Cold weather bike

Wool socks.

Neoprene shoe covers. Pick them up on-line or any cycling store. Life savers in the winter.

Ryan, If you are as serious as me, I have been riding outside all winter.  Think of those days with 15 degrees and I was out there (a few of them).  What do I do?  First, go to Pearl Izumi and get the full neoprene bootie call Amphib.  Second, pull out your inserts in your summer shoes and put a plastic card over the holes at the bottom (water drainage) I tape them in with duct tape.  Next, wear wool socks but thin ones so no circulation problems.  Then last, and most important, I bought a box of those toe warmer chemical packets (at costco or other sporting goods stores) This makes my toes somewhat warm and not painful on a 2 hour ride in the cold.

The other solution is to buy a pair of winter riding boots/shoes for $250.   Last, if you are on a mountain bike, then ride with boots on.  there are many of our Canadian friends that this is what they do all winter long. 

Edited by hemsmar 2011-01-11 10:25 PM

Regarding chemical toe warmers...these need air circulation in order to activate them.  So blocking all the "holes" and/or venting in your shoes with duct tape or cardboard, will actually make them less effective.  I tried using them on a cold ride back in November.  I was wearing a full shoe cover which basically blocked air from getting into my shoes.  I could not figure out why I was barely feeling the warmth from these toe warmers in my shoes.  Now I know why...no air circulation to keep them activated.  

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Thanks to everyone for posting on this topic, I had been wearing the wool socks and using a wind block boot over my shoes (not neoprene) but still had a problem keeping the toes warm after about 40 minutes.  I picked up the warming packs and plan to get the neoprene shoe cover so I can get back out there after all this snow finally melts off!  Great suggestions, can't wait to try them!!!