Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Pearl Izumi AmFib Shoe Covers [Gear Wednesdays]

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was in need of some shoe covers.  My ankles and feet were getting really cold!  I searched a bit on the web and found that people seemed to like the Pearl Izumi AmFib shoe covers. I made a trip to REI, and after some confusion over a mislabeled pair of Pearly Izumi Cyclone shoe covers we found the AmFibs.  I considered for a bit getting the Cyclones as I have the Cyclone gloves and couldn't be happier with them.  But the AmFibs were rated slightly better on both warmth and water protection and were the same price.



The first thing I noticed when I put them on, was how tight they are over the shoe.  Cyclists like to think that being perfectly aerodynamic will help them shave off a few extra seconds.  So, I guess this didn't really surprise me.

The next thing I realized was that I might have to have my wife (who has mad sewing skills!) make some adjustments to the cleat opening on the bottom.  A month or two ago, I was having some numbness in my toes during longer rides.  I found out that can be caused by a saddle that isn't high enough, or having the cleats too far forward.  I already had the saddle as high as I wanted it to go, so I decided to move the cleats on the shoes.  This was the perfect move.  I feel I have more power when pedaling now, and no more numbness.  The only side effect was I had to watch my toes when turning as they now ran into the front wheel.

Where was I?  Right, moving the cleats back put them in a position when the shoe cover sole was close to obstructing them from clipping to the pedals.  I managed to put on the covers just right so there is no problem.  No sewing for now!

It wasn't nearly as cold this morning as some of the other rides I've done, but even so, my feet and ankles were warm and ready to ride.  I haven't had these out in the rain yet, but Saturday's commute into work looks like it could be wet.  I'll keep you updated.

2 comments:

  1. I love my toe warmers to keep my feet from going numb. Of course, it doesn't get that bad in SoCal.

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  2. I tell you what. I wish I had the sun you get down there!

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