Sidi Dominator 5 Mega - Brooks Proofide for bad weather protection?

[Jay]

Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.

Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
be a good idea?

http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html

TIA - Jay

[Colin Campbell]

Jay wrote:
> Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
> Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
> first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
> Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
> pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
> adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
>
> Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
> protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
> be a good idea?
>
> http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
>
> TIA - Jay
>
>
It isn't leather, it is something they call "Lorica Microfiber upper".

If there is any threat of rain or snow, I would think you'd do well to
have some of those neoprene shoe covers with you.

Don't you need those for the cold days anyway?

[A Muzi]

Jay wrote:
> Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
> Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
> first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
> Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
> pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
> adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
> Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
> protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
> be a good idea?
> http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html

Your SiDis are made of DuPont Lorica, not dead cows.

Shoe covers may be a better approach as near-freezing salt water won't
damage your shoes so much as make your feet uncomfortable.

Our snow yesterday was your freezing rain. Are your streets as sloppy
with black scum as ours today?
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

[Peter Cole]

Jay wrote:
> Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
> Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
> first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
> Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
> pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
> adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
>
> Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
> protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
> be a good idea?
>
> http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
>
> TIA - Jay
>
>

No, Sidis are synthetic and very tough. Just wear shoe covers to keep
feet dry. The best solution I've found to cover my size 52 shoes are
latex shoe covers (sold by industrial suppliers, e.g. McMaster-Carr). I
just glue some innertube strips on the inside to prevent the Sidi
hardware from snagging them & cut a hole for the cleat. I suppose other
"rubbers" (e.g. "Totes") might work as well. I never had much luck with
the neoprene booties sold for cycling -- besides being expensive, they
kept my feet neither warm nor dry. I'd rather wear thick socks and a
thin waterproof cover.

Me in full "wet suit":
http://home.comcast.net/%7Epeter_cole/ice5.jpg

(Not a child's bike, I'm a ridiculously large individual)

[Tom Sherman]

Jay Bollyn wrote:
> Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
> Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
> first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
> Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
> pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
> adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
>
> Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
> protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
> be a good idea?
>
> http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html

I have ridden in the rain many time in my SiDi Dominator II Mega shoes,
and they seem none the worse for wear. Synthetic Lorica [TM] beats dead
cow skin!

My only dislike for urban riding is the hard slippery sole. That is
cured with occasional applications of Shoe Goo [TM] to the bottom of the
lugs.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"Localized intense suction such as tornadoes is created when temperature
differences are high enough between meeting air masses, and can impart
excessive energy onto a cyclist." - Randy Schlitter

[Ozark Bicycle]

On Dec 12, 8:04 pm, Colin Campbell <cmca...@adelphia.net> wrote:
> Jay wrote:
> > Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
> > Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
> > first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
> > Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
> > pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
> > adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
>
> > Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
> > protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
> > be a good idea?
>
> >http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
>
> > TIA - Jay
>
> It isn't leather, it is something they call "Lorica Microfiber upper".

IIRC, it's 50% polyamide 'microfiber' and 50% polyurthane. A DuPont
product, FWIW. Water doesn't bother it. Lasts a long time. Good stuff.


>
> If there is any threat of rain or snow, I would think you'd do well to
> have some of those neoprene shoe covers with you.
>
> Don't you need those for the cold days anyway?

[Jay]

"Colin Campbell" <cmcampb@adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:476092d8$0$6949$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> Jay wrote:
>> Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
>> Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
>> first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous
>> Pearl Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel
>> at the pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is
>> enough size adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
>>
>> Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
>> protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide
>> would be a good idea?
>>
>> http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
>>
>> TIA - Jay
>>
>>
> It isn't leather, it is something they call "Lorica Microfiber upper".
>
> If there is any threat of rain or snow, I would think you'd do well to
> have some of those neoprene shoe covers with you.
>
> Don't you need those for the cold days anyway?
>
I am not wearing them right now, but they do seem like a good idea.

Who makes them in size 49? Could you post a link?

J.

[Mark]

Ozark Bicycle wrote:
> On Dec 12, 8:04 pm, Colin Campbell <cmca...@adelphia.net> wrote:
>> Jay wrote:
>>> Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
>>> Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
>>> first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
>>> Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
>>> pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
>>> adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
>>> Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
>>> protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
>>> be a good idea?
>>> http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
>>> TIA - Jay
>> It isn't leather, it is something they call "Lorica Microfiber upper".
>
> IIRC, it's 50% polyamide 'microfiber' and 50% polyurthane. A DuPont
> product, FWIW. Water doesn't bother it. Lasts a long time. Good stuff.

I can second that. Many, many soggy squishy rides in Oregon with my
Sidis (road model, still Lorica). They dry fairly quickly (compared to
leather), don't stretch when wet, and are like new again when dry.

Mark J.

[jbollyn@gmail.com]

On Dec 13, 12:51 am, A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
> Jay wrote:
> > Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
> > Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
> > first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
> > Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
> > pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
> > adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
> > Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
> > protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
> > be a good idea?
> >http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
>
> Your SiDis are made of DuPont Lorica, not dead cows.
>
> Shoe covers may be a better approach as near-freezing salt water won't
> damage your shoes so much as make your feet uncomfortable.
>
> Our snow yesterday was your freezing rain. Are your streets as sloppy
> with black scum as ours today?
> --
> Andrew Muziwww.yellowjersey.org
> Open every day since 1 April, 1971
>
For the recent freezing rain event in Chicago, the temperature was 32
F +/- a couple degrees. So riding was mostly unpleasant but not
dangerous. There was enough salt on the roads. I was riding in a
steady rain a couple times, so my old shoes with thin socks got
soaked. That was a character builder.

The rain has washed most of the crud down the gutters. So Chicago just
has that typical gray December look.

J.

[dustoyevsky@mac.com]

On Dec 13, 7:19 am, Peter Cole <peter_c...@comcast.net> wrote:

> Me in full "wet suit":http://home.comcast.net/%7Epeter_cole/ice5.jpg

Greetings, my Brother.

That's a picture that brings it all back, as they say.

I used mittens that looked like light boxing gloves. Separate fingers
just didn't quite get the job done. Fixed gear, didn't need "fingers"
anyhow. Waterproof knickers had not yet been invented. Ah well, I'm
not moving back anytime soon...

Noted the "safer w/o fenders" approach. Had a jam and fall or two with
fenders on, but the Bleumels front flap made a big diff for me. My
shoe coverings were much more primitive; I finally gave up on "plastic
wrap" (ahem) and used those old aqua Sidi shoe covers, velcro-on toe
clip covers, and the Bleumels' flap to help knock down that icy spray
that seemed to come off the front tire and coat my toes no matter how
cold it was.

I see you rode safely across that treacherous ice on the pavement <g>.

Breathable fabrics? No thanks here, not when it gets that cold. Better
to sweat but keep the cold air off.

BFY color, too. Good deal when the sun is away for the winter.

What kind of rear hub and gearing are we looking at, please? --D-y

[jbollyn@gmail.com]

On Dec 13, 7:19 am, Peter Cole <peter_c...@comcast.net> wrote:
> Jay wrote:
> > Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
> > Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
> > first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
> > Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
> > pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
> > adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
>
> > Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
> > protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
> > be a good idea?
>
> >http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
>
> > TIA - Jay
>
> No, Sidis are synthetic and very tough. Just wear shoe covers to keep
> feet dry. The best solution I've found to cover my size 52 shoes are
> latex shoe covers (sold by industrial suppliers, e.g. McMaster-Carr). I
> just glue some innertube strips on the inside to prevent the Sidi
> hardware from snagging them & cut a hole for the cleat. I suppose other
> "rubbers" (e.g. "Totes") might work as well. I never had much luck with
> the neoprene booties sold for cycling -- besides being expensive, they
> kept my feet neither warm nor dry. I'd rather wear thick socks and a
> thin waterproof cover.
>
> Me in full "wet suit":http://home.comcast.net/%7Epeter_cole/ice5.jpg
>
> (Not a child's bike, I'm a ridiculously large individual)- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
>
I see you don't have fenders on your winter bike. It seems like most
regulars here think winter fenders are a good idea. I have fenders for
my folder, I just have never used them. I might try just the front
fender, to see how effectively it keeps the spray off my new shoes. My
gaiters cover the rear half of the shoe. I am just looking at ways to
keep the toes dry.

J.

[Scott Gordo]

On Dec 13, 8:19 am, Peter Cole <peter_c...@comcast.net> wrote:
> Jay wrote:
> > Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
> > Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
> > first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
> > Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
> > pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
> > adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
>
> > Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
> > protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
> > be a good idea?
>
> >http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
>
> > TIA - Jay
>
> No, Sidis are synthetic and very tough. Just wear shoe covers to keep
> feet dry. The best solution I've found to cover my size 52 shoes are
> latex shoe covers (sold by industrial suppliers, e.g. McMaster-Carr). I
> just glue some innertube strips on the inside to prevent the Sidi
> hardware from snagging them & cut a hole for the cleat. I suppose other
> "rubbers" (e.g. "Totes") might work as well. I never had much luck with
> the neoprene booties sold for cycling -- besides being expensive, they
> kept my feet neither warm nor dry. I'd rather wear thick socks and a
> thin waterproof cover.
>
> Me in full "wet suit":http://home.comcast.net/%7Epeter_cole/ice5.jpg
>
> (Not a child's bike, I'm a ridiculously large individual)- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

At what point in your life as a 'cyclist' does one look at your setup,
from single geared bike to yellow vinyl clothing, and say, "This guy
knows what's up!"

Where'd you get the duds? Is the seat reinforced?

Also: the Sidi pleather _is_ great stuff. During the winter I used to
cover my shoes with duct tape. I know, I'm a lazy bastard. Worked
pretty well for me though. I second the neoprene thoughts as well. My
huge, heavy, hernia-inducing-to-pull-on Pearl Izumis might have put
off the inevitable for a bit, but ultimately if your feet aren't
moving the just aren't generating much heat to insulate. I have a pair
of those little toecovers, though, and I'm thinking of picking up some
microwaveable warming packs to fit between the top of my shoe and the
toecover. Won't keep you dry, but warm is close enough.

/s

[Peter Cole]

dustoyevsky@mac.com wrote:
> On Dec 13, 7:19 am, Peter Cole <peter_c...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> Me in full "wet suit":http://home.comcast.net/%7Epeter_cole/ice5.jpg
>
> Greetings, my Brother.
>
> That's a picture that brings it all back, as they say.
>
> I used mittens that looked like light boxing gloves. Separate fingers
> just didn't quite get the job done. Fixed gear, didn't need "fingers"
> anyhow. Waterproof knickers had not yet been invented. Ah well, I'm
> not moving back anytime soon...

I've tried full neoprene gloves, but found they work in only a narrow
temperature band (but great there). In very cold weather I wear mitt
shells over gloves. My road bikes are either fixed gear (shown) or bar
end shifted, both allow mitts.

My "knickers" are just normal (coated plastic) rain pants, which fall to
knicker length because of my height. I have cut down other rain pants to
make "rain shorts".

> Noted the "safer w/o fenders" approach. Had a jam and fall or two with
> fenders on, but the Bleumels front flap made a big diff for me. My
> shoe coverings were much more primitive; I finally gave up on "plastic
> wrap" (ahem) and used those old aqua Sidi shoe covers, velcro-on toe
> clip covers, and the Bleumels' flap to help knock down that icy spray
> that seemed to come off the front tire and coat my toes no matter how
> cold it was.

That bike is a fixed gear, which (you can't see), is equipped with 35mm
studded tires. It's my "snow bike". It has a rear "stick out" fender, in
that picture mounted to the seatpost, I've since lowered it to just over
the wheel and extended the length. I have a couple of other bikes with
full fenders and flaps, which I ride in rain/slush. I'm wary of fender jams.


> I see you rode safely across that treacherous ice on the pavement <g>.

Studs don't help much with snow (except frozen ruts), but are great on
ice. I have MTB & road sizes, I just leave them on a couple of beater
bikes for the winter.

> Breathable fabrics? No thanks here, not when it gets that cold. Better
> to sweat but keep the cold air off.
>
> BFY color, too. Good deal when the sun is away for the winter.
>
> What kind of rear hub and gearing are we looking at, please? --D-y

Cheap flip/flop (fixed/free), Sovos, I think. 42/15 gearing if I
remember right.

[dustoyevsky@mac.com]

On Dec 13, 7:57 am, "jbol...@gmail.com" <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I see you don't have fenders on your winter bike. It seems like most
> regulars here think winter fenders are a good idea. I have fenders for
> my folder, I just have never used them. I might try just the front
> fender, to see how effectively it keeps the spray off my new shoes. My
> gaiters cover the rear half of the shoe. I am just looking at ways to
> keep the toes dry.

The fender (IME) needs a flap that hangs down low and wide. Won't keep
all the spray off, but the more the better.

Better than having little piles of snow gather on the front end of the
shoes. --D-y

[Peter Cole]

jbollyn@gmail.com wrote:
> On Dec 13, 7:19 am, Peter Cole <peter_c...@comcast.net> wrote:
>> Jay wrote:
>>> Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
>>> Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
>>> first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
>>> Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
>>> pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
>>> adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
>>> Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
>>> protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
>>> be a good idea?
>>> http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
>>> TIA - Jay
>> No, Sidis are synthetic and very tough. Just wear shoe covers to keep
>> feet dry. The best solution I've found to cover my size 52 shoes are
>> latex shoe covers (sold by industrial suppliers, e.g. McMaster-Carr). I
>> just glue some innertube strips on the inside to prevent the Sidi
>> hardware from snagging them & cut a hole for the cleat. I suppose other
>> "rubbers" (e.g. "Totes") might work as well. I never had much luck with
>> the neoprene booties sold for cycling -- besides being expensive, they
>> kept my feet neither warm nor dry. I'd rather wear thick socks and a
>> thin waterproof cover.
>>
>> Me in full "wet suit":http://home.comcast.net/%7Epeter_cole/ice5.jpg
>>
>> (Not a child's bike, I'm a ridiculously large individual)- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>>
> I see you don't have fenders on your winter bike. It seems like most
> regulars here think winter fenders are a good idea. I have fenders for
> my folder, I just have never used them. I might try just the front
> fender, to see how effectively it keeps the spray off my new shoes. My
> gaiters cover the rear half of the shoe. I am just looking at ways to
> keep the toes dry.

That bike has a stubby rear fender (better than nothing). I'm a real fan
of fenders and flaps, my rain bikes have them. I normally don't ride
that fixed gear in slush as shown in the picture, I don't remember why I
did on that particular day. Fenders can be a problem in heavy snow, so I
leave them off that one bike deliberately. Fenders are particularly nice
on warmer days after snow storms when there are typically lots of briny
puddles.

[Peter Cole]

Scott Gordo wrote:
> On Dec 13, 8:19 am, Peter Cole <peter_c...@comcast.net> wrote:
>> Jay wrote:
>>> Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
>>> Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
>>> first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
>>> Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
>>> pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
>>> adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
>>> Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
>>> protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
>>> be a good idea?
>>> http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
>>> TIA - Jay
>> No, Sidis are synthetic and very tough. Just wear shoe covers to keep
>> feet dry. The best solution I've found to cover my size 52 shoes are
>> latex shoe covers (sold by industrial suppliers, e.g. McMaster-Carr). I
>> just glue some innertube strips on the inside to prevent the Sidi
>> hardware from snagging them & cut a hole for the cleat. I suppose other
>> "rubbers" (e.g. "Totes") might work as well. I never had much luck with
>> the neoprene booties sold for cycling -- besides being expensive, they
>> kept my feet neither warm nor dry. I'd rather wear thick socks and a
>> thin waterproof cover.
>>
>> Me in full "wet suit":http://home.comcast.net/%7Epeter_cole/ice5.jpg
>>
>> (Not a child's bike, I'm a ridiculously large individual)- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> At what point in your life as a 'cyclist' does one look at your setup,
> from single geared bike to yellow vinyl clothing, and say, "This guy
> knows what's up!"

I've experimented with a lot of things over the years, I enjoy the
challenge of trying to beat the New England winters.


> Where'd you get the duds?

The rain jacket (DWR Ultrex) was custom made by Gekko Gear (now Col'd
Lizard) -- 40" sleeves, etc. Much of my other clothing was too, bib
tights from Young Originals (great place). The knickers (coated fabric)
are just normal size rain pants, knickers for me. The latex over boots
are industrial supply (~$5/pr). I am a long time sewer and like to hack
clothes or make things from scratch with unusual materials.


Is the seat reinforced?

No, it's a cheap, shiny plastic surfaced Selle Italia that I got in a
bargain bin for <$10, perfect for foul weather.


> Also: the Sidi pleather _is_ great stuff. During the winter I used to
> cover my shoes with duct tape. I know, I'm a lazy bastard. Worked
> pretty well for me though. I second the neoprene thoughts as well. My
> huge, heavy, hernia-inducing-to-pull-on Pearl Izumis might have put
> off the inevitable for a bit, but ultimately if your feet aren't
> moving the just aren't generating much heat to insulate. I have a pair
> of those little toecovers, though, and I'm thinking of picking up some
> microwaveable warming packs to fit between the top of my shoe and the
> toecover. Won't keep you dry, but warm is close enough.


I use the duct tape approach for shoes with mesh on the toes. My current
Sidis (one mega for winter, one regular for summer) are both MTB models
with no mesh.

Feet are without doubt the hardest problem to solve in cold/wet weather.
I did come up with a solution for severe cold, I made some heavy fleece
toe covers with some 4-way stretch fleece over boots with vinyl soles
(think slipper socks). Those, combined with two pairs of socks (thin
inner, thick outer), allowed me to ride 2 hours at temps around 0F
without cold feet. I have had at least 3 pairs of neoprene booties and
never found them to be much help, plus they're a real PITA to get on &
off and invariably tear or break zippers. Perhaps mine were too small,
but my experience with neoprene gloves was similar (not real warm).

A lot of guys around here buy the air activated foot warmers in bulk.
One guy had the electrically heated insoles and said they worked great
(I think PI has a new one, too). Being a gadget freak, I'd go for it,
but I'm a cheap gadget freak.

[Jay]

<dustoyevsky@mac.com> wrote in message
news:c12de392-d4b6-4756-80e2-4f2b0e6bbd59@a35g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> On Dec 13, 7:57 am, "jbol...@gmail.com" <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I see you don't have fenders on your winter bike. It seems like most
>> regulars here think winter fenders are a good idea. I have fenders for
>> my folder, I just have never used them. I might try just the front
>> fender, to see how effectively it keeps the spray off my new shoes. My
>> gaiters cover the rear half of the shoe. I am just looking at ways to
>> keep the toes dry.
>
> The fender (IME) needs a flap that hangs down low and wide. Won't keep
> all the spray off, but the more the better.
>
> Better than having little piles of snow gather on the front end of the
> shoes. --D-y
>
>
I think you are right about the fender flap. That would probably be the best
way to keep front wheel spray off my feet. I just don't like fenders - it is
a neurotic thing with me, not rational.

So I just bought 'Louis Garneau Toe Covers' online. It looks like they will
(hopefully) keep my toes dry, while still allowing me to walk without
removing them. My gaiters protect the area from my knees down, including the
back half of the shoe.

http://www.amazon.com/Louis-Garneau-Toe-Cover/dp/B0009YTFJE

I am a little surprised that no one has mentioned Sidi Toasters yet
http://www.sidiusa.com/toaster.html . I am both a gadget guy and a computer
guy, but $300 is a little more than I want to throw at the
cold-feet-in-winter problem.

J.

[Peter Cole]

Jay wrote:
> <dustoyevsky@mac.com> wrote in message
> news:c12de392-d4b6-4756-80e2-4f2b0e6bbd59@a35g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
>> On Dec 13, 7:57 am, "jbol...@gmail.com" <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I see you don't have fenders on your winter bike. It seems like most
>>> regulars here think winter fenders are a good idea. I have fenders for
>>> my folder, I just have never used them. I might try just the front
>>> fender, to see how effectively it keeps the spray off my new shoes. My
>>> gaiters cover the rear half of the shoe. I am just looking at ways to
>>> keep the toes dry.
>> The fender (IME) needs a flap that hangs down low and wide. Won't keep
>> all the spray off, but the more the better.
>>
>> Better than having little piles of snow gather on the front end of the
>> shoes. --D-y
>>
>>
> I think you are right about the fender flap. That would probably be the best
> way to keep front wheel spray off my feet. I just don't like fenders - it is
> a neurotic thing with me, not rational.

Fenders & flaps really shine in a few situations. I think they're most
useful when the roads are wet and the temperatures are low, particularly
when there's a lot of sand on the roads -- typical around here when the
snows are melting and creating a lot of run off and standing water.
Without fenders you (and your bike) not only get wet, but filthy. In
heavy rain, fenders make less of a difference, but there's still a big
advantage in dealing with falling drops from above versus a steady
torrent being kicked up by your wheels. Over the past few years, I've
noticed more and more of the local club riders becoming converts. Year
'round riding in a location like New England requires some adaptations
to make it tolerable. A lot of people just stop riding when things get
nasty, but I think that's a shame.


>
> So I just bought 'Louis Garneau Toe Covers' online. It looks like they will
> (hopefully) keep my toes dry, while still allowing me to walk without
> removing them. My gaiters protect the area from my knees down, including the
> back half of the shoe.
>
> http://www.amazon.com/Louis-Garneau-Toe-Cover/dp/B0009YTFJE
>
> I am a little surprised that no one has mentioned Sidi Toasters yet
> http://www.sidiusa.com/toaster.html . I am both a gadget guy and a computer
> guy, but $300 is a little more than I want to throw at the
> cold-feet-in-winter problem.

I think that's the common reaction. I've found that a couple of pairs of
good socks combined with over-sized shoes and insulating insoles works
OK for most of the winter.

[Peter Cole]

Tom Sherman wrote:
> Jay Bollyn wrote:
>> Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi
>> Dom5 Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal
>> for the first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my
>> previous Pearl Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference
>> in the feel at the pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And
>> there is enough size adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
>>
>> Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like
>> to protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks
>> Proofide would be a good idea?
>>
>> http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
>
> I have ridden in the rain many time in my SiDi Dominator II Mega shoes,
> and they seem none the worse for wear. Synthetic Lorica [TM] beats dead
> cow skin!
>
> My only dislike for urban riding is the hard slippery sole. That is
> cured with occasional applications of Shoe Goo [TM] to the bottom of the
> lugs.
>

Yes, they switched from a rubberier sole to the current slippery one. I
wish they hadn't. Still, I know guys with truly ancient Sidi shoes that
are still going strong. Expensive, but worth it.

[dustoyevsky@mac.com]

On Dec 14, 6:54 am, Peter Cole <peter_c...@comcast.net> wrote:
> jbol...@gmail.com wrote:
> > On Dec 13, 7:19 am, Peter Cole <peter_c...@comcast.net> wrote:
> >> Jay wrote:
> >>> Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
> >>> Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
> >>> first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
> >>> Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
> >>> pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
> >>> adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
> >>> Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
> >>> protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
> >>> be a good idea?
> >>>http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
> >>> TIA - Jay
> >> No, Sidis are synthetic and very tough. Just wear shoe covers to keep
> >> feet dry. The best solution I've found to cover my size 52 shoes are
> >> latex shoe covers (sold by industrial suppliers, e.g. McMaster-Carr). I
> >> just glue some innertube strips on the inside to prevent the Sidi
> >> hardware from snagging them & cut a hole for the cleat. I suppose other
> >> "rubbers" (e.g. "Totes") might work as well. I never had much luck with
> >> the neoprene booties sold for cycling -- besides being expensive, they
> >> kept my feet neither warm nor dry. I'd rather wear thick socks and a
> >> thin waterproof cover.
>
> >> Me in full "wet suit":http://home.comcast.net/%7Epeter_cole/ice5.jpg
>
> >> (Not a child's bike, I'm a ridiculously large individual)- Hide quoted text -
>
> >> - Show quoted text -
>
> > I see you don't have fenders on your winter bike. It seems like most
> > regulars here think winter fenders are a good idea. I have fenders for
> > my folder, I just have never used them. I might try just the front
> > fender, to see how effectively it keeps the spray off my new shoes. My
> > gaiters cover the rear half of the shoe. I am just looking at ways to
> > keep the toes dry.
>
> That bike has a stubby rear fender (better than nothing). I'm a real fan
> of fenders and flaps, my rain bikes have them. I normally don't ride
> that fixed gear in slush as shown in the picture, I don't remember why I
> did on that particular day. Fenders can be a problem in heavy snow, so I
> leave them off that one bike deliberately. Fenders are particularly nice
> on warmer days after snow storms when there are typically lots of briny
> puddles.

I remember having to fiddle with the distance the fenders sat from the
tires in order to get coverage without "packing". A good deal of the
time (winter riding on snowpack, county blacktop two-lane "section
roads", one per mile, in the USA Midwest), the only part of the
fenders that was needed was that front flap. Great sport, that.
Intersections were polished ice from MV traffic stopping (sliding) and
starting (spinning); extreme caution called for. Otherwise, only the
occasional, well-padded fall from invisible surface irregularities
(incl. riding after dark <g>). People thought I was crazy but there
were no hills to ski on.

Briny puddles, indeed! With who-knows-what in the bottoms. --D-y

[Michael Press]

In article
<J4mdnfRQzooRH__anZ2dnUVZ_tuonZ2d@comcast.com>,
Peter Cole <peter_cole@comcast.net> wrote:

> Scott Gordo wrote:
> > On Dec 13, 8:19 am, Peter Cole <peter_c...@comcast.net> wrote:
> >> Jay wrote:
> >>> Thanks to everyone who pointed bigfoot/widefoot riders toward Sidi Dom5
> >>> Mega! I picked these shoes up today. When I pressed on the pedal for the
> >>> first time, it was obvious these shoes are far superior to my previous Pearl
> >>> Izumi Vagabond M4. I was not expecting a big difference in the feel at the
> >>> pedal. In fact, the feel is like night and day. And there is enough size
> >>> adjustment, to allow for thick socks in the winter.
> >>> Since I commute in all conditions, year round in Chicago, I would like to
> >>> protect this beautiful leather. I wonder if my extra Brooks Proofide would
> >>> be a good idea?
> >>> http://www.branfordbike.com/saddles/saddle8.html
> >>> TIA - Jay
> >> No, Sidis are synthetic and very tough. Just wear shoe covers to keep
> >> feet dry. The best solution I've found to cover my size 52 shoes are
> >> latex shoe covers (sold by industrial suppliers, e.g. McMaster-Carr). I
> >> just glue some innertube strips on the inside to prevent the Sidi
> >> hardware from snagging them & cut a hole for the cleat. I suppose other
> >> "rubbers" (e.g. "Totes") might work as well. I never had much luck with
> >> the neoprene booties sold for cycling -- besides being expensive, they
> >> kept my feet neither warm nor dry. I'd rather wear thick socks and a
> >> thin waterproof cover.
> >>
> >> Me in full "wet suit":http://home.comcast.net/%7Epeter_cole/ice5.jpg
> >>
> >> (Not a child's bike, I'm a ridiculously large individual)- Hide quoted text -
> >>
> >> - Show quoted text -
> >
> > At what point in your life as a 'cyclist' does one look at your setup,
> > from single geared bike to yellow vinyl clothing, and say, "This guy
> > knows what's up!"
>
> I've experimented with a lot of things over the years, I enjoy the
> challenge of trying to beat the New England winters.
>
>
> > Where'd you get the duds?
>
> The rain jacket (DWR Ultrex) was custom made by Gekko Gear (now Col'd
> Lizard) -- 40" sleeves, etc. Much of my other clothing was too, bib
> tights from Young Originals (great place). The knickers (coated fabric)
> are just normal size rain pants, knickers for me. The latex over boots
> are industrial supply (~$5/pr). I am a long time sewer and like to hack
> clothes or make things from scratch with unusual materials.
>
>
> Is the seat reinforced?
>
> No, it's a cheap, shiny plastic surfaced Selle Italia that I got in a
> bargain bin for <$10, perfect for foul weather.
>
>
> > Also: the Sidi pleather _is_ great stuff. During the winter I used to
> > cover my shoes with duct tape. I know, I'm a lazy bastard. Worked
> > pretty well for me though. I second the neoprene thoughts as well. My
> > huge, heavy, hernia-inducing-to-pull-on Pearl Izumis might have put
> > off the inevitable for a bit, but ultimately if your feet aren't
> > moving the just aren't generating much heat to insulate. I have a pair
> > of those little toecovers, though, and I'm thinking of picking up some
> > microwaveable warming packs to fit between the top of my shoe and the
> > toecover. Won't keep you dry, but warm is close enough.
>
>
> I use the duct tape approach for shoes with mesh on the toes. My current
> Sidis (one mega for winter, one regular for summer) are both MTB models
> with no mesh.
>
> Feet are without doubt the hardest problem to solve in cold/wet weather.
> I did come up with a solution for severe cold, I made some heavy fleece
> toe covers with some 4-way stretch fleece over boots with vinyl soles
> (think slipper socks). Those, combined with two pairs of socks (thin
> inner, thick outer), allowed me to ride 2 hours at temps around 0F
> without cold feet. I have had at least 3 pairs of neoprene booties and
> never found them to be much help, plus they're a real PITA to get on &
> off and invariably tear or break zippers. Perhaps mine were too small,
> but my experience with neoprene gloves was similar (not real warm).
>
> A lot of guys around here buy the air activated foot warmers in bulk.
> One guy had the electrically heated insoles and said they worked great
> (I think PI has a new one, too). Being a gadget freak, I'd go for it,
> but I'm a cheap gadget freak.

I do not ride in cold weather now.
I grew up in and rode in Michigan;
and rode in Massachusetts.
I never paid attention to feet and hands.
They got cold, then warmed up again inside.
It is the east European peasant in me.

--
Michael Press

[Jay]

"Peter Cole" <peter_cole@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:tIGdncPVvpO6Gv_anZ2dnUVZ_rSrnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> Jay wrote:
>> <dustoyevsky@mac.com> wrote in message
>> news:c12de392-d4b6-4756-80e2-4f2b0e6bbd59@a35g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
>>> On Dec 13, 7:57 am, "jbol...@gmail.com" <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I see you don't have fenders on your winter bike. It seems like most
>>>> regulars here think winter fenders are a good idea. I have fenders for
>>>> my folder, I just have never used them. I might try just the front
>>>> fender, to see how effectively it keeps the spray off my new shoes. My
>>>> gaiters cover the rear half of the shoe. I am just looking at ways to
>>>> keep the toes dry.
>>> The fender (IME) needs a flap that hangs down low and wide. Won't keep
>>> all the spray off, but the more the better.
>>>
>>> Better than having little piles of snow gather on the front end of the
>>> shoes. --D-y
>>>
>>>
>> I think you are right about the fender flap. That would probably be the
>> best way to keep front wheel spray off my feet. I just don't like
>> fenders - it is a neurotic thing with me, not rational.
>
> Fenders & flaps really shine in a few situations. I think they're most
> useful when the roads are wet and the temperatures are low, particularly
> when there's a lot of sand on the roads -- typical around here when the
> snows are melting and creating a lot of run off and standing water.
> Without fenders you (and your bike) not only get wet, but filthy. In heavy
> rain, fenders make less of a difference, but there's still a big advantage
> in dealing with falling drops from above versus a steady torrent being
> kicked up by your wheels. Over the past few years, I've noticed more and
> more of the local club riders becoming converts. Year 'round riding in a
> location like New England requires some adaptations to make it tolerable.
> A lot of people just stop riding when things get nasty, but I think that's
> a shame.
>
>
>>
>> So I just bought 'Louis Garneau Toe Covers' online. It looks like they
>> will (hopefully) keep my toes dry, while still allowing me to walk
>> without removing them. My gaiters protect the area from my knees down,
>> including the back half of the shoe.
>>
>> http://www.amazon.com/Louis-Garneau-Toe-Cover/dp/B0009YTFJE
>>
>> I am a little surprised that no one has mentioned Sidi Toasters yet
>> http://www.sidiusa.com/toaster.html . I am both a gadget guy and a
>> computer guy, but $300 is a little more than I want to throw at the
>> cold-feet-in-winter problem.
>
> I think that's the common reaction. I've found that a couple of pairs of
> good socks combined with over-sized shoes and insulating insoles works OK
> for most of the winter.
>
You probably know LLBean has many things in tall sizes. My current LLBean
GTX rain pants are great. I think this is the link http://tinyurl.com/2laxyb

I bought mine a few months ago. At that time, you actually had to specify
the exact inseam length! Just like if you were buying dress slacks or a
suit. For LLBean rain gear, always look for 'extreme conditions', those
exact words. Anything less is for casual use, and you will get wet.

I have kept LLBean on my preferred list, mostly because they have not
forgotten tall customers. Never had a problem with them, and I am talking
decades.

J.

[Peter Cole]

Michael Press wrote:

> I do not ride in cold weather now.
> I grew up in and rode in Michigan;
> and rode in Massachusetts.
> I never paid attention to feet and hands.
> They got cold, then warmed up again inside.
> It is the east European peasant in me.
>

A couple of thoughts: mittens are much warmer than gloves, and clipless
shoes seem to make your feet much colder than even sneakers.