Cold Feet

[wavedancer]

I wear neoprene shoe covers and big enough shoes that I can wear my thicker Smartwool socks. I found that my feet still got cold from stepping off the bike and the cold radiating up from the cleat. I fixed that by adding a thin insulating insole from a pair of water shoes. Big eough shoes to add insulation seems to be key.

For insulating layers on my body I prefer something with a light power-stretch fleece next to my skin. I seems to do a better job of keepiing the moisture away from my skin. I don't feel as damp and cold when I stop moving.

[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!