Cold Feet

[bikerHen]

P.S. I'm puzzled by some of the acronyms on the site. I think I get some. LBS is local bike shop? DP is domestic partner? But what's DH? domestic husband? as opposed to wild husband? darling husband? darned husband? I guess all might apply depending on context.

When they say yes to buying new equipment a DH is definitely a darling husband. When they say no to another bike they are a darn husband! But most of the time a DH is a dear husband.

I'm trying really hard to not drop everything and go shoe shopping. But I really have enjoyed my cold weather rides and want to continue with them. We still have a good two and a half months of cold weather so I think I'm going to break down and get a better pair of cold weather pants and I'll take all your wonderful suggestions and work on finding the right combo for my top. We aren't getting a lot of snow here these days so the roads are mostly dry. I have to ride my mtb because of all the sand and gravel, but it still beats the trainer! I talked to a fellow on the trail yesterday that was riding a cyclocross bike that looked kinda nice. But, well, see the first paragraph to see what DH thought of that. BikerHen

[CorsairMac]

I have real problems with my feet getting cold Rhode Island Red - so I wear SmartWool heavy socks, SealSkinz Socks (REI) and Neoprene covers when the temps are below 25. I also flex my toes while riding so the cold from the cleat doesn't "seep" in. So far this winter (which has been darn cold for NM), my feet have been fine down to 0 temps.


and Bikeless: yes LBS is Local Bike Shop, DH=downhill or Dear Husband depending on the context - it could also mean other things if that Husband is now an ex.

[Bike Goddess]

I wear wool (Smart Wool) socks year round rain or shine. Covering up the holes in the bottom of your shoes will help as well. Masking tape will work just fine!

Just got some Merino wool underwear from REI- long sleeved top and tank tops (on sale). Have worn the sleeved top under my jersey 3 times now in 35-40 degree weather, in rain showers, and in wind. Works great!

I also bought a Goretex parka at Performance Bike a couple of years ago that I use for cold days. Since Goretex breathes, it helps with condensation. I'm not nearly as wet using this plus my warmest long sleeve jersey and my wool undershirt.

I recommend wool for year round cycling. It's been great for my feet even in 90 degree weather! I'm going to try the long sleeved wool top for the Death Valley century in March. That will be the warm weather test!

[fixedgeargirl]

Lake and Sidi (and maybe others) make insulated winter biking boots. I haven't tried them, since they don't make them small enough , but do know they are out there.

[DeniseGoldberg]

Lake and Sidi (and maybe others) make insulated winter biking boots. I haven't tried them, since they don't make them small enough , but do know they are out there.

A friend at work just got the Lake winter boots. He was thinking that they would be sufficient without shoe covers and without toe warmers - but the jury is still out. He said they are warmer than his normal cycling shoes, but not as warm as he'd expected.

--- Denise

[bikerHen]

After enjoying the thrill of the hunt for new shoes I finally found a pair. Unfortunetly, not the ones I intended to get. I decided I don't ride enough in the cold to get special shoes just for that. And beside, no one in town had any that fit. The mtb shoes I ride with are really pretty thick and heavy. I did get a pair of wind stopper socks that helped quite a bit on my ride yesterday. Still not perfect, but I'm going to add toe warmers next time and see if that combo works.

What I did get was my first pair of "real" road bike shoes. They are going to be great for warmer weather riding, well ventilated and are a perfect match to my bike. And since I've been thinking about upgrading my pedal system, this seemed like the perfect time to do that as well. So I now have new shoes, new pedals and can't wait to try them on the road.

[RoadRaven]

I have posted last year sometime in another thread about this

Probably because i am a scrooge, and in NZ we also have this mentality that we can come up with solutions on our own, I have resisted all ways of keeping my feet warm (such as neaoprene booties) and still use plastic bages.

I cut the corners off the ends of bags, slip them over my toes (no bag is visible outside of the shoe) and I find the plastic reduces the wind chill 100% and my toes do not freeze. i do not have to resort to thick uncomfy woollen socks or spend money I am reluctant to anyways...

However, that being said, it snows about once every seven years where I live, and I have never biked in snow or sleet... maybe then I would be getting both neoprene and wool!

[SalsaMTB]

You'll be amazed at the difference toe wamers make. I feet used to freeze before I tried them. Since using them, warmth is no longer an issue for me feet! Let us know your experience with them if you give them a try!

[pkq]

Gaerne makes some nice winter cycling shoes. Some riders in Pittsburgh swear by them. They ride year round and try all kinds of stuff.

I wear SmartWool and lighter weight cycling socks with winter shoe covers over the shoes.

Hands are covered with Patagonia glove liners with PI winter gloves. Don't remember the PI model.

Torso covered with tee, thermal top, long sleeved cycling jersey, and old Performance rain jacket that is breathable and vented.

Bottoms covered with padded shorts, tights, and bottoms to Performance rain jacket.

This does just fine in temps down to lower 20's. Chemical warmers work, too. I have found riding the mtb makes staying warmer easier than road riding. You are going slower thus have less air flow to remove body heat especially from extremities.

When you go inside, you really want to delayer to prevent your clothing from getting too wet with sweat.

Glad to read you are riding in cold weather. It is invigorating.