Keeping the wind off your feet

[Deleted member 4366]

alan, You need something a bit more stream-lined and stylish. You should have a look at dome umbrellas. I just had a troll through Ebay and found these. You could bungee or cable-tie one on and it would give your lower legs full protection. You want a small diameter one like this which is 64cm - most are bigger at about 80cm or more. Also, go for a more pointy one if you can find one.
Very stylish: eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace
Cheap - not sure diameter: DOME UMBRELLA IN PINK GREAT VALUE NEW LADIES UMBRELLA PINK | eBay
See through: FULTON Funbrella, clear/black. kids/teenagers umbrella | eBay
Patriotic: Girls Childs Kids Childrens Fulton Umbrella - funbrella 4 Union Jack C605 | eBay

 

[yselmike]

Toe Tips Socks Black - Inlineskateshop.nl

 

[kitchenman]

Have you thought of using a foil emergecy blanket (or a part thereof) to line socks or boots? Looks like you can get them quite cheaply on Amazon, and there is a reason they are used in treating hypothermia.

Thanks Sarah. I like your "outside of the egg box" thinking.

 

[kitchenman]

They have gone ice skating mad here and i noticed one of the profs dropped back to put some sort of cover over his toes
looked like stretch neoprene maybe,just got my first pair of sealskinz socks today combine with a merino wool liner
that better work at 50 euro a pop.

Did they look a bit like this:


These worked really well last year. This year I'm trying to solve the problem using a fairing which I'm enjoying. I think my next attempt will be neoprene again (cause I have lots in the attic). But this time stretched to cover a bigger area and aerodynamic. A bit like a big toe warmer.

 

[yselmike]

no they looked like a mitten that stretched over the front of the foot.

 

[kitchenman]

Of course what I'd really like is this:

 

[flecc]

Of course what I'd really like is this:

Have a number?

 

[kitchenman]

Have a number?

you mean this one:


I took this photo yesterday but wasn't very pleased with my "6" ..

 

[flecc]

That's the one! That unmistakeble image you posted will forever have that value!

 

[kitchenman]

alan, You need something a bit more stream-lined and stylish...

Still on the hunt for a dome umbrella but meanwhile I have a better 6 now and angled my fairing to give it that aerodynamic look:

 

[flecc]

That's much better! Even number 2 would approve.

 

[kitchenman]

And then of course there was "the avengers". I wonder if you can get cycle helmets in the style of a bowler hat?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

That should go pretty well with the wind behind you.
Are you now going to extend the rods back to the seat to make a full stream-line fairing?

 

[kitchenman]

That should go pretty well with the wind behind you.
Are you now going to extend the rods back to the seat to make a full stream-line fairing?

Not sure I'll be able to do that as I have to mount and dismount ... I'll take some video so you can see what I mean ...

 

[kitchenman]

That should go pretty well with the wind behind you.
Are you now going to extend the rods back to the seat to make a full stream-line fairing?

Just went for a little test drive in the car park and this particular umbrella is not strong enough. Having a re-think ...

 

[Eaglerider]

I can't help thinking a more all encompassing technology is needed to best meet your objectives.

Perhaps you could obtain a Zorb Ball. One of those clear plastic balls that folk get in and roll down hills, shouting loudly.

You could modify it by making a slit in the bottom and sanding down the sides a bit so it could fit right over the bike like a giant plastic tea cosy. It would let plenty of light in, keep the wind off thus keeping you nice and warm, it would also act as a 360 degree airbag making you totally invulnerable from traffic.

For the warmer weather, you could cut a sunroof in the top to pop your head out into the summer breeze.

Most importantly, it would look very stylish, and I would conjecture, quite a hit with the Ladies!

Just an idea.

 

[Hurricane]

What about this one

Walk on Water Ball Zorb Inflatable Roller Ball in water | eBay

Looks a proper job

 

[spiritburner]

Of course what I'd really like is this:

Heres mine with doctored Reg Plate!! but the batteries dont last very long......

 

[kitchenman]

I can't help thinking a more all encompassing technology is needed to best meet your objectives.

Perhaps you could obtain a Zorb Ball. One of those clear plastic balls that folk get in and roll down hills, shouting loudly.

You could modify it by making a slit in the bottom and sanding down the sides a bit so it could fit right over the bike like a giant plastic tea cosy. It would let plenty of light in, keep the wind off thus keeping you nice and warm, it would also act as a 360 degree airbag making you totally invulnerable from traffic.

For the warmer weather, you could cut a sunroof in the top to pop your head out into the summer breeze.

Most importantly, it would look very stylish, and I would conjecture, quite a hit with the Ladies!

Just an idea.

Funny you should mention the Zorb Ball. One of the things that I have been thinking about is bike security bubble (BSB). The idea came out of the canopy thread and the messing about with tents ... the idea is to create a force field around the bike making impossible (or very difficult) to steal. The thief can't pick it up cause its too big. If an attempt is made to puncture it then it could have a film of that special water that glows in the dark. Also the act of puncturing will trigger an alarm. This could be powered from the battery and be really really loud .... in addition to protecting the bike the BSB could be used for advertising and earn the rider a few pounds. I wonder how much advertisers pay people to put adverts on their cars and in their gardens etc ...

 

[kitchenman]

What about this one

Walk on Water Ball Zorb Inflatable Roller Ball in water | eBay

Looks a proper job

Wonder if they ever break. Perhaps I can get hold of a broken one and have a play? ... Looking for my nearest Zorb Ball center ...