Bar-mitts (Pogies) or a small ATV windshield.
07-20-13, 10:37 PM
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Bar-mitts (Pogies) or a small ATV windshield.
More thoughts and questions on winter riding: firstly - keeping one's hands warm, secondly - keeping the face from freezing and a possible solution to both.
A buddy who rides motor bikes, snowmobiles and ATV's suggested a small windshield/fairing for winter cycling. At first I thought wind resistance would make it prohibitive, but after a bit research it might be a viable although silly looking solution. Fairings are used very successfully on recumbents, so why not a regular bike in a somewhat upright riding position?
I used my hardtail for riding last winter and keeping my hands warm & working was the biggest issue. Next was keeping the face warm, especially riding into even a slight wind.
I did look at Bar-Mitts at the LBS, but they were neoprene and didn't offer any real insulation value other than breaking the wind. I used a light fleece balaclava under my full coverage helmet and non prescription transition lens glasses, for face/eye protection.
A buddy who rides motor bikes, snowmobiles and ATV's suggested a small windshield/fairing for winter cycling. At first I thought wind resistance would make it prohibitive, but after a bit research it might be a viable although silly looking solution. Fairings are used very successfully on recumbents, so why not a regular bike in a somewhat upright riding position?
I used my hardtail for riding last winter and keeping my hands warm & working was the biggest issue. Next was keeping the face warm, especially riding into even a slight wind.
I did look at Bar-Mitts at the LBS, but they were neoprene and didn't offer any real insulation value other than breaking the wind. I used a light fleece balaclava under my full coverage helmet and non prescription transition lens glasses, for face/eye protection.
07-21-13, 10:12 AM
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I keep it simple, Alyeska wool mittens with Kinco leather mitten outer and a balaclava.
https://bicyclehabitat.com/product/sp...a-158151-1.htm
If it is really cold I wear a pair of latex disposable gloves 1st.
I think that the windshield and pogies are overkill and look rather silly...lol
https://bicyclehabitat.com/product/sp...a-158151-1.htm
If it is really cold I wear a pair of latex disposable gloves 1st.
I think that the windshield and pogies are overkill and look rather silly...lol
07-21-13, 12:03 PM
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Agreed - simple is good.
I couldn't make mittens work with the rapid fire shifters on my hardtail, so used Columbia ski gloves with their new reflective insulation - after 20 minutes or so finger tips started to numb when biking, but not hiking, snowshoeing or X-C skiing. New bike has a twist grip shifter and only 3 speed, so double mittens should work quite well.
My buddy with all the motorized toys has elbow length pogies on his ATV and he usually just wears mechanic's gloves under them. The fleece lining does get damp as well.
The windshield seems like overkill alright, but might be useful in redirecting the cold wind away. I had a friend who moved here from Italy and his "city bike" had a fairing similar to a scooter - molded black plastic below the bars with about 8" clear above. They are quite common in Europe, but more to keep clothing clean when commuting.
Might be getting ahead of myself with all the planning, as there will be some days that just won't allow safe practical riding in our cold northern winters.
I couldn't make mittens work with the rapid fire shifters on my hardtail, so used Columbia ski gloves with their new reflective insulation - after 20 minutes or so finger tips started to numb when biking, but not hiking, snowshoeing or X-C skiing. New bike has a twist grip shifter and only 3 speed, so double mittens should work quite well.
My buddy with all the motorized toys has elbow length pogies on his ATV and he usually just wears mechanic's gloves under them. The fleece lining does get damp as well.
The windshield seems like overkill alright, but might be useful in redirecting the cold wind away. I had a friend who moved here from Italy and his "city bike" had a fairing similar to a scooter - molded black plastic below the bars with about 8" clear above. They are quite common in Europe, but more to keep clothing clean when commuting.
Might be getting ahead of myself with all the planning, as there will be some days that just won't allow safe practical riding in our cold northern winters.
Last edited by GTryder; 07-21-13 at 12:04 PM. Reason: typo
07-27-13, 12:47 PM
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Zzipper fairings makes an MTB version https://www.zzipper.com/Products/prod_upright.php ZZ ATB
07-31-13, 11:30 AM
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snowmobile handlebar gauntlets work like a dream if you have straight bars or MTB bars.
09-14-13, 08:15 AM
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If it's not too cold and your gears and brakes work with big gloves they may be enough. At some point gloves don't cut it and mittens are needed. At another point pogies are really helpful and pretty nearly required. I use pogies because they allow me to have minimal gloves and that allows me to pull my hand out and adjust this or that or grab something from a pocket more easily than if I had to take off gloves or mittens.
A light balaclava is about all most people need for the face but at some point you may also want to get a windproof balaclava. I don't need anything more than that even at -20F or 30F.
A light balaclava is about all most people need for the face but at some point you may also want to get a windproof balaclava. I don't need anything more than that even at -20F or 30F.
