Slower in Winter?

[boyse7en]

Does anyone else find they ride slower in winter?

I ride to work once a week. 13.1 miles each way.

During the warmer months, the ride in takes 53-57 minutes usually, depending on wind/how knackered I am/etc

During the winter my times have slipped back to about 56-1:00.

Not a massive change, but I have not been able to match my summer-weather times.

Is this because my body is less efficient in the cold? Because the bike is slower (grease and lubes thicken when cold? seems unlikely)

Or am i just getting old and slow???

[kiethton]

I find exactly the same for my commute which is about the same length of time.

I think that besides being more layered and carrying more personal winter timber the roads are far emptier in the summer, especially during the school breaks, so that I am not constantly cycling past queues of traffic and can therefore go for it a bit more.

[madzo14]

As it's colder the air is more dense and more difficult to cycle through.

Taken from here http://ncrandonneur.blogspot.co.uk/2009/12/are-cyc...

[TwistingMyMelon]

Yes common sense really ain't it?

More layers, air harder to breathe, slippery road surface so you are careful, one tends to go out less so fitness is less, darkness or lack of light slows you down etc

I find I slow a bit when the temp goes above 22 degress as well

[boyse7en]

ah. That's alright then.

I look forward to improved times when it's not 2 deg C.

[TwistingMyMelon]

I find winter riding toughens you up, so when Spring comes not only do you have a good standard of fitness (from riding through the winter) , but you find it easier due to the warmer temps, when all the Fairweathers are thinking that 10 degrees is "cold"...to me it balmy!!

[Gizmoish]

TwistingMyMelon said:

I find winter riding toughens you up, so when Spring comes not only do you have a good standard of fitness (from riding through the winter) , but you find it easier due to the warmer temps, when all the Fairweathers are thinking that 10 degrees is "cold"...to me it balmy!!

Definitely. I dropped down to a short sleeve top under my softshell today instead of wearing the thermal baselayer - was 8 deg C.

[Birdthom]

I was out riding in Spain the other weekend. I was in short sleeves and bib shorts. All the local riders were in full winter rig with overshoes and balaclavas :-)

Back on topic: greasy roads, greater air density, lower general fitness, cold air in the lungs, full length mudguards, light and other extra clutter on the bike, more clothing layers and a jacket flapping in the breeze will all slow you down.

[roadman]

Definitely ride slower in the winter, combination of weather, high winds (maybe just this winter).

My commute is 20 miles every day, snow, rain or sun, on a good day that is 30 mins on a bad day 45

Bring on the sun and warmth

[bakerstreet]

I definitely ride slower in the winter months. The lanes I use are much worse for a start and I'm usually wearing double the kit that I would use in the summer months.

In the height of summer I was commuting in bib shorts and a short sleeved jersey. My current kit includes bib tights, base layer, thick long sleeved jersey, reflective gilet, ear warmer and two pairs of socks. It all adds up.

[555 Paul]

This is interesting because I cycled into work today for the first time since last summer and whilst it felt easier and I set new personal bests up 2 climbs I was around 2 minutes slower over my personal best for my 12.77 mile route and I just put it down to traffic and being stuck at lights.

My 12.77 mile to work this morning took me 41 and a half minutes and my PB door to door stands at just under 40 minutes from memory. It was cold this morning though.

[S10GTA]

Took my mudguards off last night and was a whole mph quicker today

I would say it's because I have reduced the weight, but it's not, it's psychological. I fking hate mudguards.

[donfisher]

I’m sure the temperature helps with lightening the load but for me it’s all about the light. With the sun up earlier, the roads dry out and crucially I can now see what I’m doing so the early morning/early evening commute feels a lot less tentative. I also find it easier to drag my lazy arse out of bed earlier and therefore get the benefit of improved visibility, less traffic and less people randomly stepping off the pavement.

[Kell]

All of my best (overall) times have come in the Summer. But I put it down to less traffic more than any other factors.

[Kell]

All of my best (overall) times have come in the Summer. But I put it down to less traffic more than any other factors.

[Kell]

All of my best (overall) times have come in the Summer. But I put it down to less traffic more than any other factors.

[Kell]

All of my best (overall) times have come in the Summer. But I put it down to less traffic more than any other factors.

[Kell]

All of my best (overall) times have come in the Summer. But I put it down to less traffic more than any other factors.

[Kell]

All of my best (overall) times have come in the Summer. But I put it down to less traffic more than any other factors.

[Kell]

All of my best (overall) times have come in the Summer. But I put it down to less traffic more than any other factors.