What's your coldest riding temp?

[Miranda]

What is your coldest riding temp? Meaning... what's your cut off point... 40degrees F? 32degrees F?

Ugh, we have the longest winter to spring transition. I've never owned cold weather gear, but just bought some. It's just above freezing, dry, less than 10mph wind, but *sunny* (a happy sight from long weary winter days). Thinking about heading out. Curious as to when others start, and stop.

Of course I'm sick, been draggin on forever, sinus/URI (and will still continue on with allergies/asthma to boot, spring trees blooming next to cause head congestion)... but I can't help it... I'm so sick of being couped up:(... think if I wore face/mouth protection, maybe it could work?

I've put on "the winter coat" weight too with lack of being able to work out *sigh*. Can you feel my desperation?:(

[redrhodie]

This was the first year I rode all winter. I discovered I actually like the cold. My hands and feet don't need more than a single layer. I don't go out below 38 though. That's about all my eyes can take (as they tear up and feel like they're going to freeze in their sockets!).

I'd get out there if I were you. Once you get going, you build up heat and the cold feels great. Just the first few minutes are a little uncomfortable.

The other thing that used to keep me from riding in the cold was how runny my nose gets (sounds like this could be an issue for you, too). I was convinced that I could never do a "snot rocket", but the discovery that I was wrong was life altering!!! (Sorry if this is TMI) It was just such a drag to have to carry a bunch of kleenex, and they'd be used up halfway through the ride, and I'd be in this desperate state of "now what to I do?" :o Finally, I just did it, and was shocked that it worked. Yet another reason to ride alone :D

[HoosierGiant]

I've ridden as low as 10 degrees, with windchills making it even colder. My feet are always asleep on rides, but I'm not warm until temperatures reach at least 70, so I guess that's to be expected. :( My biggest complaint is that it takes soooo long to get all the necessary clothes on for cold-weather riding. But I have a hate/hate relationship with the trainer, so I suffer without whining too much.

More than temperature, road conditions are the determining factor for us when it comes to deciding whether or not to cycle outdoors. Obviously, we don't take the road bikes out on snow or ice; but more often than not, it's the amount of residual sand, salt, grit, etc., left after the county clears the roads that keeps us indoors.

[Harley]

If it's above 32, roads dry, and sunny, get out and ride. Even a short ride will lift your spirits. :)
Cover your ears with a headband or helmet liner (I use a Bula); neck gaitor; cycling shorts under xc ski tights; smartwool zip t; either a xc ski jacket or windbreaker; thin wool socks; gloves, again xc ski or liners under cycling gloves.
Remember, there is still winter sand on the roads, so take it easy on the corners.
Where do you live?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Old saying:
There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.

[lauraelmore1033]

I used to have a cut off of 40 degrees, but was enticed by the promise of good food and good company to go on a group ride in January when the temp was only 26! I discovered that it wasn't all that bad and, since I had begun to develop the above mentioned hate-hate relationship with the trainer, I had no problem riding through the winter after that initial breaking in(when roads were free of ice). I found that an underlayer (top and bottom) and two wicking tops, windbreaker, gloves and "calientoes" were all that was necessary. also, something to cover the mouth and warm the breath and a hat.

[SouthernBelle]

I ridden down in the 20s, but not often. If I can keep my toes, fingers and ears, well not warm but not frozen, I'm OK.

[Melalvai]

I've yet to attempt the snot rocket. I'm afraid of how I'd show up at work after trying.

I set my cut off at 25F this winter. But the days it was only 20F, it was just too inconvenient to get a ride. And having gone that far, there was no point in getting a ride for 15F or 10F.

I think there was a day or two that was even colder, I stopped bothering to check. It wouldn't make any difference a) whether I rode and b) how cold I was to know the exact number.

The bright side is, as soon as it started being 30F or higher, it seemed like a veritable heat wave. Every day that goes by I am delighted by how not cold it is! Whereas, if I had not biked in the extreme cold stuff, I'd be whining about how long the winter is, and when will it ever get warm?

Oh wait, I was whining about that just last week...

[kat_h]

It depends on how long the ride is. I'll do anything down to -5 C (that's high 20s in American I think.) From -5 to -20 I'll ride for up to an hour, but not much longer. Below -20 I just don't have the clothes for it yet. I know guys who were still riding when it was -50 this winter, and they were wearing shorts + light tights + heavy tights. I'll get some stuff at the end of season sales this year and be ready to go through the winter next year.

[Aggie_Ama]

We don't get much cold weather here, so I stay in if it is below 40. We own some winter clothes but in Texas it is better to invest in sleeveless jerseys you wear March- October than long sleeves. :rolleyes:

[motochick]

I ride in the low 30's with lots of layers and shoe covers. I also sit in the hot tub to do my stretching before I ride, that way I am toasty to start. I only had one bad experience and that involved a flat near sundown.

Brenda

[Miranda]

This was the first year I rode all winter. I discovered I actually like the cold. My hands and feet don't need more than a single layer. I don't go out below 38 though. That's about all my eyes can take (as they tear up and feel like they're going to freeze in their sockets!).

I'd get out there if I were you. Once you get going, you build up heat and the cold feels great. Just the first few minutes are a little uncomfortable.

The other thing that used to keep me from riding in the cold was how runny my nose gets (sounds like this could be an issue for you, too). I was convinced that I could never do a "snot rocket", but the discovery that I was wrong was life altering!!! (Sorry if this is TMI) It was just such a drag to have to carry a bunch of kleenex, and they'd be used up halfway through the ride, and I'd be in this desperate state of "now what to I do?" :o Finally, I just did it, and was shocked that it worked. Yet another reason to ride alone :D

Yes, all the nasal drainage is a nusiance... can't say that I have mastered the technique yet lol. When you have allergies the stuff never totally goes away. But, we can't stay coupled up just because of that:o.

[Miranda]

I've ridden as low as 10 degrees, with windchills making it even colder. My feet are always asleep on rides, but I'm not warm until temperatures reach at least 70, so I guess that's to be expected. :( My biggest complaint is that it takes soooo long to get all the necessary clothes on for cold-weather riding. But I have a hate/hate relationship with the trainer, so I suffer without whining too much.

More than temperature, road conditions are the determining factor for us when it comes to deciding whether or not to cycle outdoors. Obviously, we don't take the road bikes out on snow or ice; but more often than not, it's the amount of residual sand, salt, grit, etc., left after the county clears the roads that keeps us indoors.


The road grit is a major issue. In the Fall, they give the county roads a coat of gravel before snow. O, that is dreaded when cars pass you and throw it up on you. Now, they are filling the potholes. A good thing in ways. But, there are lots of loose bits from that (like the gravel) that's ready to fly as well. It would be great if you could just snap your fingers like Mary Poppins, and all your warm cycling gear would just pop on your body.

[Miranda]

I've ridden as low as 10 degrees, with windchills making it even colder. My feet are always asleep on rides, but I'm not warm until temperatures reach at least 70, so I guess that's to be expected. :( My biggest complaint is that it takes soooo long to get all the necessary clothes on for cold-weather riding. But I have a hate/hate relationship with the trainer, so I suffer without whining too much.

More than temperature, road conditions are the determining factor for us when it comes to deciding whether or not to cycle outdoors. Obviously, we don't take the road bikes out on snow or ice; but more often than not, it's the amount of residual sand, salt, grit, etc., left after the county clears the roads that keeps us indoors.

Midwest... I love our change of seasons here... Fall is my favorite, so beautiful, a nice white xmas is good, but snow is March starts to get to be a drag. I think seeing the sun makes it better tho. If you have ever gotten S.A.D. in the winter (lack of light seasonal depression), you can see what I mean. I liked the nip and chill of Fall riding... thinking a nice sunny day, and the cold doesn't matter so much. :)

[Miranda]

Thanks ladies for your thoughts. Yes... advice is correct... even a short jaunt would do my spirits good. For me with the new gear, I think it might be a bit of trial and error of what to wear (how much). But, have some good tips thus far in the thread.:)

[breezy]

I found out the hard way that 27F is too cold for me, even wearing a thermal layer.

[SheFly]

I've said it before, and will say it again - it's never too cold to ride ;). I've been out down to 5F. I think that one involved some running to try and keep the feet warm though :D.

I love to ride, so don't usually give it up. Although, if it weren't for the "bragging rights" and stories, I'm not sure I would go out in temps quite that cold again.

SheFly

p.s.
I also do snowsports, and went out a couple of weeks ago in temps that were at -15F and got a little colder as we climbed...

[makbike]

I discovered it today - 42F. Dang it was a cold 70 miles. I'm looking forward to the return of warmer temperatures and the sun. I'm looking forward to the 90 temps and high humidity - that is my kind of riding weather.

[kat_h]

I've said it before, and will say it again - it's never too cold to ride ;).

I always find it amusing when people in warm climates say that. :)

[SheFly]

I always find it amusing when people in warm climates say that. :)

I live in New England - no warm weather climate here. I rode in 32 degree temps all weekend, and a snow squall on Saturday...

SheFly

[kat_h]

I live in New England - no warm weather climate here. I rode in 32 degree temps all weekend, and a snow squall on Saturday...

SheFly

You used 5 degrees as your example of a cold ride. That counts as living in a pretty warm climate.

I'm not criticising your riding or your weather. I'm just observing that people who say "it's never too cold to ride" usually haven't spent much time in -40.

[tulip]

When I commuted by bike, I'd bail when the temps were below 20F. Now that I no longer commute, I've become quite the wimp, choosing not to ride below 40F. Commuting really toughens you up.

[SheFly]

You used 5 degrees as your example of a cold ride. That counts as living in a pretty warm climate.

I'm not criticising your riding or your weather. I'm just observing that people who say "it's never too cold to ride" usually haven't spent much time in -40.

Kat - that's 5 degrees F, which is -15 C. Also, in my postscript you'll see I was talking about -15F, which is -26 C. I am Canadian by birth, so the cold really doesn't bother me :D.

I have lived in Calgary, and Edmonton - it definitely gets cold there! And you're right, I may change my mind if I had to ride in -40 temps, but I would likely do it at least once, just to say I had ;)

SheFly