Apparel Question

[kaybee]

Okay, it doesn't get *really* cold here in the Southeast, but my feet freeze when I ride in cooler temps. So, do I get toe covers or shoe covers?

KB

[Crankin]

If you wear lightweight Smartwool socks, you probably could get away with toe warmers. I have been using them in temps around 50 and have been fine (my feet freeze, too). There are usually 2 weights of shoe covers (booties), so you couold find a pair of lighter weight ones, which are generally cheaper.

[kaybee]

Thanks, Robyn. I'll see what I can find.

KB

[wannaduacentury]

I bought some of the knee high smartwool socks so my lower legs are warm-- what the shorts don't cover when I wear tights.

[pooks]

I rode this morning with temps about 38 or so:
lightweight Patagonia capilene short~sleeve T
long sleeve silkweight capilene shirt
windproof Marmot top
padded shorts
long, windproof pants
socks
shoes
fingerless gloves
helmet

My ears and fingers were a bit cold, but otherwise I was comfy (and I tend to get very cold very easily).
I think the trick is to layer and wear some good wicking clothing so your sweat doesn't get trapped and make you cold. The capilene stuff is great for keeping the sweat off. Also, it's amazing what windproof clothing can do to keep you warm.
Hope this helps~ Cheers!
Teresa

This is a great list for me. We've got a pretty good collection of bottom layer microfiber or capilene stuff. We camp when it's cold so love that stuff, and also use it when we're traveling because it packs so well, rinses out and dries quickly. (We've worn it in the UK in February and stayed toasty without being all bundled.)

And you can get it cheaper than biking-specific things. Most of ours has come from REI.

Now, what about toe covers and shoe covers? Even in smart wool socks feet get cold?

[Aggie_Ama]

When I went to LBS & tried on tights, the ones they had that fit my butt were too long. So, I ended up ordering some knee warmers from Nashbar as a test.

And maybe Aggie_Ama can help me out, but it seems there was a limited selection of clothing at Aggieland.....is there someplace else? Right now, it looks like I'll be making a trip to Conroe or Katy this weekend for some armwarmers or a jacket.

I seem to remember BCS on Dominik having a better selection. The owner is super annoying though! The other thing to check is Academy. Sometimes they have a limited selection of cycling stuff. My first tights were Champion running tights from Target- it was all I could find!

You might be better off trying Katy or coming to Austin.

Complete thread hijack- I was wondering if you got your doggies groomed or did it yourself. I miss my groomers in College Station, my dogs never looked better. I also had a great vet, but that is no shock!

[Jen]

You guys are awesome. You gave me some great ideas. My longest ride ever and my coldest ride ever. Tried some of that gel for fuel during the ride. That stuff is amazing. Goes into your system so quickly. As for clothes, after reading your threads, I guess I'll try a dri fit t shirt, long sleeve shirt and jersey and a wind proof jacket that is super thin. I was going to just get a vest, but maybe I need the sleeves. I will be near the water so it may be windy. Maybe toe covers, wool socks and leg warmers or tights. Got ear covers, may skip the helmet cover. Sound ok or too much? 40 deg to start ( 35 with wind chill) going up to 55 deg F. It is hard to find decent women's clothes at LBS, especially Performance. I guess it is a man's world or a least run by men. Ever notice how when you go into a bike shop for clothes that there are no women to give you advice on saddles or shorts or other stuff for chicks?

[Jen]

I forgot, I can't afford new gloves too so I am going to use my new PI gloves and cover them with the performance black gloves. That will work wont it? Geeeeez, this stuff is expensive.

[paigette]

Complete thread hijack- I was wondering if you got your doggies groomed or did it yourself. I miss my groomers in College Station, my dogs never looked better. I also had a great vet, but that is no shock!

Well, I got the pups groomed the weekend before moving up here, so I've yet to find a groomer, so I'll take any recommendations. Paxi needs her shots(due Oct 12), just haven't gotten around to it (I know, bad puppy parent!)

[Aggie_Ama]

I was just wondering since I gave poor Maggie (my black schnauzer) the ugliest haircut. She was matted and I gave it a go, my husband said she looks like a homeless dog. I don't like the groomer here, they never look as good.

Great new avatar, I love the puppies!! Don't feel bad, my Maggie needs a bordetella booster and Heidi need rabies this week, neither are scheduled yet.

I will PM you.

Did you try BCS or are you heading to Katy?

[paigette]

I have to go to my parents house this weekend, so on the way back, I'm going to swing through Katy and see what they have to offer. I'm anxiously waiting for the knee warmers from Nashbar. I was looking online & I think I'm leaning towards an IllumiNite jacket.