Winter Cycling - Pogies work really well!

Hey everyone. Just wanted to take a sec to write my experience with pogies. I've been looking on the forum to try and search the best way to keep my hands warm while commuting and I decided on pogies. I'm not too bad with the sewing machine so I whipped up a pair with some 1000D cordura outer layer and a single thin layer of fleece on the inside. I felt many of the other offerings out there were either too massive for my application or kinda ugly....I wore then yesterday (-15c or 5F) with some planetbike borealis gloves. No problem! Very warm. The thing that helps the most, (I think) is that the cordura is nearly windproof. To try and see how well they worked, I didn't use gloves at all today, just the pogies. It was only 5C today so it wasn't that cold out but they worked perfect. Fingers got cold from the brake levers (i keep my bike outside) but other than that, it was great. I'd say the pogies i made will let one bike comfortably in 10 to 15C cooler weather than without. I love them and really appreciate the dexterity I still have in my fingers.

I'll probably make a set for extra cold weather with a mid layer of vinyl with another layer of fleece or some better insulation. Also add an cuff to keep the drafts from coming in. And some reflective 3M tape to keep my safe!

I'll snap some pics and post them if people would like to see how they turned out.

Happy commuting everyone!

AndyT---go here(http://www.milldirecttextiles.com/) and buy a yard of this(http://www.milldirecttextiles.com/dept2.asp?dept=63&id=0812283863131921623922) then make a pair!!!!! thats what im talking bout!!!joe

Where did you buy the cordura? Online? (ps. anyone in Toronto know if there is anywhere downtown that sells cordura?)
Also it would be totally awesome if when you post the pics to get a bit of a writeup of how to make them, I would love to make some but am a bit spatially challenged when it comes to figuring out what shape to cut out and which seams to sew vs. have open with velcro...

I would love to see pics, and a pattern (even a rough sketch) if you have it. I have cordura, fleece and other materials around, but am waffling about how to begin. Had to ride in bulky ski gloves today, so making pogies is high on the list.

Thanks,
Julie

Julie,

Julie, Go here(http://www.trails-edge.com/retail/te_shirts/amfbikemits.htm) and look at the pic's, they might help you, or just buy a pair, they are great!!!joe

Sorry for not replying sooner. I've been working on some messenger bags ang haven't been able to get to a computer.

I source all my cordura locally. Took me a while to find it but I'm glad I did. You can get cordura online from seattlefabrics.com and ebay but I found it was too expensive one shipping was added. Hard to avoid since cordura is fairly heavy. I'd suggest finding a local place. Search for places that make industrial tents or tarps (also search canvas). That is how I found my place. They sew tarps for semi's and boat covers.

I can snap some pics the next time I make a few. A couple of my friends have put in an order so I'll be doing those sometime late December or early January.

But to quickly describe the pattern, I use an upside down "T" shape. About 12 inches tall and 20 inches wide. the opening for the handlebar is 5 inches tall (it might seem big but once you sew it, it'll be a tight squeeze). You'll need two pieces like this, one of your windproof material and one insulating. You want to attach the velcro (that is what i use) at this point onto the outer shell. Fold both pieces in half (separately) so your "T" becomes an "L" (make sure the "good sides" are together). Place one on top of the other and sew the edges (not the opening for the hand or handlebar). Turn rightside out. finish off the edges with bias tape or zigzag, what every you like. the final step, if you want, is to fold in the top of the pogie and sew around leaving abotu 2cm opening. take some stiff wire and slide it in to keep it open (nice when you have to take your hand in and out to signal). voila, pogie done. repeat for other side.

Many people like the moose mitts but they look really drafty to me. The best thing about making them yourself is that you can do whatever you want.

I'll snap some pics soon.

I was hoping that someone had made a set of these. The ATV ones do look a little big so I am super curious to see how yours look on a bike. I am excited to make some of these. Hopefully they will get rid of the worst part of winter biking….cold hands.

Moose mitts are great, i have made two pairs myself and they worked good,but the moose mitts are fine and not drafty at all,good access.in and out, plenty of room for hanky,etc..,my friend has barmitts, and they are fine , but no room for extras....To be clove free in winter is wonderful!!

does anyone know a good place to get pogies in Calgary AB?

raevynz: I actually live in Calgary. The only place I've seen them is at Canadian Tire and those are the ATV variety. Fairly large in my opinion....which is why I decided to make my own :)

the ones at canadian tire, are they large enough to fit a large pair of gloves underneath? i have no circulation in the winter, so i freeze easily

You should be able to. They are MASSIVE! I think they were about $30 or 40.

sweet! that is awesome!