Do you ride slower in the winter ?

[robjh]

I've noticed that my average commute times at the start and end of the year have been slower than in the warmer lighter months, which for me has meant basically mid-March to late October. These are incidentally pretty much the months when summer time is in operation. I've had to contend with some pretty strong winds lately but even allowing for this I still reckon I'm taking about 5% longer than I was in late summer.

At the start of the year it might have been unfitness following the winter slack period, but that's not the case now, as I'm cycling almost as far and often as I was in July or September. The ride is about 24 miles each way and I have been doing it once to twice a week for most of the year.

I've got a few ideas but am not entirely convinced by any of them. Could be that
1) as it's dark and I can't see the cycle computer, I don't see when my speed drops a bit, whereas in the light that motivates me to push a bit harder, at least on my regular commute
2) the extra clothing is heavier and so slows me down ; but at other times I carry things in my pannier, that doesn't slow me down noticeably
3) the extra clothing is more bulky and somehow uses up some of my energy...in some way I can't explain
4) I get hotter with all the layers and poor ventilation, and that also saps energy somehow
5) I need more energy in cold weather just to keep me warm, let alone cycling
6) breathing is less efficient in cold air, so less energy to the legs....

Does anyone else find the same thing, and any idea about the reasons ?

 

[al78]

I've noticed that my average commute times at the start and end of the year have been slower than in the warmer lighter months, which for me has meant basically mid-March to late October. These are incidentally pretty much the months when summer time is in operation. I've had to contend with some pretty strong winds lately but even allowing for this I still reckon I'm taking about 5% longer than I was in late summer.

At the start of the year it might have been unfitness following the winter slack period, but that's not the case now, as I'm cycling almost as far and often as I was in July or September. The ride is about 24 miles each way and I have been doing it once to twice a week for most of the year.

I've got a few ideas but am not entirely convinced by any of them. Could be that
1) as it's dark and I can't see the cycle computer, I don't see when my speed drops a bit, whereas in the light that motivates me to push a bit harder, at least on my regular commute
2) the extra clothing is heavier and so slows me down ; but at other times I carry things in my pannier, that doesn't slow me down noticeably
3) the extra clothing is more bulky and somehow uses up some of my energy...in some way I can't explain
4) I get hotter with all the layers and poor ventilation, and that also saps energy somehow
5) I need more energy in cold weather just to keep me warm, let alone cycling
6) breathing is less efficient in cold air, so less energy to the legs....

Does anyone else find the same thing, and any idea about the reasons ?

7. Warm muscles work better than cold muscles.
8. Cold air is denser than warm air (for the same pressure) = greater air resistance.
9. Roads are more hazardous with wet leaves/ice/crap washed onto them from all the rain + roads are wetter for longer due to lower evaporation rates thus you need to be more careful.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

I tend to be quicker in the winter, dunno why, maybe it's because I run hot anyway and am more confortable in cooler conditions or it could be the blood not wanting to go to my extremeties and staying more in the muscles where its nice and warm.

I feel fresher and seem to recover better when its cold out too.

 

[Keith Oates]

I think point 3 has some affect if the extra clothing is in the form of over/waterproof trousers but getting the muscles up to a good operating temperature is also more difficult if it is really very cold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[gaz]

I find there is more traffic on the roads, or the speed of the traffic also decreases which has a knock on affect on me. I also take it easier due to conditions and dopey drivers in the dark.

 

[summerdays]

For me its the wearing all the extra clothes - means that movement is harder, plus getting your temperature regulation right with waterproofs is a nightmare. And there are probably more cars on the road. The weather conditions generally force you to go slower whether it be because its tipping with rain, blowing you off your bike or icy.

 

[ComedyPilot]

I am marginally quicker in winter too.

Like a carburettor that works better in cold dense air, maybe lungs prefer the fresher feel of cool conditions?

 

[Vikeonabike]

On average I have been slower the last couple of months. This has been because of the heavier winds...although I did set a new PB the other day!

 

[GrasB]

I cycle quicker until I start having to layer up & there's two reasons for this:
1) The extra layers mean I can't move as quickly or fluidly as I'd like.
2) If I'm in layers then the less used roads are liable to have icy patches on so I need to be more careful.

 

[jig-sore]

yes I'm slower in the winter and i put it down to this one...

9. Roads are more hazardous with wet leaves/ice/crap washed onto them from all the rain + roads are wetter for longer due to lower evaporation rates thus you need to be more careful

and the fact that I'm now commuting in the dark and it's windy.

you can see from my cyclogs graph that i had a steady average speed through the summer but now it's dropping off quite a bit. also the start of the year was down after i slid off in January.

i've also noticed a bit of a drop in top speed as I'm obviously descending slower in the wet and dark

 

[ianrauk]

Yes, winter riding has meant that my average speed has also dropped

 

[thomas]

I tend to be quicker in the winter, dunno why, maybe it's because I run hot anyway and am more confortable in cooler conditions or it could be the blood not wanting to go to my extremeties and staying more in the muscles where its nice and warm.

I feel fresher and seem to recover better when its cold out too.

I cycle quicker at night than day, I tend not to wear too much, so I have to stay fast to keep warm...and won't overheat!

I've been doing some night time, ring road training recently. It's great being able to overtake cars up hill!

 

[HelenD123]

Going down country lanes coming home the other night definitely slowed me down as my lights weren't up to the job! I'm a bit more cautious in the wet/leaves but not so much that it affects my average much, but then I'm not superfast in the first place.

 

[andrew-the-tortoise]

Not that I am fast anyway, as I ride a heavy MTB - but yes winter slows me down; headwinds and cautious riding due to wet/ice.

Also takes longer to get ready, more layers, shoe covers, clipping on lights etc etc....

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

I thought it was just me ...
But my PB on the way home was 52 minutes in the summer and I was heavier too.
This week I have been lucky to get home in under 1 hr 10 and I think how the hell did I get home so quick before !

Roll on the summer, after the last few weeks I will appreciate the summer months even more