Winter Wear, Pt.1

The Storm Rider's palm features modest ulnar padding that doesn't add unwanted bulk, as well as silicone grips on the index and middle finger tips to aid in braking. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Dakine's Storm Rider glove was an unexpected favorite, offering fantastic warmth in its subtle stature. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Pearl Izumi's AmFIB bib tights do just about everything a rider could ask of them, except hide Zach's "winter weight." Photo by Brad Kaminski

The Barrier material Pearl Izumi uses in their Barrier Skull Cap certainly provides excellent wind and water resistance, but may not be the best option for heavy sweaters or guys with short or no hair to help wick moisture off the skin. Photo by Brad Kaminski

It took Zach longer than he'd like to admit to figure out what the ponytail port was for on Pearl Izumi's Barrier Skull Cap, but for someone who hasn't had to buy shampoo since 1992, he caught on surprisingly fast. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Gore Tex Duratherm lines the inside of the SH-MW80, offering outstanding water resistance and insulation. Photo by Zach White

The SH-MW80s offer great grip with their rubber lugs. Photo by Zach White

While the main part of the shoe is essentially waterproof, the neoprene upper cuff is conservatively labeled "water resistant." Photo by Zach White

Shimano's SH-MW80 is perfectly comfortable in the snow. Photo by Zach White

The outer heel cup that's usually suspect to abuse gets the same reinforcement treatment as the SH-MW80's toe box. Photo by Zach White

Shimano uses a stout, spray-liner type protection on the SH-MW80's toes. Photo by Zach White

Shimano's winter-specific SH-MW80 shoes are a must-have for riders who ride in inclement conditions. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Pearl Izumi's Barrier MTB Shoe Cover is one of the best options available for a mountain bike specific booty. Photo by Brad Kaminski

Avoiding mountain bike shoe lugs is one of the biggest differences in a booty specific to trail use. Note the "Power Band" holding the booty in place avoids getting pinched between rocks and hard places. Photo by Brad Kaminski