Originally Posted by
MichaelW
The most interesting tech of recent times has to be nano-technology permanent
waterproofing of leather. This was developed for the military and the first civillian hiking boots are showing up. It is not a membrane or surface treatment, it coveres every fibre and is really permanent. Just need a lightweight, slim boot without bulky padding.
Looks interesting and not terribly overpriced considering name brand boots often cost that much anyway.
Care free. Ride 99% of time. An actual ice storm will cause me to consider carpooling. I'm really liking wool socks now and plan to try other wool garments.
Usual gear: rain pants, rain jacket, helmet cover.
Hands: if warm they get wet, have some new gloves and will see how they work this winter. The heavy fleece ones I used last year in the winter took a long time to dry and were wet from the inside. The very light weatherproof ones weren't.
Dry feet: For warm weather I gave up and use sandals in the rain. This winter, trying waterproof, lightly thiinsulated (200gr) Sorel slip-on shoes and purchased some thinsulated (400gr) slip-on leather work boots (Wellington style) for snow. The Sorels with wool socks and rain pants kept everything south of the border dry. The boots are going to be sno-sealed. Biggest complaint about winter riding is the prep time. If the boots don't work out, will use the NEOS overshoes I used last winter.
Drying wet gear: if saturated I stick it in front of a fan otherwise drape it over the bike.