Why do l find it harder in cold winter months...

[deptfordmarmoset]

All true, but as Phil says, keep racking up the miles in winter and it will pay you back in summer

Yes, on your bike in winter is slower. But still on your bike in Spring when the leggings come off means faster. Summer...who knows?

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Two key factors:

Physiological = longer to warm up and muscles remain colder, the body is working harder just to keep warm

Metereological = Cold air is more dense = more drag = (according to one source i read) a 58 min time trialler in summer would be 60 minutes in winter simply from the extra air drag

That made me chuckle - here we are in the beginners forum discussing cold dense air shaving an inconsequential amount of time off of a ride.

NB: I realise that you were just answering the question - no animosity intended.

 

[BAtoo]

Two key factors:

Physiological = longer to warm up and muscles remain colder, the body is working harder just to keep warm

Metereological = Cold air is more dense = more drag = (according to one source i read) a 58 min time trialler in summer would be 60 minutes in winter simply from the extra air drag

That's good to know - I thought it was just me not getting out so much, re-gaining the weight I'd lost ( & some... ) and loosing what fitness I had !!

 

[ayceejay]

I did go outside today, there was 18 inches of snow on the drive and I had to shovel to get out (not on the bike!) but it was only minus 20.

 

[young Ed]

I did go outside today, there was 18 inches of snow on the drive and I had to shovel to get out (not on the bike!) but it was only minus 20.

you lot are mental! :O i would have a turbo in the living room weather or not family liked it keep bike in living room in turbo all winter if i were in you boots
i'm a wimp and with out at least winter tyres i wouldn't ride with more than an inch on of snow on the ground and that's with road cleared any more than about 2 or inches of snow and it's a nice fat bike for me thanks!
Cheers Ed

 

[young Ed]

but i would happily fly dressed in a santa suit on a bmx! hehe
Cheers Ed