Getting prep'd for winter, new kit......

danowat

Yes, I know its still August, but I am after a few bits of new winter kit, for the coming cold weather, so am after some suggestions, mainly for my 17 mile each way commute, and winter audaxes / training rides.

Firstly, as a diabetic, my circulation isn't great, which means I get quite cold extremities, so this is quite an important factor.

I am after a decent pair of winter gloves, preferable waterproof, but must keep my pinkies warm, a decent pair of look compatible winter shoes and/or a decent pair of overshoes.

I am sorted for base layers, roubaix bibs, jersey and jacket, but I found I suffered with hands and feet last winter, so want to try and avoid it this winter.

beancounter

I can strongly recommend these for cold feet:-

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=17133

bc

Kona21

I am going to try specialized subzero gloves this year, they seem to be the most extreme !

giant_man

If you want a WARM glove, Specialized Sub Zero's are great, two part glove system that is up to the job. Got mine cheap in the winter.

Winter boots-wise, I use Diadora Chili Road extreme which again you can find cheap at different places. You can always spend more of course. Best to buy one size too large and with decent socks such as Woolie Boolies, you are creating 'warm air space' and your feet will stay warm, I've never had a problem in the winter using this method must admit. What you DON'T want is boots that are too tight, your feet will never be warm.

danowat

I take it the Spesh sub zero's aren't waterproof then?

giant_man

I really dunno. The outer membrane seems waterproof, but I've only ridden in them in snow, and not a heavy downpour. The good thing about them is that the inner glove doesn't pull out as many do, and they are a looser fit so you could put a liner glove on first = 3 layers.

derbygrimpeur

Kona21 wrote:

I am going to try specialized subzero gloves this year, they seem to be the most extreme !

I had some of these arrive in the post the other day. First impressions are that they seem amazing. But I've not worn them out yet.

Winter shoes - Wiggle have a good deal on Northwave Fahrenheit at the moment. I've just bought some.

MrChuck

giant mancp wrote:

I really dunno. The outer membrane seems waterproof, but I've only ridden in them in snow, and not a heavy downpour. The good thing about them is that the inner glove doesn't pull out as many do, and they are a looser fit so you could put a liner glove on first = 3 layers.

I've never had a waterproof glove that doesn't get wet inside, either from sweat or water coming in the big hole where your hand goes in. I'd just go for warm and windproof personally.

That's not to say they're not waterproof- if you stuck your hand in the bath water wouldn't come through- but in practice I think they're a little pointless for cycling any sort of distance at any sort of effort.

dbb

i bought a pair of neoprene gloves for diving/surfing from ebay for about £15!

they are not bulky - but also not breathable, so you have to decide if you like the feel of clammy hands when you take them off.
my hands always feel good while wearing them, and there is no problem operating the levers

godders1

Altura shield gloves (with merino liners when it goes below freezing) have got me through the past couple of winters. My commute is up and down a big hill and these do a fine job even on the descent (which is the real test when it comes to keeping the cold out). Currently less than half price at Evans (although sold out of M and L).

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/alt ... e-ec019952

parsons1927

Planet x neoprene overshoes for me, keep your feet warm and keep your feet dry enough unless it's really bad and then they are warm anyway.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CLP ... -overshoes


PS -some of ebay going cheaper than Planet X

markos1963

I use Sealskinz gloves in the winter which work for me but I don't suffer much from cold hands, might not work for you. On my feet I use BBB neoprene overshoes and tape up the vents on my shoes.

Kona21

What about heated gloves !! :idea:

http://www.firebox.com/product/2952/Heated-Gloves

Im tempted to try these, found them for £10

cougie

PX overshoes have been good for me.

If you do really get cold hands then look for the lobster mitts too - much warmer than gloves.

dodgy

+1 for lobster mitts, especially if they are on the larger side. It's the only thing that keeps my hands warm on deeply cold days.

Supergoose

Its fair to say that we all have different tolerances regarding the colder months. There are guy's I know who wear 3/4's and through a bleak Scottish mid winter. They seem impervious to the bitter cold. Unfortunately I feel the cold, hate it in fact. I have long suffered dreadfully in the winter months. I have Reynauds which can be a real pisser. Many different kinds of gloves and overshoes have been tried out costing, alot.

I can share with you the findings of my exhaustive and expensive studies.

Buy a pair of shoes half a size too big. Wear a liner sock then some woolie boolie's with an Endura overshoe. On very cold day's disposable foot warmers stuck to your insoles.

For warm hands use a silk liner with these; http://www.bykebitz.co.uk/acatalog/Halvarssons_Jox_Glove.html

8)

crumbschief

1-2 cloves of raw garlic a day with food may help,i have found Northwave merino long socks are good.

Ready brek is another possiblilty but i have a feeling the advert is misleading,it seemed to work when i was a boy though.

eyebee

castelli pioggia gloves-good deal on pbk at the moment , woolie boolies merino socks with endura overshoes-worked for me last two winters.Also got on well with neoprene gloves before it got too cold.

salsarider79

I use an old version of the Specialized gloves, and even used them on a 5 hour soaking wet ride to Norwich on my motorbike. Toasty warm and breathable too. If you really suffer they get my vote.

p.s. Any motorbike gloves could do the trick, and provide protection should the worst happen....

Nairnster

salsarider79 wrote:

I use an old version of the Specialized gloves, and even used them on a 5 hour soaking wet ride to Norwich on my motorbike. Toasty warm and breathable too. If you really suffer they get my vote.

p.s. Any motorbike gloves could do the trick, and provide protection should the worst happen....

Second that. I used to commute wearing them through a pretty cold north east winter a few years back. I never had cold hands, and as long as you dont buy racing ones they are flexible enough to operate brifters and hold the bars properly

danowat

You know what, I never thought of that!!!!, I've got a pair of Alpinestars winter gloves in the loft from my motorbiking days!!!!

I've also got a decent pair of Alpinestars waterproof boots, wonder if I can screw cleats on them

P_Tucker

As another cross-sport saving tip, skiiing gloves are great when its below zero outside.