The Chainlink

Single digits cycling - protection for my digits

So - the streets are dry but it's below 20F.  I have wool socks, Merril Thermal Six insulated boots, and Pearl Izumi lobster gloves.  However, an hour into my bike commute, my toes and fingers feel like they're getting frostbite.

 

What should I be wearing instead when the temperature gets closer to zero F?

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Permalink Reply by igz on January 20, 2011 at 8:00pm

sounds like the right mix of things.  maybe liner gloves for the lobsters.  i use them cheapie stretchi gloves under my lobsters.  helps a lot...especially since my lobsters lodt that warmth retaining fluff.

 

i wear smartwools mountaineering socks.  they are $25 a pair but totally worth it. with goretex boots.  the combo kept me warm down to -16F

Permalink Reply by Joel on January 20, 2011 at 8:16pm
I have some of those socks and they are fantastic.  I've not used them cycling, but they've held up for miserably cold climbing and hiking trips.  They're also super comfortable.

iggi said:

i wear smartwools mountaineering socks.  they are $25 a pair but totally worth it. with goretex boots.  the combo kept me warm down to -16F

Permalink Reply by S on January 20, 2011 at 9:47pm
Instead of adding more layers why not get a chemical heat packs and put them in your gloves and shoes?  Or you could get a battery powered heated socks/gloves.
Permalink Reply by JeffB on January 21, 2011 at 9:22am
Make sure your gloves and shoes are not too tight as well.  Lack of circulation will do that.  And try not to grip the handlebars too tightly.  Let your hands rest on them if you can while riding and relax them at your sides at stops
Permalink Reply by Mark Kenseth on January 21, 2011 at 10:04am
I wear a plastic bag around each foot, between my socks and my boots when it's this cold.  Sometimes I wear the plastic on the outside of my boot to see if it makes a difference, but then the bag gets torn up by the pedals.  It's like a windbreaker.
Permalink Reply by pb on January 21, 2011 at 4:49pm

These ATV mitts are the best equipment I bought all year. Just a very thin bike glove to cover skin for signaling and whatnot and in my hands go. I've got a 45-ish minute commute, and these guys keep me toasty all the way through. Today was the first day my fingers felt the cold at all, but hey, it was below zero. Might be a bit long for straight bars and awkward for drops, but they are nigh perfect for my bullhorns. I love these things! A hell of a lot cheaper than Moose Mitts or any other bike-specific pogies.

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on January 21, 2011 at 5:24pm
I use them and love them on straight bars. Thin glove/warm hands even today.

pb said:

These ATV mitts are the best equipment I bought all year. Just a very thin bike glove to cover skin for signaling and whatnot and in my hands go. I've got a 45-ish minute commute, and these guys keep me toasty all the way through. Today was the first day my fingers felt the cold at all, but hey, it was below zero. Might be a bit long for straight bars and awkward for drops, but they are nigh perfect for my bullhorns. I love these things! A hell of a lot cheaper than Moose Mitts or any other bike-specific pogies.

Permalink Reply by S on January 21, 2011 at 6:39pm

There's also a version called bar mitts available for road bikes covers drops and brifters.

 


pb said:

These ATV mitts are the best equipment I bought all year. Just a very thin bike glove to cover skin for signaling and whatnot and in my hands go. I've got a 45-ish minute commute, and these guys keep me toasty all the way through. Today was the first day my fingers felt the cold at all, but hey, it was below zero. Might be a bit long for straight bars and awkward for drops, but they are nigh perfect for my bullhorns. I love these things! A hell of a lot cheaper than Moose Mitts or any other bike-specific pogies.

Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on January 22, 2011 at 1:40pm

Thanks folks!

 

Definitely looking at Smartwool Mountaineering socks.  Bar Mitts will work but how do you get them off the bike so they don't get damaged, snowed on, or freezing rained on when you park at your building?  Is this called a plastic bag?

Too bad my Wigwam wool socks aren't doing the trick.  Live and learn.

Permalink Reply by Laura on January 22, 2011 at 2:43pm
I have a pair of Gordini mittens that Iggi gave me because they were too small for him. They are so warm I occasionally have to take them off because my hands are burning up. Best gloves ever!
Permalink Reply by Anne B. on January 22, 2011 at 6:58pm

Hey Laura- do you know if they're these mittens? 

http://www.campmor.com/gordini-womens-aquabloc-down-gauntlet-mitten...

The mittens I have now are under-performing and I need something better! Thanks

Laura said:

I have a pair of Gordini mittens that Iggi gave me because they were too small for him. They are so warm I occasionally have to take them off because my hands are burning up. Best gloves ever!
Permalink Reply by S on January 22, 2011 at 7:05pm

The barmitts have zippers covered by velcro that let you get them on and off.  You should be able to get them on and off in about 1-2 minutes.

 

Suchandra


Matt M. said:

Thanks folks!

 

Definitely looking at Smartwool Mountaineering socks.  Bar Mitts will work but how do you get them off the bike so they don't get damaged, snowed on, or freezing rained on when you park at your building?  Is this called a plastic bag?

Too bad my Wigwam wool socks aren't doing the trick.  Live and learn.

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