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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

2702.0. "Solutions for COLD hands" by STRATA::ASMITH () Fri Nov 05 1993 12:58

         A few questions on winter stuff.  I have ridden during the winter
    for the last few years but plan to increase my riding frequency to any-
    time I have time and the light of day.
         The thermal wear that I use is fairly good so most parts of my
    anatomy do not suffer during cold rides.  One thing that has defied
    solution is how to keep my hands from loosing feeling, especially on
    overcast days.  I normally wear 2 pairs of polypro liners under a
    Goretex lined pair of gloves.  On days when the sun is out my hand
    setup is tolerable, but on cold, inclimate days my hands literally
    freeze.  I think the base problem is my anatomy, my blood vessels are
    small and apparently deep in my flesh ( I cannot donate blood for
    plasma as a result because of the need to draw from vessels several
    times ), I think the deep vessels make heat regulation more difficult
    for me.
         I have considered taking a pair of arm warmers and sewing them to
    a pair of glove liners.  I think that with such a setup I can draw heat
    from my torso to my hands.  Does anyone have experience with such a 
    setup?  I am also considering using some of the chemical heating packs
    that some hunters supposedly use to keep their hands warm, I tried such
    a pack several years ago and was disappointed with the results - maybe
    the technology has improved so I will try again.  Does anyone have 
    experience with using the chemical packs?  Also, does anyone know of 
    other methods such as battery powered hand heaters ( must be
    inobtrusive to bike handling ) that may exist?
         I appreciate any information on available products along with info
    on where I can get them.
    
         Thanks;
           Abe     
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2702.1Motorcyclists get much colder...TRLIAN::MURRAYTom Murray, Telecom-Voice-Nets PSC, MKO, 264-3339Fri Nov 05 1993 14:249
	Many years ago when I rode motorcycles they had electric grip
	warmers that ran off the MC battery.  I'd call an MC shop,
	one that sells Honda Goldwings or BMWs or other touring MCs,
	and see if they have such things, and/or electric gloves.
	Either of these may or may not be practical for drop bars,
	and then there's the matter of carrying a battery. (Last I 
	knew, Electronic Service Surplus had gel cells for ~$7; they
	are in Manchester, NH, on So. Commercial St.  Don't recall
	voltage.)  I'd call hunters' stores too.
2702.2try a mitten insteadWMOIS::MALLETTE_PFri Nov 05 1993 15:575
    
    Try a mitten or a one finger mitten, having all your fingers seperated
    by the glove does not allow your hand to "pool" its heat.
    
    pm
2702.3heater paksSTOWOA::MONTUORIFri Nov 05 1993 16:0612
    I've used the heater paks with success in both my gloves and boots.
    But the gloves/boots have to be large enough to accomodate the space
    the pak requires.  Also, the pak moved around bit.
    
    A recent catalogue had gloves with a pocket on the back of the hand
    specifically to accomodate the heater paks.  I think it was either
    L.L. Bean or Early Winters.
    
    Mittens are always warmer than gloves.  The Lobster Claw style gloves 
    work pretty good and are a good compromise between mittens/gloves.
    
    	Lori
2702.4Thanks for the Info, gives me some ideas.STRATA::ASMITHFri Nov 05 1993 17:2018
         Thanks for the info so far.  I ordered some mittens from
    Performance but have had a problem with UPS delivering them, I expect
    to pick them up at the Post Office soon.
         I just got an Early Winters catalogue in the mail, I was thinking
    about trashing it but will look through it tonight.
         I prefer some type of separate finger glove because I ride long
    distances and need to eat, I am under the impression that mittens make
    eating difficult.
         I have considered some type of dressing to the handle bars but did
    not think of heating them, such an idea might work well, I will peak
    into a couple of motorcycle shops to see what they have cooking.  I
    used to like the idea of wearing a motorcycle type helmet during winter
    rides but with new fabrics and skin cover designs I have found that I
    can keep my face, neck and ears adequately warmed while wearing a
    standard biking helmet.
    
           Abe;
    
2702.5I've got 'em, I just don't remember who makes 'em!MSE1::SUTTONHe roams the seas in freedom...Mon Nov 08 1993 07:3817
    For the life of me, I can't remember the brand name, but I've been
    VERY pleased with a set of winter cycling gloves/mittens for a number
    of years now.
    
    They're made by one of the earliest manufacturer's of gel-padded
    saddles and gloves (again, I'm really sorry I can't bring their name
    to mind - maybe someone else here knows who I'm talking about). Anyway,
    it's like a normal cycling glove (with individual fingers that stop
    between the palm and first knuckle) with a soft (and warm) lined
    mitten cover that extends over the fingers. In warmer weather, the
    mitten piece can be folded back and held against the wrist with a
    bit of velcro.
    
    I've found these to be an excellent compromise between gloves and
    mittens.
    
    	/Harry
2702.63D::ROTHGeometry is the real life!Mon Nov 08 1993 10:5319
    What I find that works pretty well so far is to put these fairly
    loose fitting shell mittens over rag gloves.  The shells are
    made for cycling (I forget the manufacturer, maybe Pearl Izumi
    or something) and supposedly "breathe" but I find that they
    get a lot of condensation inside anyway after 3 or more hours.

    But because they're loose fitting, this condensation does not
    saturate the rag gloves and my hands stay warm enough.

    It's important to have any gloves not be tight fitting.  I have
    more trouble keeping my feet warm enough on long cold winter rides
    even though I keep my head warm and so on.

    I've tried XC ski gloves, the problem is they can become saturated
    with perspiration inside and it's a big pain to clean and dry them.

    No matter how you cut it, winter riding sucks in my opinion.

    - Jim
2702.7I remembered...MSE1::SUTTONHe roams the seas in freedom...Tue Nov 09 1993 08:045
    re: .5
    
    The brand name is Spenco.
    
    	/Harry
2702.8CSC32::GAULKEWed Nov 10 1993 17:2512
    
    
      While you're at the motorcycle  store, ask about 
    some type of equipment that would attach to your handlebars
    and shield the wind, similar to a wind faring for your hands.
    I see them almost exclusively on motocross bikes.
    
      I've also seen a set up that attaches around your handle bars
    and covers your hands, handlebars and levers, like a big hand
    warmer muff(?).
    
      
2702.9HOT GLOVESPHONE::MURRAYTom Murray, Telecom-Voice-Nets PSC, MKO, 264-3339Tue Nov 23 1993 09:029
	Just saw in the Early Winters catalog a glove that uses a
	heating packet and the glove itself has fluid channels to
	circulate the heat.  I don't have their phone # here; try
	1 800 555 1212 and ask for their 800#.  Glove was about $40

	I was out Sunday at 35F and realized that one moves their
	hands too much, or has them on the brake hoods, so I don't
	think anymore that heated grips make sense.  Cancel my
	suggestions in .1