Winter Cycling - Only 39F and I have numb fingers with wool mittens!

My body was warm with two layers of wool and a windbreaker, but my finger tips still got numb. I am using this mitten:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=365052

Should I buy a pair of liners and use with a larger version of this mitten?

I went to my local, "Fleet Farm" and bought a pair of ice fishing gloves. They cover my wrists very well and do ok with warmth. They are great with wind.

I picked up a pair of Specialized Deflect long-finger gloves the other day. Just got back from a 30 minute ride in 36F, and my hands and fingers were comfortable the whole time. The packaging says they're recommended down to 45F, but as long as you're pumping hard enough to get the blood flowing, they're perfect for temps down to freezing, and maybe lower.

My body was warm with two layers of wool and a windbreaker, but my finger tips still got numb. I am using this mitten:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=365052

Should I buy a pair of liners and use with a larger version of this mitten?

No, the problem is they are letting too much cold air in. They will be twice as warm with a mitten shell cover. They are not wind resistant enough for bike riding.

You need something windproof.

Perhaps this may work, just $10 and free shipping:

http://www.armysurplusonline.us/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=GLV%2D004

Use some nylon windproof mittens and then the wool inside that... you'll be toasty

I have to "third" the windproof comments. It makes all the difference.

I wore my windproof Trek overmitts this morning over my normal, thin cycling gloves. It was 35F and fingers were fine.

Buy a pair of barmitts.com and go ride and forget about your fingers!

My body was warm with two layers of wool and a windbreaker, but my finger tips still got numb. I am using this mitten:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=365052

Should I buy a pair of liners and use with a larger version of this mitten?

Smoker's Mitts! :lol: The only mitts I've seen that you can unwrap a pack and use a lighter with.

Perhaps this may work, just $10 and free shipping:

http://www.armysurplusonline.us/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=GLV%2D004

They will probably be warmer but they look like they have some kind of cotton canvas covering. A better solution in my opinion is to go to the local Walmart or Shopko and buy a pair of 8-10 dollar winter mittens that have a pretty decent nylon shell. Then cut out the liner and everything except the shell. Then experiment with different glove or mitten combinations under the shell. Or spend more on a good overmitt. Then you can layer cheap breathable gloves or mittens underneath as needed.

Here are some ideas:

http://knradventuregear.com/clothing/chglovemittens/chalpmitt.htm

Yes, check Walmart and Dollar stores and places like that for a nylon mitt or glove.

I have ski gloves that have removable liners. I remove the liners and wear my padded riding gloves inside. No wind, roomy and warm, covers half my forearm.

You need something windproof.

Yup. It's amazing how much heat can be sucked away by wind. Air doesn't have that much heat capacity but when you are in a flowing stream of it, it can pull an awful lot of heat away.

I agree with everyone. It's the wind that getting you. You're hands are totally exposed out there on the bars, if you can protect them from the wind that's more than half the battle. Those mittens could be a great under layer they'll insulate well.

My body was warm with two layers of wool and a windbreaker, but my finger tips still got numb. I am using this mitten:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=365052

Should I buy a pair of liners and use with a larger version of this mitten?

That's a single layer wool mitten. The gauge is probably fine, but it won't be very windproof because there is only ever one layer of yarn protecting your fingers. A traditional color patterned mitten works better because there are two layers of yarn at every stitch, but is a huge pain to make convertible. The main downside of a traditional mitten is it is *too* warm in a lot of situations... I sometimes end up soaking mine with sweat.

A nylon mitten cover will also work, but reduces your ability to make snowballs. Very sad that.

Has someone mentioned "windproof"? Yep many times but I will add my windproof gloves as well.
Also change hand positions a bit more frequently to allow for blood to move a bit more through your hands and fingers.

I probably have 10 pair of varied cool/cold/frigid gloves and wear the ones appropriate to the weather of the day. I may also carry an extra pair in case I mess up my choice and am either too hot or cold. I have frozen my fingers to the point of no feeling during winter rides and do not enjoy the experience.
Layering is also very helpful. I may wear a pair of thin but warm liners inside a medium pair of gloves and remove the liners if necessary.
Whatever you do make sure you can work the levers with them to make sure you can...lol voice of experience...oops gloves too thick can barely reach the levers...small hands can be a pain at times.

One of the warmest and most comfortable mittens that I ever had were some old military surplus mittens which were nothing more than an unlined cowhide mitten with a wool mitten liner.

Perhaps something like this would make a good donor shell for an inexpensive price. Maybe if it breaths well enough it could even be used with the existing lining.

http://www.gemplers.com/product/125718/Kinco-Leather-Mittens-Cowhide-Insulated

Buy a pair of barmitts.com and go ride and forget about your fingers!

hey, they look promising. what temps have you used them in? i'm wondering if there'd be any issues with them fitting on my kona jake, which also has bar-top brake levers...

This is a repeat of a post on another thread, but it applies here also.

As a former runner and now a winter cyclist, who ran everyday through 31 Michigan winters , I have tried many types and designs of gloves over the years. I found that the best hand and finger protection were from mittens. I have a pair of ski mittens that are over 20 years old; a simple design with a generous cuff, wind proof and are only moderately insulated. Fingered gloves cannot match the warmth of mittens, but windproof is the operative word here.

Be sure to select a pair that are wind proof. Try putting the mitt up to your mouth and make sure that you can’t blow through the outer material. They must be drop dead windproof. You really don’t need a lot of insulation because your fingers share their warmth. I have used my mitts in -15* temps and down to -40* wind chill factor when I added a thin pair of polypropylene fingered liners.

I switched from running to cycling this past summer. Although the weather is still too warm for mitts, I have tested them a couple of times. I wondered if operating the controls of my bike would difficult with the mittens. To my surprise, they were not a hindrance to my braking or shifting. This is probably because my mitts are not overly stuffed with insulation. Too much stuffing will be like trying to shift and brake with boxing gloves on. Again, windproof is the key.
Alfie

Could I put a vote in for adjusting to the cold? I find that early in the winter I feel a little cooler below 35F, especially with wind. However, as the winter drags on, I can use the same equipment and feel warm. I think the body is a little better able to pump blood to the extremities at that time.

Before I make any major purchase, I try a few "conditioning" rides with my current clothing setup... maybe your current gloves are close enough.

I haven't had these out in any real cold yet, and I may not see any this winter given my location, but I have had these under the cold faucet for a good bit and they are completely waterproof and breathable, with plenty of fiber insulation and fleece lining.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Product.aspx?baseno=84485&cdf=TopSeller

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_960360&id=0041449960399a These work at 70 mph on a Motorcycle in the teens.