Winter Cycling - Embrocation on feet?

The only things that get cold on me are my feet.

So in my quest for warm toes....I was wondering if anyone has ever rubbed embrocation into their feet prior to a cold ride?

Thoughts?

Dave

I should probably know this but I don't.
Is embrocation very different from rubbing
in BenGay or a similar warming material?
(serious question)

This is a excellent question. Anyone have feedback? I just rode 90 minutes in 40 degree weather. My feet were the only part suffering with the cold.

well, there are two ways of keeping warm. One is to keep the blood flow going and the other is to keep moisture away from the skin.

From what I've read on the ingredients list, embrocation uses Capsaicin oil, which is the same stuff in hot peppers and pepper spray.
Now, this doesn't warm you directly, but apparently it reduces the sensation of pain and fatigue. What I'm not sure of, is if it acts as an irritant and opens the blood vessels where they would otherwise contract in the cold.

A proven technique of keeping feet warm is through the use of chemical warmers. I put these on top of my socks before a long ride in cold weather. The chemical warmers emit heat through oxidation and are usually good for 3 to 4 hours. I have used them successfully to keep my feet toasty in temps below -10°C not including windchill.

They don't work in conjunction with winter boots. No air = no chemical reaction.

I'm going to try the embro and see.

Flak, I've used chem warmers with winter boots for years, they work well. Have you actually tried them?

They don't work in conjunction with winter boots. No air = no chemical reaction.

I'm going to try the embro and see.

They work great in my winter cycling shoes. And my winter boots.

So in my quest for warm toes....I was wondering if anyone has ever rubbed embrocation into their feet prior to a cold ride?Dave


This is a excellent question. Anyone have feedback? I just rode 90 minutes in 40 degree weather. My feet were the only part suffering with the cold.

I have found that Elements Cream (http://www.balmco.com/reviews/embrocation/elements-cream/) by SPORTIQUE works wonders to cut out the cold and wind on my feet. If that is still not enough of a barrier then a light cream style embro can be used. You definitely do not want to put something with a high heat level down there, though. the feet can be super sensitive.

Sorry for resurrecting this old thread, but it was a good question that had not been answered.

chemical toe warmers like what hunters use. I actually like the hand warmers cuz they produce more heat. I used them on top of my toes between liner sock and wool sock. I taped them in place. they are good for 17 degrees for 1.5 hrs. after that in that kind of cold you better find sanctuary to rewarm.