks ago, but it was still warm then. It's great to be out riding each afternoon, but next week I may need buy a different jacket. Any ideas?

I'm riding 30 miles Thanksgiving morning. It will be 32 degrees but sunny with little wind. Should be fine. 45 and raining, no way.

Tomorrow morning I'm going riding and it will be 19 degrees F. Probably as cold as I will go.

If the jacket you have now doesn't block the wind;
just get a light windbreaker. If it does block the wind;
just add more layers.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/1...9b02e6f3_c.jpg
TEMP, 22F or -5C by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6...6d6db8bd_z.jpg
Biking during winter by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

I love it when people from California, Florida, or Texas start complaining about "the cold." 50-60 degrees is still shorts-and-T-shirt weather for many of us in the Midwest. :p

-15C (5F) is where I draw the line.

I live in Michigan, I go no matter how cold seldom does it get down to 0 F

You're killing me. Just killing me.

Really?? You're starting a thread entitled How Cold is too Cold? and then you start talking about warm summer temperatures of mid-50s and upper 60s? Is this thread some kind of joke?


I've cycled in temperatures as low as -40C/F ... that wasn't too cold.

What I would give to be riding in the 60's on a regular basis right now....

Seriously, All you will ever need is a thin windbreaker and some knee warmers (or knickers). I usually cover my knees below 60 as the old joints get stiff. You might also consider adding to your collection a thin set of arm warmers, toe covers for your shoes, thin full finger gloves, and a very thin headband. You'll have all the options you need for those temp ranges.

The best thing you can do to acclimatize is ride in the cold as much as you can, your tolerance threshold improves.

To your OP question - about -20F is cold enough to keep me off the bike.

The temp at which it is no longer feels fun for you to be riding.

Too cold is that point at which the drivetrain of your bicycle gets so cold that it stops functioning properly...

Wearing a tshirt under your jersey??? Oh you poor dear...

It is supposed to warm up to freezing today...

Let's see I was out riding within the past month in cycling shorts and a tshirt and the temps were in the lower 40s and this was after dark. Today I'm out riding with cycling shorts and windpants, a long sleeve cotton tshirt and a windjacket...highs under sunny skies are in the lower 20s. I ride in almost anything. Don't sweat and you'll stay warm.

below 40 is my limit, anything below that gets too uncomfortable, and I really don't like it from 45 to 40 but it's tolerable.

So far 25F with 25mph headwind has been the coldest this season. I've said I'm good to 20 but I'm rethinking that. Been commuting for years but this is the first year I'll have the opportunity to go all winter. Studs go on this weekend and we'll be
switching between the lemond with the studs and the trek. We'll see how cold we can go.

My coldest ride was at -46 C... the bike started to freeze up but I was still toasty.

It is all about having the right gear and knowing how to HTFU.

htfu?

Hope The F u.... don't die?

I guess I haven't gotten there yet. I have been out at -20F, the bike still worked fine.

I was out today in 29 F weather, no wind, near dusk, for a short ride to the PO. A dusting of leftover snow/ice here and there. Fleece wear is great. Only ears were cold under my helmet. Need to find or buy a head band.

I have been out in -9F before but I had to dress in my snowmobile clothing and boots and could not do more than a few miles dressed like that but it was just as enjoyable, I took my time it was fine. So its never too cold but I do have my personal preference where I draw the line. With my present cycling clothing I do not like to go out in anything less than around 10F. When it gets into the single numbers, its really too cold for cycling shoes, tights and regular cycling outwear. Ski or Snowmobile clothing is required then and that limits your ability to pedal efficiently and cover some ground so its no longer a recreational activity. But if you're commuting to work, running utilitarian errands or are car free, then dress up and go no problem.

First year for me to push the commute through the winter (the plan anyway). Coldest yet for me has been 0*F, not to cold. Around here 45*F is still shorts and light jacket weather. :)

im in a sleeveless jersey and shorts until it goes below 40, then i put a longsleeve wool shirt under the same jersey and put wool socks on.

i dont need pants until its below 35. last year it got as cold as 10F here and i overdressed so i got to work sweating.

id love to say ive ridden at 0F or below but it hasnt been that cold here in a long time

tl;dr: its never too cold, 50-60F is literally the perfect temperature, and i wouldnt even consider that winter