What is the lowest temperature you would cycle in?

[paulw1969]

no lower temp for me yet.....but ice is a different matter and has kept me off the last week

 

[Herzog]

I've done -25 before, and it wasn't too bad. It's not linear, a point is reached after which any temperature decrease doesn't increase the discomfort!

 

[goo_mason]

I think it was probably -7. These days I tend to avoid it when there's a risk of ice. Too many icy offs over the last couple of years have left me wary. I'd rather miss a few rides than break a few bones these days, especially when I have a turbo at home that I can use to keep me cycling indoors, warm and safe :-)

 

[cyberknight]

Lower than - 10 a few years ago but the roads were clear as it was a prolonged cold spell with little snow so its was fairly safe albeit chilly.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

cycled in -15C (mid afternoon) without issue and happily do the same again
Don't know what it was earlier in the day but we climbed higher so any daytime gain was lost...
It is simply a case of having the right kit (not necessarily cycling kit) and remembering to apply basic mountaineering rules of not going hard enough/fast enough to sweat and putting more layers on when you stop - drink plenty etc...
have also camped in colder temps and love it despite being a moderately severe asthmatic - waking up with a layer of ice over the sleeping bag sparkling in the torch light is wonderful. (I know what you're thinking and that was not how it was meant! )

 

[Monsieur]

Currently reading Rob Lilwall's book of his journey from Siberia to UK - he talks of riding in temperatures of -40.
He also said that he didn't think there's be much of a difference between -20 and -30...until he had to cycle in it

 

[Jussi Halonen]

There is no going below 5 degrees with Italian gruppos, they might have Alfa Romeo genome.

 

[Jussi Halonen]

Currently reading Rob Lilwall's book of his journey from Siberia to UK - he talks of riding in temperatures of -40.
He also said that he didn't think there's be much of a difference between -20 and -30...until he had to cycle in it

Noticed this a few days back, commuting in -24 is possible but -30... no fecking way. (I'm from Finland, we wrestle polar bears and all that.)

 

[hennbell]

There is no lowest temp, but with low temps comes ice and I do not cycle when ice is on the roads. With the right kit and correct layers I dont think the cold is an issue for me but ice defo is.

There is a lowest temp that your bicycle will be able to handle without modification. The freewheel on your rear wheel will freeze open at about -30 C unless you remove the grease and replace it with a light oil. Basically you will be able to pedal but the wheel will not spin. You are right even at -30 , as long as you have the right kit, it can be done.

 

[geo]

Providing no ice on roads, i havent found my minimum yet. Still in shorts at the moment.

What ?? Are you mad or just very hard

 

[Fab Foodie]

I would be lost without my in/outdoor thermometer. A vital piece of cycling kit. The lowest temperature I would set off at would be 0 deg C. I realise I'm a wimp as I often see plenty of cyclists when I'm sadly waiting for the bus. However, I do think they must be mad.

When it starts raining liquid Oxygen I reckon it's cold enough ....

 

[Martyn H]

I'm quite happy if it is minus whatever and dry. It is the cold and damp that really does for me - even when I'm well wrapped and insulated.

 

[Kies]

Some of you are like hardy perenials

My operating temp is 0c to 28c

 

[Miquel In De Rain]

I think cycling in this weather in shorts really gets people imagination going.I had a bin van driver at Bow tonight going the same speed as me and at first I thought he either wanted to left hook me or fight me,then I realised a bit later he may have been looking at my legs.Whatever it was it was quite strange behaviour.Perhaps he fancied my bike,it could have been that.

 

[The Horse's Mouth]

What ?? Are you mad or just very hard

Probably a bit of both!