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I regularly put my wet boots and mittens in front of a space heater to dry. I keep my apartment at a pretty low temperature, and often these things wont dry overnight, or I will need them later in the day. I know that space heaters are insanely inefficient. When I was at my office job, I would take a shower in the morning before work and again after my ride home. So I'm wondering: from an energy use standpoint, is it really better to bike in the winter? (My job involve biking at this point, so I have no other option, but I'm just curious in general.)

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Just a quick thought from my experience with hockey equipment. I think an basic unheated desk fan might dry the gloves and boots quicker and with less energy used.
The newspaper thing works great too! And Smartwool, not cheap but the best stuff ever!
My two cents: You could get two get-ups and alternate daily usage.

Also, rubber rain capes are the way to go if you need water proofness and breath-ability. I'd guess that if you are riding all day most of the moisture in your gear is produced as perspiration. Paired with real fenders, with a long mudflap, I'd layer with wool under a rain cape. To the same effect you could layer wool mittens under plastic bags. Inelegant but really effective.
I wear Men's Die Hard brand boots when I bike in the winter. They are made for construction workers who spend all day working outside in all weather. They are completely weatherproof. I got mine about 5 years ago at Sears for about $80 on sale. Five years later, they are still keep my feet nice and dry through the long winter rides.

Chuck a Muck said:
I use my old Army issue wool gloves insert with the leather shell. I treat the leather shells with mink oil same with my Army issue leather boots. Have worked many of years in cold wet weather with this set up and have always come home with dry feet and hands.

heather stratton said:
I have invested... I'm interested in new and better suggestions, but I'm working with a raincoat, rain pants, waterproof boots, etc. Is anything really waterproof when you're out for five or six hours?

Chuck a Muck said:
Why not invest in some waterproof boots and gloves?
this is great.

$20 boots from K Mart rock...i have 2 pair

Jenny bikes said:
I wear Men's Die Hard brand boots when I bike in the winter. They are made for construction workers who spend all day working outside in all weather. They are completely weatherproof. I got mine about 5 years ago at Sears for about $80 on sale. Five years later, they are still keep my feet nice and dry through the long winter rides.

Chuck a Muck said:
I use my old Army issue wool gloves insert with the leather shell. I treat the leather shells with mink oil same with my Army issue leather boots. Have worked many of years in cold wet weather with this set up and have always come home with dry feet and hands.

heather stratton said:
I have invested... I'm interested in new and better suggestions, but I'm working with a raincoat, rain pants, waterproof boots, etc. Is anything really waterproof when you're out for five or six hours?

Chuck a Muck said:
Why not invest in some waterproof boots and gloves?
Kelvin Mulcky said:
My two cents: You could get two get-ups and alternate daily usage.
...

Or more than two. It took me years to figure this out. I eventually lose or wear out everything bikey or hikey, so sooner or later I'll need to replace it anyway. It is a lot less of a pain to replace them in advance - plus that way one can take advantage of bargains when one happens upon them, not be forced into buying at full retail out of necessity.

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