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mark
<
[email protected]> wrote...
>I started commuting last summer, and was able to ride year round
> without too much difficulty. This year, however, temps are 10 degrees
> colder, and I can't keep my feet warm. I'm currently using DeFeet
> Woolie Boolies, putting my feet in ziploc freezer bags, then in my
> shoes, and then putting Pearl Izumi AmFib Booties on over that. My
> feet stay warm enough for the first 6 miles or so, but the last two are
> really the killer to the point where it's darn near painful.
>
> What do people do when the temperature hits the low teens or single
> digits? Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks
>
> eric
>
After 4 winters of cycle commuting, and a few winters teaching skiing before
that, I've become convinced that the only way to keep your feet warm is to
keep your whole body warm. I've also accepted that a certain level of
discomfort won't kill you, so I don't worry too much if the last mile is a
little chilly.
I use SmartWool socks in a pair of cheap SPD compatible shoes, and a fairly
thick pair of neoprene Spokes brand booties, thicker than the P-I AmFibs. I
think putting the thick neoprene on the outside makes for more insulation
than compressing thick socks inside a pair of shoes where your feet will
soak the socks with sweat. It's quite possible that the Zip-Loc bags are
trapping perspiration inside your shoes, making your feet cold.
I learned a long time to avoid putting cotton next to my skin in cold
weather, and I think that is key to staying warm. Any cotton garment
(T-shirt, cheap long johns,etc.) will hold moisture next to your skin and
cool you off.
I'm also diligent about keeping my head and neck covered. I use a Pearl
Izumi lycra skull cap under my helmet in cool weather, and a P-I balaclava
when it gets really cold. The helmet (Bell Metro) has ear muffs, a water
proof rain cover and foam plugs for the vent holes. This way warm air is
trapped under the helmet, instead of putting compressed fabric between the
helmet and the scalp.
If possible I like to have a thin layer of wool next to the skin, then a
decent layer of fleece, then something windproof. Gore-Tex is a bit over
rated for cycling IMO, I prefer it for skiing or winter hiking.
A few nights ago I rode home in sub-zero (Fahrenheit) temperatures for the
first time this winter. I had the above mentioned head and foot wear, a wool
T-shirt (long sleeve), a fleece pullover zipped up over my throat, bib
shorts, 1 layer of synthetic long underpants, and a pair of SportHill
tights. The tights are loose enough to accommodate a pair of long johns
easily, and a dense enough knit to stop wind from getting through. I also
had P-I lobster claw gloves and a Burley rain jacket (not breathable, but
waterproof and vented). The toes felt a little chilly for the last 1/2 mile
of the 7 miles, but nothing I couldn't live with.
HTH,
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mark