Getting cold feet...literally!

[chewy]

Up'd my cycling a bit after agreeing to ride the Exmoor Beauty with my (much fitter) friend, 'only 65 miles but my maximum last year was 55 miles and haven't done much over 30 since winter took hold!

Done a 51 miler yesterday, and two issues have presented themselves...One being the need to change my standard Giant saddle for something more comfy (after 40 miles it was clear that I/it were not bedding it as I had hoped when I first bought the bike lol!) so any recommendations?

Second problem is my cold feet. or toes to be specific.

I went out with a base layer, jersey and my coat so my top half was toasty. I had my long bibbed Altura nightvision leggings on over some thin thermals so my legs were also fine (although a lttle sweaty by the end lol). But my feet were frozen after about 15 miles and i'm sure this affected my performance.

I had two pairs of socks on(not cycling ones though), my shoes and overshoes - the temperature was above freezing - probably about 2 degrees C.

I don't have great circulation but there must be something I can do to help my poor toes (30 minutes in bath and they were still tingling!) - am even considering putting a layer of tin foil between my shoe and overshoe!!!!



Any thoughts (as ever) gratefully received!

 

[Gooner Mad Dog]

I am noy an expert cyclist at all only a hardened commuter a from Sept , however I put my feet inside 2 carrier bags then into my trainers then trimmed them down around the ankle, was to keep feet dry really but does keep out chill honest. I used bright orange Sainsbury carriers ok , try other brands by all means ..... sounds daft but worked for me and my tooties are cold intollerant hence I tried this!

 

[MattHB]

Neoprene overshoes are cheap and amazing won't keep you completely dry but are shower proof and toasty even with vented summer shoes

 

[lulubel]

I always wore wool socks when I cycled in very cold weather (sometimes with another pair underneath). You can get cycling specific ones, and I've always found them a lot warmer than "normal" socks.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Skecher Boots
Also handy for stopping in case of brake failure

 

[chewy]

View attachment 7061 View attachment 7060 Skecher Boots
Also handy for stopping in case of brake failure

Nice...do these have bolt holes for cleats?!


Think I will order up some 'better' overshoes than my current ones....with some socks for good measure!

Though the carrier bag idea is a great one...easier to apply than my tin foil idea certainly!

 

[chewy]

....And a new saddle!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Nice...do these have bolt holes for cleats?!


Think I will order up some 'better' overshoes than my current ones....with some socks for good measure!

Though the carrier bag idea is a great one...easier to apply than my tin foil idea certainly!

What's a "cleat"??? (Honest, I'm a foreigner!) .... but carrier bags??? What if they become undone, end up in your spokes or your chain? Just a thought

 

[MattHB]

Nice...do these have bolt holes for cleats?!


Think I will order up some 'better' overshoes than my current ones....with some socks for good measure!

Though the carrier bag idea is a great one...easier to apply than my tin foil idea certainly!

Here you go, I got these. Still on offer to.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CLPXOSH/planet_x_neoprene_overshoes

 

[Linford]

Get a pair of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&...=aps&hvadid=7736728326&ref=pd_sl_3r9tkt7be5_b

I've got a cople of pairs, and they are awesome. The only thing to really consider is if your shoes are already a tight fit, they might restrict the blood flow as they are very thick - but do compress down a bit when worn. You can usually buy these in town at the outdoor shops.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Get a pair of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=heat holders&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=7736728326&ref=pd_sl_3r9tkt7be5_b

I've got a cople of pairs, and they are awesome. The only thing to really consider is if your shoes are already a tight fit, they might restrict the blood flow as they are very thick - but do compress down a bit when worn. You can usually buy these in town at the outdoor shops.

re HeatHolders - they are good, but not very hard wearing. Sizing - rather big. I take size 7, and the best fit are the women's 4-8. The mens 6-11 are huge, though they do shrink a bit on washing. But the real essential to keep your feet warm are overshoes, and Aldi's winter cycling socks are pretty good (with overshoes).

 

[Hacienda71]

My routine is, Ski socks or cycling specific winter socks, taped up vents on the soles of my shoes, plastic bags (sandwich size) over socks, neoprene overshoes and none of it too tight. An overtight shoe strap can mean everything else is pretty much worthless.

 

[stumpy66]

I wear sealskinz waterproof socks, they keep my feet toasty, this winter ive not even had to wear my neoprene overshoes

 

[yello]

I had two pairs of socks on(not cycling ones though), my shoes and overshoes

It's possible you're overdressed. That is, your feet could be sweating and the sweat is chilling. Less is sometimes more. Also depends on the sock, if it's not wicking any sweat away then again you could have a problem.

You could invest in some Defeet Woolie Boolie socks. I rate them and find I'm plenty comfortable in those, summer shoes and neoprene overshoes. Winter shoes are also a solution though they are expensive.

 

[Dan_h]

I am noy an expert cyclist at all only a hardened commuter a from Sept , however I put my feet inside 2 carrier bags then into my trainers then trimmed them down around the ankle, was to keep feet dry really but does keep out chill honest. I used bright orange Sainsbury carriers ok , try other brands by all means ..... sounds daft but worked for me and my tooties are cold intollerant hence I tried this!

Phew, I am not the only person who does this! I have found this is cheap and does make a real difference, surprisingly!

What's a "cleat"??? (Honest, I'm a foreigner!) .... but carrier bags??? What if they become undone, end up in your spokes or your chain? Just a thought

I put the carrier bags inside my shoes so there is no coming undone to worry about, also tuck them inside my leggings and no one can see my dodgy, uncool solution!