Rugging up for winter

In article said:

The colder months will soon be upon us and it'll be my first winter
cycling.

I'm pretty much sorted clothing wise for everything except my feet, you
don't get much wind chill running or hiking so it's never been an issue
before. One thing I learned early on in life though is that cold feet
equals misery.

So what's the best way of keeping the tootsies frost free? Do I need
winter shoes, over shoes or something completely different?

I just wear big thick wooly socks with plain Shimano SPD-R MTB shoes
and that works for me.

--
| Joel Mayes | /~\ ASCII Ribbon campaign
| Accordionist | \_/ stop HTML mail and news
| Musician | / \
| Music Teacher |

"Joel Mayes" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I'm pretty much sorted clothing wise for everything except my feet, you
don't get much wind chill running or hiking so it's never been an issue
before. One thing I learned early on in life though is that cold feet
equals misery.

So what's the best way of keeping the tootsies frost free? Do I need
winter shoes, over shoes or something completely different?

I just wear big thick wooly socks with plain Shimano SPD-R MTB shoes
and that works for me.

This can apparently cause reduced circulation
which leads to chilled/numb feet. Typically I
suffer, but when I have my wits about me, I
try to put on my toe warmers. These are little
adidas? neoprene covers for the front part
of your shoe - reduces the wind and water
getting in..
I've never tried full "booties" though. They
seem a bit too.. um... wanky ;-)

hippy
I'm sure I'll learn...

In article said:

The colder months will soon be upon us and it'll be my first winter
cycling.

I'm pretty much sorted clothing wise for everything except my feet, you
don't get much wind chill running or hiking so it's never been an issue
before. One thing I learned early on in life though is that cold feet
equals misery.

So what's the best way of keeping the tootsies frost free? Do I need
winter shoes, over shoes or something completely different?

Depends on how long your ride is. I used to ride the 8kms home and
it didn't matter how cold it was, because I was only a short time
away. Still, the rain can make your feet very wet, and that can
result in very cold toes. I'ld suggest something waterproof for
feet (I've read of people using milk bottle halves over their
feet - I just use them as splash guards on my mudguards, and under
the bottom bracket to protect the axle and shifter cables).

dale

--
[email hidden]

"Dale Stanbrough" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:MrNoSpam-

Quoted message said:

Depends on how long your ride is. I used to ride the 8kms home and
it didn't matter how cold it was, because I was only a short time
away. Still, the rain can make your feet very wet, and that can
result in very cold toes. I'ld suggest something waterproof for
feet (I've read of people using milk bottle halves over their
feet - I just use them as splash guards on my mudguards, and under
the bottom bracket to protect the axle and shifter cables).

I saw a guy riding with plastic bags taped
over his feet... come on, neoprene ain't that
expensive :-P

My actual point... Even if it is a short ride,
shoe covers of some sort could be useful in
keeping your cycling shoes dry. Nothing so
bad as putting on wet gear the next day!

hippy

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

"Dale Stanbrough" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:MrNoSpam-

Quoted message said:

Depends on how long your ride is. I used to ride the 8kms home and
it didn't matter how cold it was, because I was only a short time
away. Still, the rain can make your feet very wet, and that can
result in very cold toes. I'ld suggest something waterproof for
feet (I've read of people using milk bottle halves over their
feet - I just use them as splash guards on my mudguards, and under
the bottom bracket to protect the axle and shifter cables).

I saw a guy riding with plastic bags taped
over his feet... come on, neoprene ain't that
expensive :-P

My actual point... Even if it is a short ride,
shoe covers of some sort could be useful in
keeping your cycling shoes dry. Nothing so
bad as putting on wet gear the next day!

Nothing worse than wet gear at the end of the day!

Next day is usually no problem as I invested in a clothes dryer with a
shoe rack and auto-sensing. Works great.

My order of extremity protection priority:
1/ Gloves - feels like chinese bamboo torture under the finger nails
2/ Ears - headache city
3/ Shoes - just because they get cold eventually

I got two ways...

My Louie Garneau? shoes come with 2 footbeds - a summer one which has lots
of ventilation holes...but also comes with a winter one which is a bit
thicker and has not as much ventilation....

If that doesnt work well - ill just get cover thingos for my shoes....

I wont be riding outdoors too much during winter anyway - will be back in
spinning for 3 months (no weekend riding - too busy skiing!)

"hippy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Dale Stanbrough" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:MrNoSpam-

Quoted message said:

Depends on how long your ride is. I used to ride the 8kms home and
it didn't matter how cold it was, because I was only a short time
away. Still, the rain can make your feet very wet, and that can
result in very cold toes. I'ld suggest something waterproof for
feet (I've read of people using milk bottle halves over their
feet - I just use them as splash guards on my mudguards, and under
the bottom bracket to protect the axle and shifter cables).

I saw a guy riding with plastic bags taped
over his feet... come on, neoprene ain't that
expensive :-P

My actual point... Even if it is a short ride,
shoe covers of some sort could be useful in
keeping your cycling shoes dry. Nothing so
bad as putting on wet gear the next day!

hippy

Waterproof booties are good against spray from a wet road and they
help keep your feet warm. My pair are useless against a tropical
downpour because water runs down the leg and into the shoes...

The best thing for warmth is to keep your torso warm. As you get
colder, the body spends more effort in keeping your head and chest
warm and lets your extremities get cold. Keep your head and chest warm
and you'll find that your extremities don't need so much rugging up.

Free advice - proof that you get what you pay for...
Ritch

Ritch said:

"hippy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Dale Stanbrough" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:MrNoSpam-news:MrNoSpam-

Quoted message said:

Depends on how long your ride is. I used to ride the 8kms home and
it didn't matter how cold it was, because I was only a short time
away. Still, the rain can make your feet very wet, and that can
result in very cold toes. I'ld suggest something waterproof for feet
(I've read of people using milk bottle halves over their feet
- I just use them as splash guards on my mudguards, and under the
bottom bracket to protect the axle and shifter cables).

I saw a guy riding with plastic bags taped over his feet... come on,
neoprene ain't that expensive :-P

My actual point... Even if it is a short ride, shoe covers of some
sort could be useful in keeping your cycling shoes dry. Nothing so bad
as putting on wet gear the next day!

hippy

Waterproof booties are good against spray from a wet road and they help
keep your feet warm. My pair are useless against a tropical downpour
because water runs down the leg and into the shoes...
The best thing for warmth is to keep your torso warm. As you get colder,
the body spends more effort in keeping your head and chest warm and lets
your extremities get cold. Keep your head and chest warm and you'll find
that your extremities don't need so much rugging up.
Free advice - proof that you get what you pay for... Ritch

G'day

'Cold' & 'wet' need to be treated differently. 'Cold' you can dress for
invest in a good quality 'wind vest'. The type that zip up at the fron
& are quite thick on the front. The back is often 'netting' typ
material to let heat escape. Naturally arm & leg warmers are a must
Over shoes will keep the feet warm. Mine cover the shoe & velcro aroun
the heel......Wet is another matter, there is no such thing a
waterproof shoes or covers, they all leak, all will allow some moistur
in, be it from the top or the bottom.....get used to wet feet if you'r
riding in winter

cheers

Hitchy (only 265 days till Summer

-

"hippy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Joel Mayes" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I'm pretty much sorted clothing wise for everything except my feet,

you

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

don't get much wind chill running or hiking so it's never been an

issue

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

before. One thing I learned early on in life though is that cold feet
equals misery.

So what's the best way of keeping the tootsies frost free? Do I need
winter shoes, over shoes or something completely different?

I just wear big thick wooly socks with plain Shimano SPD-R MTB shoes
and that works for me.

This can apparently cause reduced circulation
which leads to chilled/numb feet. Typically I
suffer, but when I have my wits about me, I
try to put on my toe warmers. These are little
adidas? neoprene covers for the front part
of your shoe - reduces the wind and water
getting in..
I've never tried full "booties" though. They
seem a bit too.. um... wanky ;-)

hippy
I'm sure I'll learn...

hey... who you calling wanky. I wear full overshoes that have rubber soles
from Dean Woods. They keep my shoes dry for that hour long train commute I
do after my 21k ride to the station. I had some really expensive ones but
they were [censored] for keeping me dry but did still keep them warm.

"Ritch" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"hippy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"Dale Stanbrough" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:MrNoSpam-

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Depends on how long your ride is. I used to ride the 8kms home and
it didn't matter how cold it was, because I was only a short time
away. Still, the rain can make your feet very wet, and that can
result in very cold toes. I'ld suggest something waterproof for
feet (I've read of people using milk bottle halves over their
feet - I just use them as splash guards on my mudguards, and under
the bottom bracket to protect the axle and shifter cables).

I saw a guy riding with plastic bags taped
over his feet... come on, neoprene ain't that
expensive :-P

My actual point... Even if it is a short ride,
shoe covers of some sort could be useful in
keeping your cycling shoes dry. Nothing so
bad as putting on wet gear the next day!

hippy

Waterproof booties are good against spray from a wet road and they
help keep your feet warm. My pair are useless against a tropical
downpour because water runs down the leg and into the shoes...

The best thing for warmth is to keep your torso warm. As you get
colder, the body spends more effort in keeping your head and chest
warm and lets your extremities get cold. Keep your head and chest warm
and you'll find that your extremities don't need so much rugging up.

Free advice - proof that you get what you pay for...
Ritch

I stop the run into the shoes with the down pour with the rain pants. They
go right down over the booty cuff and then I strap them to it using elastic.
The rain pants are bright yellow. Hey I am not one to care about looking
cool. They have reflective strips and look postively wanky but I am dry and
seen.

Quoted message said:

I stop the run into the shoes with the down pour with the rain pants.

They

Quoted message said:

go right down over the booty cuff and then I strap them to it using

elastic.

Quoted message said:

The rain pants are bright yellow. Hey I am not one to care about looking
cool. They have reflective strips and look postively wanky but I am dry

and

Quoted message said:

seen.

I agree, after experiencing hypothermia from riding for a couple hours in
cold, windy constantly raining weather because I wasn't wearing waterproof
clothing, only water resistant, I would rather be waterproof and look wanky
any day!

In my humble experience, most bike wet weather gear does not keep you dry in
seriously wet and cold conditions and you are out for a long while. In
these situations you gotta have something like a Gortex jacket with hood
(under the helmet) wich seals around the wrist and neck and plenty of warm
stuff around your torso, waterproof pants which seal firmly at the ankle,
rubber gloves under your full finger riding gloves (like surgery or catering
gloves), warm socks and plastic bags over your socks, inside the shoes, (if
only they made rubber surgery socks!) overshoes if you got them. You sweat
like a pig, but you stay pretty warm!

"John Doe" <[email hidden]> wrote in message >

hey... who you calling wanky. I wear full overshoes that have rubber soles

Quoted message said:

from Dean Woods. They keep my shoes dry for that hour long train commute

I

Quoted message said:

do after my 21k ride to the station. I had some really expensive ones but
they were [censored] for keeping me dry but did still keep them warm.

I've got the same ones and I reckon they're not bad either.
It's not till you take them off that you realise how warm you feet were

Peter

"John Doe" <[email hidden]> wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

This is exactly what I do as well...better dry and warm feet than looking
cool 😉

Quoted message said:

I stop the run into the shoes with the down pour with the rain pants.
They go right down over the booty cuff and then I strap them to it
using elastic. The rain pants are bright yellow. Hey I am not one to
care about looking cool. They have reflective strips and look
postively wanky but I am dry and seen.

"John Doe" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I've never tried full "booties" though. They
seem a bit too.. um... wanky ;-)

hippy

hey... who you calling wanky. I wear full overshoes that have rubber

soles

Quoted message said:

from Dean Woods. They keep my shoes dry for that hour long train commute

I

Quoted message said:

do after my 21k ride to the station. I had some really expensive ones but
they were [censored] for keeping me dry but did still keep them warm.

I'm thinking about those lycra TT-style booties
that "fast" people wear... :-)

hippy

Bjay said:

I agree, after experiencing hypothermia from riding for a couple hours
in cold, windy constantly raining weather because I wasn't wearing
waterproof clothing, only water resistant, I would rather be waterproof
and look wanky any day!

So you rode in Around the Bay in a Day last year as well? :-

hipp

-

In article said:

"Joel Mayes" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I'm pretty much sorted clothing wise for everything except my feet, you
don't get much wind chill running or hiking so it's never been an issue
before. One thing I learned early on in life though is that cold feet
equals misery.

So what's the best way of keeping the tootsies frost free? Do I need
winter shoes, over shoes or something completely different?

I just wear big thick wooly socks with plain Shimano SPD-R MTB shoes
and that works for me.

This can apparently cause reduced circulation
which leads to chilled/numb feet. Typically I
suffer, but when I have my wits about me, I
try to put on my toe warmers. These are little
adidas? neoprene covers for the front part
of your shoe - reduces the wind and water
getting in..
I've never tried full "booties" though. They
seem a bit too.. um... wanky ;-)

hippy
I'm sure I'll learn...

I've never had a problem with numb toes, even on long rides, which I
guess is pretty lucky. My bigest problem is with my hand if I don't ride
without good gloves I my pinky fingers are numb for a while at the end
of even a short ride.

--
| Joel Mayes | /~\ ASCII Ribbon campaign
| Accordionist | \_/ stop HTML mail and news
| Musician | / \
| Music Teacher |

Quoted message said:

hey... who you calling wanky. I wear full overshoes that have rubber soles
from Dean Woods. They keep my shoes dry for that hour long train commute I
do after my 21k ride to the station. I had some really expensive ones but
they were [censored] for keeping me dry but did still keep them warm.

Are those shoes from Dean Woods any good for going over runners or are
they only suitabel for bike shoes?

DaveB.

<[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

The colder months will soon be upon us and it'll be my first winter
cycling.

I'm pretty much sorted clothing wise for everything except my feet, you
don't get much wind chill running or hiking so it's never been an issue
before. One thing I learned early on in life though is that cold feet
equals misery.

So what's the best way of keeping the tootsies frost free? Do I need
winter shoes, over shoes or something completely different?

As everyone else has said, neoprene booties are the go. I've got a pair of
thin, but warmish ones, for when it's cold (-5 - 10 deg.) and some more
waterproof ones for when it's raining/snowing. Sometimes I even rub thick
warmup oil on my feet which tends to help stave off the biting cold.

Hands are very important too: I've got some thick neoprene gloves that I
wear in the mornings, and usually it takes about 5 km for my hands to warm
up after the first shock of getting outside. If I go out later, then I
normally wear a pair of normal lycra gloves with some Danish bricklayers
gloves over the top, so you can take them off if it gets too warm. They're a
bit like cricket inner gloves. I used to wear woollen mittens, which were ok
until you inevitably put a hole in them.

I normally wear three layers on top (undershirt/short sleeved jersey/thermal
long sleeve jacket) and that's generally good enough for me. If it's wet
then I make sure I wear something woollen, as it seems to keep the warmth in
even when I'm soaking wet. For legs, I just use leg warmers + bib shorts, no
matter how cold it is. Your legs still have to move a lot.

Also this year I've started wearing a headband underneath my helmet that
covers the ears, which is fantastic because I hate frozen ears.

cheers,
Jeff
p.s. I live in Belgium for most of the year

"hippy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Joel Mayes" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I'm pretty much sorted clothing wise for everything except my feet, you
don't get much wind chill running or hiking so it's never been an issue
before. One thing I learned early on in life though is that cold feet
equals misery.

So what's the best way of keeping the tootsies frost free? Do I need
winter shoes, over shoes or something completely different?

I just wear big thick wooly socks with plain Shimano SPD-R MTB shoes
and that works for me.

This can apparently cause reduced circulation
which leads to chilled/numb feet. Typically I
suffer, but when I have my wits about me, I
try to put on my toe warmers. These are little
adidas? neoprene covers for the front part
of your shoe - reduces the wind and water
getting in..
I've never tried full "booties" though. They
seem a bit too.. um... wanky ;-)

When you get up at 5:00 am to train at the thermometer says O degrees,
then I am happy to be a wanka !!