Why is it so hard to pedal in the winter?

The colder it gets the harder it is to pedal. Is it me with colder muscles? Colder air in my lungs? Some other physical reason? Or is it mechanical? Cold-thickened oil on the chain? Thicker grease in the hub? Thicker clothes that restrict movement? Enquiring minds want to know.

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Permalink Reply by Joanne McSweeney on November 29, 2014 at 7:30am

All of the above. Use a winter lube to prevent freezing.

Permalink Reply by Tandemonium on November 29, 2014 at 7:44am
Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on November 29, 2014 at 7:54am
I was having the same kinda feeling last night. I was chilled(not cold), a bit Friday night tired, there was a strong enough south wind, high humidity, and I was wearing somewhat bulky clothes. Then i thought, I must be in the wrong gear, so I started shifting around. Nope, still didn't help. The cold does sap something out of you and requires a higher level of effort and conditioning to keep moving just like when it is 75 degrees. You really have to be properly warmed up before you takeoff. Colder muscles don't want to move fast enough. Respiratory conditions change and you are breathing harder also. Gene, I hope we're not getting old. I don't wanna do that ! Just Keep On Pedaling ! !
Permalink Reply by Haddon on November 29, 2014 at 8:26am

For me it's less the cycling and more the recovery time, after a decent spin yesterday i was laid out for, what, 2 hours? Like I'd been hammered and all I could do was veg until I recovered enough to get up and going again.

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on November 29, 2014 at 9:15am

We are not getting older, Tom, just napping more.

Permalink Reply by Mike Schwab on November 29, 2014 at 5:23pm
  1. Cold Bearings and grease are stiffer and harder to turn: 1%
  2. You need your energy to keep warm: 0%
  3. Your tires are colder and therefore have greater rolling resistance +
  4. You tend to ride softer tires for better control on ice: 3%
  5. Your clothing is bulkier, making it more difficult to push your shape though the air: 5-10%
  6. You are dressed in heavier clothing, making that much more weight to carry: 1%
  7. You are dressed in heavier clothing which resists your movement making pedaling harder: 1%
  8. People simply don't like generating the steam-bath like atmosphere inside of winter clothing, and therefore psychologically resist working as hard as in summer: 1%
  9. Air Density is greater and impedes your progress through the air: 10-20%

Total: 15-30%

Permalink Reply by Marc A. Irwin on November 30, 2014 at 3:53am

Winter is different and more challenging.

Permalink Reply by djm on December 1, 2014 at 12:35pm

9) Air density is inversely proportional to absolute temperature:  dry air is 3.5% denser at 0C (32F) than 20C (68F).


Mike Schwab said:

  1. Cold Bearings and grease are stiffer and harder to turn: 1%
  2. You need your energy to keep warm: 0%
  3. Your tires are colder and therefore have greater rolling resistance +
  4. You tend to ride softer tires for better control on ice: 3%
  5. Your clothing is bulkier, making it more difficult to push your shape though the air: 5-10%
  6. You are dressed in heavier clothing, making that much more weight to carry: 1%
  7. You are dressed in heavier clothing which resists your movement making pedaling harder: 1%
  8. People simply don't like generating the steam-bath like atmosphere inside of winter clothing, and therefore psychologically resist working as hard as in summer: 1%
  9. Air Density is greater and impedes your progress through the air: 10-20%

Total: 15-30%

Permalink Reply by Chris Hainey on December 2, 2014 at 3:33pm

Which makes Winter the perfect time for a slow roll ride:

http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/slow-roll-chicago

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on December 2, 2014 at 4:19pm

Did anyone notice that with temperatures in the 30s this afternoon/evening it was easier to pedal?

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on December 2, 2014 at 5:05pm

Me, me, me.

Lisa Curcio 4.1mi said:

Did anyone notice that with temperatures in the 30s this afternoon/evening it was easier to pedal?

Permalink Reply by Chitown_Mike on December 3, 2014 at 6:00am

I did as well.  I also trimmed down my clothing from sweat pants over tights and a hoodie, to break-away windbreaker pants and a windbreaker jacket.  I am a slightly colder at the start, but once I get going I am hotter than in my older setup.  Probably the fact I seal everything in.

I do notice though, when the wind is blowing at me I almost feel like giving up....I don't know what the cold does but it saps it out of my faster.  I hope it isn't age, I am about to be only 31!!

Gene Tenner said:

Me, me, me.

Lisa Curcio 4.1mi said:

Did anyone notice that with temperatures in the 30s this afternoon/evening it was easier to pedal?

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