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Ok, so it's not quite winter just yet, but before it gets here I would like to sort a problem I suffered with last year on the road bike.
Frozen toes.
I have pretty shite circulation, and my on my first winter of road riding with SPDs, I seemed to have blocks of ice for toes when the temps dropped. I think the problem is the windchill factor, so what is everyone using to deal with this? So far I am considering either overshoes, [url= http://www.probikekit.com/uk/clothing/cycling-clothing/cycling-overshoes/craft-winter-cycling-toe-covers-black.html ]toe covers[/url] or just using duct tape as an el cheapo* solution.
*Cheap options always appreciated, so superduper winter shoes are not really an option 8)
Wooly socks.
Overshoes.
And don't have the shoes too tight, that can restrict circulation. Overshoes are brilliant: warm, waterproof, reflective and they stop your shoes getting covered in road crap. 4 jobs in 1.
Merino or waterproof/windproof socks and cheap overshoes:
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CLPXOSH/planet_x_neoprene_overshoes
Same here. Neoprene over shoes and not having the toe of my shoes strapped too tight was the answer for me.
[url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/Defeet-Woolie-Boolie-Socks-Cuff/dp/B009FWWB4C/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1349603788&sr=1-1 ]woolie boolie socks[/url]
Get some toe covers I use the pearl Izumi ones and they fit perfect....I use nearly all year round
Try not put thick socks on as it will stop good circulation,
In winter I leave the toe on under overshoes, something neoprene to cut out the wind
Decent socks like woolie boolies or Endura baa baa thermo merino with good thick overshoes. Make sure your toes have enough room to 'wiggle.'
duct tape all year round (presumably spesh were picturing california when they designed their (MTB) shoes with the mesh fronts 🙄 ) and merino flavouredporelle drysocks
I'd use overshoes if I was a proper roadie I think, but the stuff I have works on filthy mtb rides too
You went a whole winter without overshoes or Belgian booties? 😯
neoprene socks i use these to keep toes toastie warm,also use there gloves through winter
I put Duct tape over the mesh in my Spesh shoes when it gets cooler and then switch to Spesh Defrosters when it gets even cooler. Just one pair of Woolie Boolie socks in a lose fitting shoe is fine for sub zero temps.
Some [url=http://]heated overshoes[/url] are one solution but winter shoes seem a better idea to me. I've been using them for a few years now and it revolutionized my enjoyment of winter riding.
slight hijack - I have just got some woolie boolies but would have liked them a bit thicker - are the Endura winter merino ones thinner or thicker ?
might try some thin liners, to space them out a bit - any reccomendations
sorry for hijack 😆
Thanks
Had similar problems and found wearing thicker socks just meant my feet were more squished and got numb & bloody freezing which was not pleasant at all.
I bought these for £36 from Wiggle:
[img] 
?w=350&h=350&a=7[/img]
But a seller has them for [url= http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/290785278337?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&cbt=y ]£24.95 plus free shipping on eBay![/url]
They sorted me out quite well. I can't remember ever having cold feet since using them. Also, strapping your shoes too tightly will just exacerbate the discomfort, but a few have already said that.
Shoes 35 seconds in the microwave before my ride.Start warm stay warm.Northern monkey.
I have pretty shite circulation
Same here. I have winter boots that are over-sized, plus a thermal insole and wear Bridgdales underneath - still get numb toes!
In summer I wear Woolie Boolies unless there's a baking heatwave 😐
Shoes 35 seconds in the microwave before my ride.Start warm stay warm.Northern monkey.
I'm sure the cleat bolts will be just fine with that 😉
Cheers for the advice all, looks like I will give the neoprene toe cover things a shot first.. If still no joy, a full booty thing like dreamydarcy recommends.
Long socks, bib longs, overshoes.
The main heat loss is at your ankles where them big blood vessels are.
Mtb flats jamie in my case.Can't really see it bothering your clears though.Could be wrong i suppose.
I was having just this thought on an early morning ride today before it warmed up. My road shoes just heven't got enough room for any thick socks so I was wondering are there any thin wind proof socks that would do the trick? I have huge feet and have split the last two pairs of overshoes I have bought, unless anyone knows of big size ovvies?
MTB pedals and boots
I use a size too big in the boots to allow thick socks without being too tight
....any thin wind proof socks that would do the trick?
Last year, I resorted to freezer bags. Bit sweaty.
A couple of guys I ride with use Prendas oversocks. They seem very happy with them.