Cyclists' varying tolerances to cold

[betty swollocks]

Yesterday morning: set off early for a long and scenic ride into work wearing Rapha soft shell jacket, merino base layer, shorts, leg warmers and sealskin gloves and after a coolish start off, became nice and toasty after a few miles.
The sun came up on a glorious morning and on the final stretch I came upon a fellow cyclist in short-sleeved top and shorts, bare hands and bare head.
He was loaded up with two rear panniers and going at a fair clip.
In conversation with him, it came to light that he pedals in twenty miles every morning and wears the same, rain or shine regardless of the season.
He maintained he was comfortable.
So, he was working very hard to generate warmth, but then the greater speed increases the wind chill.
I kept up with him and clad as I was, felt quite comfortable. I simply cannot see how he was.
Brrrrrrrrr!!

 

[rich p]

I see more than a few people cycling around here like that but I assume they've not realised how cold it is but it may be me being a bit wussy.

 

[snakehips]

I think I an definitely in the wuss category. I had my longs on yesterday , and on top a long sleeve base layer , regular short sleeve cycling jersey and long sleeve jacket over that. Oh and full finger gloves.

Then you see some guy with shorts and a vest on !

Siamo tutti farabutti

 

[accountantpete]

I'm with you Betty - warmth over appearance anyday.

Although my motorbike gauntlets do lend a certain style I like to think.

 

[gf1959]

I hate feeling cold when cycling,i'd rather overheat than freeze,my muscles do not like
the cold one bit. Whatever suits i guess but i don't care about looking the part in the winter,just in keeping my parts warm.

 

[Perfect Virgo]

I'm with you Betty - warmth over appearance anyday.

Although my motorbike gauntlets do lend a certain style I like to think.

A triumph of substance over style AP!

For myself I fall into the short-sleeves and bare legs category. Year-round is impossible over here but I keep going with exposed flesh until the first snows banish all two-wheelers for 4 months or more.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Although my motorbike gauntlets do lend a certain style I like to think.

A triumph of substance over style AP!

It's the fur lined rigger boots and Biggles jacket that finish your 'look' though AP - that's why people are pointing!

 

[Perfect Virgo]

It's the fur lined rigger boots and Biggles jacket that finish your 'look' though AP - that's why people are pointing!

Not to mention the sheer sartorial elegance of your deerstalker, with the flaps tied securely under your chin.

 

[Mr Pig]

I can ride in shorts unless it's sub zero but my feet, ears and face suffer something awful. The Buff was a great discovery, really helps.

 

[HLaB]

I prefer to be slightly cold rather than too warm, my system operates better that way and I can always work more to warm up but overheating has a bad effect on me.

 

[Chuffy]

I was fully layered up this morning and the obligatory bloke in t-shirt and shorts passed us. Perhaps it's the same bloke going round the country making us all feel inadequate?

 

[MajorMantra]

What I find most bizarre is not people's winter attire but what they choose to wear in summer. I saw cyclists wearing Altura Nightvision jackets during the day this summer. I would melt!

Matthew

 

[gbb]

Slightest sign of cooler weather, i tend to overdress. Can't stand the cold for two reasons...
My muscles just dont want to work, i struggle like hell on winter runs.
My back won't take the cold, can't have any chill on my hips of lower back. Guaranteed to set me off
Accordingly, yesterdays ride at about 13 or 15 degrees...i was wearing my Altura Nevis. Only a t shirt underneath, but i'd sooner be snug than cold.

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

What I find most bizarre is not people's winter attire but what they choose to wear in summer. I saw cyclists wearing Altura Nightvision jackets during the day this summer. I would melt!

Matthew

Agree. There's a bloke I often pass going the other way on my way to work. He seems to be wearing the same huge coat whatever time of year it is.

 

[ianrauk]

Saw him also..

I was fully layered up this morning and the obligatory bloke in t-shirt and shorts passed us. Perhaps it's the same bloke going round the country making us all feel inadequate?