Bar Mitts//Review

[Selkie]

I finally capitulated and bought myself bar mitts. This morning, I tested them out in (temps were in the high 30s but there was a wind chill). I wore amfib gloves because I was going on a long ride (43 miler) and didn't want to risk getting cold/painful hands/fingers.

In sum, they work like a champ. My hands were sweating (I should have opted for lighter gloves) and the gloves were soaked by the time I got home. Regardless, my hands stayed toasty. The combo I used today -- bar mitts plus the amfib gloves -- will likely keep my hands warm/toasty when the temps fall below 32.

The mitts are neoprene and kept the wind out/warmth in. Easy to install and the zipper that accommodates the cables stayed shut. To be honest, they took some getting used to. I had thicker gloves on which made for a tighter fit but I had no trouble shifting, braking, steering, handling the bike. I was also able to get my hands in/out, with practice, while moving. Didn't interfere w/my headlights, too, even though I was on my Isis, which has a fairly narrow handlebar.

Not sure how they would work if you ride in the drops. I always ride on the hoods, so YMMV.

I went ahead and ordered a set for my bikes w/campy (they don't need the zipper since the cables are beneath the bar tape). This year, I'd like to average at least three days of outside riding a week, pavement conditions permitting, through the winter months. I didn't ride outside last winter primarily because I couldn't bear the thought of cold/painful/numb hands.

[Bike Chick]

I've never heard of these. Can you share a link so I can see what you are talking about?

[Biciclista]

thanks for the review. Do they hamper you when you need to MOVE your hands? could you get stuck in them?

[Thorn]

http://barmitts.com/products.php ?

I've been drooling over these for a while (but I'm cheap)....like Mimi asked....can you get in and out of them quickly? What if the temps rise too high, can you get them out of the way when you're out riding? And, how did you figure out what size?

[malkin]

They explain the sizing on the FAQ. It sounds like there is a small difference in the opening--so it would depend on your wrist size.

Brewer didn't like them to captain the tandem. I've used them a few times as the stoker--but I don't have any controls there at all, just cold hands.

[Selkie]

OK, I used a lighter weight glove w/them and it was much easier to get my hands in/out. If you wear a thick jacket or heavier gloves, there is potential for having a hard time getting them in and out, and less room for your hands to move around inside the mitt. Go with a larger size if you anticipate needing a heavier glove (see below). I think it's more a matter of acclimating, in terms of getting the hands in/out.

My usual cold weather hand solution is lobster gloves on top of two pairs of wool glove liners and a chemical hand warmer. Therefore, I'm used to riding with a degree of reduced hand dexterity.

One other thing, it's more difficult to ride out of the saddle. You have to take a lower position, but I did it comfortably. Just feels weird at first.

To remove them, you have to stop the bike and take them off the handlebars. They secure very firmly on the bar, which is a plus.

I guesstimated on size (got small, figured they were sized more for men -- but I've ordered medium for my campy bikes, so I will have the option of going with a heavier glove).