Gloves and Shoe Covers

[Kerry]

Now that I am using the bike daily regardless of weather I realise there are certain things needed besides the bike: waterproof gloves and some sort of protection for my shoes. I have been looking at gloves but can't believe how expensive they are. Can anyone recommend any reasonably priced ones and where online I can buy them from?

Also do they make such a thing as shoe protection to stop your feet getting soaked?

Thanks
Kerry

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Aldi had some nice spats for your feet. I think they came with their motorcycle clothing sale, but they're still in my local one.

 

[mfj197]

Overshoes are available at most bike shops or online. I used to have a pair many years ago, and having got soaked a couple of times in the last week I may well go back to using them!

Michael

 

[neptune]

Spats were still in the cycling section at Aldi the other day. Also,waterproof winter cycling gloves in two different styles at £5 a pair. Failing that, shop around. Ski gloves are effective and often cheap on ebay.If you commute, consider having different shoes for riding, and change at work. If you are short of money, and not fashion conscious, protect your shoes on wet days with two plastic carrier bags and some large rubber bands.

Note that cycling specific gear is often expensive compared to general stuff. If money is a problem, buy general stuff. If you don`t pedal a lot, it is feasible to ride in wellingtons on wet days.

 

[Kerry]

Thanks everyone for your input. I resorted to the wellie option this morning as it was chucking down. I shall try to get to an Aldie store to see if they have any left.

Someone today told me that sports direct have a good selection of waterproof gloves in for around £6 so I will take a look there as well.

 

[KirstinS]

I can vouch for the aldi winter lobster gloves. I got a full on 30 minute drenching today. First time in months. My jacket needs reproofing but the gloves were ace. 6.99 or 7.99 can't recall

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I got some really nice gloves in Aldi today ready for the winter. They're like a mitten split in two. They were called Waterproof Cycling Lobster Gloves or something - nice and cheap too

Key features:

• Waterproof
• Breathable
• Reflective strips
• Silicone bits for grip
• Reinforced palm

JUst what the doctor ordered.

 

[Kerry]

Thanks for the extra info. Shall try to get to an Aldi store.

 

[NZgeek]

I had the problem with my shoes filling up with water too (like RIGHT to the top!) - I just wear sports sandals now - you know, like an athletic shoe, but with lots of holes and a moulded foam base - no water traps... but maybe not good for cold weather... though you can wear socks in them.

 

[Kerry]

I had the problem with my shoes filling up with water too (like RIGHT to the top!) - I just wear sports sandals now - you know, like an athletic shoe, but with lots of holes and a moulded foam base - no water traps... but maybe not good for cold weather... though you can wear socks in them.

Oh my God! That one would never work for me. I am one of those people that goes to bed all summer with a hot water bottle because my feet are so cold!

 

[neptune]

If you ride in all weathers, Kerry, think about getting some lightweight waterproof nylon overtrousers.[Ebay,£10 or less}, For the top half, get a waterproof jacket, or as an alternative, Wilco do a 100% waterproof cycle cape ar around £10. This fits over the handlebar, and keeps rain off the arms and thighs. Not so useful in very windy weather though.

I was out on my pushbike this morning. Ten miles in heavy rain. Had all my gear on, including the Aldi spats. The daft thing is that I really enjoyed it!

 

[Kerry]

If you ride in all weathers, Kerry, think about getting some lightweight waterproof nylon overtrousers.[Ebay,£10 or less}, For the top half, get a waterproof jacket, or as an alternative, Wilco do a 100% waterproof cycle cape ar around £10. This fits over the handlebar, and keeps rain off the arms and thighs. Not so useful in very windy weather though.

I was out on my pushbike this morning. Ten miles in heavy rain. Had all my gear on, including the Aldi spats. The daft thing is that I really enjoyed it!

Thanks for your input. I already have waterproof trousers and top as I walk a lot in all weathers. Handy to know that replacements can be had for a tenner on ebay. I had wondered about a cycle cape and whether they did them. I will take a look at those. You mention that they aren't so useful in windy weather and unfortunately for most of the time it is quite windy where I cycle as it is on the hills. To be honest aside from the cold fingers I am enjoying cycling regardless of weather.

 

[EddiePJ]

Sealskinz socks are pretty good for normal road use and also do a good job of keeping your feet warm, but for my off road use they fail miserably. The water just runs down your legs, then inside of the socks, and can't escape. It feels horrible when this happens.

 

[Gubbins]

Has anyone tried electric heated socks? I suffer with cold feet so Google frantically last year but couldn't find any with good reviews.