So I drove in this morning as it was heavy sleet outside, a bit of a sideways wind and around zero degrees. Every time I drive I see an old guy cycling in the opposite direction with normal loose fitting short shorts on and bare legs. I'm confused by this, everyone else is wrapped up normally for this weather - how is this guy not getting numb legs? Is there some kind of magical cream he's putting on?!! I'm amazed by it!
Bare Legs
- Thread starter sazzaa
- Start date
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Go into any city centre on a Friday or Saturday night and you'll see flocks of ladies wearing much much less - not saying your old chap is on the pull though ;-)
GlasgowGaryH
Veteran
- Location
- Where ever I lay my hat
Shorts all year round on the commute for me,only start to feel the cold at about -2c but I just soldier on. Prefer wet legs from rain than sweat from waterproof troosers too
JoeyB
Go on, tilt your head!
- Location
- Fareham, Hampshire
My legs dont really get cold, but my feet are a different matter...
Wet trews can be worse than wet legs especially in the cold. One may say that natural body hair is hard to beat in keeping the cold wind away from the skin. Blokes may have the advantage here. As the legs may be burning lots of energy internal heat can balance things up nicely.
And that's the problem. People try it and judge it by the first 10 seconds of moving from a dry warm environment to a wet cold one. But after half an hour who is the most comfortable? As Ian says the answer may be different to diifferent people.
And that's the problem. People try it and judge it by the first 10 seconds of moving from a dry warm environment to a wet cold one. But after half an hour who is the most comfortable? As Ian says the answer may be different to diifferent people.
Glow worm
Legendary Member
- Location
- Near Newmarket
I prefer shorts too unless it really is bitterly cold. You have to look after your knees though. Severe cold can cause them damage. I have read that it's unwise to ride in shorts when it's below 40F / 4.5 C for that reason. I'm getting on a bit now and cover the legs up when it's really cold.
Roadrider48
Voice of the people
- Location
- Londonistan
See that all the time here in London.
totallyfixed
Veteran
- Location
- The only county without a McDonalds
Comes up every year, Mainly "tough" MB'ers. Same answer every year, don't do it. It may feel ok but there is a difference as to what feels ok and what is actually happening in the knee joint, when the temp drops extremities get less blood supply, including knees. It is called vasoconstriction which put simply means your knees are operating with less blood supply, an analogy would be a metal joint without enough oil. Long term damage is likely.
Oops, sorry GM, needs to be a lot warmer than that to stay safe @15C
Beebo
Firm and Fruity
- Location
- Hexleybeef
I follow the perceived wisdom that you should cover up your kness below 10C.
I have ridden all winter in 3/4's, (and long socks) it just hasnt been cold enough down South for full length tights, but I like to keep my knees warm until the spring.
I have ridden all winter in 3/4's, (and long socks) it just hasnt been cold enough down South for full length tights, but I like to keep my knees warm until the spring.
adds21
Rider of bikes
- Location
- North Somerset
That's me too. I wear shorts year round, and much prefer wet legs to wet trousers. My legs never feel the cold, even in snow, although my hands do.
All this winter I've been wearing ski socks pulled right up, with tights over the top, then some waterproof shorts and of course waterproof overshoes. I find its a good balance as the tights dry quite quickly and don't get heavy when wet and I carry waterproof overtrousers if it gets ridiculous.Seems to be a nice balance and the couple of occasions I've had to stop to address an "instantaneous deflation event" in the freezing cold its been ok for up to 20 mins or so as you cool down. If I was in shorts I'd be quickly frozen and probably do myself an injury when setting off again.
jefmcg
Guru
first time I went to new york, i went for a run in central park. I was wearing tracksters and a t-shirt and was perfectly comfortable, though a garbage man told me I looked cold, and every other runner was rugged up. Got back to my hotel and found that it was 30F, which at the time was the coldest temperature I'd ever experienced.
those irish/scottish ancestors were finally contributing something beyond a propensity for sunburn
those irish/scottish ancestors were finally contributing something beyond a propensity for sunburn
David Parry
Active Member
- Location
- Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
interesting . . . I'm three pair of shorts (padded riding shorts, under normal running shorts, under waterproof cutoffs) with waterproof boot-covers. Below 0 degrees C., I add leg warmers.