Originally Posted by
Booger1
Gloves? Hands will love you if you happen to take a spill also.
+1 on that! I took a header on my singlespeed once and the gloves were a big help. I was shaken up a little, but no scrapes on me or the bike!
Putting leather anything on a bike that is going to be exposed to the weather is just asking for issues. Why not cover the handlebars with plastic if it is going to left outdoors? I wouldn't leave a bike with a Brooks saddle outside, uncovered either. If you are using the Brooks because the bike is begging for a vintage leather look, there are some synthetic versions out there to be had.