Cold Weather Gear

[t.roy]

Instead of hanging my bike up at the first frost this year, I think I'll actually do some cold weather riding. The closest thing to cold weather gear I have is a long sleeve under armour shirt. I doubt that'll help in January.

Any suggestions for relatively inexpensive gear to keep me warm in the cold months?

Many thanks.

[riderx]

Warm feet and hands are the biggest key, invest in that gear first. The Pearl Izumi AmFib gloves work good for me and the Lake Winter shoes are key, but are expensive. A less expensive approach is to use Seal Skin waterproof socks or Neoprene booties (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17558&subcategory_ID=1344). I've used both systems in the past and they each have their pluses and minuses.

You'll be surprised how far into the winter you can get with normal tights. When it gets really cold I break out a pair of these (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20998&subcategory_ID=1121) super tights.

Up top thin layers work good. A shell does a lot to trap heat and break the wind and will keep you toasty. Just make sure it has pit zips or some sort of ventilation. Once you get riding you warm up fast.

[hophead]

Lake winter shoes, lotsa wool stuff, a good windbreaker--I use a GORE windstopper jersey with zip off sleeves, winter tights, a helmet liner that you can pull over your ears and you're good to go. When the temp really dips down low, a good pair of ski gloves are nice too.

Oh, and my most important piece of winter gear is a singlespeed.

Happy winter riding.

-Scott

[bukit]

The Outlaw is right on all accounts, especially layers, layers, layers.

Warm feet make a huge difference. I made do with the neoprene booties/waterproof socks for two years and they worked ok, then I finally bit it and bought some dedicated winter shoes...best choice I ever made, expensive but awesome. I even wore them today in the rain, even though it's not that cold...feet are dry as a bone. I went on and on about them here, so I won't bore other folks with the same drivel...here's mthe thread from last year....

http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3317&highlight=gaerne

As far as gloves go, I've had good luck with the Pearl Izumi AmFibs...I love 'em...I got 'em at Perf. They almost always have last year's models on sale, and they're plenty good.

I've got the Perf commuter jacket and pants, and some light and heavy tights as well. I use all or some as conditions warrant. The shell/pants do heat up some and you get a little sticky inside...I've tried some other shells and none is perfect. These were a good compromise between price and performance (excuse the pun).

Oh and I almost forgot...as I've said before...a good set of specs with interchangeable lenses is paramount. I usually run yellow lenses and clear lenses in the dark. Keeps rain/road muck/cigarette butts out yo' eyes and makes a huge difference.

Finally, in the wintertime it gets dark. Lights. Lights. Lights. Anything reflective so the motorists can see you...the more the better. Perf has cheap blinkies and I bought like 4 or 5 and just stick 'em everywhere.

I don't know what you're gonna use to haul all your stuff. I use a messenger bag as it holds alot of stuff/winter clothes. It's supposedy waterproof, but in really heavy rain, I've still opened it up to find an inch of water in the bottom. I put everything in ziplocks and/or recyled shopping bags...you can just reuse the ziplocks too. I also got a small waterproof box from REI for my cell phone and other important junk.

If you're like me, once you get into it, you'll never look back...it's too much fun. Especially the looks on people's faces in cars.

As far as the bike goes...I use a SS mtb with drop bars and have recently become a huge fan of the planet bike fenders....good stuff.

I usually have to fight my tendency to overdress and try to remember something I read somewheres about cold riding, "If you're warm enough standing around at the trailhead, you've probably got too much on." It's cold when you 1st get out of bed, but once you get huffing, you'll heat up fast...

Sorry, I just re-read my post and realized that it turned into more of a 'winter commuting tips' post rather than the request for cheap gear you were asking about. Duh.

Good luck, and above all remember to have fun.

-buKit

[drevil]

Instead of hanging my bike up at the first frost this year, I think I'll actually do some cold weather riding. The closest thing to cold weather gear I have is a long sleeve under armour shirt. I doubt that'll help in January.

Any suggestions for relatively inexpensive gear to keep me warm in the cold months?

Many thanks.
Also, considering buying winter stuff now. Extremely popular stuff like the Lake shoes sell out more quickly in the popular sizes as the season comes around.

For cold weather, my essentials include: a sleeveless vest, wool jersey & socks, knee warmers, Buff (http://www.buff.es/default.cfm?idioma=3) neck/head thingy.

My essentials for really cold snow riding are: Lake shoes, Triflex tights, neoprene or Seal Skinz gloves, Smartwool socks, balaclava, a Gore-Tex cycling jacket, and a fender...or just hiked-up red shorts (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikecentric/73273827/). :p

[bukit]

Ricky,

You are THE man. I gotta get me some red shorts.

-buKit

[tomn]

All good points here. In my experience, you have cold and then you have COLD. For run-of-the-mill cold, regular tights, a long sleeve jersey (perhaps with a short sleeve coolmax underneath) and glove liners under full-fingered gloves should be fine. Winter shoes and SealSkinz are a good idea, even if it's not that cold -- but I just do that because my feet are always cold. And get the regular (cheaper) SealSkinz, not the more expensive ones that claim to be more waterproof. They are just as effective and will last longer. And regarding winter shoes, make sure to buy them 1-2 sizes larger than your summer shoes -- you will need the extra room for SealSkinz and/or thicker socks. If your shoes are too small it will restrict circulation and your feet will be cold. Normally all you need is a thin wicking sock under the SealSkinz (coolmax or merino wool work well).

For real cold cold (i.e. below 20 or so) the insulated tights and gloves come out, along with the vest, extra layers, and wool socks. And since I ride through icy creeks, I take the extra step of booties over the shoes (in addition to the wool socks and SealSkinz).

[jvanbrecht]

I wear thick heavy pullovers in 70'F weather.. I doubt I will go riding in the snow... I wonder if I could use one of those battery heated jumpsuits and not kill myself....

[notrelatedtoted]

All good suggestions here. Due to my limited bike budget, I have some tips that may be helpful. If not, disregard.

1.) Rei.com/outlet, Sierra Trading Post and Campmor are good sites to pick up windbreakers and socks on the cheap. There are others, but I tend to frequent these. If you use REI, you can have it shipped to the store and avoid the shipping charges.

2.) I just picked up a bright-orange windbreaker from the Eddie Bauer outlet for $7.00. Booyah.

3.) When it gets really cold, I'll throw on my polartec fleece vest under my windbreaker. The vest isn't "Bike specific" so it serves a variety of functions, yet keeps me very toasty on the bike in temps below 30.

4.) I have some sort of mutant rag wool gloves I bought at wal-mart YEARS ago. They're pretty roomy, so I can actually put them on over my regular bike gloves (fingerless work best, but I've done it w/ full-fingered as well). I've NEVER had cold hands. I don't understand it myself, but they work. I paid $7 for 'em, I think. They're not the most comfortable thing in the world, but I'm still wearing them.

5.) Smartwool socks, in my opinion, aren't worth what you pay for them. You can find similar wool hiking socks for less money.

6.) Polypropolene is your friend. Lightweight, wicking and very warm. You can find inexpensive long underwear, undershirts, etc. if you look around. Pick up some polypro liner socks (approx $5) to put under your wool socks - they'll help keep your feet warm and dry. Performance's polypro tights are very toasty down to about 30 degrees.

7.) My first pair of tights had a shammy. These work well in moderately cold conditions. The problem is that limits your layering options when it gets REALLY cold. Buy without the shammy and wear over your bike shorts. Then, when it's really cold...riding shorts > polypro long johns > poly pro tights work for me.

8.) For me, feet are the trouble spot. I used to just wear the smartwool socks with the polypro liners. This required zen-like concentration to tell myself that my feet weren't frozen. The booties (get 'em at El Performo for $20) help A LOT. But they're not perfect. They will get me through a 2-3 hour ride, however.

Enjoy!

[drevil]

8.) For me, feet are the trouble spot. I used to just wear the smartwool socks with the polypro liners. This required zen-like concentration to tell myself that my feet weren't frozen. The booties (get 'em at El Performo for $20) help A LOT. But they're not perfect. They will get me through a 2-3 hour ride, however.

Enjoy!
Did you have enough room in the shoes for the extra bulk of the liner and wool socks? If your feet are getting squeezed, that won't do much for keeping your feet warm. Something about blood flow and that jazz.

The booties work, but when I used to play with them many years ago, they'd either slip, rip, slide off the front while walking. Solution? Walk less, get winter specific shoes, or larger shoes to stuff the insulation/liner inside the shoe.

[burgh punk]

piggybacking on what ted said...eddie bauer outlet can be a damn gold mine. granted I went to the one in Grove city PA (which is 5 hours frm DC) but I imagine the selection is similar. Their retail stores (like the one in Tyson's) did not impress me, but the outlet had a great selection of cool/cold weather gear

[notrelatedtoted]

Did you have enough room in the shoes for the extra bulk of the liner and wool socks? If your feet are getting squeezed, that won't do much for keeping your feet warm. Something about blood flow and that jazz.

The booties work, but when I used to play with them many years ago, they'd either slip, rip, slide off the front while walking. Solution? Walk less, get winter specific shoes, or larger shoes to stuff the insulation/liner inside the shoe.

Yes - the liner socks are very thin, and the wool socks I wear are just a bit thicker than regular athletic socks. I just loosen up the laces a bit. I haven't noticed any numbness or tingling, etc. In my feet, I mean.

Booties are indeed a pain in the arse. But I can't justify the cost of winter shoes. Not yet, anyways... :rolleyes:

[notrelatedtoted]

piggybacking on what ted said...eddie bauer outlet can be a damn gold mine. granted I went to the one in Grove city PA (which is 5 hours frm DC) but I imagine the selection is similar. Their retail stores (like the one in Tyson's) did not impress me, but the outlet had a great selection of cool/cold weather gear

I hit the one at the Leesburg outlets. A few years ago, my wife got an insane in the membrane deal on a winter ski coat at the one down at Potomac Mills. The problem is that you gotta go off season, in my experience.

I hate shopping. But the Eddie Bauer outlet is my idea of what outlet shopping should be. T-shirts $5, jeans $10 - heck yeah! So what if one leg is slightly shorter than the other... :D

[halfinch]

layers.
my gear consists of a long sleeve wicking shirt, wool sweater and shell. the shell will retain moisture even with vents, and the wool will keep you warm despite being wet.
as for legs, a thick pair of tights does well as rider x reccommends.

for me, much more than this and i'm too warm. i'm cheap, so i find all my wool sweaters at the local thrift shops and they usually run less than 5 bucks. look for merino wool, and spiffy handsome patterns.

think cotton sweats are fine if i'm snowboarding, but when riding you'll end up generating far more heat and the gear will become inundated with sweat and will no longer be effective.

[Squirrel Girl]

Once I get moving and work up a sweat (or hopefully lack of actual sweat), I don't need too many layers. The coldest I can endure usually only takes 3 longsleeve wicking layers or 2 wicking layers and a windbreaker. Sometimes I can't keep my legs quite warm enough, though without having bunching problems under the saddle or having the legs bind up and fight against my leg muscles.

But usually a thick pair of gloves and ear/headband are enough for those parts.

This year I'll probably splurge and buy the Lake winter mtb boots. Last year Performance had 'em on sale for less than a week at $150. Jabberwocky snatched up a pair. When I made the decision to buy, they went back up to $200. But I will watch for a big sale again, and will see about buying them if they either go way cheap or we get a big storm forecasted.

Don't forget about:

sierratradingpost.com

[Squirrel Girl]

Polypropolene is your friend. You can have polypropylene as you friend, I don't want it. Not only does it melt in the dryer, but it retains stinky smell, which one might come to expect in athletic undertakings (Bacalhau insert joke here).

[halfinch]

answer kashmir winter boots for 110.

check here (http://www.beyondbikes.com/bb/Items.asp?Cc=SH-ANS)

[saxman]

I use the Under Armor Heat Gear and Cool Gear as my base layer. Very comfortable and very warm. Heat Gear is for the cool, but not cold fall days...the Cool Gear is used on the coldest days.

[hophead]

Also, considering buying winter stuff now. Extremely popular stuff like the Lake shoes sell out more quickly in the popular sizes as the season comes around.

For cold weather, my essentials include: a sleeveless vest, wool jersey & socks, knee warmers, Buff (http://www.buff.es/default.cfm?idioma=3) neck/head thingy.

My essentials for really cold snow riding are: Lake shoes, Triflex tights, neoprene or Seal Skinz gloves, Smartwool socks, balaclava, a Gore-Tex cycling jacket, and a fender...or just hiked-up red shorts (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikecentric/73273827/). :p
And don't forget about the gold body suite. :D

[mscard]

As a few others have said, a good set of winter riding boots are indispensible. I have a set of Lakes and they are great. The neoprene booties, in my experience, are useless. They never kept me feet warm and on the trail the toes always come off at some point. That and I was lucky to get a season out of them as walking, whether on the trail or road, tends to rip them apart. I wouldn't waste your money on them

[jvanbrecht]

Eh.. just slather some whale blubber on top of your naked body, and ride in the buff... That would work too :D

[punga]

No on has mentioned a balaclava (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=137&subcategory=1219&brand=&sku=18613&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat:%20Acce ssories%20-%20Cool%20Weather) or other head gear (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=15090). I have one of each and wear each accordingly. The balaclava is nice because you can cover your mouth or not or push it down around your neck if you get too warm.

People have been down playing the "over-the-shoe" booties and I'd have to agree, so where does that leave you if you're not ready to take the Lake Shoe plunge, (and they're probably overkill for around here, IMHO)? These are another option: waterproof socks (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=139&subcategory=1216&brand=&sku=7639&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat:%20Men' s%20&%20Women's). I have a Louis Garneau pair and they're plenty water proof for occasional stream crossings and rain. They go on over your socks but inside your shoes, so you can layer accordingly and take them off if you get hot. If you're wearing the Lakes, that's what you're wearing for the day.

One piece of advice I've heard in the past was: You want to a be a little chilly in the parking lot. You'll warm up as you start riding. Peter Beers had a great thread here (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=934) last year that is a very good primer on winter riding.

punga!

[drewdane]

Instead of hanging my bike up at the first frost this year, I think I'll actually do some cold weather riding. The closest thing to cold weather gear I have is a long sleeve under armour shirt. I doubt that'll help in January.

Any suggestions for relatively inexpensive gear to keep me warm in the cold months?

Many thanks.
Layers, layers, layers!

When it's really cold, I wear a lightweight synthetic base layer (LS or SS, depends on the temp and on what's clean), a standard long-sleeve jersey, a heavy jersey from Pearl Izumi and, if needed, a windbreaker (this is rare - I really hate trapping moisture, so it has to be a truly cutting wind for me to wear anything that won't "wick").

On the bottom, I'll wear chamois shorts, polypro long underwear, and a pair of heavy Pearl Izumi cold-weather pants that I don't think they make anymore. I've got rain pants if necessary, but again, only if it's really, really biting cold.

My feet get Cannondale wool socks (the best cycling woolies you can get, IMO), occasionally supplemented by neoprene socks, and very very occasionally supplemented by a pair of thin synthetics as a base layer when it's super cold.

Not to hijack, but do any of the local shops carry winter cycling boots? If I'm going to stick to this commuting thing, I'm thinking the boots may be a good idea - more to stay dry than warm.

[bunky]

A word of caution re Performance booties. They are a good bargain at +/- $20.00, but:

You need to buy them at least 2 sizes bigger than your shoe size. They come in full sizes--if you normally wear a half size, I would round up and then go two sizes bigger. For example, I am an 8.5 and use the size 11s. According to Performance this is because the booties were designed based on the sizing of road shoes which, according to them, are a lot smaller than your average mountain shoe. Either way, it is a lot easier getting the bigger ones onto your shoes than the size they call for. Best to bring your shoes with you and try them on in the store.

Also: the material they use (rubber soles and neoprene uppers coated with a funky polypro liner) is pretty good. But, they stich it all together with what I believe is one layer of cotton thread stitching which SUX! The stitching regularly goes bad on these babies and, while they will gladly let you trade them in for a new pair, nobody wants to be going to Performance two or three times a season for upgrades. Instead, turn them inside-out and put in another couple of layers of stiches in by hand--this is a total pain in the ass since you have to get the needle through the rubber sole. This year, I am thinking I will try something new--like putting pop-rivets in all the way around, or some other crazy solution that will keep me from having to sew in all those stitches.

Or I may just go back to flat pedals (maybe with power grips?!) with waterproof light-hiking boots for the winter. Not sure.

[pirate]

Anyone know of any good cold weather shoes for use with flats? Or do most people just wear hiking boots or something along those lines?

[notrelatedtoted]

Anyone know of any good cold weather shoes for use with flats? Or do most people just wear hiking boots or something along those lines?


These work quite well. Style for both on and off the bike.

[pirate]

Hahaha... Reminds me of "Dumb and Dumber" :D

[riderx]

People have been down playing the "over-the-shoe" booties and I'd have to agree, so where does that leave you if you're not ready to take the Lake Shoe plunge, (and they're probably overkill for around here, IMHO)? These are another option: waterproof socks (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=139&subcategory=1216&brand=&sku=7639&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat:%20Men' s%20&%20Women's). I have a Louis Garneau pair and they're plenty water proof for occasional stream crossings and rain. They go on over your socks but inside your shoes, so you can layer accordingly and take them off if you get hot. If you're wearing the Lakes, that's what you're wearing for the day. If you are riding places like Avalon all winter with it's dozens of stream crossings and it's below freezing, the Lakes kill the waterproof socks. The socks might keep your feet dry, but your shoes soak up water and soon become a block of ice. The Lakes shed like a duck and are insulated too. Don't get me wrong, the waterproof socks are good and have their place (I still use them early in the season), but for the serious winter riding, especially when temps get in the teens, the Lakes win by a mile.

[drevil]

No on has mentioned a balaclava (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=137&subcategory=1219&brand=&sku=18613&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat:%20Acce ssories%20-%20Cool%20Weather) or other head gear (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=15090)...

punga!
Ahem (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showpost.php?p=40503&postcount=5):

..., Buff neck/head thingy.

My essentials for really cold snow riding are: Lake shoes, Triflex tights, neoprene or Seal Skinz gloves, Smartwool socks, balaclava,...
:p

[punga]

If you are riding places like Avalon all winter with it's dozens of stream crossings and it's below freezing, the Lakes kill the waterproof socks. The socks might keep your feet dry, but your shoes soak up water and soon become a block of ice. The Lakes shed like a duck and are insulated too. Don't get me wrong, the waterproof socks are good and have their place (I still use them early in the season), but for the serious winter riding, especially when temps get in the teens, the Lakes win by a mile.
I've never had that issue with mine. Of course the Lakes are better, but last season, I never had to cut a ride short because my feet were frozen or soaked. You're right that the shoe does get wet and soak up water, but with 3 pair of wool (1 pair Cannondale thins wool and 2 pair of smart wool) underneath the waterproof socks kept me warm and dry on many rides in Patapsco, Schaeffer, Wakefield, and Gambrill (okay, not very wet there :P). You're milage may vary, but I wanted to give him another option besides the costiler Lakes.

[punga]

Ahem (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showpost.php?p=40503&postcount=5):


:p
Sorry, you posted while I was typing ;)

punga!

[Squirrel Girl]

Ahem
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikecentric/73273827/

So I was thinking of having a Halloween party. And everyone would be required to come in costume. The mountain bikers, if they couldn't think of anything else, could just come as someone else in MORE. And if that was tough, they could just be Ricky. Paint an extra set of eyeballs on and wear a dress or gold lame jumpsuit, or wear shorts if we get an early snow. People could come as me by wearing their MORE jerseys with a couple pairs of sox stuff in the front and a stuffed squirrel along +/- a whip. Gad, the possibilities are endless. Men could shave their heads and be either Gary OR Drew. Piece-o-cake. All except being Craig. Laying down in front of a steam roller might hurt! :eek: (you know I'm jealous of your thinness, baby!)

Anyway, back to the winter thread topic..... I get HOT (thermally, Craig, thermally), if I have a whole balaclava on under my helmet unless it's *really* cold outside. But my ears get so cold. I have a buff (as mentioned in Ricky's thread, I think it was), I have ear bands, I have helmet liners, I have a bunch of different things, but all of them tend to pull back away from my ears. Does anyone have any good ideas about how to keep them warm? I guess I could take a scarf and tie it around my head and under my chin, babushka style. Wouldn't work for you guys, though (unless you're on the road and are trying not to get run over).

[riderx]

I've never had that issue with mine. Of course the Lakes are better, but last season, I never had to cut a ride short because my feet were frozen or soaked. You're right that the shoe does get wet and soak up water, but with 3 pair of wool (1 pair Cannondale thins wool and 2 pair of smart wool) underneath the waterproof socks kept me warm and dry on many rides in Patapsco, Schaeffer, Wakefield, and Gambrill (okay, not very wet there :P). You're milage may vary, but I wanted to give him another option besides the costiler Lakes.
No doubt, I used the Seal Skinz waterproof socks for years before getting the Lakes. That's why I mentioned them in my first post. The colder it gets and the longer the rides, thats when you really start noticing the difference in having the Lakes.

P.S. Wow, that's a lot of socks! :eek:

[halfinch]

Not to hijack, but do any of the local shops carry winter cycling boots? If I'm going to stick to this commuting thing, I'm thinking the boots may be a good idea - more to stay dry than warm.

I've seen them at pedalshop in ashburn.

[punga]

No doubt, I used the Seal Skinz waterproof socks for years before getting the Lakes. That's why I mentioned them in my first post. The colder it gets and the longer the rides, thats when you really start noticing the difference in having the Lakes.

P.S. Wow, that's a lot of socks! :eek:
ha! I like to make sure my toes stay warm

punga!

[jvanbrecht]

As far as shoes go, a quick google came up with these.. Northwave Winter shoes (http://www.cbike.com/northwave_winter_shoes.htm) for around $200, slightly less then the lakes, not sure how they compare though.

[drevil]

For ze ladies (http://tinyurl.com/fqscm):

http://s7images.sierratradingpost.com/is/image/SierraTradingPost/78297_72

[CRAIG2]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikecentric/73273827/

So I was thinking of having a Halloween party. And everyone would be required to come in costume. The mountain bikers, if they couldn't think of anything else, could just come as someone else in MORE. And if that was tough, they could just be Ricky. Paint an extra set of eyeballs on and wear a dress or gold lame jumpsuit, or wear shorts if we get an early snow. People could come as me by wearing their MORE jerseys with a couple pairs of sox stuff in the front and a stuffed squirrel along +/- a whip. Gad, the possibilities are endless. Men could shave their heads and be either Gary OR Drew. Piece-o-cake. All except being Craig. Laying down in front of a steam roller might hurt! :eek: (you know I'm jealous of your thinness, baby!)

Anyway, back to the winter thread topic..... I get HOT (thermally, Craig, thermally), if I have a whole balaclava on under my helmet unless it's *really* cold outside. But my ears get so cold. I have a buff (as mentioned in Ricky's thread, I think it was), I have ear bands, I have helmet liners, I have a bunch of different things, but all of them tend to pull back away from my ears. Does anyone have any good ideas about how to keep them warm? I guess I could take a scarf and tie it around my head and under my chin, babushka style. Wouldn't work for you guys, though (unless you're on the road and are trying not to get run over).

I'll come to your party, and I think I'll come as Gary. haaaaaa! Think I would be able to fool anyone? :D

[Squirrel Girl]

I'll come to your party, and I think I'll come as Gary. haaaaaa! Think I would be able to fool anyone? :DOh, gad I'm derailing yet *another* thread.

Can you fake a heavy Irish accent? Speaking of which, I'll be paying another guy from Ireland an appearance fee to show up at my party. Do you think a dollar is too high??????

Letsee what else do you have to do to "be" Gary. Most of it can't be done as a costume. It means upgrading bikes over and over, yet never going riding! :p

[CRAIG2]

Ooooohhhh! Burn!!!

Maybe I can fake a really bad Irish accent, get drunk, and fall off my bike repeatedly? :)

[Squirrel Girl]

Ooooohhhh! Burn!!!

Maybe I can fake a really bad Irish accent, get drunk, and fall off my bike repeatedly? :)And spend $400,000 and a year planning a wedding in California??? :D

[CRAIG2]

No, I haven't thrown in the towel yet! HAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! :D

[Pinoy Rider]

Try Sierratradingpost.com They sell last year's stuff for cheap. I would do a brand search for mountain hardwear, cloudveil, and patagonia(patagucci). All of these companies have some really good and durable stuff. I try to buy last years stuff from these companies because it is too expensive to buy the new stuff coming out.

[Squirrel Girl]

For ze ladies (http://tinyurl.com/fqscm):

http://s7images.sierratradingpost.com/is/image/SierraTradingPost/78297_72
I got really excited when you posted that, Ricky, ESPECIALLY since they make 'em big enough for the aircraft carriers I call "feet." But then I read on MTBR that this brand of shoes have soles that sproing off without warning. So I'm a little leery. Otherwise, I'd snap up a pair.

[jvanbrecht]

Un... I posted it first, but I did not add a picture.. I want some credit damnit :)
But if they get crappy reviews, I guess the lakes will do it at some point. As I am sure the mens are made the same way the womans shoes are made.. unless they pulled a lace from the mans to create the womans :P (bad religious pun like comment) :D

I'm not sure about riding in cold weather, I am so not a cold weather person, and I dont there there is enough clothing I could layer before being a giant immovable punching bag to keep me warm. When I said I wear heavy jerseys, I was not kidding, I am wearing a very heavy hoody right now cos I am chilly. I would need something powered to generate alot of heat before I could go outside :(

[Squirrel Girl]

For you, Jason, this:
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/search/esearch.jsp?OPTION=ESEARCH&N=0&special=both&Ntt=83981&search.x=0&search.y=0

I bought one for myself this year (on sale, half price). But I would DIE on the trail with it (on my bike). I would so die of heat buildup in that thing.

It's the "micro" puff jacket. Patagonia also makes the "Puff Bowl" parka which a friend of mine said he tried once. However, I *never* intend to *ever* go where that thing is made to keep a person toasty. Like the top of Denali. Brrrrrrrrr. No thanks!

Anyone wanna visit the Negev? Or perhaps the Gobi? Now that's my idea of of weather. The Atacama? The Nullabor? :D

[Fitz]

I use a long-sleeve wicking layer, a long-sleeve cotton layer and an old wool sweater. That does me great down to about freezing, which is as cold as my lungs like to ride hard.

As for your legs: If you're too cheap to buy tights try an old-fashioned pair of long johns with shorts over them. At about $8, you don't get any cheaper than that.

[CRAIG2]

I have all the gear and I still get cold in the winter when it's realllly cold. But, I'm skinny. And skinny people get cold fast. So I'm preparing for winter by going on the beer, pizza, pasta, and more beer diet in the hopes of gaining a few pounds. I know, who am I kidding. I'm still too skinny, but with all the beer, at least I feel better about it :rolleyes: :D

[piperj]

I have all the gear and I still get cold in the winter when it's realllly cold. But, I'm skinny.
Geez Craig, how could you get cold? You're skinny enough that I don't know how the wind even hits you... ;)

[t.roy]

This is all great stuff, thank you. I think I'll start in the basement with the cheapy last year stuff, I'm all about last year's stuff (ask me how I got my reign 2), and see what works for me in trial/error. I doubt I'll be able to swing for the Lakes, but maybe I can get away with the Answer's. Not sure I can take myself seriously in the tights, but then again I rarely take myself seriously anyway.


Oh, and my most important piece of winter gear is a singlespeed.

I rode a singlespeed called BMX for 20 years. I've earned full suspension (note: i'm considering converting my Marin hardtail into an SS :D )

[tomn]

I would love to be able to afford the Lakes. But alas, just like everything else (bike, fork, wheels, television, you name it) I can't afford what I want so I have to settle for what I can get by with. My "winter" shoes are size 13 "boot"-style performance-brand mtb shoes - $35. SealSkinz were $20, Wigwam liner socks were about $5. Tights, long-sleeve jersey with duofold underneath, balaclava (I like the polypro, not lycra), cheap glove liners under the full-finger gloves I already had -- all told I probably spent $150 on winter gear for all but the coldest rides. You can definitely stay warm without getting too $pendy.

[TrailVictim]

Check out the Bellwether stuff. It's cheap for the most part, warm, and you can get a decent selection at Hudson Trail. The online selection is pretty crappy so it's best to make a trip to the retail location.

[riderx]

When the weather gets cold, don't forget the flask!

http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=500

[punga]

This is all great stuff, thank you. I think I'll start in the basement with the cheapy last year stuff, I'm all about last year's stuff (ask me how I got my reign 2), and see what works for me in trial/error. I doubt I'll be able to swing for the Lakes, but maybe I can get away with the Answer's. Not sure I can take myself seriously in the tights, but then again I rarely take myself seriously anyway.


I rode a singlespeed called BMX for 20 years. I've earned full suspension (note: i'm considering converting my Marin hardtail into an SS :D )
I don't have a physique that lends itself to tights and I got tired of leg warmers rolling down leaving my thighs exposed. So, I have a pair of Trek long tights that I thread through my normal baggy shorts between the chamois and the baggy shorts. Looks and works well.

punga!

[Squirrel Girl]

This year I'll probably splurge and buy the Lake winter mtb boots. Last year Performance had 'em on sale for less than a week at $150. Jabberwocky snatched up a pair. When I made the decision to buy, they went back up to $200. But I will watch for a big sale again, and will see about buying them if they either go way cheap or we get a big storm forecasted.I was looking at road bike tires on line and stumbled on a company that sells the mtb boots I'm looking for just a little cheaper than anyone else ($170) normal price ....

http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/WSSH/SH-LAKEMXZ301

[markie]

Thanks Squirrel girl for posting that link.

Here in IL it has already dropped into the 40's and it is not even fall yet. Bikeman seems to be the only place with normal sizes in stock, well I hope they are in stock. I ordered some last night and they have not cancelled the order yet.

For those who want to be thrifty aebike.com had answer kashmir botts for just over $100

[gomogo]

For ze ladies (http://tinyurl.com/fqscm):

http://s7images.sierratradingpost.com/is/image/SierraTradingPost/78297_72

Thanks Ricky!

mo

[Squirrel Girl]

Thanks Squirrel girl for posting that link.

Here in IL it has already dropped into the 40's and it is not even fall yet. Bikeman seems to be the only place with normal sizes in stock, well I hope they are in stock. I ordered some last night and they have not cancelled the order yet.

For those who want to be thrifty aebike.com had answer kashmir botts for just over $100So, pardon me for being out of the cool people loop (yet deeply embedded in the dorky people loop), but did you move to Illinois, Markie? I mean, last I saw you, prolly, was at Lodi a year and a half ago. On the web now and again, and that's about it.

I grew up in Iowa. My condolences to you. Iowa was OK, except for the weather. At least you could have RAGBRAI to aspire to.

[markie]

Yep, I am in BumF@#$ IL. Moved here about 4 months ago. My job here is cool and I get a great 10 mile ride each way to work, but life is not as exciting as living in Adams-Morgan. But Gnome-Fest is this coming weekend........

And returning to the scheduled programming:

I am sure I will get to try out a lot of Winter gear. Average daily high for January is 32F. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrgh.

[jabberwocky]

I was looking at road bike tires on line and stumbled on a company that sells the mtb boots I'm looking for just a little cheaper than anyone else ($170) normal price ....

http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/WSSH/SH-LAKEMXZ301I have those. They are delicious.

[Squirrel Girl]

I ordered my Lake MXZ301s today. Performance has them for $184.96 + 20% off today only. I think that came out to $148.

But, I couldn't decide which size, so I ordered two: 44 and 45. I tried on Scud's 45s last winter and I decided they might have been just a tad big, even though that's my usual size (since when do shoes companies ever standardize???).

If anyone's interested, I would be glad to sell the pair that doesn't fit me at cost instead of returning them. Just lemme know.

[yueq]

Can you Lake MXZ owners comment on the width of the shoes - narrow, normal, wide? I'm about to order a pair but afraid that Euro shoes are usually narrow. For the reference, Sidi Dominant Mega is a tiny little too narrow for me. :(

BTW, It is $150 at Performance right now.

[Snot-Rocket]

Can you Lake MXZ owners comment on the width of the shoes - narrow, normal, wide? I'm about to order a pair but afraid that Euro shoes are usually narrow. For the reference, Sidi Dominant Mega is a tiny little too narrow for me. :(

BTW, It is $150 at Performance right now.

I have some wide and thick duck feet- Sidi Mega's are narrow by me also. The Lakes work out fine on me piggies!

[mscard]

Wider than either of my Sidi's (which fit my feet like a glove) but narrow than the Pearl Izumi road shoes that my feet got lost in.

[Squirrel Girl]

Can you Lake MXZ owners comment on the width of the shoes - narrow, normal, wide? I'm about to order a pair but afraid that Euro shoes are usually narrow. For the reference, Sidi Dominant Mega is a tiny little too narrow for me. :(

BTW, It is $150 at Performance right now.Well, last year I tried on Scud's 45s. They seemed big. So this year I ordered a pair of 44s and a pair of 45s, and they're BOTH too small. So I need to order a pair of 46s and return the others (unless someone buys 'em off me--$160 I paid the shipping and the tax, otherwise I send 'em back).

To me, they seem to be fairly spot on for the sizing, or just a tiny bit small. Not especially narrow or wide. It could be that the thicker sox I wear for winter are what is making them seem small. I can't remember, but they might have wide heels. My feet are so big, I often wear men's shoes, but the heels are sometimes too wide.

[allencb]

I have an old pair of Lake's regular weather mtb shoes. I think they run narrow and I have a narrow foot (B Width). I generally wear no socks or thin athletic socks with them. These shoes are about 6years old though, so they may have changed a lot since then...

Chris

[bunky]

A word of caution re Performance booties. They are a good bargain at +/- $20.00, but:

You need to buy them at least 2 sizes bigger than your shoe size. They come in full sizes--if you normally wear a half size, I would round up and then go two sizes bigger. For example, I am an 8.5 and use the size 11s. According to Performance this is because the booties were designed based on the sizing of road shoes which, according to them, are a lot smaller than your average mountain shoe. Either way, it is a lot easier getting the bigger ones onto your shoes than the size they call for. Best to bring your shoes with you and try them on in the store.

Also: the material they use (rubber soles and neoprene uppers coated with a funky polypro liner) is pretty good. But, they stich it all together with what I believe is one layer of cotton thread stitching which SUX! The stitching regularly goes bad on these babies and, while they will gladly let you trade them in for a new pair, nobody wants to be going to Performance two or three times a season for upgrades. Instead, turn them inside-out and put in another couple of layers of stiches in by hand--this is a total pain in the ass since you have to get the needle through the rubber sole. This year, I am thinking I will try something new--like putting pop-rivets in all the way around, or some other crazy solution that will keep me from having to sew in all those stitches.

Thought I'd post an addendum to my earlier post re. Performance booties. One of the reasons why the stiching seems to come apart so easily is from walking in them, especially in snow. The forward motion of one's foot stretches the bootie apart and does a number of things when the toes are pushed down hard: (1) it allows snow to accumulate in the toe area coming in between the shoe and bootie from the cleat hole and (2) (once you have some snow in there) it may allow the shoe to be pulled all the way through the cleat-hole. I think I hay have a solution for this problem which may make the bootie option more palatable.

I am going to drill a hole through my shoes (since they are old and I can use a new pair anyway) and a hole in the booties right in front of the cleat position. Then I am going to take a flathead machine screw, a fairly wide washer and a lock-nut (hopefully not much thicker than the stack height of the cleat) and bolt the bootie sole right to the sole. I think it is even more critical to similarly bolt the toes in place and would have done a triangular pattern of three bolts, except that I have the Diadora Gekos which have factory “golf-cleat” screw hole mounts built right into the toe area of the shoe. It would seem logical that I could back out the factory screws in there, get similar diameter and pitch bolts at a hardware store that was maybe a few mm longer and then just bolt some smaller washers in place up front. I’ll probably use some blue loctite to keep everything snug.

Now, I know this will prevent me from removing the booties from the shoes---it would be a much better proposition if the zippers on these were on the front of the shoe—from the toes to the front of the ankle. But I am thinking that as long as I can slip the back of the bootie over the front I’ll be able to get at the laces and get the shoes on/off. Not too sure how well they will dry since the bootie/shoe will be inseparable, but we’ll see. One thing is for sure—it’ll keep them from slipping around and getting snow up in the toes and hoprefully keep them from falling apart after one use in the Shed!

[saxman]

For cold weather socks, I would suggest you run, do not walk, to your nearest sporting goods store and purchase Under Armour Boot Socks. They are comfortable, they keep your feet nice and warm, and they are long enough to go up your calf...no more of that one little exposed piece of flesh between the end of your leggings and the beginning of your socks. At $7.99 per pair, they're a great buy, too.