BCRider

Only if you're already walking like one and quack in reply to questions.....

I went with the mountain bike style SPD pedals just because of the normal feel of the shoes. In fact one time I wore them all day at work without issue when I forgot to bring in the new office shoes to replace the old ones I'd tossed out the previous day. Other than some clicking of the lug on the hard floors they were perfectly comfy and felt entirely normal. It's the dedicated road pedals that have the problematic engagement lugs on the soles. But even those are change now I understand.

Anyhow, good luck on finding some high top water resistant shoes to help out. That's obviously the important part with the cold of winter on its way.

Daspydyr 

I'm a tight wad who also loves his comfort. When I lived in the Rockies I wore 3/4 high top basketball shoes with a good pair of REI Goretex socks. Stayed warm even in snow. Plus you can move around in them pretty well if you need to portage.

Daspydyr 

Still wearing Feet Belts myself. Who needs the grief?

ukmtk

I have used plastic bags over socks. I.e. just the layering approach. That was for sub zero Centigrade.
Similarly plastic bag under the helmet worked a treat too.

alcanoe

That's an old cold weather trick often recommended in cold weather out-door books. I studied the subject when the family was doing winter backpacking in the mountains. A vapor barrier like that will actually reduce sweating. I can't remember if the barrier has to be against the skin or if it works to eliminate sweating over a thin liner sock as well.

Al

Timtruro

what are feet belts?

Trsnrtr

It's funny how we are all different. I have a friend that gets cold fingers no matter what he does and I have no trouble whatsoever with my hands. However, my feet are another story. I use chemical packs and a thin insulating sock over lightweight wool socks and still have trouble over 20 miles when the temps go below 30F.

kabersch

Do you wear a skull cap or helmet cover (or warm hat if you go helmetless)? If your head is not covered you're body will divert blood from the extremities to keep your head warm. One of the first things to do if your hands or feet are cold is to put on a hat. I learned this during my 20 years as a volunteer Ski Patroller.

This does not take away from any of the other suggestions, but they all work much better if you are keeping your head warm.

Daspydyr 

"Feet belts" a highly technical phrase from the 80's for pedal cages.

Daspydyr 

Cigars, no that could be a good thread. Post ride, mid ride break, what do you prefer. And with the cigar, do you prefer a single malt, ale, wine? What makes a good cool down for you?

zoste

Go here.

Post ride. I have a weakness for Cuban Stock, but for everyday smoking, I like Exquisito Double wraps and Baldy Toros. Always punch cut.

And remember what Kipling said:

"A woman is only a woman, but a good cigar is a Smoke"

zoste

Oh ya...very rarely: Bourbon with a little ice, otherwise straight.

Not a good idea for keeping your feet warm...

billonmidwatch

To keep my feet warm: 1. regulate core body temp by wearing enough layers and then unzipping as needed, 2. wear a hat, helment liner down to 35F, balaclava below 35F, 3. wool socks in, toe covers out. Toe covers are amazing, "gloves for your feet", the most benefit of any $15 I've spent at the bike shop, I wear them from 50F down, which is 5 months of the year here.

If below 30F, I wear a second pair of socks, a gift from my darling "old school" bride, she got me a pair of cashmere dress socks from a clearance sale. Cashmere is very fine fiber, thin, light, and very warm.

Ski socks are also excellent. Modern, technical fabrics (Orlon?), or old school wool.

Good luck!
Bill

Timtruro

Earlier this week, mid ride, a CAO MX 2 Maduro.........one of my favorite smokes..........I have a decent smoke shop about 11 miles out, makes for a good 22 mile ride. There is also a British Beer Company pub but that makes the ride back a lot harder.........

zoste

Nice! I have pretty good smoke shops about a mile in either direction. Makes a good walk, but not much of a ride. Guess I need to broaden my horizons

zoste

Tim, based on your post I picked up a couple CAO MX2's; they even have a robusto in a box press style like my favorite Cuban Stock maduros.

Nice, smoke! Thanks for the tip, my friend

bicyclridr4life

I use mukluks

Timtruro

Glad you enjoyed it. I tend to favor the robusto, and maduros in general. Always a treat when you can find a box press as well.