General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How cold is too cold? Rss Feed  
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2005-01-15 9:33 AM

Veteran
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South Orange, NJ
Subject: How cold is too cold?
So it's 35 degrees out and I want to ride. How cold does it have to be to be too cold to ride outside? What's the lowest temperature you would ride in and what do you wear?


2005-01-15 9:38 AM
in reply to: #104068

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Veteran
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Richmond, VA
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?

I'm waiting for the needle to hit 40, then I'm putting every damn thing I've got on and hitting the road as well.

I think high winds and frozen precipitation are about the only things that'll stop me around here, but the temperature rarely resides below 40 for very long at this latitude.

2005-01-15 9:41 AM
in reply to: #104068

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Resident Curmudgeon
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The Road Back
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Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?

Ditto here, it's 37 on it's way up to the mid 50s. I'm such a cold-weather weinie, especially on the bike, but I'd like to get 25 or so in this morning.

What I'll wear at 40 degrees: UnderArmor ColdGear under jersey under shell jacket, cycling shorts under tights.



Edited by the bear 2005-01-15 9:42 AM
2005-01-15 10:13 AM
in reply to: #104068

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Expert
1180
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Iowa
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?
I'll be in a sleeveless shirt and shorts. On the trainer. In front of a movie! It's 2 degrees here, but we're on our way up to 8 degrees!
2005-01-15 11:41 AM
in reply to: #104068

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Lethbridge, Alberta
Bronze member
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?
Previously I've ridden to work year round, although I've wimped out this past month of this season. That's in temperatures down to -40 which is the same on both scales. Use layers and cover exposed skin, but that's not the biggest problem.

Snow is not bad for traction, colder snow is better, but be very wary of ice especially if it's starting to melt. The hazards of poor traction have cost me some injuries and while the temperature can be dealt with I'm waiting until my routes are clear of ice.
2005-01-15 12:03 PM
in reply to: #104068

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Philadelphia, south of New York and north of DC
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?
As long as I'm wearing gloves, all is well.  My hands can't stand the cold.  The rest of my body loves it.


2005-01-15 12:22 PM
in reply to: #104068

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Champion
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Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?
As long as the grease in the shifters is not frozen then it's not too cold.  I just don't ride when there is ice and snow on the roads.
2005-01-15 12:24 PM
in reply to: #104068

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Lethbridge, Alberta
Bronze member
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?
My LBS sells studded MTB tires, and I was tempted, but he said the studs are actually worse traction on bare roads because they skid on concrete and pavement.
2005-01-15 12:34 PM
in reply to: #104068

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Expert
704
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The High Plains
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?

I went out this morning on a ride with the Atlanta BTers in riding shorts, long sleeve jersey,  fleece jacket, and gloves.  The temperature at the start of the ride was (I believe) 37F.  My legs were cold at first, but with the extra layer of Organic Matter covering much of my body (read: fat), it wasn't too bad.  Once we got going, no problems. 

One of my errands today, however, is to shop for either a) leg warmers, or b) tights.

Y'all take care-

Steven



Edited by sranney 2005-01-15 12:35 PM
2005-01-15 1:31 PM
in reply to: #104134

Subject: ...
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Edited by Tri Lizard 2005-01-15 1:32 PM
2005-01-15 5:07 PM
in reply to: #104121

Veteran
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MO
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?
dontracy - 2005-01-15 2:03 PM

As long as I'm wearing gloves, all is well.  My hands can't stand the cold.  The rest of my body loves it.


AHA!!! That's very interesting, Don. My hands get colder than the rest of my body (and my feet, I guess), but when it's cold, I bundle EVERYTHING up. But there's a guy who frequently runs around the park here, wearing sneakers, shorts, headphones, and gloves. My running buddies and I refer to him as Naked Guy, because we couldn't imagine needing gloves but not a shirt. But, I think you just explained our mystery! Thanks!


2005-01-15 5:59 PM
in reply to: #104068

, Alabama
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?

I'm a total sissy compared to you guys.  I'm wearing arm warmers and tights if it's in the 60's, and that's about as cold as I can go.  However on the other side of the spectrum, I'd probably be able to handle temps in the 90's better than some of you polar bears.;-<b></b>)

Sharon

2005-01-15 7:02 PM
in reply to: #104068

Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?
Rode today at 35 degrees, didn't really push it hard. That's about as cold as I will ride, I can run down to say 25 or so. Clothing in wicking layers is the key and I suppose s suspect intelligence if you ask my wife.
2005-01-15 7:48 PM
in reply to: #104068

Veteran
262
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Shelby Twp, MI
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?
Rode this afternoon at 20 degrees, still toasty if you wrap up well, lots of layers. Ice was no fun though.
2005-01-15 7:55 PM
in reply to: #104068

Elite
3498
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Chicago
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?
I ride down to about 30 degrees but do not risk ANYTHING. If there is even a slight chance that there could be any ice on the road, I don't go out.

I 30 degrees I wear:

booties
helmet liner (covering ears)
gloves
running tights
base layer
turtle neck layer
windproof jacket

2005-01-15 9:16 PM
in reply to: #104068

Elite
2458
20001001001001002525
Livingston, MT
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?
Heck, I wouldn't step outside if it's in the 50's U r all brave souls.



2005-01-15 10:20 PM
in reply to: #104153

Pro
5153
50001002525
Helena, MT
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?
Tri Lizard - 2005-01-15 11:31 AMDon't mean to rub it in or anything but.... I am just getting ready to head out on a 2 hour or so ride, it's 71 and sunny. (ducks as things are being hurled)


Mostly snowballs!
2005-01-15 10:33 PM
in reply to: #104068

Extreme Veteran
341
10010010025
Niagara Falls, Ont
Subject: RE: How cold is too cold?
I'm not sure how I felt about this until I read a post by a fellow 'nuck! I can't believe the luck of those of you in the warmer climates right now.

I ride my hybrid all the time (and it was -40C with the wind chill this past week). The skinny tires only go out when there is no ice on the road (don't wanna hurt my baby) and I've ridden at -10C and been caught in a quick moving blizzard in the spring.

i cant wait until we get our 5 weeks of summer.........
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