I don't normally review cycling products that I purchase unless they REALLY make me happy. This weekend, I found a product that did just that..my new Specialized BG Defroster Mtn. Bike Boots. I purchased these boots because I didn't particularly like wearing my regular lightweight, ventilated, low-cut, Summer Mtn. Bike Shoes with a neoprene booty overtop as Winter riding shoes. This combination is just too bulky and it really doesn't do a good job of keeping my feet warm and/or dry.
Sunday morning I went Mtn. Biking in Promised Land State Park (in the Pocono Mtns of PA)...a good test for my new boots. It was cold when I started, about 21F. Everything was frozen solid from the night before. The shallow puddles in the road were frozen except areas where it was 6 in. deep or more. Since I don't normally ride in the snow and ice I wanted to test the limits of my equipment as well as my bike handling skills. I found out all too soon that my Defroster Boots were actually as waterproof as they claim to be. That's because I tried riding across a section of road that was completely ice covered. The problem was..the ice was only 1/2" thick, hardly thick enough to support my fat ass. (see photo below) So, as not to defy physics/gravity I busted through the ice. To keep from falling I unclipped as fast as I could and submerged my boot to the depths of the puddle. Not only did my foot stay dry, it stayed warm the entire 2 hr. ride in 20F temps. I was amazed.
The ratcheting system on the boots are second to none too. It is easy to tension...by a turn of a knob. To release, just pull the knob out. It couldn't be easier. I wore one pair of good wool socks with the boots. That's all I think I'd need down to temps in the teens.
It never really warmed up above 25F by the time I left at noon. The boots were a hit..and definitely worth the money spent. I crashed twice on the way back to my car because although the temps never climbed that high, the sun did. The sun JUST put enough of a glaze on top of everything to make it as slick as an ice skating rink. Definitely a learning experience. I also flatted 2 miles from my car and ran out of CO2 cartridges..so I had to walk it home. Regardless, I had a blast..and hope to ride in the Park again soon...with my new boots.
For other reviews..check this link out: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/clothing/shoes/product/review-specialized-bicycles-bg-defroster-mtb-shoe-30858
Power ON! Coach Rob
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