Comments on: Toes Froze? Here are some tips

By: Todd Gee

Todd Gee — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:09:26 +0000

The BEST thing for winter riding is N.E.O.S. (overshoe.com) and big platform pedals. I ride every day here in Chicago. I ride in my normal office shoes w/ NEOS and have never been cold (in the toes anyway).

checky bikewinter.org

By: Jamey

Jamey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:20:30 +0000

Winter shoes. End of discussion. Have your clipless and use them, too. A smoother cadence, more consistent application of power to the drive wheel, and a better riding position all make for safer, more enjoyable riding.

By: Max

Max — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:11:48 +0000

Rather than expensive shoe booties, I cover all the mesh of my bike shoes with duct tape. It works very well to keep the wet and wind out.

Also, I disagree with not wearing bike shoes to commute in winter. Riding with a perfect cadence (pushing and pulling your pedals) will keep your rear wheel spinning consistently which will aid in preventing slippage when riding up a snow covered hill (or going down if your rear wheel is fixed).

By: Dean Peddle

Dean Peddle — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:07:29 +0000

Another good tip is to get off the bike and run. I did this for years before I found the chemical hand warmers which truely are the best. Running will get that blood flow back and warm your toes up pretty fast.

By: Matt P

Matt P — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:53:19 +0000

I use to wear shoe covers with my road shoes but I can’t find any that fit my touring shoes (which I wear on my commute). I found a pair of Pearl Izumi MTB shoe covers and I think I’ll give them a spin.
If they don’t work, I’ll try the plastic bags!

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:09:45 +0000

My commute is 6 miles round trip of 1/2 street 1/2 plowed off bike trail and I get by wearing tennis shoes with rubber boots/overshoes. It’s a cheap way for me to go and I don’t have to carry different shoes with me. Regarding core temps: I read some advice somewhere that works for me – if you step outside and what you’re wearing feels slightly cool you’ll be fine once you start to pedal. If you are warm when you step outside you are overdressed. Also, my favorite item to wear in cold weather is a balaclava. Thin, but nice and warm, and I’ve had it for many years.

By: Dave Lloyd

Dave Lloyd — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:16:06 +0000

You can use the hand warmers several times if you seal them up inside a ziploc bag when you get to your destination. The exothermic reaction is pretty similar to iron rusting. Cutting off the oxygen supply to the reaction stops it. Pop the warmers out 15 minutes before you depart, give ‘em a shake, and you’re good to go. I get ~6 hours out of hand warmers this way.

By: Erik

Erik — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:08:02 +0000

Pearl Izumi Barrier shoe covers are amazing for keeping your feet warm in cycling shoes. I wore them over my cleated shoes, with thick wool socks underneath last Thursday when temps hit zero degrees fahrenheit here in Chicago. No problems.

By: Hemanth

Hemanth — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:12:35 +0000

In the winter in Wisconsin, it’s warmth over all else. For me that means platform pedals and Sorel or other winter pack booths. I have a pair of Kamik boots that are about as good as it gets (http://www.kamik.com/GenfootWeb/servlet/webProductDisplay.webProductDisplaySrv?currentMode=DETAIL&curCatalog=2009&curSeason=WINTER2009&curRow=104)

By: Pär

Pär — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 09:28:19 +0000

Shimano winter shoes are great. Keeps you warm for atl least 45 minutes in -10 degrees centigrade. That´s 14 degrees F.