Submitted by sydear on Wed, 18/10/2006 - 4:41pm
Posted in
yes i know, winter it's only round the corner.
My ickle toes were a bit on the chilly/damp side last year, any good suggestions on bike shoes, I was thinking of new pair of slippers and sitting on the couch as I have been doing most of the year!!
but that has to stop, eventually!!!
Its Winter
Its Winter I am afraid mate, cold feet come with the territory !! I am assuming you are using overshoes ? Winter ones, and not namby pamby aero overshoes ! Sealskinz socks or something specific for the winter. Mind you the more you cram more thick and wooly socks into cycling shoes, the more restricted your circulation is to that part of your body, and that has the opposite effect, and makes your toes even colder (Thanks to Jan for that advice, as I learned the hard way last winter, and ended wearing just one pair of wool socks and was warmer than with two).
Alternatively you could go for some of those winter cycling boots that Alan wears. (Not the most flattering of attire, but nor is any winter cycling gear I suppose) If you have skinny legs they can make you look like a 3-wood . But a lot less faffy than overshoes etc.
overshoes with holes
have the overshoes but there tatty as hell, that's why was thinking of supa dooper winter boot/shoe, so many dont know which to choose, and no wasn't going to get Aldi me thinks a bit 2 crappy to keep my toes toasty!!!
all specific anyone knows of are V good?!?!?
Answers on a posct card to:
syds cold feet @ VC
Another Quality Post By SydBob
Syds shoes
Syd normally Id recommend you look at a combination of Sealskin socks normal shoes (half a size larger if buying new) and good overshoes prob neoprene as water wicks down your tights anyway! but I feel this combination would be wrong for you..as it would prevent a number of new and exciting winter afflictions you can suffer from, or at least use as an excuse for not riding! if you really want to experience the joys of Hypothermia, trench foot, frostbite,double pneumonia, bronchitis etc I'd suggest thin nylon socks, coupled with SPD compatible sandals..dont worry about overshoes its just extra weight! alternatively if you are a bit of a Wuss you can buy a range of heated gloves, socks etc from motorbike shops( it will mean carrying a 12volt battery around) but look at the gadget potential that opens up for you, laptops, kettles dvd players...the worlds your oyster!
Cheers Justin
P.S normally I charge for advice like that!
12 Volt battery
I hear you on the above advice Justin. Wise words from a man of infinate cycling knowledge.
However I have exposed a potential & catastrophic flaw in your plan.
Surely if Syd carries a heavy 12 volt battery around with him, particularly if he carries that extra ballast in a backpack, (i.e further back than the rear axle of his bike), then I fear this works in conflict with the laws of physics and balance dynamics.
I therefore foresee some new and totally unplanned wheelie action going off in Sydsville. With the extra leverage provided by the weight of the battery, then I fear even with syds handling skills this unpredictable stunt may be irrecoverable. This of course can only end with devastating consequences for his already shaky credibility as a fully developed and intellectually functioning human being.
I have run this scenario through the CAD system here at work and the only possible solution the computer could come up with is to attach an extended arm from the front of his bike with Syds heavy medical encyclopedia on the end to act as a counterbalance.
flawed ideas
None of you have mentioned the ears!!!
missed a good opportunity for more P**S takeing there guys.
I think my ilnesss's (imaginery or otherwise)should keep me going a touch longer, come to think about it I must be fitter than expected, as all my sickys would have whipped out you mere mortals, it must be the cryptonite (or did that green stuff zap Supermans strenght??) I feast on!!!
Another Quality Post By SydBob
The future is...
SPD compatible wellies are the future I say.
Well - no - but my winter overshoes are pretty much the same as. But warm and dry can be two very different beasts. I think Justins seal skin or porelle drys would work just fine with neoprene outer. I normally wear 'the wrong socks' under my gore over shoes, and thus have toasty dry feet right up until it gets propper freezy cold, at which point I lose all sensation. Great. Need some woolies this year.
The thing for me is waterproof socks or not there is something disconcerting about the squelching you get between foot and insersole when its raining inside your shoe as well - thats what lead me to my somewhat overkill solution. Still get cold feet, just not as quickly or as bad.
Whatever kit you get, you will be sure, that when you need it the most it will be cosy nestling in the bottom of a draw/box/bag somewhere... or cursing the day you ever got them as you swealter your way around what has turned out to be an unseasonably cosy outing.
I hope Ican be of assistance
I think I may have the perfect solution for you Sid .
Gore-Tex boots such as northwave Celsius or garne extreme both warm if you buy a roomy pair ,so you can get some down socks under your porelle drys
This is guaranteed to keep you feet warm and dry on the turbo unless you perspire, (try lynx anti perspirant before you put the down socks on, if the tv ads are to be believed you wont worry about cold feet, not that sort anyway.)
Should you make it out side (walking could be tricky)on to the bike and it rains I recommend a little DIY to alleviate the squelchy foot the web fairy mentions,
Should only take 10 mins.
Tools req
Drill
6 mm drill bit
Ruler
Pencil
Blue tack
First mark the soles of your new watertight boots with little crosses 1 ‘Foot’ apart,
Then carefully drill holes through all your marks (safety note take boots of first).
Put them on. Hey presto no more squelchy feet with this new drainage system which also provides some much needed ventilation for those sweaty feet. On realy cold or wet days use the blue tack to plug the holes.
Any time you need any more advice don’t hesitate to ask.
brrr its cold
good old carrier bags is what you want they are water proof and wind proof you are bound to have some lying around the house.
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