phughes

I figured that but without an explanation or a link it was rather unclear. I ride motorcycles and know a lot of people who use a product like them and they work well. I like them on a motorcycle but am unsure whether I would like them on a bicycle. They are nice though since they do a great job of blocking the wind and cold and some people put heat packs in them.

Seattle Forrest

Probably you're right, but I've met Mormons who go to R-rated movies.

ChrisO

I've been using a pair this winter (drop bar version) and think they rock! I can wear thin gloves which allows for better dexterity for shifting/braking. Very warm.

A couple of things that I'v noticed with mine-

Although they don't really weigh that much, the front end of my bike is really light (bars, stem, forks) and it took a bit of getting used to the added weight; not really a drawback, just the first thing I noticed.

Also, they create a greater sail profile. I can feel the effects of cross winds much more with them on. This is mentioned in the instructions that come with them. It's never been bad enough to cause any alarm while riding though, just noticable. Perhaps with a tail wind it could work out to a greater advantage.

pallen

Yes, that is true - there is a warning stamped on mine to not attempt riding with no hands while they are installed. A gust of wind and your wheel is turning if your hands arent on the bars. With my thin gloves this isnt an issue - if its cold enough to need the bar mitts, I'm not riding with no hands.

scroca

I have Moose Mitts. Mine are for a flat bar. I love them when it gets brutally cold.

ultimattfrisbee

Tried mine today for the first time (Cli-Mitts by Bratwear). Love 'em. It was 30 or so this morning and I wore my Under Armour midweight gloves underneath. Might have been too much glove. This afternoon, it was 40 but rained steadily the whole ride home. My hands were mostly dry (some rain leaked down my sleeves and into my gloves and warm. I have a side-view mirror and used it with no problem. And I had no problem getting my hands in and out of the mitts to signal turns. Under 35 or when it's wet and I'd recommend them for sure.

ultimattfrisbee

Mine are for flat bar, by the way. If there's danger of ice, I take my mtb commuter with the studded tires. I generally use the touring bike when it's warmer and clearer, so don't need the drop bar version.

canyoneagle

I'd like to get a set of these, as my current heavy gloves are very clunky double layer gloves that are intended for backcountry skiing. My understanding is that I'll be able to use my (preferred) thinner gloves inside the bar mitts, which I like.

IMO the waterproofness discussion is a huge N/A because I wouldn't even consider using bar mitts in temperatures where rain is possible. Unless I'm missing something, wouldn't bar mitts above 20 degrees be overkill?

scroca

I think so... just my opinion.

But you could always go without gloves, or leave your gloves on and but not put your hands inside the mitts if it gets warm enough. I've done both.

fietsbob

When it's raining heavy out here , I get out my Rain Cape.
a big cone [with shoulders], I poke my head thru.
keeps my hands dry in whatever gloves I have on,
because they are under the 'tent' too.

nkfrench 

I put the bar mitts on when temps are in the low 40's.
So nice when I'll riding into 25mph headwinds or downhill 35mph or in drizzle.
Typically January-February around here is pretty windy and my routes are not sheltered from the wind. Nor is the terrain flat.
I always wear gloves underneath but they are not designed for cold weather.
Have never ridden here in TX sub-freezing. Doesn't happen often, and I have some other clothing issues to figure out first.

JimF22003

These are the gloves I use. These are just regular summer fingerless gloves with a light liner underneath. I could easily have done without the liner:

muu

I used them for a while but ultimately pulled them off and went back to thick gloves. Got a stiff back that complains if I'm on the same position for too long (and you really only got drop position w/ these things on), and furthermore I was freezing my fingers with these and softshell Pearl Izumi gloves @ ~25F. Now i'm just wearing lobster mitts I found on clearance at REI, only drawback is that I can't grab tissue paper out of my pocket to blow my nose.

sourdoughT

I've used mine for the last three years and they're great! I ride mostly on the hoods but also on the tops. I use Giro padded gloves and wool gloves over that inside the Bar Mitts. It keeps my hands warm yet allows the sweat to go away. I have no problem braking or shifting. I have the drop bar version.

nelson249

ha!