Any tips for cycling in the cold ... ?

[Jimmy Doug]

We're set to have temperatures below zero all week (forecasted to be -14°C on Friday!). In these sorts of temperatures, the difference between having a great ride and suffering a miserable one can depend on the little things. So, how about it, does anyone have any tips they can share?
Here's one. Stuff a spare pair of gloves next to your body (against your legs, for example). If your hands start to get cold, swap them: your spare gloves will be lovely and warm.

 

[gavroche]

always protect your neck to avoid sore throats.

 

[awfulquiet]

With temps that cold, get the proper thermo kit. Preferably windstopper.

A thermo head / neck cover may come in handy.

Winter specific gloves, again with windstopper.

A cycling mask to cover the nose/mouth that would 'pre-warm' the air is a good idea.

Spyked tyres?

 

[Jimmy Doug]

A cycling mask to cover the nose/mouth that would 'pre-warm' the air is a good idea.

Does anyone have any recommendations on this?

 

[Herzog]

If it's just cold (i.e., not snow/ice), then put a bit more effort in...you'll stay warm!

 

[ianrauk]

Cycle faster.

 

[Lanzecki]

But the faster you go, the more the effect of windchill. There must be an optimal speed. Or maybe drop a few gears and spin.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

I guess spinning is the key. If your core is warm, then your body can afford to send blood to the extremities, and they warm up too. That's why there's the old saying: if your hands (or feet) are cold, put on a hat. Perhaps the cycling equivalent could be: if your hands are cold (and you're already wearing a hat), spin faster.

 

[Biker Joe]

Spinning works, no doubt about it.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

normal lycra tights (winter weight) under cycling waterproof trousers works wonders (stop there - this is in addition to clothing on the top half blokes). I bale to my mountaineering/climbing kit when temps get below -8C or so, most of which is designed to go over or under a slightly different type of helmet but is much better at keeping you warm when the weather is very cold. I have ridden in it in -15C or whatever was cold enough to see my blood freeze (not colagulate) on the tarmac the day the dog took a lump out of me (the lycra under my waterproofs stopped it removing it the lump completely so there could be a lot said for making sure you have some lycra on!)
Ski gloves with merino wool glove liners work really well, make sure they are waterproof ones though.... I will second keeping your neck warm (I usually ride with a buff on to prevent sore throats).

Otherwise I much prefer my Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody when it is really cold which being wind resistant helps considerably but is also designed for people being active, so has excellent ventilation where needed under the arms in particular. Excellent for cycling in and even has a touch of reflective material in it! Not quite what they designed it for, but an alround excellent bit of kit and works much better than a skull cap or buff when zipped up and under a helmet.

 

[Arjimlad]

I am very grateful for the EDZ motorcycling balaclava which keeps my bonce ears & throat warm.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/EDZ-Climate-Thermal-Motorcycle-Balaclava/dp/B005S6145Q

That and overshoes !

 

[Drago]

Neoprene overshoes and decent gloves/mittens/mitts/hand guards. You can cope with cold anywhere else but cold extremities will do you on right quick.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Agreed with the above. When I used to cycle 10 miles to my college for my studies, in winter my feet and hands were screaming by the time I arrived. Although decent gloves were available back then, neoprene overshoes weren't. I now cycle double the distance - and in colder weather - and my feet are fine. All thanks to that miricle material, neoprene.

 

[User6179]

Dont stop for something to eat as you will cool down and be frozen when you set off again!

 

[User16625]

Just add a few layers plus a neck warmer and helmet or wooly hat. Never cycled below -6 or 7c so cant comment on extreme temperatures. What I find a problem is staying dry when its raining. Water proof materiels make me sweat pints so either way Im soaked.