Winter Cycling - Why doesn't someone make it?
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I often think this to myself, and it just hit me tonight that heated bar tape would be a REALLY great thing. You could run it of a DC current like they do with battery operated socks, either from a generator or a waterbottle battery. I imagine you could get it a little more heat than the socks, too.
Even if it wasn't enough to actually keep your hands warm, keeping the bar from being sub zero would help keep what heat you have in your hands...
So anyone know why this isn't available at my LBS? Or is it out there and I just haven't seen it?
silversmith
12-20-05, 12:11 AM
Go to a sporting goods store that sells icefishing equipment and get some handwarmers.
I used to get the kind that ran on zippo-type lighter fluid. Now I keep a couiple of the 99 cent disposables handy.
I haven't used those since I was in boyscouts, so I don't know if they've changed much, but they always seemed a bit bulky. I was wanting something that would always be on the bike, that I could just turn on and off when I wanted...
CastIron
12-20-05, 04:43 PM
Our motorcycle friends, Aerostitch RiderWarehouse, has several heatd grip kits in 12V spec. You figure out the wiring. Generally, they fry your palms and freeze your finger tips.
Cool - thanks for the heads up. It looks like this:
http://www.aerostich.com/files/images/103.jpg (http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aerostich-Warm-Wrap-Grips-p-16731.html)
could be converted without much fuss, and it's got a dimmer switch to control how hot it gets...
I guess I'll have to do some more research...
Next thing you know you're gonna want a heated saddle, then windshield, wipers, automatic transmission... :D
Bikepacker67
12-20-05, 09:47 PM
I'd rather have someone invent a microwavable glove insert that holds heat for about 2 hrs.
Next thing you know you're gonna want a heated saddle, then windshield, wipers, automatic transmission... :D
No, I was just thinking about the commute home. When I ride in to work, the bike has been inside, and the bars don't get noticably cold on the ride. However, I lock outside in the winter, and leave work anywhere from 10pm to 2am. It can be quite a bit colder by then, and the bars are pretty much at the exact temp it is outside. I know after riding for a little bit, you can feel that it's easier on your hands to keep them in spots that you've already warmed up with the heat you've lost out of the gloves. It seemed like a no-brainer to have something to heat the bars...
I'd rather have someone invent a microwavable glove insert that holds heat for about 2 hrs.
Damn, that's a pretty good idea too! And a hell of a lot more marketable than mine. You should go for it :D
Just don't use any of those invention places on TV. I hear they do nothing but rip people off...