How low can you go (cycling temp).

[night cycler]

Assuming it is dry on the roads with no ice risk (no snow or rain), what is the lowest temp (without the wind chill factor) you would cycle in? You can wrap up well, but I would imagine the problems would be breathing the very cold air, and any exposed skin of the face.

What works for you when cycling in sub zero?

 

[Saluki]

3 degrees as I don't have studded tyres and I can't afford them this winter.

Having said that, if the temperature drops while I'm out, I ride home, I don't catch a bus or anything. I'm just a bit careful about it.

 

[classic33]

Cycled to work in minus 10 and below. Hitting 30mph & above on treated sections
Took it steady, allowing extra time to get there.

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

When I was fitter and dafter I did a couple at -5C.
Used to love those frosty mornings with mist in the dips and on the rivers.
Favourite was from Kilnhurst to Sprotbrough by road then up the towpath to see the sun rise from Cusworth Hall over Doncaster. Then trans pennine trail all the way back.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Assuming it is dry on the roads with no ice risk (no snow or rain), what is the lowest temp (without the wind chill factor) you would cycle in?

This hypothetical weather does not exist here in Scotland: if it's below freezing there will be ice or snow. Rain, there's always plenty, which could become ice immediately
Anyhow, I have cycled at -3 as far as I am aware: probably my Garmin can tell me, but I can't be bothered to find out.
I have studded tyres, don't get cold much on the bike, apart from the feet if they get wet.

 

[Accy cyclist]

Below 35 Fahrenheit i'd be thinking wtf am i doing out in this?, but i'd struggle on, thinking of warmer days in the saddle.

 

[MichaelW2]

In dry, continental conditions, -10C is easy, much easier than a damp 0C slushy/icy UK.
I made some studded tyres with a cheap knobbly with the biggest knobs I could find, some 3/8 self-tapping screws and a dremel cutter. Ive used it for 3 seasons, just during heavy freeze-ups.

 

[mr messy]

A beard is essential below -10°c above that just good quality moisturiser should suffice

 

[G3CWI]

Did a ride with a mate at -7c a couple of years ago. It's the only time we have ever abandoned a ride. We both got dangerously cold and back to his house for coffee was the safest option.

We were too lightly dressed and it was several degrees colder along some parts of the ride than in town.

 

[Banjo]

Started a 200 km audax with temp minus 5 according to peoples car thermometers.

Wouldnt do it again though after several encounters with ice.

Didnt complete the ride .took a short cut to the finish so did about 150.
I find overshoes and two buffs help a lot.good gloves are also essential.

 

[Drago]

I can remember doing -18 in Iceland, although the cold doesn't bother me the way the wind does.

 

[summerdays]

I know I've cycled to work several times at -2 or -3 (not always on studded tyres), but I'm not sure I'd go out for just a ride at those temperatures unless with company or it was absolutely glorious.

But the killer is the wind, that can make it feel so much worse as I don't like the wind anyway, add in very low temperatures and it has me wondering why I'm trying to commute by bike!!

 

[Drago]

Strewth, I used to go jogging at -3 wearing a running vest.

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

I've ridden in minus 15 and survived.

 

[cyberknight]

Cycled to work in minus 10 and below. Hitting 30mph & above on treated sections
Took it steady, allowing extra time to get there.

Indeed was it 3 winters ago when it was cold for a long time but little snow ? after a while the roads were clear , i was still riding on 23 mm slicks and managed it .A few times i have had to walk half a mile or so when the untreated roads were sheet ice .