Q about Winter biking

[paulg]

There are a few options which I’ve tried over the years. I’m sure others will chime in with their favourites.

I think the easiest option is to get winter specific cycling shoes such as these:

http://www.wintercyclingshoes.com/content/northwave-celsius.htm

They keep the wind and usually slush out and are easy to put on but the downside is they can be pricey.

Second best option is some booties like these:

http://www.rei.com/product/820997/gore-bike-wear-oxygen-so-thermo-overshoe-bike-shoe-covers

My experience with these is great once you get them on but I found I had to put my shoes on first then pull the booties on over the shoes which just takes longer in the mornings. There are many different shoe covers from ones that just cover your toes to thin windbreaks.

Another option is to wear waterproof socks like these:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sealskinz-mid-light-waterproof-socks/

They block the wind quite nicely but can also be a tight squeeze to get on. If you wear thicker socks underneath it’s good to get larger shoes so you don’t cut off the circulation to your toes.

Let us know what you plump for.

[americancyclo]

I use endura luminite overshoes.

Dirt had some write ups about cold weather foot solutions.

http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?308-Hands-warm-How-bout-those-feets&highlight=feet

http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?309-Feet-Part-2-The-wonderful-world-of-socks.&highlight=feet+part

[Dirt]

My new discovery this year has been Swiftwick socks. Most mid-weight wool socks have been a compromise for me. They’re either too bulky and I sweat or too thin and don’t last. I’ve got half a dozen pairs of swiftwicks and will be using them for about half the year. Coldest days still get the woolie bullies. Warmest days still get summer socks. Everything in between get swiftwicks. Only drawback is that, like most things that work really well, they’re expensive. Try a pair, if you like them, look for deals on 3-packs.

http://www.swiftwick.com/

Smartwool makes some that I like almost as much. They’re a little more bulky. They get the call-out for days that are a bit cooler. They’re also a little cheaper.

Available at a bunch of great places. I bought a pair of Swiftwicks at Revolution last night. I got 2 pairs of SmartWools at Casual Adventure.

Revolution had some really nice city shoe covers. I forget the brand, they might have been Garneau, but they were high-vis yellow and looked ideal. They were non-stretchy, but had velcro straps to take up the slack. Edit: Not Garneau… I’ll have to go back and look at them again.

This old dog likes new tricks.

Pete

[PrintError]

Lake winter cycling boots. I got a pair last year, fainted at the price, and never regretted it. Rode as cold as mid-20s in plain cotton socks, and busted out the smart wool when it dipped into the teens. Never had cold feet, and MAN are they comfortable. I went with the MTB-style with the big treads because I figured they would help in the snow… glad I did, the treads came in VERY handy.

[americancyclo]

@PrintError 9374 wrote:

Lake winter cycling boots. I got a pair last year, fainted at the price, and never regretted it. Rode as cold as mid-20s in plain cotton socks, and busted out the smart wool when it dipped into the teens. Never had cold feet, and MAN are they comfortable. I went with the MTB-style with the big treads because I figured they would help in the snow… glad I did, the treads came in VERY handy.

I’ve had a deal alert set up for these for the past nine months! Heard nothing but great things about them!

[vvill]

I was looking for those Lakes and noticed Bonktown had some Lake stuff but never the MTB style.

[Dirt]

@vvill 9379 wrote:

I was looking for those Lakes and noticed Bonktown had some Lake stuff but never the MTB style.

Bikeman (google will find them) keeps them pretty well stocked. Previous years’ versions are often on-sale. I got my roadie ones there for cheap. Performance runs sales on them from time to time.

[OneEighth]

Sidi also makes some nice boots. They run big.

[PrintError]

@Dirt 9390 wrote:

Bikeman (google will find them) keeps them pretty well stocked. Previous years’ versions are often on-sale. I got my roadie ones there for cheap. Performance runs sales on them from time to time.

This.

I called Bikeman and he had them in my size, in his hand, within seconds. He boxed them up while I was still on the phone and I had them about two days later. I will shop at Bikeman again.

[Jsnyd]

Revolution had some really nice city shoe covers. I forget the brand, they might have been Garneau, but they were high-vis yellow and looked ideal. They were non-stretchy, but had velcro straps to take up the slack. Edit: Not Garneau…

I believe those are the Gore shoe covers. There are a few different types but those sure are hi-viz. I’m with you on the swiftwicks. I was there the last time you stopped in but I didn’t realize it was you until it was too late.

—
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=38.845295,-76.949775

[skreaminquadz]

I’ve tried various shoe covers and I haven’t found any to work all that well. They’re okay at best. I bought a pair of Shimano winter boots last year and have not regretted it one bit. A bit pricey but worth every penny if you plan on commuting through the winter. My first choice were the Lakes but I can not complain at all about my decision.

[Usern Ame]

Thanks for all the advice.

There seems to be several people that think the boots are the way to go, but they’re pricey. The thing is that the boots will pay for themselves the way I see it, because riding the metro at $10 a day…by biking you’ve bought the boots in one month. I’m definitely going to look into the boots…I might just start out with some high quality socks first though and see if that works.

[Dirt]

My favorite in the boot department has been the ones made by Lake. They do have a tragic flaw. Miraculously, every batch seems to accidentally have the heels stitched with the wrong thread. Every pair I’ve ever encountered has the heel stitching come undone. My first pair did 10 years ago. The new pair I bought last year did too. Everyone I know has had the same problem. The fix is pretty easy. When you first get them, make sure they’re the right size and comfy. Then take them to a cobbler and have the stitching removed and redone with really durable thread. A decent shoe repair person will know what to do. I have them throw some glue in there too to hold it all together better. Problem solved.

Other boots don’t appear to have this problem. I still like the Lake boots better. Just wanted you to know that this problem exists before you choose your boots.

[Dirt]

Just out of curiosity, how do people care for their cycling boots? Goretex and most synthetic boots are easy. Just dry them after your rides. The Lakes are leather. They require care. I’m an old school hiker/backpacker/mountain climber. I grew up using Snowseal on boots. Basically it is a wax-based waterproofing treatment. I’ve always used it on my climbing boots and it has always served me well with the Lake Boots.

[PrintError]

@Dirt 9463 wrote:

Just out of curiosity, how do people care for their cycling boots? Goretex and most synthetic boots are easy. Just dry them after your rides. The Lakes are leather. They require care. I’m an old school hiker/backpacker/mountain climber. I grew up using Snowseal on boots. Basically it is a wax-based waterproofing treatment. I’ve always used it on my climbing boots and it has always served me well with the Lake Boots.

Mink oiled my Lakes when I got em, and hose off the salt at the end of the snow. That’s pretty much it.

[Author]

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