Cold weather riding = happiness = cold feet!!!!
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Author Topic: Cold weather riding = happiness = cold feet!!!!  (Read 1068 times)
mtrostle
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« on: January 04, 2008, 11:21:59 AM »
Alright, since a lot of you are still maintaining a decent riding schedule (especially at night), what are you wearing over your shoes? I'm curious to hear what solutions folks have found? Heavy wool socks, dedicated winter shoes, shoe covers, toe covers, plastic bags or just light your feet on fire, what's working for you?? I HATE COLD FEET Angry  I've got the whole laying technique down for my body, but my feet are really finicky  Cry

I'm researching shoe covers to do double duty for the trails and road riding at night. I've found that as long as I'm hammering on the cranks, my feet stay warm, but spinning 100% of the time only happens on the road.
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Dmitri
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« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2008, 11:29:17 AM »
So far I found these two methods to work. Heavy jiking socks with high wool content. And loose shoes. Trying to squeeze into your regular shoes with heavier socks, will cut the circulation and make your toes very cold in no time.

My toes still get cold, but they go thru cycles. They'd be cold for a while, them warm up from circulation of warm blood from some high HR effort, then get cold again, then warm up. Same happens to the tips of my fingers.

Oh and make sure they are staying dry! If you tend to sweat, wear hiking sock liners, to wick the moisture from your skin.

I have not tried dedicated winter shoes or booties. We just don't get enough low or sub 20 degree riding days to warrant the investment for me. My method of heavy socks + old beat up stretched loose shoes works down to 30 or high 20 temps. Even last night at 20-21 degrees i was ok. But everybody's body is different and works differently, experiment and find what works for you.

YMMV

dz
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2008, 12:31:09 PM »
I have some troubel finding the right combo for me feet as well. Trick is you don't want them to sweat too much and Dmitri's point about circulation is dead on.

I just picked up my first pair of winter shoes this year. Lake Mx...something..I dunno the model number. Anyway, they are so warm that you need to just wear regular socks with them of your feet will sweat like crazy.

I have had good luck with shoe covers over my regular shoes combined with wool socks and that is much cheaper alternative to buying expensive winter shoes. The shoe covers keep the wind off them which make a huge difference to keep your feet warm.
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fishnchips
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« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2008, 01:02:09 PM »
I tried everything; booties, plastic bags, etc.. and finally went for the Lake Winter shoes. I think they run about $200 though yesterday Nick C told me Shimano has some out, and I'm sure there are others doing dedicated winter shoes now too.

Unlike Tom my feet still get cold even in the lakes with regular socks. You are meant to buy a size or two bigger to make room for some thick winter socks. I have not tried wool or polypropylene socks, though I will soon. I just normally double up regular socks. I've even dropped a heat warmer in there for the really cold days.

but all that being said, I found riding in regular shoes, with all the methods, to be unbearable.

For the clothing they don't always stock it but I found performance's TriFlex gear to be outstanding. I used the bib tights and jacket and one layer is all you need. At 20 degrees (like yesterday) I wore a shell too, but was soon overheated. I'm gonna pick up the TriFlex socks and look for a lightweight balaclava and I'll be set.

Of course, don't forget to try REI for all your winter gear too. They've got everything...

My bite valve and tube froze solid yesterday.
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Kelly
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« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2008, 01:32:36 PM »
I have the same problem of cold feet when it's below 30.  I ride with those neoprene booties that zip up in the back and cover the entire shoe.  They work great for me. Without them, I would not be riding in the cold.  I was out last night and had no problems.
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Dmitri
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« Reply #5 on: January 04, 2008, 01:41:26 PM »
Were you with that group at VG with Suburban and 4 bikes on the back?

dz
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MADDOG
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« Reply #6 on: January 04, 2008, 02:52:32 PM »
Not me. I rode solo last night.  Except for my dog.
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #7 on: January 04, 2008, 04:42:30 PM »
To keep you hose and bite valve from freezing. After you take a sip blow all the water back into your camelbak so the water is not out exposed to the temps....or just pour a little antifreeze in there........please don't do that I'm kidding. Seriously if you blow the water back in it works.
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mtrostle
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« Reply #8 on: January 04, 2008, 06:36:13 PM »
You guys keep water in your Camel Bak  Huh

My solution to prevent a freezing a bite valve is to skip the whole water part and ride with Vodka. Make's for one hell of a shaken Martini during mid ride Grin
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Chuck U
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« Reply #9 on: January 04, 2008, 07:42:05 PM »
If you are riding clipless sometimes a thicker or extra shoe insole can help a bunch.  The metal cleat can pull a bunch of heat out through the bottom of your foot depending on how the shoe is made.
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stymie
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« Reply #10 on: January 05, 2008, 12:41:02 PM »
I've read a fews posts on MTBR from people who use the "hiking boot" style of mtb shoe in the winter. Lake has the MX265, which is quite a bit cheaper than their dedicated winter boot.

I picked up an old model MX302 last year, as the ride up Kelly Drive was killing me in the winter. They are pretty warm with a single pair of smartwool socks, but if I'm out for a while, my feet will still go through cold/warm cycles. I probably should have gone a size larger.

Chuck U raised a good point too. Your cleat will be painfully cold, and will transfer that cold to your foot if the sole is not well insulated. Another reason to buy a larger shoe is that you can jam a nice thick innersole in there to insulate your foot from the cleat.
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Nick Capriotti
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« Reply #11 on: January 07, 2008, 03:50:53 PM »
I struggled with the whole cold feet problem for a while.  The problem is that your feet basiclly remain stationary while you ride.  This was one of the reasons that cyclocross started.  The idea was that since it was so cold during the season, the races would require riders to dismount and run portions of the course, thus causeing more blood flow to the feet, and in turn warmth.  If your feet get too cold try running uo a hill instead of riding it.  That would probably warm your feet up for a bit.

I use a good pair of Pearl Izumi booties over my shoes, and a good sock with moisture wicking properties.  I like this over a dedicated winter shoe because it is less expensive and I can also use them on my road bike when it gets cold.

The problem with the lake shoes is that they are a good winter boot but a pretty lousy mtb shoe.  Shimano makes a pretty awesome pair of winter shoes that are around 180.00.  The only place I have ever seen them is at Wissihickon Cyclery.

There is a great link on the Victory Beer website about how to dress in the cold weather. 
http://www.victorycycling.com/tips.html
-nick
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fishnchips
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« Reply #12 on: January 07, 2008, 04:26:18 PM »
In Lakes defense I have to say I love to race in them. A couple years ago at French Creed the MASS race was a rain/mud fest. As long as temp is in the 50's their not too hot to wear, and when you're super large and slow and do a lot of walking, well, they served me well, and I was nowhere near my usual finish of dead last.

Most of the races, even on drier days, tend to be quite muddy after 600 riders circle the trail, so for me the hiking ability is excellent.

I've always complained that MTB racing shoes soles are too hard; sure they may be good in mud, but they slip on rocks and logs way too easily. They need to balance the hard sole out with the soft. I see some new designs out there so I'm hoping they will wise up. Last year I even raced in some casual MTB shoes because they are simply much easier to walk/run in than racing shoes.

Are cyclocross shoes essentially the same?
« Last Edit: January 13, 2008, 07:09:26 PM by fishnchips » Logged
Kelly
max
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« Reply #13 on: January 13, 2008, 07:05:38 PM »
i find so long as it is 25 or over i can stay warm in wool socks and my sidis.

on the road i get seriously cold feet but on the trails on my singlespeed if it is cold enough that i notice my feet i am gonna notice other stuff as well.
« Last Edit: January 14, 2008, 07:56:24 PM by max » Logged
Durb
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« Reply #14 on: January 13, 2008, 08:16:28 PM »
I just got some covers call 'Gators' and they are flipping awesome!  No cold or wet feet anymore.  30 or 40 dollars at pricepoint.
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jpearce
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« Reply #15 on: January 14, 2008, 08:18:09 AM »
I like Max's attitude, which seems to be "If you're noticing that your feet are cold, you're not riding hard enough!"
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #16 on: January 14, 2008, 04:02:49 PM »
Yea that's a good one. It's also said that if you don't crash sometimes then you're not riding hard enough.
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max
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« Reply #17 on: January 14, 2008, 07:59:34 PM »
Quote from: jpearce on January 14, 2008, 08:18:09 AM
I like Max's attitude, which seems to be "If you're noticing that your feet are cold, you're not riding hard enough!"

john can take my babble and make it sound great!!!

speaking of... looks like the ground might be frozen this weekend. if you can stay warm, frozen trails sure are fast and fun!!!!!!
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Chuck U
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« Reply #18 on: January 14, 2008, 08:22:29 PM »
Quote from: max on January 14, 2008, 07:59:34 PM
speaking of... looks like the ground might be frozen this weekend. if you can stay warm, frozen trails sure are fast and fun!!!!!!

Sweet....can't wait!
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gibsygoldtop
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« Reply #19 on: January 17, 2008, 03:15:40 PM »
I tried something today and it seemed to work pretty well for me. I stopped and got a thing of those toe warmers that hunters use. I put on Smartwool hiking socks and attached the toe warmer. (the package says "now adhesive!") I then took a sandwich bag and put that over top of my socks and warmer and slid them into my shoes. It was a tad tight but I could still wiggle my toes. Also, I have what you would call "race" shoes I guess.

My feet were warm the whole ride! Yesterday it was cold and 35. My toes were numb for 2 hours after my ride. Today there is 2" of snow on the ground and 30 degrees. My feet are just as warm after the ride as they were when I left!

Your results may vary, but I wanted to share so maybe if someone else wanted to try it.

Jeremy
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #20 on: January 21, 2008, 06:37:28 PM »
Ok I experienced something on sunday for the first so I thought I would write bout it. About 15 minitus into the ride my fingers went very numb, more than they ever have before. A painful numb that caused me to stop and could not continue on since I could not even hold the grips. I pulled them out of my gloves unzipped my jacket and held my hands under my arms and paced back and forth for about 5 minites. This worked very well, but was also painful as the blood started to rush back into my fingers.
Once the stinging went away I could feel my fingers again and was able to finish a great ride. So if you totally loose the feeling in your fingers try the under the arm trick and you should be good in no time.
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« Reply #21 on: January 21, 2008, 07:57:09 PM »
or you could stick them up your butt!  Shocked Just make sure it's your Bull... Wait, or was it the butchers bull? (Movie, anyone?) Anyway, I rode Belmont yesterday with a crew and it was like 20 degrees and I was totally fine. I finally have the right set up for my fingers and toes. Pearl Izumi gloves (forget the model) but they work so good. I used to ride the Fox Polar Paws but the first 10-15 minutes my fingers would get numb like Tom's. After that they would warm up, but the initial pain was horrible. These new gloves work like a charm right from the get go. On my feet I wear thick socks (wool synthetic mix) and my normal shoes with Performance booties over them, which cost only $20! Make sure you get a few sizes larger than your shoes so they go on easy. I wear a size 10 shoe and I got a size 14 bootie. It was all they had left last winter, but they work awesome and my feet never get more than a little cold. When it gets really cold or I am doing a road/urban ride, I put those little feet warmers in between my socks and shoes and that is a sweet bonus.
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Rico
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« Reply #22 on: January 21, 2008, 09:47:23 PM »
Quote from: Lust4singletrack on January 21, 2008, 06:37:28 PM
About 15 minitus into the ride my fingers went very numb, more than they ever have before.

I pulled them out of my gloves unzipped my jacket and held my hands under my arms and paced back and forth for about 5 minites. This worked very well, but was also painful as the blood started to rush back into my fingers.


Obviously, you don't have all the blood circulating in your fingers yet as it affecting your typing skills.   Grin

Anyways, all I wore on my feet were a pair of regular socks, then the synthetic wool blend and I was fine.  I also just wore Craftsman mechanics gloves and my hands were good to go too.

Only rode for a hour so maybe that had something to do with not getting very cold.  Huh
« Last Edit: January 21, 2008, 09:49:02 PM by RicoCPA » Logged
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« Reply #23 on: January 22, 2008, 07:36:43 AM »
I did the full Wissy loop. I have some Sugoi fingered fleece gloves, hooded base layer jersey, and Shimano GoreTex and Thinsulate winter shoes (Great deal at $170 compared to winter Sidi's).

The team I race for and partially sponsor are mostly roadies..they know how to keep warm! So clothing may not be MTB chic, but warm as hell, with lots of wind-proof qualities.
« Last Edit: January 22, 2008, 08:13:23 AM by DrSaw » Logged
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