I won't ride my bike if it's going to be colder than......

[maillotpois]

Like Eden, I don't really have a limit unless it is both raining and cold (below 35). We did a 200k this December where the average temp was 41 and it rained for the latter half of the ride (we really thought/hoped it wouldn't rain). That was more miserable than the ride I did a couple weeks later where it was below freezing (but dry) for 3 hours - warming to the late 40s later on.

[IBrakeforPastry]

It depends on the type of ride, and other weather factors (wind, precipitation). Unfortunately, I have a very limited range of comfortable temps. Below 60 and my sinuses really start to act up and I end up with a headache which cancels out any ride enjoyment. A few days ago it went up to 50 (almost a record) and I rode my old bike home from the LBS where it was getting a tune-up and some new life breathed into it. I might ride to the store in colder temps, but only if there isn't much wind. We also get a lot of snow here which obviously makes riding different, but the mounds of snow reduce visibility and passing space. And at the other end, I don't tolerate heat well, either.

[Catrin]

I prefer to ride in temps 40 and up - I've cold-air induced asthma and it doesn't have to be THAT cold for me to have problems on the bike. I have ridden in colder temps if there wasn't any wind and lots of sunshine, but I am getting wimpier where this is concerned. I prefer to go hiking or just walking when it is colder.

[Swan]

Not if it's below 15F. We live in Florida for my da (who's a hot weather kind of person), but I love the cold best. I like to go outside and do my outdoorsy stuff in the winter, especially in the 25F-45F range. It doesn't get like that often... mostly at night... but I have gotten in a couple rides in this past year that were in the 30s.

[lph]

I should add that I find riding in rain and just above freezing a LOT colder than riding well below freezing... cold rain har a way of seeping in everywhere.

[maillotpois]

I should add that I find riding in rain and just above freezing a LOT colder than riding well below freezing... cold rain har a way of seeping in everywhere.

Yes - this exactly!!

[Bike Writer]

Under 40F becomes really iffy but more dependent on conditions than a number on the thermometer. The roads or trails must be snow and ice free, I'm not equipped to ride in slippery conditions. I've taken a couple of rides in 30'ish temps and slightly below but it needs to be sunny with no wind and those are short rides just for the sake of getting out. I don't have cold weather cycling clothes and my skiing and ice fishing clothes are too bulky. I don't do either of those sports anymore and confine myself to the indoor trainer when it's 40's F and below. I ride for fun and for me it's just not much fun sub 50's.

[shootingstar]

Black ice is a beast and I've fallen twice. Both times, I was riding slowly.
If there is still ice and snow ruts on the road sides, then I don't bike because ...I end up in the middle of the road /too close to the cars.

Today, my employer just profiled a winter cyclist-employee who cycles in more snow than I do and @ -20 degrees C. She has a 7km. bike ride from home to work (same building where I work) and most of it on a bike path.

It's snowing again right now and dearie just told me he's going to try cycling for a short piece. He has studded winter tires. I know he will be sticking to the path. Better to fall with no cars around.

[Eden]

+1to rain being worse. I'd take 25F and sunny over 40 and rainy any day. Being wet and cold is more miserable and draining than anything. Temps don't even have to be that low to cause hypothermia.

[azfiddle]

Okay, well I feel a little "wimpish" now, since it was partly sunny and not windy. I would have mainly suffered from cold toes. There are so few days in southern Arizona when I even need to wear tights- I can usually get by with knee warmers, wool socks, arm warmers and a wind breaker in the winter. I have only worn my full gloves a few times. There's another century next month ...