Astronomically speaking winter doesn’t actually begin this year until December 21. But as cyclists we know this can’t really be true; an early ride on most November mornings will have us wrapped up like an Egyptian mummy as we head out into the lanes, wondering why on earth we didn’t just stay in bed.
By the time late December comes around we’ve either hardened to the task or decided that the turbo trainer isn’t quite as laborious as we sometimes pretend.
For those who prefer to ride outdoors no matter the conditions we’ve got plenty on offer this week. Fizik has released two pairs of winter-ready shoes – on and off-road issue – complete with Gore-Tex protection. Rapha too has opted to use the powerful properties of Gore-Tex in its latest winter jersey, while Le Col has gone for thermal-backed fleece in its cold-weather bib shorts. Hot stuff indeed.
What no shoe covers? Fizik release the winter miles-ready Artica GTX
(Image credit: Fizik)
Cold feet can quickly spoil a ride. Unlike cold hands, which can sometimes be coaxed back to life with a bit of encouragement and a coffee stop, once your feet turn to ice there’s little hope of improvement, or relief, until you’re back home. Winter cycling shoes (opens in new tab) are designed combat such ills, and this winter Fizik has released the Artica GTX shoes.
Available in two models for on and off road riding, the Tempo Artica GTX and the Terra Artica GTX are designed to keep the worst of the winter weather at bay. To help fend off the rain, as well as road spray, Fizik has equipped the shoes with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane alongside a high-density PU-laminated and ripstop fabric upper. If it works, it should negate any need for overshoes. Crucially, the Gore-Tex fabric is also designed to be breathable, allowing sweat to escape, ensuring your feet remain nice and toasty.
(Image credit: Fizik)
To keep them warm in the first place, Fizik has lined the shoes with an insulating fleece. There’s also a Velcro closure around the ankle, which extends higher than a regular cycling shoe. The two combined should help to lock in the warmth. To help attain an optimum fit there’s also a single L6 BOA dial, chosen in part because it’s easy to operate with gloved hands.
So how do the two models differ? By and large it’s the sole. The Tempo road shoes have a moderately stiff nylon outsole, while the Terra use an X5 nylon and rubber studded and coated outsole for improved grip. Naturally, this adds a…