Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

Wet Gloves, Freezing Hands

Search
Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

Wet Gloves, Freezing Hands

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-01-09 | 09:07 PM
  #1  
ok_commuter's Avatar
Thread Starter
bulletproof tiger
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR

Bikes: Waterford 2200, Litespeed Tuscany, Salsa La Cruz, Kona Fire Mountain

Wet Gloves, Freezing Hands

Is there a solution for this?

Today was 45 degrees and pouring rain. Everything was fine except my fingers. I was using Novara full-finger gloves of some sort, which I was totally happy with until today. Once they got soaked, my fingers froze all the way home.

Would glove liners help? Better/different gloves?

Sorry for my ignorance. Rainy and cold isn't a combo we deal with much here in Central Texas.
ok_commuter is offline  
Reply
Old 12-01-09 | 11:39 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
I have mostly-waterproof, unlined, ski gloves designed for spring (wet/slushy) skiing. None of my biking gloves have fared well in rain.

https://www.skiwarehouse.com/skiwareh...ve-P18693.aspx
(fortunately, they didn't used to make them this ugly.)

In other situations, I am a huge fan of thin wool or polypro liners. They will not keep you dry, but will help retain heat when wet.
Stryver is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 03:18 AM
  #3  
ro-monster's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 799
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area, California

Bikes: Pacific Reach, Strida

Better gloves will definitely help. I just use rain/cold weather gloves made for motorcyclists, since I already have them for riding motorcycles in the wet. I'm not sure whether there's something similar made specifically for bikes. I have heard of people putting a pair of household rubber gloves over their regular gloves to keep the water out also.
ro-monster is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 04:13 AM
  #4  
Metzinger's Avatar
Primate
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,579
Likes: 5
From: gone

Bikes: Concorde Columbus SL, Rocky Mountain Edge, Sparta stadfiets

Neoprene sailing/paddling gloves. Many manufacturers.
Metzinger is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 05:43 AM
  #5  
exile's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,896
Likes: 6
From: Binghamton, NY

Bikes: Workcycles FR8, 2016 Jamis Coda Comp, 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker

I tried neoprene diving gloves once. I think my hands got colder because the sweat could not evaporate. Trying skiing gloves. I bought a pair of Marmont rated to -7 degrees at an outlet store. They are supposed to be wind and water resistant. However I wouldn't wear anything that thick and warm at 45 degrees though.
exile is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 07:38 AM
  #6  
thdave's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,242
Likes: 0
Wool gloves say warm when wet.
thdave is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 08:59 AM
  #7  
ItsJustMe's Avatar
Señior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan

Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)

I agree, neoprene gloves are horrible. I bought a pair on the advice of an LBS employee. I wore them ONCE. My hands got colder than ever, because the sweat couldn't get out.

When I got to work I poured out about a tablespoon of sweat.

Honestly, anyone wants these, they can HAVE them. $5 for shipping.

Personally I bought some waterproof/windproof/breathable cheapo gloves from Kohls for $10. They work OK. Still a little chilly but not bad.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
ItsJustMe is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 09:10 AM
  #8  
dynaryder's Avatar
DancesWithSUVs
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,454
Likes: 341
From: Wash DC
https://store.pksafety.net/me34waprludr.html

I have a set of these and they are extremely warm. In fact,I've no idea if they're actually waterproof because I only wear them when it's below 30,and too cold to rain.
__________________

C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Brompton S6L/S2E-X/M6L-X/S12 T Line












dynaryder is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 09:40 AM
  #9  
Collector of Useless Info
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 5
Try some Cabella's fleece gloves with the gore-tex lining. Surprisingly comfortable even when sopping wet. You'd think the wind would go right through, but not so.

I tried neoprene once. And only once. Fingerless mesh-back gloves are warmer than neoprene, it seems.
cycle_maven is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 10:03 AM
  #10  
Andrey's Avatar
Full Member
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 399
Likes: 75
From: Upstate NY, USA

Bikes: ENVE MOG, Jamis Endura, Cannondale CAAD, Raleigh Cross, Fausto Coppi.

So far I failed to find a waterproof glove that is not too warm, so my hands will not sweat. I have some ski Gore Tex gloves that are waterproof but too warm for cold rain riding, they are fine in freezing temperatures.
I just purchased a size larger thin leather work glove(shell, no liner) at Lowe's and "waterproofed" them with mink oil. I am planning to wear them with thin wool or fleece glove liners or without depending on temp.. It is not too bulky, waterproof, breathable and flexible to control the temperature. Hasn't rained yet though.
Andrey is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 11:09 AM
  #11  
travelmama's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach,CA

Bikes: Kona Ute, Nishiki 4130, Trek 7000, K2 Mach 1.0, Novara Randonee, Schwinn Loop, K2 Zed 1.0, Schwinn Cream, Torker Boardwalk

Try using the gloves and Climitts to cover your hands completely while on the handlebars. You should have no problems keeping dry and warm.
travelmama is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 01:25 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NY
I kiteboard in the winter here in NY with Glacier rubber gloves. I am in the Atlantic ocean in December and January with them. Once it gets colder I will be biking with them as well. They are thin, durable, WARM, windproof, and waterproof.

https://greenhatkiteboarding.com/stor...roducts_id=351
ThePerchik is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 08:04 PM
  #13  
ok_commuter's Avatar
Thread Starter
bulletproof tiger
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR

Bikes: Waterford 2200, Litespeed Tuscany, Salsa La Cruz, Kona Fire Mountain

Originally Posted by Andrey
I just purchased a size larger thin leather work glove(shell, no liner) at Lowe's and "waterproofed" them with mink oil. I am planning to wear them with thin wool or fleece glove liners or without depending on temp.. It is not too bulky, waterproof, breathable and flexible to control the temperature. Hasn't rained yet though.
Let me know how it works in the rain. I like the idea, might just do the same thing.
ok_commuter is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 09:23 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
I will be investigating the functionality/lack-thereof of rubberized pogies this winter and will report back.
ghettocruiser is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 10:00 PM
  #15  
RT's Avatar
RT
The Weird Beard
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,554
Likes: 3
From: COS
Originally Posted by travelmama
Try using the gloves and Climitts to cover your hands completely while on the handlebars. You should have no problems keeping dry and warm.
The guys at my LBS used to sell these, but have had trouble getting ahold of them. I bought a set of Bar Mitts through them and have zero regrets. GREAT product.
RT is offline  
Reply
Old 12-02-09 | 10:08 PM
  #16  
jputnam's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 2
From: Pacific, WA

Bikes: Custom 531ST touring, Bilenky Viewpoint, Bianchi Milano, vintage Condor racer

Until it gets down into the low 30s, I'm fine with normal fingerless gloves. (But then, rainy and cold is a reasonable description of Seattle half the year, so I'm used to it. At 45 and raining, I'm still commuting in SPD sandals.)

Below that, I have waterproof/breathable shell gloves that have elastic-corded cuffs. They ride in my saddle bag all year, along with a rain jacket. They're good over my regular cycling gloves if I'm caught in cold rain unexpectedly. If I'm expecting rain or sleet, I use them with fleece liner gloves. The fleece stays warm even when it's wet, dries quickly between rides, and handles the washing machine just fine. That means I don't have to wash the glove shells, which is what ruins waterproofing on so many WPB items.
jputnam is offline  
Reply
Old 12-03-09 | 07:23 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
I've been wearing Gore Bike Wear waterproof, windproof gloves. . .They are truly waterproof. . .i've ridden for more than an hour in steady rain and my hands stayed completely dry. They are warm, to be sure, so probably not the best for temps above the mid-40's, but they're outstanding otherwise.
h. bicycletus is offline  
Reply
Old 12-03-09 | 07:54 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
My best find yet is Headsweats lobster claw covers. Great to throw them on when your hands start to get cold. They weigh next to nothing and take up little space. I start with them on when the weather is at or below freezing. If it warms up just throw them in your pocket.
Magmol is offline  
Reply
Old 12-03-09 | 09:01 PM
  #19  
hubcap's Avatar
One Man Fast Brick
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland

Bikes: Specialized Langster, Bianchi San Jose, early 90s GT Karakoram, Yuba Mundo, Mercier Nano (mini velo), Nashbar Steel Commuter, KHS Tandemania Sport

$10 waterproof ski gloves work fine.

I have several considerably more expensive options that I have tried and have found that the cheap ski gloves work just about as well as any other. The trick is finding a pair that fits your hands well.
hubcap is offline  
Reply
Old 12-03-09 | 11:43 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Kirkland, WA

Bikes: Soma Doublecross DC

Originally Posted by h. bicycletus
I've been wearing Gore Bike Wear waterproof, windproof gloves. . .They are truly waterproof. . .i've ridden for more than an hour in steady rain and my hands stayed completely dry. They are warm, to be sure, so probably not the best for temps above the mid-40's, but they're outstanding otherwise.
Which ones? I'm considering a pair, but not sure which would be the best.
intheways is offline  
Reply
Old 12-04-09 | 12:39 AM
  #21  
AsanaCycles's Avatar
Bicycle Lifestyle
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Grove, Ca

Bikes: Neil Pryde Diablo, VeloVie Vitesse400, Hunter29er, Surly Big Dummy

rubber gloves from the hardware store, heavy duty type
then wear a wool glove as a liner

or

Poogies
like Moose Mitts
https://www.trails-edge.com/retail/te...mfbikemits.htm
toss in chemical handwarmers, and your done
AsanaCycles is offline  
Reply
Old 12-09-09 | 12:34 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by intheways
Which ones? I'm considering a pair, but not sure which would be the best.
The "Tool" gloves
h. bicycletus is offline  
Reply
Old 12-09-09 | 10:19 PM
  #23  
Martyr-Egotist
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Occoquan, VA
I've tried it all over the years. Neoprene doesn't work.... Rubber gloves get clammy really fast....Ski gloves get wet....

The nicest solution I've found to riding in the 40s and rain is to wear a PVC jacket (one of the cheapies from Performance) and wearing fleece gloves. But here's the trick. Before you put on the jacket, put a sealed (definitely no holes) plastic bag over your gloved hand, wrapping it a bit so the bag isn't all huge of course. Used Walmart bags are great for this. Then slide your 'bagged' hand through the sleeve hole. When you open up your hand, it'll make a nice air pocket inside the bag, like a little microclimate, for your hands.

The elastic in the sleeve hole then holds the plastic bag in place through the harshest conditions for as long as you need (I've done 100-mile training rides like this). No water's getting in there. Your hands will be warm and dry. And they won't get clammy at all.

Definitely doesn't get style points, but it works like a charm!
clintbike is offline  
Reply
Old 12-09-09 | 11:12 PM
  #24  
mechBgon's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 6,956
Likes: 6


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OF91IS <-- click a thumbnail for black or camo. $18.
mechBgon is offline  
Reply
Old 12-09-09 | 11:25 PM
  #25  
habals's Avatar
noob
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Cupertino, CA

Bikes: Cyclocross 5

I use this. https://www.rei.com/product/757118

I took the liner out, and it keeps me warm for ~30F.
It is truly waterproof, and it is more flexible than GoreTex gloves.
It is pseudo-breathable, though.
Signup for email and Get 15% off coupon for REI brand (Or just say you forgot to bring the coupon)
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
1219366.jpg (35.4 KB, 4 views)
habals is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.