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    • CommentAuthorqwerty
    • CommentTimeApr 6th 2007 edited
     
    Does any one have any tips for couriering or just cycling in winter without wanting to kill yourself?
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      CommentAuthorEye Man
    • CommentTimeApr 8th 2007 edited
     
    Yes - don't do it.
    • CommentAuthornomoreknees
    • CommentTimeApr 9th 2007 edited
     
    well you've got the rest of spring and all of summer and autumn to prepare!!!
    • CommentAuthorifbm
    • CommentTimeApr 10th 2007 edited
     
    .....squeeze your toes with every turn of the pedals (this will stop them falling off), wear loads of thin light layers or proper waterproofs, check out where all the hot air vents are for standing by (germy but warm)....errr can't think of anything else...grin and bear it, as after a while you get used to it (mostly).
  1.  
    Get a pair of neoprene over booties, We wear them in Toronto, and lemmie tell ya they are frickin life savers as frost bite can happen in a heart beat at minus 25. We get them from a company called Mountain Equipment Co-op.
    They have rubber soles and neoprene tops that come above the ankle. You cut a hole for the spud cleat and you are off. They wont keep you feet dry but they will keep them warm. You could order them on line but I'll bet there is an equivilant in Old Blighty. Oh yeah do not wear cotton it holds water like a ...well...wet t-shirt. As sugested above layers are the way forward and wear polypro and wicking fibers or fleese.
    Failing that drink coffee
    •  
      CommentAuthorEye Man
    • CommentTimeApr 14th 2007 edited
     
    [quote="GlobalMessenger"]
    They have rubber soles and neoprene tops that come above the ankle. You cut a hole for the spud cleat and you are off. They wont keep you feet dry but they will keep them warm. You could order them on line but I'll bet there is an equivilant in Old Blighty.[/quote]You can get waterproof ones over here with the SPD cleat hole already cut out. Try the Altura (or is it Endura?) ones from wiggle dot co dot uk

    I agree, they are f*cking ace, and they keep your feet ever so warm and dry.

    Waterproof, thermal gloves are a must too, if your hands are anything like mine. My hands stiffen up and hurt like hell when exposed to the slightest cold weather.

    Don't get the Altura waterproofs though. They actually hold water on the outside. Once they're wet, they can't keep your hands warm (obviously).
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      CommentAuthorEye Man
    • CommentTimeApr 14th 2007 edited
     
    I forgot to say, if no-one has mentioned this already...

    [size=24]KEEP YOUR KNEES WARM[/size]

    also, a bandanna / scarf over your face will help warm the air up before it reaches your lungs...
  2.  
    Fenders (as they are called here) or Mud guards are dorky and uncool but I F'n love em a dry crack is priceless. They dont help your feet much. But 'hey' at least you wont be stewing in your own juices.
    The "keep your Knees warm info" is also golden. Nothing hurts like buggered Knees.
    Coffee is a double edged sword too (albeit my advise) Keep hydrated AKA drink water it wards off frost bite...coffee is a diuretic, it dehydrates. But mmmmm it tastes good and its warm soooo warm.
    But winter is almost over now, did you make it?
    If you just wanna cry cos your fingers hurt find a bog with Hot air hand dryers and hit the big silver button of joy.
    •  
      CommentAuthorwinston
    • CommentTimeApr 16th 2007 edited
     
    I don't like neoprene boots, they make my feet sort of damp and muggy....my advice would be: get shoes that are a loose fit and wear them loose, tight shoes constrict bloodflow....and don't get those mountain bike shoes that seem to me made up mostly of breathable mesh, this will let cold and water in.....spay your shoes with waterproofer, wear two pairs of socks and if it's raining wear a plastic carrier bag (some have small holes in the base, so not one of those) between the socks.

    Cycling specific clothes are ridiculously expensive, I found a pair of cross country skiing gloves which were perfect, not too puffy so still good control (could use a pen wearing them) very warm, windproof / waterproof membrane....came high up the arm, so no annoying gap between the end of jersey and beginning of glove...they were 7 quid.
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      CommentAuthorBuffalo Bill
    • CommentTimeApr 16th 2007 edited
     
    Global, I love the way your posts feature the word 'frost-bite' in them! 8)

    But if the fella is riding here, there is little chance of frost-bite.

    Thank Mercury.
  3.  
    i reccomend doing what bill does. sit in a nice warm office and not go out training 'till its at least +15, eh bill.
  4.  
    15? You must be joking. It has to be at least 20 AND sunny. And a tailwind both ways.