Staying warm and dry on BC trails has its challenges. Yes, I know we don’t have the cold weather of Ontario or Alberta, but you know what they say it’s not the cold, it’s the humidity! BC gets it’s fair share of damp wet days and if you’re going to ride through winter, a warm and waterproof shoe is extremely important.

Defroster MTB Shoe updated for 2012

Last year I tried neoprene booties, which caused issues clipping into my spd’s, and various different wool socks, which kept my feet warm for short rides. Both ways I left with cold feet that took hours to warm up.

The Shimano MW80 all weather shoes have been a popular choice locally, but I haven’t found Shimano a good fit for me. I’ve worn Specialized shoes for many years and on recommendation of our local dealer, ordered the new updated MTB Defrosters. Fit is very close to the Specialized standard, so I chose the same size as my older MTB Comp’s and my new MTB Pro’s.

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With the change of season on Vancouver Island, the trails change from dusty and loose to mucky and slippery.

After giving up my Maxxis High Roller 2.35 Super Tacky’s to Teresa, I needed to find something for my front tire to replace the Maxxis Ardent 2.35 which worked great on the summer dry trails, but packs up too quickly in the mud.

Simon’s cycles had a good price on the Specialized Purgatory Control 26×2.4 which has a nice wide spacing between knobs and large side blocks for good directional control on off camber trail and cornering. Read the rest of this entry »