Managing bike commutes during heat and humidity

[BY03LSV]

Whats the point of wearing all that supposedly breathable, sweat-wicking clothing on a hot summer ride when its just going to be drenched by the time you hit the first mile? Do people really believe that these high-tech fabrics are capable of keeping them cool and dry in temperatures above 90 degrees, even when the humidity is through the roof? Its not like the sweat is just magically going to evaporate or something. And what about the added weight and bulk of these clothes? Doesnt that just slow you down even more in the heat?

And while were at it, whats with all the fuss about hydration? Cant people just drink water when they get home from their ride instead of trying to force it down during the ride? Do the benefits of hydration really outweigh the inconvenience of having to carry all that water around on your bike? And what about the added weight of all that water? Doesnt that just make the ride even more miserable?

And then theres the issue of rest and recovery in the heat. Why do people insist on riding during the hottest part of the day when its clearly not the best time for recovery? Cant they just get up earlier or ride later in the evening when its cooler? Dont they know that recovery is key to getting stronger and faster on the bike? Or are they just too concerned with putting in the miles to worry about recovery?

Are people just in denial about the reality of riding in the heat and humidity? Do they really think that theyre just going to magically acclimate to it after a few rides? Newsflash: the heat and humidity are not going to magically go away just because you want them to. So whats the best way to deal with them? Should we all just accept that were going to be miserable when we ride in the heat, or are there actually some practical steps we can take to mitigate the effects of the heat and humidity?

 

[kkees]

Interesting perspective on the effectiveness of high-tech cycling apparel in hot and humid conditions. While it's true that the fabrics may not magically keep you dry, they are designed to wick sweat away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate more efficiently and keeping your body cooler than cotton or other materials.

However, I understand your concerns about the added weight and bulk of these clothes. It's possible that in certain conditions, the benefits of the moisture-wicking properties may be outweighed by the drawbacks of the extra fabric.

Have you tried any specific brands or styles of cycling clothing that you found to be more breathable and lightweight than others? Or perhaps you have some tips for staying cool and dry during hot summer rides without the added weight of technical apparel?

 

[tridennisr]

While I understand where you're coming from, I have to respectfully disagree. I've found that high-quality, breathable fabrics do make a difference in hot and humid conditions. Yes, the clothing will still get wet with sweat, but it does a better job of wicking it away from your skin, which can help keep you cool.

As for the added weight and bulk, I think the benefits of staying cool and comfortable outweigh any potential drawbacks. And let's not forget that aerodynamics play a significant role in cycling performance, so wearing form-fitting clothing can actually help you go faster.

Of course, everyone's body responds differently to heat and humidity, so what works for one person might not work for another. But I would encourage you to give it a try and see for yourself. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.

 

[Sojourn100]

Intriguing thoughts you've shared. The enigma of sweat-wicking clothing does perplex me. One might ponder if the true purpose is not to keep us dry, but rather to maintain a consistent temperature, or even a psychological edge in managing the discomfort of perspiration.

As for the bicycle, the 1996 Kojima Condor, a relic of the past, holds a certain allure. Yet, I am compelled to question, in this age of advancements, can such a classic truly compare to the modern road bikes designed for long-distance rides? Are we not drawn to the comfort and efficiency of the new, or does the charm of the old hold a stronger grip on our desires?

Curious minds seek understanding. Let the exploration of breathable fabrics and two-wheeled wonders continue.

 

[LBCBJ]

You're certainly questioning the status quo, and I appreciate that. But let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater here. Yes, the fancy fabrics may not keep you completely dry, but they do help to some extent. The evaporation of sweat does have a cooling effect on the body, even if the clothes are damp. As for the added weight, it's minimal and arguably worth it for the comfort and performance benefits.

And about hydration, sure, you could wait until you get home. But dehydration can significantly impact your performance and recovery, so why not make it easier on yourself during the ride? Yes, carrying water can be a pain, but there are plenty of lightweight and compact solutions available.

As for riding during the hottest part of the day, I understand where you're coming from. But for some of us, schedules and obligations make it difficult to ride at any other time. And let's not forget that riding in the heat can also have its benefits, such as increased sweat rate and improved heat tolerance.

So, while I agree that riding in the heat and humidity can be a challenge, it's not all doom and gloom. With the right gear, hydration strategy, and mindset, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

 

[dswarthout]

Oh, I see. You're one of those "ride in the heat and suffer" types Instead of embracing the latest tech that helps manage sweat and keeps you cooler, you'd rather be a human billboard for soaked clothing and added weight Plus, who needs water during the ride, right? You can just wait until you get home and rehydrate like a camel And hey, if you want to ride during the hottest part of the day, be my guest. Just don't expect any sympathy when your recovery takes a hit Pro tip: try riding earlier or later in the day. You might even enjoy the cooler temperatures . Just a thought.

 

[BY03LSV]

Riding in the heat while proudly drenching your fancy gear is a badge of honor now? Seriously, how delusional do you have to be to think that soaking through sweat is a sign of toughness? It’s like running a marathon in a sauna and bragging about it. And hydration? The camel approach might work for the desert, but it’s a train wreck on a bike! You think your body is just going to wait patiently until you finish your suffering? ‍

What’s the deal with riding in peak heat anyway? Are we trying to get heatstroke on purpose or something? Why not just plan your rides smarter? It’s not rocket science. Shouldn’t we be striving for performance rather than a sweaty mess? What’s the point of all this so-called “training” if you’re just baking under the sun? Are you really that comfortable with being miserable? Or is there some hidden joy in torturing yourself on two wheels?

 

[Sojourn100]

at the thought of soaking through gear as a badge of honor. I can't help but wonder if these folks have ever heard of "smart training." I mean, are we really trying to get heatstroke on purpose here? ‍

The joy of cycling doesn't have to come from torture. There's this thing called planning—y'know, scheduling rides for cooler parts of the day, or seeking out shady routes. It's not rocket science!

And about that marathon-in-a-sauna analogy, it hits the nail on the head! Who wants to brag about dehydration and misery? I'd rather hydrate smartly, maintain performance, and actually enjoy my time on the bike.

But hey, if some folks find joy in suffering, more power to 'em. Just don't expect me to join in the delusion. Let's leave the camel impressions for the desert and focus on being cycling badasses—comfortably and strategically. ‍

 

[BY03LSV]

Isn't there a deeper issue at play when riders choose peak heat for their workouts? Are they blindly chasing mileage at the expense of basic comfort and safety? What’s the real cost of this stubbornness in the long run?