Anyone else prefer riding in Winter……

[raleighnut]

I've had no other vehicles than bikes since 1985 so to get to work in any weather* it's cycle however the 'leisure cycling' is a lot less in winter. Just remember there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.

* I was working at a plastic extruders located at the back end of Narborough some years ago and when I looked out it was snowing so I dragged the appropriate bike out of the shed and set off a bit early.I was the only person apart from Paul (who lived nearby and walked in) to be on time for my 12hr nightshift but as the rest struggled in they were all saying I'd passed them as the cars slid along at walking pace.

 

[Norry1]

Nope - I love it hot. Got a race this Saturday in Bath (Odd Down) which starts at 1pm - forecast is 32C ... perfect

 

[markharry66]

I personally dtead on set of winter, especially for commuting, no mater how much hi-viz I have on how many lights I deck my bike out 5 lights the front last year I just seem to get cut up daily by in considerate cockwombles on the road, I do prefer the colder climate for cycling but find early darkness dangerous and have to cycle defensive expecting the worst case secnario.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

I personally dtead on set of winter, especially for commuting, no mater how much hi-viz I have on how many lights I deck my bike out 5 lights the front last year I just seem to get cut up daily by in considerate cockwombles on the road, I do prefer the colder climate for cycling but find early darkness dangerous and have to cycle defensive expecting the worst case secnario.

I also feel more vulnerable in winter, but actually, if well lit and reflective, I think we're more visible than in summer, and safer.

It just doesn't feel that way.

 

[raleighnut]

I also feel more vulnerable in winter, but actually, if well lit and reflective, I think we're more visible than in summer, and safer.

It just doesn't feel that way.

the only times I felt vulnerable was in twilight either morning or evening so I'd do my best to avoid that time either by getting in early to work or hanging around after my shift both times stood outside with a cuppa and a fag until it either got light or got dark. There is a condition called 'Twilight Myopia' which many people suffer from as their eyes try to adjust to the changing amount of light.

 

[Webbo2]

The problems with going for a ride in winter is getting ready. For example wriggle in to your base layer top, pull on bib shorts then try to wiggle your legs in to your bib tights. Then fight the straps over your shoulders. Struggle your arms in to one those weather proof tops without ending with the sleeves of your base layer all rucked by your elbows. Shoes on then battle with your overshoes, hat on, helmet on and finally gloves on.
Only to now realise you need a wee and a lie down.😉

 

[PeteXXX]

Here's one of my winter bimbles.. At night, this time, during what was known as The Beast From the East a few years ago..
Totally unrideable at times 😂

 

[sevenfourate]

The problems with going for a ride in winter is getting ready. For example wriggle in to your base layer top, pull on bib shorts then try to wiggle your legs in to your bib tights. Then fight the straps over your shoulders. Struggle your arms in to one those weather proof tops without ending with the sleeves of your base layer all rucked by your elbows. Shoes on then battle with your overshoes, hat on, helmet on and finally gloves on.
Only to now realise you need a wee and a lie down.😉

HA……Right ! By the time you’ve got the brain round the idea of a Winter ride, then your layered clothing adorned to the required standard for the day: it’s dark. Or was it pitch black anyway……

 

[sevenfourate]

Here's one of my winter bimbles.. At night, this time, during what was known as The Beast From the East a few years ago..
Totally unrideable at times 😂

Pardon the pun Pete. But that is so fricken cool. I’d be up for that in a heartbeat. What a giggle (In short’ish bursts). Yea - that’s genuinely brilliant. Love it !

 

[PeteXXX]

Pardon the pun Pete. But that is so fricken cool. I’d be up for that in a heartbeat. What a giggle (In short’ish bursts). Yea - that’s genuinely brilliant. Love it !

I've got a few more snowy rides if you're interested ☃️

 

[Dogtrousers]

The problems with going for a ride in winter is getting ready.

I find the opposite. Winter I just put on my cycling stuff. Summer is all about putting on sun block and getting proper coverage of the gloopy greasy stuff.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

I find the opposite. Winter I just put on my cycling stuff. Summer is all about putting on sun block and getting proper coverage of the gloopy greasy stuff.

I don't begrudge it but with the amount of cycling I do it is the cost of suncream that stings a bit. I have already gone through 3 bottles of factor 50 since May and that stuff isn't cheap!

 

[fossyant]

I really like a cold crisp morning in winter, but I think those commuting days are over. Despite having used studded winter tyres for 15 years, when they don't grip it can be nasty. One extensively fractured pelvis form a slow speed fall this winter. I'll be taking the car from now on.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

I don't begrudge it but with the amount of cycling I do it is the cost of suncream that stings a bit. I have already gone through 3 bottles of factor 50 since May and that stuff isn't cheap!

Factor 30 equally good in reality IME and much less unpleasant. I find one application early in the day more than sufficient.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

I really like a cold crisp morning in winter, but I think those commuting days are over. Despite having used studded winter tyres for 15 years, when they don't grip it can be nasty. One extensively fractured pelvis form a slow speed fall this winter. I'll be taking the car from now on.

How many studs do your winter tyres have?

IIRC my 700x38mm 45Nrth Gravdals started out with 240 studs per tyre, when commuting I usually fitted them in advance of the first approx 2C commute approaching winter in and then leave them on until end of February, if odd warmer days I'd inflate them more to reduce drag.

Now I have an electric gravel bike that has clearance for them like my Voodoo Marasa, they might get me out a bit more over the winter, instead of becoming a turbo hermit.