Commuting in 0 degrees

[samsbike]

we have some cold weather coming in.

It looks like dry but cold weather but am anxious about ice especially in cycle paths etc and it's not like I am going to see anything.

Would you cycle in 0 degrees for 17 miles?

 

[vickster]

Not a chance, too dangerous...and cold
The path in a local park was still frosty when I rode through it at 2 today. Would have been treacherous at 7am. I personally don't want any broken bones this year!

 

[DCLane]

I would, and do, but stick to main roads if it's that cold. I've an old Raleigh Pioneer hybrid with knobbly tyres I can use though, and beyond that in 'cold' terms a cheap old GT MTB with spiked tyres for ice/snow.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Yes, on the ice bike and wearing lots of layers, if it is really cold I'd ride in walking boots

 

[Slick]

I do it quite often, -8 was the coldest I can remember last year. You do have to be wary on untreated cycle paths but on the road is perfectly fine.
Make sure you have the right clothing.

 

[ianrauk]

Always. But my commute is all roads rather then paths.

 

[Jenkins]

8.5 miles each way, yes. 17 miles one way, no.

Wrap up warm, stick where possible to the roads known to be gritted by the Council and use the front brake sparingly. There's no shame in getting off & walking if necessary.

 

[HLaB]

I'm bottling it I need to fix a rear p'ture, the path is flooded at one bit and closed at another; turning a 13 miles commute into a 17 miles commute with a 30-45min drive. I might also have to carry a laptop. I have cycled it in the past at just below freezing as its a gritted path and it nearly flat and straight but its the exception to the rule.

 

[avsd]

No. If there is frost on the car window screen I don't cycle. My commute is riverside towpath. Not commute and prone to ice as there is a lot of shade.

 

[Andy in Germany]

we have some cold weather coming in.

It looks like dry but cold weather but am anxious about ice especially in cycle paths etc and it's not like I am going to see anything.

Would you cycle in 0 degrees for 17 miles?

I've done it many times here. If the roads are dry, then I find it's fine, just wrap up warm. I appreciate that's big 'if' in the UK: here we have hard dry winters.

If there's a chance of ice then I use my bike with snow spikes.

 

[newfhouse]

Yes, but I’m ‘lucky’ that once I’m out of my own road most of my 11 mile commute is on well travelled A roads and bus lanes. I don’t usually wear shorts in single figure temperatures.

 

[Slioch]

Would you cycle in 0 degrees for 17 miles?

Yes, I would. Just give yourself more time, leave earlier, and take it easy on using the front brake.

Those days when you do something out of the ordinary are the ones that will stick in your memory a long time.

 

[Milkfloat]

I try to stick to the roads when it is icy, but there is a short section through a park that I will take at a very slow speed, especially on the corners. I have a nice thick beanie so I will be fine.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Yes but on a regular commute you get to know where the ice and black ice forms. Winter tyres , mtn bike or a trike are all options.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Yes but on a regular commute you get to know where the ice and black ice forms. Winter tyres , mtn bike or a trike are all options.

Oooh... must resist temptation...