How cold do you go?
01-23-21, 06:00 PM
#1
Still Wheelies Motorcycle
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How cold do you go?
Just curious. I woke up this morning and it was 15F (That's -9.5 for people who use more rational measuring systems). It got all the way up to 29F (-2C) today. If it was a still day, would you ride in this? What's your minimum go/no-go temperature?
Follow-up questions that might tie in:
How far would you go? How do you keep your extremities from getting frostbite?
Follow-up questions that might tie in:
How far would you go? How do you keep your extremities from getting frostbite?
Last edited by IdahoSpud; 01-23-21 at 06:50 PM. Reason: Follow-up
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01-23-21, 06:17 PM
#2
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If I'm desperate, I'll got out in temps as low as 35 fahrenheit, a long as it's not rainy or icy. (Actually, I'll go out in lower temps, and in the rain, for commuting - but not for a training ride.)
01-23-21, 06:19 PM
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I'm a year round commuter, and have no minimum, though temps rarely get much below -10 F in my region. For recreational rides, I usually switch to taking long walks during the winter.
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01-23-21, 06:27 PM
#4
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A couple years ago we had an extended bout of sub zero temps for about a week without getting above zero for high temps. It bottomed out just under -30°F, (and something stupid like -50 or -60°F windchill). I was out commuting on bike every day. When the temps got back into single digits above zero again, it felt balmy outside riding - it is all relative, you adapt.
Last edited by SalsaShark; 01-23-21 at 06:30 PM.
01-23-21, 06:34 PM
#5
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Gonna take a ride around the National mall in DC now. If possible, that is. Not sure yet. Just got down here a couple hours ago, so have not seen the situation there up close. Can still see barriers up, though.
Anyway, it’s pretty cold. In the thirties, I’d say. A few degrees warmer’n NYC/NJ, where I am still riding two or three hours daily. If it weren’t for my being unemployed, I’d probably keep cycling/commuting by bike daily. Even in snow. That’s what fat tire bikes are for haha!
Anyway, it’s pretty cold. In the thirties, I’d say. A few degrees warmer’n NYC/NJ, where I am still riding two or three hours daily. If it weren’t for my being unemployed, I’d probably keep cycling/commuting by bike daily. Even in snow. That’s what fat tire bikes are for haha!
Last edited by Rage; 01-23-21 at 06:43 PM.
01-23-21, 06:52 PM
#6
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I went out for 1’50” / 26.8mi today at 23°F. It was sunny, so it was really nice!
Balaclava, face sheild on the Air Attack helmet, electric socks, Northwave winter cycling boots, thermal bibs, thermal jersey over a base layer T shirt, lobster claw gloves, and a Performance winter cycling jacket all kept me toasty!
I don’t think I have a no-go temp...if I have the gear, I’ll go out in any temp, and have been out in -7°F not too long ago...the winter before last, maybe?
Balaclava, face sheild on the Air Attack helmet, electric socks, Northwave winter cycling boots, thermal bibs, thermal jersey over a base layer T shirt, lobster claw gloves, and a Performance winter cycling jacket all kept me toasty!
I don’t think I have a no-go temp...if I have the gear, I’ll go out in any temp, and have been out in -7°F not too long ago...the winter before last, maybe?
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01-23-21, 07:19 PM
#7
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Year round commute as well, so I've ridden in temperature -25*C. The windchill that morning was -29, but windchill is not really relevant when riding a bike. A tail wind negates the windchill, and a headwind amplifies it. I was out for about an hour.
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01-23-21, 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by SalsaShark
A couple years ago we had an extended bout of sub zero temps for about a week without getting above zero for high temps. It bottomed out just under -30°F, (and something stupid like -50 or -60°F windchill). I was out commuting on bike every day. When the temps got back into single digits above zero again, it felt balmy outside riding - it is all relative, you adapt.
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01-23-21, 07:53 PM
#10
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Originally Posted by IdahoSpud
Just curious. I woke up this morning and it was 15F. It got all the way up to 29F.
If it is windy I'd rather be indoors!
I worked outdoors for 19 years and am able to ignore the cold.
Last edited by Reflector Guy; 01-23-21 at 10:21 PM.
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01-23-21, 07:59 PM
#11
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For me it's not the body that gets cold but breathing in the cold air is an issue. So mid 20*F is my limit.
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01-23-21, 08:14 PM
#12
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Originally Posted by IdahoSpud
Just curious. I woke up this morning and it was 15F (That's -9.5 for people who use more rational measuring systems). It got all the way up to 29F (-2C) today. If it was a still day, would you ride in this? What's your minimum go/no-go temperature?
Follow-up questions that might tie in:
How far would you go? How do you keep your extremities from getting frostbite?
Follow-up questions that might tie in:
How far would you go? How do you keep your extremities from getting frostbite?
01-23-21, 08:32 PM
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I'm fortunate to live in (north) Florida and have never decided not to ride because it's too cold. The coldest I've ridden is mid-30s, and with enough clothing it's OK... but my feet get really cold when the temps drop into the 30s. Fortunately, that is rare, but I'll still ride.
01-23-21, 08:34 PM
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40 degrees f if and only if there is the certainty of it hitting the low 60's at some point (preferably asap) during the ride.
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01-23-21, 08:35 PM
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in 20's all weekend. today i decided to stay inside clean tune bikes..tomorrow i may ride mtb...
01-23-21, 08:47 PM
#16
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So Cal here so we don't deal with too much cold. Night rides have dropped to 43 which wasn't bad. Windbreaker and tights, nothing special.
Also climbed a local mountain road (GMR, Glendora Mtn Rd) at night at 38 degrees. Not too cold on the climb of 8 miles. But chilly on the 6% descent of 8 miles at 30 MPH. Sometimes you just don't want to come down!
Also climbed a local mountain road (GMR, Glendora Mtn Rd) at night at 38 degrees. Not too cold on the climb of 8 miles. But chilly on the 6% descent of 8 miles at 30 MPH. Sometimes you just don't want to come down!
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01-23-21, 08:49 PM
#17
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It's all about wind for me. Raised in northern Michigan, I can stay warm. I wear ski goggles below 30 degrees, a kn95 mask, neck gaiter and a watch cap under my helmet, so there's just a small triangle of bare skin on my face that manages to stay warm on its own and I'm breathing warm air thanks to the mask. The rest of me is more often too warm and I start stripping layers off as I ride. If my core is warm, toes and fingers stay cozy. I don't know if that's a rule or just me. Only my face is vulnerable.
When it got cold I switched to knobby studded tires, so I'm good there, too. But I don't like a headwind more than 10 mph when It's cold. Before I leave the house I check the live wind map and start out into the wind, plotting a ride where I get blown back home.
With the tires and cold I can't ride as fast or as far but I can ride. But I'm never cold.
When it got cold I switched to knobby studded tires, so I'm good there, too. But I don't like a headwind more than 10 mph when It's cold. Before I leave the house I check the live wind map and start out into the wind, plotting a ride where I get blown back home.
With the tires and cold I can't ride as fast or as far but I can ride. But I'm never cold.
Last edited by mdarnton; 01-23-21 at 08:53 PM.
01-23-21, 09:32 PM
#18
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Originally Posted by Paul Barnard
I don't enjoy it below about 50 degrees.
01-23-21, 09:38 PM
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Temps are secondary to consider with outdoor riding.
if it has snowed, rained, has a lot of leaves on the ground & the temps are less than 50F, the chances of a ride are low.
if the wind kicks up too, then I'm camping on the trainer.
if it has snowed, rained, has a lot of leaves on the ground & the temps are less than 50F, the chances of a ride are low.
if the wind kicks up too, then I'm camping on the trainer.
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01-23-21, 10:13 PM
#20
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Below 40, no thanks. Especially with wind.
I'll just zwift.
I'll just zwift.
01-23-21, 10:14 PM
#21
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Originally Posted by GlennR
For me it's not the body that gets cold but breathing in the cold air is an issue. So mid 20*F is my limit.
Same here, bothers my lungs. Mucus from nose goes down throat into lungs impeding my breathing. Had it happen today. I can only do farmer blows so much while riding!
Did the annual Triple D Fat Bike race today outside Dubuque Iowa. Actually due to COVID, they just did the 27-mile DD. Was 2F when I started and got up to about 22F when I was done. Breathing hard going up hills did a number in me. I was coughing up flem the rest of the day when I got home, couldn’t take a deep breath. Felt a lot like athsma I had when I was younger.
Otherwise comfort while riding wasn’t bad as the sun was out with little wind. I was dressed just right with multiple merino wool layers and a Gore jacket. Never got too hot or cold the whole ride.
01-23-21, 10:40 PM
#22
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Freezing or above, I won’t hesitate unless there will be enough snow and ice on roads and trails to make it impossible to pedal hard or ride safely.
In the 30s, I’m using Bontrager JFW gloves and some low cut hiking boots. That’s minimally adequate, meaning my fingers and toes will be cold, but not so much that I lose feeling or am in agony. Below that, I’d have to go with mittens, which are rather more cumbersome and either have colder feet or wear bigger hiking boots.
I might ride a bit below freezing if it’s the best chance in a string of colder or more iced up days. Today was a bit over two hours, about 37F, winds about 12-15 mph and a trail with a lot of soft, sticky muddy areas. Glorious!
Otto
In the 30s, I’m using Bontrager JFW gloves and some low cut hiking boots. That’s minimally adequate, meaning my fingers and toes will be cold, but not so much that I lose feeling or am in agony. Below that, I’d have to go with mittens, which are rather more cumbersome and either have colder feet or wear bigger hiking boots.
I might ride a bit below freezing if it’s the best chance in a string of colder or more iced up days. Today was a bit over two hours, about 37F, winds about 12-15 mph and a trail with a lot of soft, sticky muddy areas. Glorious!
Otto
01-23-21, 11:17 PM
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Like Robin Zander sez, "I'm a California man."
Anything below 30 F is a no go.
Anything below 30 F is a no go.
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01-23-21, 11:21 PM
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For me, winter riding comes with a lot of baggage, including a bike that I'm willing to let be subjected to road salt, and all of the clothing. Plus, fewer hours of light. I'm willing to put up with those things for my daily trudge to and from work (though not during COVID due to work-from-home), but not for longer pleasure rides.
