We’re having a cold October here and I’m able to try out some of the warm weather gear I got last spring. It’s not insane yet, so I get to ride in the cold as it’s getting colder. My problem was always the feet and hands, as enough wool on the arms and body and there’s never any problem.
Planet Bike Borealis
I got some Planet Bike borealis gloves, and am not sure what i think of them. They have fleece inside and that just makes my hands sweat like crazy. I figured 37 was cold enough for winter gloves, but by the time i got to work (1.5 hours later), the gloves were wet on the outside from soaking through. I think I’m going to look out for some wool/nylon based gloves.
Pearl Izumi shoe covers
I also wore some of the XXL pearl Izumi shoe covers over my very summer weight Shimano SPD shoes. And my feet were still a little cold. Fortunately I just won a used pair of SIDI Dominators on eBay and hope that they fit as well as I want them to, especially with one or two nice thick pair of wool socks. We’ll see if these shoe covers even fit over those.
Walz wool cap
I also just ordered one of these and hopefully it’ll be a little more comfortable and a LOT more stylish than the Pearl Izumi headband/ear-cover I have.
Yeap it seems every year I develop a little more for Iowa winter riding. This year I anxiously wait the cold, snow and ice. I purchased Nokian Studded tires, bar mitts, and SIDI shoes. I, like you, can keep everything warm except the hands and feet are always the challenge. I am thinking the Bar Mitts will be a great hand warmer.
Peace and happy safe rides.
Dave
Hey Dave,
I rode yesterday, thinking it was warmer, but halfway through the ride, seeing the sign that said “31 degrees” explained why I was a lot colder that I should have been. it’s time to start bringing an extra pannier so that I can load or unload warm clothes. absolutely no reason to be cold! Thanks for the tip on BarMitts. I hadn’t seen those, and didn’t know they had them fro drop bars. they look fantastic, and a much better option than another set of gloves. I think the booties with my new used-SIDI shoes will made me nice and toasty. i doubt i’ll commute 20+ miles in the ice and snow, so no reason to upgrade to the nokians, but they do look fun!
cheers, geoff