Commuting - Froze Toez, Cold Weather Gear Recommendations?

Temps got down to 30F for my ride in this morning. Head, face, upper body were all nice and cozy. Two problem areas I had were feet (I didn't use the booties, I guess still in denial about winter coming) and my shorts. I wear regular spandex bike shorts with leg warmers. The leg warmers did fine, but the bike shorts clearly didn't keep my upper thighs warm.

Anyone have recommendations for long pants to go over bike shorts, for temps between 0F and 35F? (It's a long ride, I'm not giving up the bike shorts, and I don't want to start any arguments over bike shorts versus regular shorts.) Also, any recommendations for SPD compatible winter boots for same temp range? (I really don't like the over-shoe boots).

Thanks,
Keith

Full tights with bike shorts.

-Roger

Wool socks and booties.

I have a couple pair of running tights (new balance I think) that I use over my bike shorts. One pair is a little tighter than the other, but neither are skin tight like bike shorts or leg warmers. When it's really cold (i.e. <10F), I wear both pair of tights. Don't limit yourself to cycling specific clothing for the winter season and you will have many more cost effective options from which to choose.

Lake winter boots are supposedly the best. I just use booties, because I'm too cheap to drop $250 on a pair of shoes I'm only going to wear less than 25% of the year.

Ditch the shorts/tights, and spend the money on a pair of PI Gavia Plus tights. Windproof/water-resistant front panels, microfleece lined, 3-D Pro chamois. No need to double up layers until it gets down to to the mid-teens for temperature. Even then, a light pair of thermals underneath would keep you incredibly warm. I wore the Gavia's all by themselves down to 34 degrees and raining so far, and didn't feel like I needed another layer.

A lot of people, especially in your area, switch to platforms and waterproof boots for the winter. I live in Ohio, which is considerably warmer than Wisconsin, but I'm still considering doing this.

These might help with the feet for $30http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/skibootglove.jpg;

http://www.altrec.com/dry-guy/boot-glove-ski-boot-accessory?cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Froogle-_-Dry%20Guy-_-43334-419896-B&mr:trackingCode=83554FC1-5FA3-DD11-8C33-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA

I just wear bike shorts and toss on a pair of cheap lined running tights. That keeps me from 40*F down to probably 15*F, where I will throw on some long underwear in between.

Exustar, Lake, Shimano, Diadora [?] all make SPD compatible winter shoes/boots. Check the Winter Biking sub-forum for some of the options and opinions.

Ditch the shorts/tights, and spend the money on a pair of PI Gavia Plus tights.

I bet those are very comfortable, and they better be for that price. Do you wear cycling shorts under them or just wash them every day?

Sporthill XC pants. Really sweet. Softshell, a measure of windblocking and truly breathable insualtion. Super versatile. I think they are good down to about 20 , and a layer underneath as the temp drops below that.

I'm going to commute all winter this year (omaha) and had 25 degrees today - I put on performance bike thermals (basically long underware) with my regular bike shorts over that with a pair of sweat pants - I've been warm, but I need some wind prove type pants and I'd be better off. Feet wise, I've been doubling the summer socks and put on a pair of cotton socks between them this morning - wasn't too bad, but I'm looking at some booties...I think when the temps get into the lower teens or less, I'm going to need to get another layer of long sleeve shirt...

Michael

I bought a pair of Swedish Army 100% wool pants at my local military surplus store last winter for $20. Wool will keep you warm even when wet. I wear them over a pair of running tights or poly longjohns. For my feet I switch to platforms and wear my Sorels when the temps are in the 20s or lower. Above that I can keep my Looks on and use booties but after awhile last year I got tired of swapping pedals and just rode the platforms.

I bet those are very comfortable, and they better be for that price. Do you wear cycling shorts under them or just wash them every day?

I got mine on a "last year's model" sale at Performance with some coupon code, too, for only $160. They've got the PI 3-D chamois, so there's no need to wear cycling shorts underneath them. I just take 'em into the shower with me and handwash 'em. Once a week they get tossed into the machine with my gloves, hat, outer jersey, etc.

I use the bike shorts as my base layer. I put my long johns or anything else over them.

My feet are my weak link, too. You mentioned you have booties. Use them. I err on the side of overdressing my fingers and toes. Seemed pretty warm the other day for the ride home, so I switched back to my half-finger gloves, and that was never really comfortable.

Wear wool, it doesn't smell of sweat and will keep you warm when wet. Wear wool mittens, and put a pair of thick wool socks OVER your shoes, I know it sounds dumb and looks kind of funny but it works