Got any advice on winter mtb clothes?

[bluebug32]

I picked up some lined Under Armor tights just to go over the base layer and chamois. If they rip, it's no big deal.

Also, be sure to have some kind of insulated hose for your hydration pack if the weather is below freezing.

[nuthatch]

I discovered a set of tights made by Bellwether that have a thick lycra with a fleecy lining and a wind-breaker fabric over the front. I don't know how much more rip-resistant they would be but they sure keep you warm and you feel like you're protected. They're called Windfront tights - I wouldn't wear them in anything but the coldest weather. The other tights I like are Terry's Coldweather tight. Pretty wooly feeling and tough but very breathable!

[sundial]

I mountain biked all winter (including in the snow) and this is what worked for me:

an old pair of Pearl Izumi chamois-less tights over a
pair of PI shorts
Pearl Izumi Woolie Mammoth jersey
Smart Wool tank
Smart Wool socks
Specialized Tahos
Specialized Sub Zero gloves

For snow days I added my waterproof Merrill hiking boots (I have platform pedals), fleece lined, wind block Terry tights, wool tank, Terry snow leopard polar fleece top, ear warmers, helmet cover, and polar fleece socks. I have a tendency of being hot so I dress with fewer layers.

Specialized makes a shoe, Defroster, that is waterproof and very toasty for the tootsies in the dead of winter.

[Becky]

Specialized makes a shoe, Defroster, that is waterproof and very toasty for the tootsies in the dead of winter.

Does anyone make a women's winter shoe? I've found "unisex" versions by Sidi, lake, Northwave (I think), and Specialized, but no women's specific shoes. This is driving me crazy....I can't be the only chick with "froze toes".

[sundial]

How about this?

If you can't find the style of shoe you like, try a pair of fly fishing socks in. It's waterproof and fleecy and will keep your feet warm.

[Becky]

How about this?

If you can't find the style of shoe you like, try a pair of fly fishing socks in. It's waterproof and fleecy and will keep your feet warm.

I have some storm socks that work well enough, but they make my toes sweat *alot* because they're not very breathable I'm hoping that insulated shoes would do the trick (and that DH doesn't leave me for buying another pair of cycling shoes....it's an addiction, I swear! )

[sundial]

LOL! I married a man who grew up in the family shoe store so he has oodles of shoes. If you can't find the style of shoe you like, maybe consider a unisex shoe and add a thicker insert like Superfeet or Sole. I did that with my Tahos.

[tattiefritter]

Does anyone make a women's winter shoe? I've found "unisex" versions by Sidi, lake, Northwave (I think), and Specialized, but no women's specific shoes. This is driving me crazy....I can't be the only chick with "froze toes".

Have your tried any of the men's shoes on, I fit men's Specialized shoes much better than the women's. I have a broad forefoot but narrow heel and the men's Spesh shoes I have fit very well, the women's were just awful for my feet, far too narrow.

I have a pair of Shimano Gore Tex boots and they keep my feet very, very warm and dry (I lurve them for cold, wet, windy rides), Shimano stuff is normally on the narrow side. I will be looking at the Spesh boots as I like their Body Geometry shoes.

My MTB kit for winter: layers, spares and a large Camelbak!

Buff under helmet, one round neck (windproof skull cap as backup)
Waterproof jacket or thinner windproof shell/fleece/gilet (as sometimes the sun does come out and the rain stops)
Windproof gloves, insulated ones for really cold days (always carry a spare pair).
Sugoi Gusta Baggies, undershorts and tights (thickness will vary depending on temperature)
Merino Base Layer
Waterproof boots
Sometimes wear merino lined Sealskins if particularly cold or wet.

Mudguards and crud catcher for the MTB to keep as much crap off me as possible (actually ride with them year round).

I find baggies over lycra a much warmer combination than just lycra layers as the baggies often have a degree of windproofing. You can of course buy windproof lycra but it is expensive and I like to fall off onto expensive tights!

I actually carry quite a few bits of spare kit in my Camelbak as UK winter riding conditions can vary so much in the course of the ride: Start out in freezing rain, sun comes out and its warm, rain/hail/snow starts and its freezing again, sun out again. Often we climb up onto the moors and whilst the climb can be sheltered and warm the moor tops are windy and bleak so layers on and off all the time.

[Becky]

I've tried men's summer shoes, and they're generally too big all around, but mostly in the heel. I haven't tried the winter shoes yet, mostly because none of the LBSes here have them in stock right now. Maybe in another few weeks....