01-26-2007, 06:39 AM
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#11 (permalink)
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| Guest | Re: How cold is too cold?
boo@fractalfreak.com wrote:
>
> On Jan 24, 2:38 pm, "Josh Hassol" <jhas...@rcn.com> wrote:
>> Temps (with wind chill) for my daily commute (14 miles each way):
>>
>> Today: 21 F . . . no problem
>> Tomorrow: 9 F . . . hmmm
>> Friday: -9 F . . . too cold?
>>
>
> Why don't you just ride and find out for yourself what your
> tolerances are?
>
> It used to be I'd commute no matter what the temperature.
> For me it's not too bad until the temp gets below about 0F (-20C).
> Below that cycling sux donkey dick, IMO. The wind chill effect
> becomes extreme, and on a bike all your extremities are exposed.
>
> Fortunately there are no longer many, if any, days out of the
> the years where the temps stay below zero all day.
>
> BTW, the coldest I've ever cycled in was -27F (-32C). Less than
> 5 mile ride and it was awful. Honestly walking is a far more civilized
> way of getting around when it gets really cold.
>
At -27F I would be wearing a ski mask, goggles, AND a full face
motorcycle helmet, pretty serious gloves. I have been outdoors in
Minnesota, chatting with the guy filling my 500 gallon propane tank and
it was about -15F with about a 15 MPH wind. Since I wasn't doing
anything I almost froze solid right there. There are days when it is too
cold to ride (sanely) but then your car might not start either.
I found out that when you put on enough clothing for the cold (just
standing) it is too much for riding since you will work up a sweat even
riding slowly. It beats walking but you sure can't ride at training speeds.
Bill Baka
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