I've nothing else left to try now , so I've read SPDs are the culprits? Thing is a pair of 510 daps and some plastic pedals aren't a cheap option to try and only find I still suffer ? 🙄If I try it which pedals ? DMR ? Burgtec , Race Face?
They can be part of the answer.
Warm legs (especially shins), insulated boots, warm socks, even wool insoles all help. I have Nukeproof pedals on a couple of bikes and they've been just fine.
Running tights under waterproof trousers, knee length Sealskinz and Shimano Waterproof boots a size bigger . Warm down to my ankles then feet are like blocks of ice 🥶
Running tights under waterproof trousers, knee length Sealskinz and Shimano Waterproof boots a size bigger . Warm down to my ankles then feet are like blocks of ice 🥶
SPDs are always a heat sink as its usually metal>metal>metal straight to the ball of your foot.
Burgtec are good and not that expensive (less than £40 if you shop around)
If you're moving from clips, it will take time to adjust so i'd just use any shoes/boots you have for now before you commit to some dedicated footware. (and 510s can be had for £50 with a bit of shopping about)
SPDs are always a heat sink as its usually metal>metal>metal straight to the ball of your foot.
only with the wrong shoes.
its unlikely that is the cause of the cold its likely that its because your SPD shoes are summer shoes.
Ive got shimano hiking boots , bonty oldman winters and the wife has wolvhammers that will all disagree with the statement that its SPD that is the cause.
its unlikely plastic pedals will help - its the constant airflow round your foot thats making them cold.
I too have suffered for years until I discovered these. https://www.halfords.com/camping/camping-accessories/hot-hands---foot-warmer-value-pack-116685.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=pqwrpait&istBid=t&&_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:17253532456%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:8477785597958680209%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1007319&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ4k97UtcQC_01s71bbRBRubhrtU4JIdp6sirPvWEqJnGzCAH8WIyjcaAtf6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Merino socks with these stuck on top of my toes have been great this winter. Longest ride about 4 hours and still warm down to about 4c. You can bulk buy elsewhere cheaper.
I too have suffered for years until I discovered these. https://www.halfords.com/camping/camping-accessories/hot-hands---foot-warmer-value-pack-116685.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=pqwrpait&istBid=t&&_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:17253532456%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:8477785597958680209%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1007319&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ4k97UtcQC_01s71bbRBRubhrtU4JIdp6sirPvWEqJnGzCAH8WIyjcaAtf6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Merino socks with these stuck on top of my toes have been great this winter. Longest ride about 4 hours and still warm down to about 4c. You can bulk buy elsewhere cheaper.
Posted a reply it's disappeared 😔
I too have suffered for years until I discovered these. https://www.halfords.com/camping/camping-accessories/hot-hands---foot-warmer-value-pack-116685.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=pqwrpait&istBid=t&&_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:17253532456%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:8477785597958680209%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1007319&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ4k97UtcQC_01s71bbRBRubhrtU4JIdp6sirPvWEqJnGzCAH8WIyjcaAtf6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Merino socks with these stuck on top of my toes have been great this winter. Longest ride about 4 hours and still warm down to about 4c. You can bulk buy elsewhere cheaper.
I too have suffered for years until I discovered these. https://www.halfords.com/camping/camping-accessories/hot-hands---foot-warmer-value-pack-116685.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=pqwrpait&istBid=t&&_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:17253532456%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:8477785597958680209%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1007319&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ4k97UtcQC_01s71bbRBRubhrtU4JIdp6sirPvWEqJnGzCAH8WIyjcaAtf6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Merino socks with these stuck on top of my toes have been great this winter. Longest ride about 4 hours and still warm down to about 4c. You can bulk buy elsewhere cheaper.
I use heated socks powered by re-chargeable batteries which have been a game changer for me
I too have suffered for years until I discovered these. https://www.halfords.com/camping/camping-accessories/hot-hands---foot-warmer-value-pack-116685.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=pqwrpait&istBid=t&&_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:17253532456%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:8477785597958680209%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1007319&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ4k97UtcQC_01s71bbRBRubhrtU4JIdp6sirPvWEqJnGzCAH8WIyjcaAtf6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Merino socks with these stuck on top of my toes have been great this winter. Longest ride about 4 hours and still warm down to about 4c. You can bulk buy elsewhere cheaper.
This winter I've been riding in knee length waterproof sealkins, fox defend fire trousers and winter boots.
Fine for 3h or so. Still get chilly feet if is wet and loads of puddles. Less so in the snow as the snow just falls off.
2nd pair of winter boots since 2004 this winter. A pair of these bought in the CRC death sale.
https://singletrackworld.com/2024/01/fizik-terra-nanuq-gtx-shoe-review/
I too have suffered for years until I discovered these. https://www.halfords.com/camping/camping-accessories/hot-hands---foot-warmer-value-pack-116685.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=pqwrpait&istBid=t&&_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:17253532456%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:8477785597958680209%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1007319&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ4k97UtcQC_01s71bbRBRubhrtU4JIdp6sirPvWEqJnGzCAH8WIyjcaAtf6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Merino socks with these stuck on top of my toes have been great this winter. Longest ride about 4 hours and still warm down to about 4c. You can bulk buy elsewhere cheaper.
https://singletrackworld.com/2024/01/fizik-terra-nanuq-gtx-shoe-review/
This winter I treated myself to a pair of these. My last winter SPD boots lasted best part of 20 years. They were on sale, but still spendy. The furry inside is very slow to dry, but super toasty.
These with knee length seal skins, and fox defend fire trousers and I'm good for 3h or so. Longer in snow, less in rain or slush.
I should probably put a longer ankle on the trousers as water is running down my leg into the boots.
The previous solution was boots, gaiters on top then water proof trousers on top so the water ran off the trousers, on to the gaiter then onto the outside of the boot instead of trickling into the ankle.
Waterproof socks because they have a vapour barrier in them, and insoles with a foil face.
i never knew victor kyam was into mountain biking
Anyway, my solution is keep your legs and ankles warm, it made a massive difference to me. Then take a spare pair of socks in case the first get damp. But yes, summer shoes are no good.
It's like I didn't mention I wear Shimano Waterproof Winter Boots 🙄
In a previous life I did quite a bit of thermal analysis and testing. While riding along with freezing cold feet I have often thought about how perfectly the shoe-pedal-crank-chainrings happen to act as a heat sink.
If you were to intentionally design something to conduct heat away from your feet you probably couldn't improve it much.
Mostly idle musings but if I had a bit of time and access to the right kit it would make an interesting experiment.
As others have said some shoes are insulated and some aren't, but aside from that it would be interesting to compare different insoles, types of pedals, carbon vs aluminium cranks etc.
In what world is your flesh in contact with the cleat-securing plate in your shoes to create this heatsink? When I use SPDs there was an insole and a sock between my foot and the metal at least.
The cooling effect is exactly what’s been said already - the cold, moving air. Wind chill if you will.
overcoming this has also been described:
get shoes that fit properly
get shoes that do not allow air to flow through them
consider an external extra layer - shoe covers
keep a warm core and consider windproofing and possibly insulating your lower leg
good luck. Cold feet are no fun.
IME riding winter in 2FOs even with SealSkinz under is much colder than wearing waterproof hiking boots with just woolly socks.
If you were to intentionally design something to conduct heat away from your feet you probably couldn't improve it much
Full length metal plate actually in contact with your foot and then a transfer area larger than 2*4mm screws.
Feet are like hands, not enough muscle to produce their own heat. So as said above, the main thing to do it keep your core and legs warm so the blood gets to your feet warm.
Another thing to do is size up your shoes and wear warm socks. Cramming thick socks into your normal shoes actually constricts the circulation and keeps your feet cold.
so my recommendations are bigger shoes, warmer socks, thermal tights, base layer/vest and a pair of shoes without any breezy air vents. .
Some companies also make insulated insoles and I’ve noticed a massive difference in warmth (not biking) between my thin and lightweight Vivobarefoot trainers and my thicker soled running shoes. I’ve put thicker insoles in my Vivos and itms made them much warmer over winter, so I’m guessing the same will be true for biking shoes.
I love lambswool insoles in winter, but again you might need to size up your shoe to compensate.
Raynaud's sufferer here. I went from neutral Superstar Nanos to Deity Deftraps and absolutely noticed a difference. Great pedals and good value too. Combine them with knee length Sealskinz, trousers and 510EPS highs and it definitely helps stave off the pain for a while.
Raynaud's sufferer here. I went from metal Superstar Nanos to Deity Deftraps and absolutely noticed a difference. Great pedals and good value too. Combine them with knee length Sealskinz, trousers and 510EPS highs and it definitely helps stave off the pain for a while.
I find flat pedals are better in winter, possibly as you're 'doing' more with your feet. Although whether plastic flats are better than metal I couldn't say.
The only place I get cold is my feet. In winter I swear by toe warmers. Either on top of toes or under. Will not work if your feet get wet therefore waterproof boots and neoprene gators are essential. I keep dry and warm for hours.... I can even cycle through/stand in a department puddle and feet stay warm and dry.
https://www.gripgrab.com/collections/shoe-covers/products/cyclingaiter-shoe-cover-cuffs
And something like this;
The only place I get cold is my feet. In winter I swear by toe warmers. Either on top of toes or under. Will not work if your feet get wet therefore waterproof boots and neoprene gators are essential. I keep dry and warm for hours.... I can even cycle through/stand in a department puddle and feet stay warm and dry.
https://www.gripgrab.com/collections/shoe-covers/products/cyclingaiter-shoe-cover-cuffs
And something like this;
And… at the other end… brake levers made from something other than stoopid metal. Worth getting for cold weather?
I warm my spds up in the air fryer before going biking on a cold day 🤔😉😂🔥
I warm my spds up in the air fryer before going biking on a cold day 🤔😉😂🔥
2 posts, 1 for each pedal!
2 posts, 1 for each pedal!
And… at the other end… brake levers made from something other than stoopid metal. Worth getting for cold weather?
I had hays brakes with carbon levers 20 years ago. The levers made a significant difference in winter. Unfortunately the brakes broke and I couldn't get any new internals.
For a few years I put sugeru on the front tof the brake lever blades. It lasted about 6 months. It made a small difference.
And… at the other end… brake levers made from something other than stoopid metal. Worth getting for cold weather?
I had hays brakes with carbon levers 20 years ago. The levers made a significant difference in winter. Unfortunately the brakes broke and I couldn't get any new internals.
For a few years I put sugeru on the front tof the brake lever blades. It lasted about 6 months. It made a small difference.
And… at the other end… brake levers made from something other than stoopid metal. Worth getting for cold weather?
I had hays brakes with carbon levers 20 years ago. The levers made a significant difference in winter. Unfortunately the brakes broke and I couldn't get any new internals.
For a few years I put sugeru on the front tof the brake lever blades. It lasted about 6 months. It made a small difference.
As above, warm up your legs and are your feet insulated and dry?
Roubaix tights to keep the blood warm as it flows down to your feet.
Sealskins socks as a last line of defence.
WINTER BOOTS. There's zero chance you'll ever be warm if on the outside of some thin waterproof socks are two sodden wet shoes with the wind whistling through the vented panels. Overshoes work on the road* where the rain comes from above and mudguards protect them from below, but they don't work if you put your foot down in a puddle. Doesn't matter if it's Northwave GTX Artics or some walking boot shaped thing, it just needs to be waterproof and insulated.
Plastic pedals might work better than metal ones, but it's a marginal gain when you've left the other 95% on the table.
And don't underestimate the benefit of being warm all over. Decent riding kit and a buff over your head/neck will mean the body can spare some warmth for your extremities. LS baselayer and a decent windproof / fleecy winter riding top too.
Go all in on shoes and gloves. No one on a winter ride has ever complained their hands and feet were too hot! Don't piss around thinking "well the problem with these basically trainers that I'd wear in 40C summer days will be that I'm not stood on plastic pedals".......
* Or double overshoes, I wear some basic planet-x overshoes and then some windproof/fleece lined toe covers over the top to keep even more of the cold out the worst bit.
As above, warm up your legs and are your feet insulated and dry?
Roubaix tights to keep the blood warm as it flows down to your feet.
Sealskins socks as a last line of defence.
WINTER BOOTS. There's zero chance you'll ever be warm if on the outside of some thin waterproof socks are two sodden wet shoes with the wind whistling through the vented panels. Overshoes work on the road* where the rain comes from above and mudguards protect them from below, but they don't work if you put your foot down in a puddle. Doesn't matter if it's Northwave GTX Artics or some walking boot shaped thing, it just needs to be waterproof and insulated.
Plastic pedals might work better than metal ones, but it's a marginal gain when you've left the other 95% on the table.
And don't underestimate the benefit of being warm all over. Decent riding kit and a buff over your head/neck will mean the body can spare some warmth for your extremities. LS baselayer and a decent windproof / fleecy winter riding top too.
Go all in on shoes and gloves. No one on a winter ride has ever complained their hands and feet were too hot! Don't piss around thinking "well the problem with these basically trainers that I'd wear in 40C summer days will be that I'm not stood on plastic pedals".......
* Or double overshoes, I wear some basic planet-x overshoes and then some windproof/fleece lined toe covers over the top to keep even more of the cold out the worst bit.
Are you're shoes too tight and cutting off circulation?
I drip candle wax into the hole around the cleat to seal it, but can be removed easy enough to reposition/replace cleats. Depending on your winter boots it might be worth getting some proper winter insoles if there is room, something like these https://yoursole.com/us/shop/footbeds/active-thick-met-evaa , some people put a couple of layers of fail under their insoles, never tried that myself.
I have never rated sealskinz socks, I wear ski socks, the padding on the shins traps some extra air under roubaix tights.
