How cold is too cold?

[sundial]

We've had temps in the teens and 20's this week and I've cycled in it. Today it's 17 F/-8 C.

For the TE'ers here, I wonder......how cold is too cold to cycle?

[songlady]

For me the magic number is around 32, depending on wind chill and the conditions of the road.

[NoNo]

On Saturday it was in the low 40's and I went out. Since I live near the water, there was a constant wind, so it felt colder, but I was fine. This morning when I left for work, my car said it was 8. I thought to myself "Don't think I'd want to be out in this!"

[sbctwin]

For commuting purposes, I don't like anything below 25 and the roads (shoulders expecially) free of ice/snow (which we haven't had for close to a month now). For pleasure riding, I think upper 30's would be ok. I hate the trainer, but I also hate having to dress like the pillsbury doboy (which is how I look when I dress for cold weather riding).

[Geonz]

I haven't foudn it yet but that is because I"m cycling through town and there *would* be shelter if things broke down. It was 5 this a.m. and 2 yesterday. I like above freezing better ... especially the flaky flaky skin on my ankles now... and the time it takes putting on all those layers...
However, my lungs don't mind inhaling the cold stuff and my hands and feet manage to stay warm if my core is warm, and I pedal hard to keep the core warm. Oh, and that good NOrwegian insulation on the core, too!
Our roads are pretty clear... and I've got studded tyres for if/when it isn't on the big ol' Gazelle.
Gonna dig out the lotion...

[SheFly]

It's never too cold....

SheFly

[Zen]

It would take me more time to get dressed than I would spend on the bike.
If I have to wear gloves, it's too cold.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

25-28 F with no wind is generally my lower limit for rides of 1-2 hours.

[silver]

25-28 F with no wind is generally my lower limit for rides of 1-2 hours.

I'll ditto that.

[mimitabby]

we're all different.

If you're concerned about sheer physical limits, like will you die if you ride at temps below freezing, I just don't think it's a problem.
The stronger riders around here tend to not ride when it's freezing because of all the dampness that turns into black ice.

Me, below 40 degrees, I'm not very happy. having said that, I rode 70 miles this weekend at temps between 38 and 42.

[RoadRaven]

I'm with SheFly... its never too cold...

Mind you, here in almost sub-tropical Middle earth, north of Rivendell... temps only get to freezing (0'C - whats that? about 26'F???) a handful of days per year... so as long as I am wrapped up against the windchill - never too cold

[HillSlugger]

For me it's got to be above 32F/0C and it can't be too windy. Sunny is a real plus.

[GLC1968]

Apparently, 25F degrees is too cold for me as I skipped my lunchtime ride today. I really think it would have been fine, but this is the first cold day we've had all year and I'm not even remotely acclimated! (or, that's my excuse, anyway).

Tomorrow it should be in the 30's around lunch and I'll ride then, instead. I have commuted at colder temps, but that's mostly because I had to get to work. It's much harder to motivate myself outside when I don't truly *have* to.

Once I'm out there, I usually enjoy it. I'll take a 25F day over 100+ heat every time.

[Crankin]

Truthfully, I don't like road riding below 40. I've been mountain biking in the 30s. My coldest road ride was around 35, with flurries coming down. Well, I was on my mtb, on the road.
It's going to be warm next week, so I probably will ride my commuter bike to a couple of appointments. I really don't want to get my Kuota all dirty from the road and have to take it off of the trainer.
I like doing different outdoor sports when its cold. I hike and walk during the "in between" times before there's any snow. Once March comes, I'm more apt to go on a ride if it's close to 40.
I give credit to you hardy folks who ride when it's 17!

[KnottedYet]

I love reading the Ice Bike thread on BikeJournal. And watching Howard's videos of riding on ice/snow is a hoot!