BAR MITTS Cold Weather Road Bicycle Handlebar Mittens, fits Shimano Shifters with Externally Routed Shift Cables

Product Information

After installing the mitts, you can reach a hex wrench through the tiny hole which cause the rubber to bulb out and grip on the handlebars.

I've never used them but to me they look like dangerous in case of a fall or an accident, because they could keep your hands "locked" or constrained to the handlebar, preventing you from proper movement while falling. I used to use various homemade contraptions and ATV handwarmers for temperatures in the 15F and below range. Strengthened by the many miles spent darting around Seattle's hilly streets on a steel single speed, Rook's progression in the sport was a quick one. I was happy to find I was able to shift my Shimano levers as far as they went, both ways, without any trouble.

the top cuff of the mitt continues to act as a wind break even when you slide your hand up on the bar. It only took a few minutes to slip the Mitts over the ends of the handlebars, zip the sides around my shifter cables, and fasten the inner edge of the Mitts to the top of the handlebar with the velcro straps on the inside of the Mitts.

Obviously a larger size would have been better, but I’ve got pretty big hands, and was surprised that I could still fit into small Bar Mitts. I usually put them on at the point in January when it looks like temps are going to head below 0 F for a while. For most of my rides, I was riding in -10ºC to -20ºC, and my fingers stayed perfectly WARM for the entirety of the 2-3 hour rides with just a thin glove on.

You still get the feel of your bike and the trail or road, but your hands won’t freeze on those cold winter rides.