> The physical reality is that average January lows in NYC are 20 degrees lower than in SF.

The physical reality is that 20 degrees lower isn't that bad. Humans have thrived in colder climates for thousands of years. Being a human being in a modern day NYC/Chicago winter is a cakewalk, unless you are among the small subset of people who treat anything below 60F like its a death sentence.

Are you arguing that a majority of people prefer winter weather in NYC to winter weather in SF?

The initial claim up-thread was "SF has a phenomenal climate though in comparison."

Agreed. It's definitely doable in the winter but is objectively less "easy" (have to pull out/put on weather gear) and more dangerous (lower visibility when it's snowing or raining, and fewer cyclists are out in general so cars don't expect you as much).

I didn't bike when it was raining or snowing but was still able to bike many more days than in California because after work errands didn't wreck my whole plan.