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John W.
John W. Sendmail

Cold, speed, and pants

posted 4 months ago | Report

This winter I've noticed something odd. I'm really not a "tights" kind of person, so I got some close-fitting sweats to wear when the temperature is between 30 and 50. What I've noticed is that, on those days, my average speed is way down.

More interesting, though, is what happens now on those rare days when the temperature jumps back into the 60s, I'm getting this unreal rebound effect.

Before the cold weather moved in, my best average speed was 14MPH right on the nose for about 40-45 minutes of riding (I ride at lunch).

Recently after rain moved out, it was around 64 degrees so I hit the bike, even though the roads were still wet, in shorts and a T-Shirt. I was kind of tired from a hard day at the gym the prior day, and yet I not only covered a mile more than I usually do, I averaged 14.6MPH doing it. My previous longest distance was about 10.35, but I never hit 14MPH doing it. This ride was closer to 11.4.

Thinking I'd just had an unusually good day, I brushed it off. However earlier this week a fellow noob and I went out in the mid 50s, so shorts but we were wearing sweatshirts. We crushed it, averaging 14.9MPH, easily a personal best for us both. The prior day I only managed 13.3, when it was colder and I was in sweats.

Are the sweatpants to blame here, or the cold? Wind was comparable on all of these rides (which is to say it sucked on all of them).

And if so is it the drag or does it bog down the legs when I'm trying to spin? The rebound looks suspiciously like what happens when you resistance train the go back to normal.

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  • Michael D.
    Michael D. Sendmail

    Sweatpants arent exactly the most aerodyamic thing to ride in, plus you should consider the weight and maybe reduced mobility. There are a lot of variables that cound influence your speed - and if you dont like tights, winter shorts and leg warmers are a good alternative.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Ryan
    Ryan Sendmail

    Early in the season last year, I was wearing a sweatshirt type top on the bike because the temps warranted it. It was flopping all over the place in the wind. When the temps warmed up a bit and I was able to go out in just a tri-top, I noticed a significant difference in drag. However, I don't know how much of a speed difference that made for (too many variables between the 'then' and 'now' at the time).

    I also think a large part would be due to the temps - it takes a lot of energy for your body to cool itself (in the summer) and keep itself warm (in the winter). All that translates to energy being used for something other than generating power, and therefore, speed, while on the bike.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Ted K.
    Ted K. Sendmail

    Interesting! A lot of it may be due to attitude too. When it's warm and sunny, you might feel better and (without noticing it) work a little harder. There could also be a muscle warm up effect. When it's warmer, your muscles come up to performance temps a bit more quickly.

    I don't think the sweatpant aerodynamics are worth .5mph at 14mph, but I would dump them anyway. A tighter layer will help support your muscles better. If you're shy, try baggie shorts with leg warmers. Warmers are cheap enough if you hate them (you wont) and you can use the baggie shorts year 'round.

    posted 4 months ago

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