Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Toe Clips and Straps in the winter

I know I know, it's warm out now!

I was thinking ahead and I was wondering how people who use toe clips keep their feet warm in the winter.

I'm asking this because I want to get pedals with clips and straps for commuting/errands/etc, but I also want to do longer ride on my fixed/ss build (in progress). I can swap the pedals out for clipless pedals, but I think that would ruin the pedal threads on the cranks.

So if I wanted to use clips and straps year round, how would I keep my feet warm since I can't use booties and the like.

Thanks.

I can swap the pedals out for clipless pedals, but I think that would ruin the pedal threads on the cranks.



Why would swapping pedals out ruin the crank threads?
Maybe if you have some POS cranks. I dont know but if you're worried about ruining the threads then maybe you should be looking into some decent cranks instead.

Why would swapping pedals out ruin the crank threads?
Maybe if you have some POS cranks. I dont know but if you're worried about ruining the threads then maybe you should be looking into some decent cranks instead.

I figured swapping out pedals 1-2 times a week every week would wear down the threads.

Guess I was wrong. No complaints!

plastic bags, sometimes. proper socks and shoes.

You can get wider cages to accommodate wider shoes / light boots... I ride through our Canadian winter on a fixed gear and have light boots rated to -25c that get even better with some base socks under wool socks.

Get some thin booties. Get some plastic cages, and shove your foot/wool socks/shoe/bootie in the clip.

Other wise go clipless.

And get mother ****in goretex socks, they are the jammy jam, I did all of last NY winter in them with just some really thick wool socks underneath, and plain ol sneakers over that.
The advantage is they don't wear out as fast and tear like booties because they aren't exposed to the elements. Downside is your shoes still get wet, but since my feet are dry and warm at the end of the day, I found this to not be much of an issue.

I've never had a failproof strategy for keeping my feet warm, either with clips and straps, or with clipless pedals. Part of the problem is the past two winters I've been delivering, and they have been wet winters. When your shoes get wet early, you're done.

Of course, I should have gotten a front fender. And waterproof socks. Next time.

With clips and straps I rely on good socks - thick fleece or wool - with a change of socks in my bag, and, if it's going to be wet, newspaper bag between my socks and my shoes. It's a little extra bit of insurance.

But mostly, don't worry about stripping your pedal threads. It's pretty unlikely. As long as you keep the threads clean and greased you'll be fine. There was a while when I had one set of pedals for two bikes and I was switching a lot. No problems.

ridethecliche,

Tape bubble wrap to the outside of the cages. Works like a charm.

I haven't had problems using large cages + waterproof hiking boot (size 11-12) and good socks. Stay warm for short rides (under an hour) down past sub 0F temps.

now if someone would start making a waterproof bootie to fit skate shoes in for winter riding they would rule!! I still have not found the right combo. I commute all winter long thru utah winters and my feet get soaked. I have tried plastic bags, wool socks, shoving my feet in booties that are meant for road shoes that almost works.

Just avoid changing your pedals while you're drunk, to minimize the risk of cross-threading.

Rode all last winter in Chicago (15-20 mi/day)... wearing merril type waterproof, fleece-lined boots w/wool socks. I just got larger power strabs for my pedals.

I had to remember to flex my toes in the beginning ride to keep them from getting numb... after a few miles of pushing I was warm enough to keep the blood flowing (same story with my hands).

these
http://www.kucharikclothing.com/product_thumb.php?img=images/traditional-tw.jpg&w=200&h=200
Toe warmers (http://www.kucharikclothing.com/traditional-toe-warmer-p-309.html?osCsid=6c72e0d9feca6b1ecd7e73ba33d76d77)

Thanks for all the info!

Just avoid changing your pedals while you're drunk, to minimize the risk of cross-threading.


..and always use lots of grease on the threads and youll be fine. :thumb:

I biked all winter in my tigers with some shoe covers over top, worked great.
I definitely tried using plastic bags for extra warmth one day, didn't work so well.