Why do I get so cold on the bike?

[Kirstie]

This thread is no good without... er ... me getting my coat.

A picture of my arse riding a bike? For once I actually have a relevant photo... http://michael-wright.fotopic.net/p52852051.html

tt I can't bring myself to ride a roadbike with baggies on!! Good idea though. I think part of the reason that I get a cold arse is cos it has some flab...all the blood goes to the muscles and leaves the flab really chilly!

 

[ComedyPilot]

i think you've discovered a niche in the market...

A really nice 'little' niche

 

[trustysteed]

A picture of my arse riding a bike? For once I actually have a relevant photo... http://michael-wright.fotopic.net/p52852051.html

my god, that's as big as a bridge!

oh, it is a bridge.

 

[Kirstie]

my god, that's as big as a bridge!

oh, it is a bridge.

 

[rich p]

Toughen up big boy, you're not doing our southern softie reputation any good at all

 

[ComedyPilot]

Just re-affirming our suspicions!

 

[trustysteed]

Just re-affirming our suspicions!

i think you mean wuss-picions!

 

[Aperitif]

You need an electric bike BoaB - the acoustic one is not doing it for you!

All those layers! Fit some spuds and sundry veg etc in the pockets and you should have a roast ready by the time you return...I take it you are riding the bike and not just going outside and standing still?

 

[Downward]

But they don't make arse layers...

oh i give up.

Could be worse - You could have a warm fat arse !

 

[rusky]

I commute 5 miles to work.

If it's >5degrees I wear Endura boulder trousers, Altura Night Vision waterproof jacket, T-shirt, Gloves, beanie & a buff.

If it's <5degrees, the jacket is replaced with the Altura Night Vision Windproof jacket

If it's <5degrees & raining, I add a sweatshirt.

 

[JtB]

I always wear shorts on my bike, but its the tips of my fingers that get cold (for the first 15 mins or so). The problem I have though is that I tend to get cold when I've finished a ride and that's when I've got to wrap up to keep warm.

 

[Debian]

I never seem to feel the cold, except in my fingers.

Apart from a lightweight jacket and some padded pants I own no cycle specific clothing at all but I never seem to have a problem.

If it's really cold, i.e. very sub-zero then I wear:

A wicking t-shirt (walking type from Millets)
Fleece jacket (standard millets cheapo)
Lightweight outer jacket
{if dark - a reflective vest}
Neck tube
Thin fleece hat under helmet.

Ordinary baggy shorts (not cycle specific) over footless tights and padded pants

Alpine ski gloves

If it's zero or just above I dispense with the tights and outer jacket (unless wet), and probably the hat.

I was out and about on the bike today for around three hours and I wore a fleece jacket over a t-shirt plus baggy shorts over padded pants. The Alpine gloves and, of course hiking shoes & socks completed the ensemble I was fine, a little too warm sometimes.

I do sweat but most seems to wick away and I always seem comfortable, maybe too warm at times.

 

[colly]

I reckon you are wearing too much.

I think the most I have worn when out riding is a cotton (cheap as chips) tee shirt, a long sleved sort of stretchy thing with a high neck and a jacket, tights and bib shorts. (Socks, gloves and shoes obviously)

I can get chilled at times but never, well hardly ever, really cold. In fact when I think about it the only times I get really cold is when I stop for a break.

 

[Debian]

I reckon you are wearing too much.

I think the most I have worn when out riding is a cotton (cheap as chips) tee shirt, a long sleved sort of stretchy thing with a high neck and a jacket, tights and bib shorts. (Socks, gloves and shoes obviously)

I can get chilled at times but never, well hardly ever, really cold. In fact when I think about it the only times I get really cold is when I stop for a break.

Similar to me.

If you feel comfortably warm before you start riding then you'll soon be feeling hot and sweaty. I try and wear as little as possible, if I can get away with just shorts, undershorts and a t-shirt I'm a happy boy!

Unless you are really a cycling speed freak (even then I'm not so sure) a lot of the cycle specific breathable, wicking, whatever (highly expensive) gear is absolutely unnecessary.

 

[meenaghman]

Sounds to me like sweat not evaporating. I use a windproof fronted jacket such as Adidas Arctic Jacket [This is a very warm jacket but one major flaw is only 1 back pocket] or Pearl Izumi Thermal jacket with a base layer [2-5 degrees] and another layer [Short or long sleeved cycling jersey] if a bit colder. Both these jackets have a thermal layer, windproof front/shoulders allowing evaporation from the back.
Are you going up and down a lot of hills by any chance - try and vent on the uphill - ie lower zips to allow sweat out.. then zip up for descents to stop the chill going through you.