Cold Hands - What's The Solution? [Archive]

outlawtorn

11th May 2006, 14:34

Hi all,

Hope you are all keeping well :D and safe and looking forward to the joys of winter!! :cold:

The problem I have is that my hands get really cold, I do have winter gloves but they seem to let the water in and my hands freeze from there on. My question to y'all is what would you recommend from the following:
A - New, better, more expensive gloves (If so please recommend some gloves w/ weblink if possible)
B - Glove inners (Inner gloves which are supposed to keep more warmth in)
C - Heated grips which I can install myself and take off when spring arrives

Cheers all :2thumbsup
J.

James Deuce

11th May 2006, 14:43

1. Heated Hand Grips

2. What brand gloves are you wearing?

3. Wear your gloves under your jacket not on the outside. Goretex lined cordura and kevlar jackets wick the water down the legth of the sleeves and fill your gloves up if you wear the gloves with the cuff outside the sleeve.

I have a pair of Orinas that are both warm and hours of riding in a downpour dry. Orina don;t appear to have a website though.

Mental Trousers

11th May 2006, 14:43

You forgot d) get hard

Heated grips are the best solution there. People will think you're a soft old man but at least you'll have nice warm hands and have a smile on your face. Another possible solution is surgical rubber gloves under you bike gloves. Main problem is they don't breath or anything so your hands sweat like you wouldn't believe and stay wet. But they also stay warm.

Cajun

11th May 2006, 14:44

i were summer gloves pretty much all year round, only time i put my winter/thermal gloves on when its raining. riden down desert road with snow on side like this.

Harden up outlawtorn mate
hahha

saying that the heated grips on father in laws bmw were handy when i used it a few times to go to hammy hole couple years ago.

Colapop

11th May 2006, 15:08

I've found the best solution for cold hands is warm breasts!!

Whynot

11th May 2006, 15:10

I've found the best solution for cold hands is warm breasts!!

Roger that.

:rockon:

Colapop

11th May 2006, 15:11

Why yes, yes I would - given the chance!

outlawtorn

11th May 2006, 15:25

FYI I wear Hipora Gloves and it aint that much to do with hardening up, I've got type 1 diabetes so I have to look after my extremities, ie. feet and hands.

Whynot

11th May 2006, 15:28

Back on topic ... i just purchased some new, winter type warm dry gloves to replace my summer ones.
these ones in fact
http://www.dririder.com.au/products.asp?menu=56&main=RACER-X

definately worth it :yes:
although i commute a fair way out into the sticks

Lou Girardin

11th May 2006, 15:30

Spidi NK winter gloves on sale at AMPS @ $109.00 inc, down from $160 odd.

James Deuce

11th May 2006, 15:33

FYI I wear Hipora Gloves and it aint that much to do with hardening up, I've got type 1 diabetes so I have to look after my extremities, ie. feet and hands.

Yes you do - Get some polyprop gloves from Katmandhu, and some decent Gortex insulated gloves like the ones Lou's suggesting and take the Katmandhu gloves with you for the fitting. That way you canbe sure to get a size and style that will accept the polyprops underneath.

sAsLEX

11th May 2006, 15:57

A - New, better, more expensive gloves (If so please recommend some gloves w/ weblink if possible)

mine are worths over 300 but still get cold fingers, put your hands on the exhaust every time you stop

yungatart

11th May 2006, 16:02

I can't cope with being cold, my brain seems to freeze up along with my body. I wear a pair of polyprop gloves from the $2 shop under my winter gloves, works a treat and is very cheap!

Lou Girardin

11th May 2006, 16:02

Then again, the ultimate would be Baehr heated gloves. Little lecky blankets for your hands. Mmmmmmm cosy.
The $500 would send a chill through ones wallet though.

Hitcher

11th May 2006, 16:11

Get heated handgrips. Daytona Hot Grips. They're not that expensive -- even if you get the shop to fit them. Don't get the removable ones: one of the dumbest ideas since the Suck Kut.

Gloves? Definitely go for something with a GoreTex/Hipora liner, but try them not only for fit but functionality. Warmth tends to come with bulk, which is OK as long as it's not through the palm or underside of your fingers, as this can make operating the throttle, levers, switches and shit a bit of a fiddle.

Definitely wear your gloves inside a GoreTex jacket (as Jim2 has already mentioned). I have learnt this the hard way...

The best waterproof gloves I have owned are Alpinestars, but the cuff is too short. I've currently got a pair of Spidis which are waterproof, but the fingers are too short, contributing to pins and needles on longer rides.

For extra warmth, forget about polyprop liners. Go for silk. Just as warm with a fraction of the bulk. At your nearest camping and tramping store -- way cheaper that bike shops.

SDU

11th May 2006, 16:21

[/QUOTE]I have a pair of Orinas that are both warm and hours of riding in a downpour dry. Orina don;t appear to have a website though.
[/QUOTE]

Noticed that about their website when I searched to see how to treat my Orina jacket after getting wet on Anzac day.
So the gloves are waterproof?? Is their something on them telling you to re-waterproof them after a certain time / if dirty/ how to care for them??
Can you Pm me info if you have any Plse.

I use winter grade leather gloves still with polyprop gloves under on really cold days but they do get wet on longer rides in the rain, but the poly's keep the hands warm still. I had been thinking about goretex lined gloves when these ones finally wear out, they sound like a good plan to keeping dry.

Finn

11th May 2006, 16:24

Then again, the ultimate would be Baehr heated gloves. Little lecky blankets for your hands. Mmmmmmm cosy.
The $500 would send a chill through ones wallet though.

How about those wind deflectors that you've got (or wasn't I supposed to mention them?). Similar to the motorcross ones except for road bikes. I think you sell them.

dawnrazor

11th May 2006, 16:26

I always used to keep a note of what motorbike couriers use (gear-wise) as they probably have the highest road time of any bike riding group, so what works for them works for everyone. One thing I noticed is it usually looks nasty. So the heated grips are a defo, seen them alot, also seen the handle bar mitts, look like big round shoes on your handlebars which you stick your hands into and away from the wind blast, means you can wear thinner gloves as well. They look crap though, so you could try some motorcross bar protectors to keep the wind blast off the old knuckles in combo with heated grips and decent gloves....hmmmm toastie. No need to remove them in the spring, just switch them off, tada, job done, next.

dawnrazor

11th May 2006, 16:29

How about those wind deflectors that you've got (or wasn't I supposed to mention them?). Similar to the motorcross ones except for road bikes. I think you sell them.

I was wondering why those weren't suggested as well, especially after telling me how good they where on the recent akaroa adventure!

mstriumph

11th May 2006, 16:33

heck - i'm in west aus. and even here heated grips are a DEFINATE add-on to de Tasha when she goes in for her 10k service :yes: ....... heaven knows how you lot function without them ?!!

Superweetard

11th May 2006, 16:34

Come and check the new winter Range of Revi'tt at Motomail,light,thin, warm & dry,annnnndddd 10% off everything in the store from 13th May till 28th may

dawnrazor

11th May 2006, 16:38

Come and check the new winter Range of Revi'tt at Motomail,light,thin, warm & dry,annnnndddd 10% off everything in the store from 13th May till 28th may
nothing like some free advertising!

dawnrazor

11th May 2006, 17:11

you've got to be joking!! you're in auckland and you get cold hands :gob:

and diabeties, read the rest of the thread

Lou Girardin

11th May 2006, 17:44

How about those wind deflectors that you've got (or wasn't I supposed to mention them?). Similar to the motorcross ones except for road bikes. I think you sell them.

They work fairly well, but their real purpose is to make sprotbike riders think it's a Motard about to run over them.

Lou Girardin

11th May 2006, 17:45

Come and check the new winter Range of Revi'tt at Motomail,light,thin, warm & dry,annnnndddd 10% off everything in the store from 13th May till 28th may

Just 10%? It needs to be 30% or you're not in the game.

Lou Girardin

11th May 2006, 17:47

\For extra warmth, forget about polyprop liners. Go for silk. Just as warm with a fraction of the bulk. At your nearest camping and tramping store -- way cheaper that bike shops.

Yep. Except for the last bit:shutup:

Hitcher

11th May 2006, 19:19

Yep. Except for the last bit
Ooh err. What's your price on a pair of XXXL silk glove liners?

Oakie

11th May 2006, 19:37

Oh baby baby .... Daytona heated grips at $129 ! Got some put on my bike a month back and they make a huge difference. Did the West Coast and back in the rain and even though the gloves got a bit moist, the hands and fingers stayed nice and warm. End of discussion. Get some and get them now!

Macktheknife

11th May 2006, 19:39

I reckon the best cheap option is to get Merino gloves to wear under existing, very thin, very warm and reasonable price. May still get wet but stay warm ( I have used this option for ages and find it excellent)available from motomail and others. Then next option is heated hand grips, also quite reasonable these days, combine the two and great bonus. Finally you can go the british extreme way and get some hand warmers that attach to the grips, you put your gloved hands into them and the will do you up to and including snow and sleet for keeping hands warm and dry. Not sure you can buy them over here though as weather not usually that bad. Try any of the UK biker sites for further info.
Lastly you can use this as an excuse to put your hands somewhere nice and warm that will really shock your missus! If that gets you a thick ear you can go with the other suggestions. LOL

Hitcher

11th May 2006, 19:39

Get some and get them now!
I reckon they make the difference between hypothermia and happiness.

Oakie

11th May 2006, 19:46

I reckon they make the difference between hypothermia and happiness.

That sir, is not an exaggeration.

Rashika

11th May 2006, 19:48

Oakie

11th May 2006, 19:55

where from?
Got mine from Sportzone Suzuki. Got them to fit them for me as the bike was in for a warrant anyway. They also have cheaper ones ($99?) but the Daytonas are better.

Rashika

11th May 2006, 20:05

Got mine from Sportzone Suzuki. Got them to fit them for me as the bike was in for a warrant anyway. They also have cheaper ones ($99?) but the Daytonas are better.
Cheers matey! Will check em out this weekend :rockon:

Hawkeye

11th May 2006, 20:20

Go for silk. Just as warm with a fraction of the bulk. At your nearest camping and tramping store .
You could even try your local Farmers lingerie deparment. Don't stop at gloves. You could get silk for other parts of the body as well :rofl:

Hitcher

11th May 2006, 20:30

You could get silk for other parts of the body as well
Don't knock a electrically-heated silk cod-piece until you've tried one. Luxury.

T.W.R

11th May 2006, 21:00

Silk is the top choice :yes: just ask mountaineers what they use in extreme conditions.
Good quality Leather Gauntlet gloves with silk liner gloves :rockon:

dawnrazor

11th May 2006, 21:06

Don't knock a electrically-heated silk cod-piece until you've tried one. Luxury.

So essentially your saying you like connecting your meat and 2 veg up to batteries, hmmmm shocking!

Oakie

11th May 2006, 21:27

So essentially your saying you like connecting your meat and 2 veg up to batteries, hmmmm shocking!

"I smell sausages...."

scracha

12th May 2006, 01:04

"I smell sausages...."
After riding through several winters in freezing Scotchyland I'd say
1) Brushguards don't do very much to help keep your hands warm (even the posh and very wide BMW ones I had fitted to the TDM). They DO help keep them dry though.
2) Bar muff thingies are a real pain in the ar$e. Even the good ones hit against the brake and clutch levers above 60mph. A lot of courier's end up "modifying" them. Waste of time.
3) Cheapo Oxford heated grips are excellent. Remember to fit an in-line fuse. Other bikers will call you a girly nancy but they'll normally be saying this on a rare sunny winter's morning on their polished Fireblade 5 miles from their heated garage. I rigged mine up so that they'd only come on when I switched the headlight on (incase I forgot to turn them off). A lot of bike shops hook them directly to the battery so if you leave them on they'll drain the battery even with the ignition off.
4) Nikwax is a gawdsend.
5) A second pair of gloves for long journeys is a good idea (or even so you can put a dry pair on instead of the soaking wet ones you wore to work).

Devil

12th May 2006, 09:24

Superweetard

12th May 2006, 09:27

Just 10%? It needs to be 30% or you're not in the game.
Add 40% take off 30% all same to me

dawnrazor

12th May 2006, 11:00

Add 40% take off 30% all same to me

Hmmm not quite;

If an apple costs $1 and you increase its cost by 40% that makes it $1.40, and if you then take off 30% of that price it'll cost .98c, which would be a reasonable difference on a $2000 set of leathers.

Superweetard

12th May 2006, 11:55

[QUOTE=dawnrazor]Hmmm not quite;

If an apple costs $1 and you increase its cost by 40% that makes it $1.40, and if you then take off 30% of that price it'll cost .98c, which would ............make me a mathmatical dyslexic

Hitcher

12th May 2006, 12:50

make me a mathmatical dyslexic
It's Friday, so the BDOTGNZA reserves judgement on your literacy as well...

Lou Girardin

12th May 2006, 13:04

Ooh err. What's your price on a pair of XXXL silk glove liners?

Can't get 'em anymore. We've got XXL left @ $30.00. Less for KB'ers.

Lou Girardin

12th May 2006, 13:06

[QUOTE=scracha]) Brushguards don't do very much to help keep your hands warm (even the posh and very wide BMW ones I had fitted to the TDM). They DO help keep them dry though.
QUOTE]

Mine made a BIG difference down south. My hands got cold, but not numb.

Dai

12th May 2006, 13:16

In the UK I used a combination of heated grips, warm gloves and handlebar mitts. The latter kept the heat inside them mostly and most of the water/cold wind out.

Used them for two years despatch riding. Mitts came off at the warmer times and heated grips turned off.

Rode in some really cold weather (-5 + wind chill) and my hands stayed nice and warm.

Hope this helps

Rashika

12th May 2006, 15:23

Rode in some really cold weather (-5 + wind chill).....
ONLY -5? .....errr...thats almost a summers day here...at times anyway :yes:

pritch

12th May 2006, 20:15

I was told by staff in one Auckland shop (not AMPS)that using heated grips with Gore-tex gloves is tricky. Apparently above a certain temperature the heat makes the membrane suck instead of blow, so to speak.

I can't comment, as when it's raining I tend to be wearing gloves with built in visor wipers rather than the lovely lined Spidi items I bought from Lou :-)

Edbear

12th May 2006, 21:02

Thanks for the tips, guys. It's time I updated my ancient Thinsulates, but now it's a bit like updating my bike - so many choices! What if cost is a factor, what would be a good cheaper option? Mainly thinking good waterproofing. Of course up this way it doesn't get really, really cold.

oldrider

12th May 2006, 22:17

The little brushgard thingies on my Transalp do make a difference and so does sealing your gloves up for the winter. Try a tube of "Sno-Seal"
I ride around in -8c to -10c and I am not a tough guy at all.
I haven't bothered with heated grips yet.
Maybe this year? :yes: Who knows. Cheers John.

Titanium

12th May 2006, 22:44

Heated grips are the way to go........

:cold:

Oakie

12th May 2006, 22:53

Maybe I'm better off spending my money on heated grips than the new pair of gloves...

For those that have had them fitted. How long would it take? I'd get the shop to do it, so thinking about labour charges...

"About an hour", the mechanic quoted. Don't recall what time I was actually charged for though. Depends if they take shortcuts or not I guess.

beyond

12th May 2006, 22:54

Get your blood pressure up. :) This helps to keep the extremities warm.
Best ways I know to do this, heaps of coffee in the morning then several table spoons of worry about the day and worry about your ride and and of course, worry about finances. Then several teaspoons of riding on the motorway amongst all the mad cagers who try and block your every manouevre as you shouldn't be allowed to get ahead of them.

Then a couple of tablets of anger when some spaz pulls out on you and gives you the finger cos it was your fault after all. :angry:

Top that off with a shot of several close calls with wandering stock, diesel spills, cow shit all over the road and farmer brown coming straight at you on your side of the road with his bailing forks around chest level and hopefully by then, you will find your feelers are quite warm and fuzzy. :)

Oh, if you practice this and get into the habit; waving your hands like the stupid chimp on the telecom add, at offending motorists, also has the effect of getting the blood circulating as well.

Lou Girardin

13th May 2006, 07:58

I ride around in -8c to -10c and I am not a tough guy at all.
.

Riding in temps that freeze your visor shut is the definition of tough.

scumdog

13th May 2006, 08:52

Riding in temps that freeze your visor shut is the definition of tough.

I've had the dreaded 'snot-icicles' on my moustache at times - hope my skull-mask stops that!

But yeah, hands are still the worst thing to get cold, been almost in tears when they thaw out at times:crybaby:

Still, at least I don't have to ride to work these days - and if I do it's not so far.:yes:

Skyryder

13th May 2006, 16:06

SDU

13th May 2006, 16:17

I was in Budget's on Wilson's rd recently (CHCH) & they had Oxford heated grips cheaper than the one's Oakie mentioned. They also had Oxford Hothands which are heat pads that wrap over grips. Low drain on battery & easily fitted. Look at the web page under Essentials - choose winter gear.

http://www.oxprod.com/

We have seen overseas people advertising heated gloves which will probably be a great way to go. Some we think (It was a year or so ago) had little pocket battery packs so you can wear them around the camp site.
Reckon if someone imported those we'd be in for some -price dependant of course.

rok-the-boat

13th May 2006, 21:13

Never tried heated grips but have had dry-warmth with:

Big handle bar muffs with any light gloves,

Light gloves with waterproof overmittens,

Motorcross lever guards - slightly warmer/dryer etc but you still get wet in the end.

outlawtorn

16th May 2006, 13:34

Thanks everyone for their words of wisdom and advice. As the wallet is crying I've decided to opt for some Oxford Inner Gloves, from Colemans. So I'll be testing these out over the next week and I just hope and pray that they do the job.

Thanks again everyone. :headbang: You guys rock!!!!

L8r
J.

beyond

16th May 2006, 15:03

Biff

16th May 2006, 17:14

I've got some Oxford removable thingies. Motomail sell them. Great bit of kit. nice n warm.

I'd be interested to hear how you find the Oxford inner gloves. Absolute wank IMO.

mdb

16th May 2006, 19:25

Go for heated permanent heated grips. I've got some Oxford ones and they are really good especially in the rain as your gloves don't feel as wet (and I don't think my gloves are very good.

Free Rider

16th May 2006, 19:41

Hey, i wear gloves with inner lining and they keep my hands pretty warm.. not sure brand but kevlar/leather.. having heated hand grips would help alot to.

Oakie

16th May 2006, 20:07

I loved my heated handgrips in the 3 degrees I rode to work in this morning.

Hitcher

16th May 2006, 20:39

I wear my leather jacket like a great big hug
Radiating charm - a living cloak of luck
It's the only concrete link with an absent friend
It's a symbol I can wear 'till we meet again
Or it's a weight around my neck while the owner's free
Both protector and reminder of mortality
It's a curse - I cannot shirk responsibilities
From the teacher to the pupil it's a gift to me
so I love my leather jacket and I wear it all the time
I love my leather jacket

Madness

16th May 2006, 20:43

I love my leather jacket

Cordura just doesn't have the same ring to it, does it??

I love my new R-Jays EVO jacket by the way.

XP@

17th May 2006, 10:35

Heated grips are the way to go... I may be a panzy but a panzy with warm hands is what I am.
The trick is not to let your hands get wet, so over mittens for the really damp days.

Daytona grips are cheep and cheerful, I've ridden 100,000kms with them (not on all the time). I'm on my second set (If your in wellington I have a pair in used condition for $20)

If your bike is past the stage where you worry too much about it and don't mind using a soldering iron then you can make your own hot grips for a couple of $'s.
http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/HotGripsInstallationFAQ.htm#Hot%20Grips%20Australi a
I used a switch from a broken set of Daytona grips and some resistance wire with excellent effect on my old XT400, then commuted for a winter with warm hands :-)