Tuesday, November 27

Hoping for Help

Warm Glove Don't Keep Out the Water
I have tried. Really I have. So far, I think I've gotten to a place where I can ride in conditions between 0F and 110F. Rain or shine, though black ice and lightning are on the ragged edge.

So where have I failed? I have yet to find a way to keep my hands dry when it is raining the way it rains here in Texas. That isn't much of a problem when it is reasonably warm out - I simply ride without gloves. In the winter, however, and it is quickly approaching, wet hands are no fun. Wet gloves are no fun, either. I go to "Amazon" and search for waterproof cycling gloves and I lose heart. I try wrapping my gloves in plastic garbage bags and that helps for a while until the wind gets at them.

So I remain at a loss. Might my loyal reader have a brilliant solution?




12 comments:

RANTWICK said...

Hmmm. Some industrial style gloves are rubbery all over, but cuffs that keep water out are tricky. Still, I would start with a workwear store.

As with most of my personal choices in this regard, I lean toward not even trying to stay dry, so long as I'm still warm. Neoprene is great that way...

John Romeo Alpha said...

Cabela's Goretex insulated shooting gloves. The black ones are one sale. Go gettem.

Rick Ankrum said...

I would look at diver's gloves. Neoprene does not leak.

John Romeo Alpha said...

Actually, reading the other comments, a full-on wet suit may be the best way. Photos please.

Ham said...

If you are looking for something to keep hands dry, here is my suggestion , the approach suggested by this has two alternatives, each that would be equally effective.

Frankly, if I understand the type of rain you get, there is only one option: Get wet. Concentrate on windproof fabrics that stop the chill and your exertion should provide the warmth. Whatever you spend on stuff like Goretex, the half-life is always disappointingly short.



recumbent conspiracy theorist said...

Not meaning to be a smart aleck but when it's raining I drive the damn car. I might get caught riding home in a rain or snowstorm but it's not a big deal at the end of the day.

Ed W said...

Get two pair of ski gloves, Steve, the kind that clip together. You'll have one pair for the trip in and the other for the trip home. Hang the wet one on your pannier and they'll dry quickly.

Agustin said...

Try these:

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cycling/MensClothing/Gloves/PRD~5020-734/mec-drencher-gloves-unisex.jsp

I have worn them countless times in near-freezing rain and they've worked perfectly.

Steve A said...

Wow! Digesting these suggestions gives me an idea. Actually two. Ruling out Ham's suggestion (this being a "G" rated blog) and the difficulty of getting gloves affordably across the border from Canada (though I'll see if I can find a MEC the next time I go to Quebec), the two most promising options seem to be some variant of neoprene and Gore. I'll buy one ane put the other on my "Christmas wish list." In the worst case, I'll have more gloves to rotate through the drying cycle so I can keep the "ride to work" trend going while staying comfy. If I put the Gore on the list, my wife and kids all know where the nearest Cabela's is.

cafiend said...

Sealskinz paddling gloves might work for you.

In moderately cool temperatures with rain I wear polypro or polyester liner gloves under my cycling gloves and dry them out during the work day for the ride home. I have not used the Sealskinz much, but they seem promising. Not too bulky.

GreenComotion said...

How about gloves one uses to clean? Those goofy, yet waterproof gloves, we have in the kitchen? A Rubber band around the wrist might keep the water out.

Just my 2 cents!

Paz :)

Ham said...

I don't know what you mean. I would have thought that either (a) a towel or (b) sun were the obvious answers to wet hands.

I still don't think you would get either the absolute performance or the longevity from any gloves. Instead, if wind chill is what aggravates the issue, what about using a PET bottle cut down around the grips as a windshield? There are custom built ones you can buy, too.

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