Body hardening-degrees of acclimization

[msincredible]

I wear shorts if it's in the 60's and above, otherwise it's knickers or tights.

I almost always have a jacket with me (might be rolled up and stuffed in a jersey pocket); even if it's hot out, I will probably need it for descents. Plus I tend to run very cold.

I will ride in weather down to 20F but it's a challenge. Even with layers on, including 2 layers of gloves and socks, my feet and hands freeze.

[shootingstar]

I will ride in weather down to 20F but it's a challenge. Even with layers on, including 2 layers of gloves and socks, my feet and hands freeze.

I'm impressed for anyone who cycles at 20F. I will cycle down to 0 degrees C or just a tiny bit colder. But I wouldn't be going far on a ride..no more than 15-20 kms. at most. And preferably with no strong cold wind under those temperatures.

And I've never worn shoecovers when I cycle at freezing temp. for the distance I stated. However my partner might wear shoe covers at same temp. However my fingers are sensitive to cold, since I have Reynauld's.


I don't have any wool cycling gear.

[lph]

I always feel coldest in spring, when I start taking off the winter layers, but that's pretty obviously a psychological factor - I haven't felt air on anything but my nose and eyes for months! So the slightest touch of a breeze on my arms and legs has me going "Erk! It's FREEZING here!" By autumn I'll be biking barelegged even though they're turning blue. Almost.

Biking in winter is all about the right clothing - I'm a lot "warmer" in winter, as in I don't experience that much of a temperature range inside all my clothes, than in summer when my internal thermostat has to adjust to the varying effects of sun, wind etc instantaneously.

[kfergos]

... By autumn I'll be biking barelegged even though they're turning blue. Almost.

Biking in winter is all about the right clothing - I'm a lot "warmer" in winter, as in I don't experience that much of a temperature range inside all my clothes, than in summer when my internal thermostat has to adjust to the varying effects of sun, wind etc instantaneously.

Yep. It's kind of crazy. I'll wear shorts down to 55F by fall, but in spring that feels awfully chilly. Winter, though, I'm so well insulated it's hard to tell the difference between say 15F and 5F. I never thought I'd say that! I do avoid riding below 10F cause the windchill starts getting nasty even all bundled up, but it's true that with the right clothes you can ride through most anything. Winter is just much more of a psychological workout than the nicer months.