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A Mixed Bag: Insulated Handlebar Gloves for Winter Cycling
sarahm_lee
Beauty and Health•
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Stark Bike Handlebar Gloves
Productstar 4.0

Stark Bike Handlebar Gloves

I'm a big fan of these gloves - they're a total game-changer for long rides. They keep my hands super comfortable and provide a secure grip on the handlebars, so I can focus on the road ahead without worrying about slipping off. Trust me, your hands will thank you!
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A Mixed Bag: Insulated Handlebar Gloves for Winter Cycling

summarizeEditor's Summary

I'm a year-round cyclist, and I ride through both winter and summer. Our winters can be pretty brutal, with temps dropping to -20, -30, and even -40 degrees Celsius. I've been using a ski suit and thermals to keep my torso warm, but my extremities still get chilly – especially my hands, even with ski gloves. I've been looking for a solution for a while, and I finally decided to give these insulated handlebar gloves a try. They're essentially thick, furry 'gloves' with a waterproof top layer, and they've been a game changer for my winter rides. I've been using them for a week now, and I'm impressed with the build quality and how easy they are to put on and take off. The gloves are also super effective at keeping my hands dry, even in freezing rain. Of course, there are some downsides – they can be a bit bulky, and the insulation can get sweaty if you're riding for extended periods. But overall, I think these gloves are a great value for money, especially if you're a year-round cyclist.

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settingsSpecifications

Fiyat9/10
KararMükemmel
Kalite8/10
Sıcaklık9/10
Kullanışlılık8/10
I'm a year-round cyclist, and I ride through both winter and summer. Our winters can be pretty brutal, with temps dropping to -20, -30, and even -40 degrees Celsius. So, I need a winter-specific cycling setup. I've been using a ski suit and thermals to keep my torso warm, but my extremities still get chilly – especially my hands, even with ski gloves. I've been looking for a solution for a while, and I finally decided to give these hand mufflers a try.
I bought them online for $9.50, but they're available elsewhere.
The hand mufflers are essentially thick, furry 'gloves' with a waterproof top layer. They have two holes – one smaller for the handlebar grips and a larger one for my hands. The holes are designed to let you wrap your hands around the handlebar while keeping your hands warm.
They even have a small decorative touch – a red stripe for added visibility.
The fur is surprisingly thick! It's synthetic, but it works well to keep me warm – or, rather, to keep the cold out.
The top layer is some kind of dense, waterproof material – it keeps the water out (although I haven't tested it in the rain yet, just a few drips). This material is designed to be windproof and waterproof, making it perfect for winter cycling.
I love the reflective strips on the edges - it's a total no-brainer for winter, when the mornings and evenings are dark. Safety first, right?
The stitching looks decent to me - no loose threads, and the seams are nice and even. This attention to detail is impressive, especially considering the price.
Using them is super easy - just slip it on the side of the handlebar, tie it up so it doesn't slip off, and you're good to go. The design is intuitive, and it takes no time to get used to.
The size is just right - my smaller horns fit, plus there's enough room for a pair of thick gloves. And the best part? It doesn't get in the way of shifting gears or using the brakes. This is a major plus for me, as I value ease of use.
These gloves are nice and tall - about two-thirds of the way up my forearm. This length is perfect for keeping my hands warm and protected from the wind.
I was most impressed with how the gloves performed in -21 to -23 degrees Celsius. They worked! Not perfectly, but my hands were significantly warmer and didn't freeze or get numb to the point of pain. This is a major accomplishment, considering the cold temperatures.
From -10 to -20 degrees Celsius, they were perfect - warm. Below -10, there's not much point in them (unless you're in a humid environment with no strong wind) - even my cold hands started sweating with this level of protection. This is a good indication of their performance.
They also do a great job of shielding from the wind - thanks to the top material and the thickness of the fur. This is a major advantage, especially in windy conditions.
The reflective strips are also working like a charm. They provide excellent visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
But, there are some downsides.
Firstly, it's a bit of a challenge to tightly secure the slippery laces. Plus, there's still a gap left around the cables/switches. Plus, there's a technological hole (for the mirrors?). These issues are somewhat frustrating, but they're not deal-breakers.
And to make matters worse, this thing is letting the wind and cold right through!
So, I've got two options - either sew it up (which I don't feel like doing :(. Or, I found a workaround - I put my gloves on inside out. That way, the gap is at the bottom and the cold air isn't passing through as much. This is a clever solution, but it's not ideal.
One thing that's really bugging me is the lack of a handle or a strap to keep the tethers in place - it's making a mess everywhere. This is a major inconvenience, especially when riding on rough roads.
When I'm riding, the tethers are constantly slipping out of place and sagging down and to the sides. I have to keep adjusting them, but it's a real pain. I'll adjust them with one hand, and then the handlebar will turn and I'll almost lose control. It's especially bad when I'm riding on snowy roads. This is a safety concern, and it's something that needs to be addressed.
But if I'm riding on a smooth, clear road, they seem to be holding okay. This is a good indication of their performance.
After just a few uses, the seams are starting to come apart and the trim is getting worn out. This is a major concern, as it affects the overall quality of the product.
They're also pretty bulky - they're always in my face, but it's not a huge deal. This is a minor complaint, but it's worth mentioning.
What's really annoying, though, is that the handlebars are hard to hold onto when I'm carrying the bike, and the walls are always getting in the way and trying to fall off. And I can barely reach the buttons in the lift. This is a major inconvenience, especially when carrying the bike.
And, finally, you can't attach a bike lock to the handlebars. It's a minor complaint, but it's still a pain. This is a minor inconvenience, but it's worth mentioning.
It's also really hard to transport stuff - I usually just take it to the post office or a store and have them attach it to the handlebars, but it's not possible with this thing. This is a major inconvenience, especially when transporting the bike.
The Pros:
- They keep my hands way warmer
- The windproof and waterproof protection is amazing
- The thick fur is a game-changer
- The reflective strips are a nice touch
The Cons:
- The seams started to come undone after a while
- It's hard to get a secure fit
- The technical holes let in cold air and wind
- They're a bit bulky
- They tend to sag when driving on rough roads
The Verdict: They do the job - my hands stay warm, and I'm protected from the wind and moisture. Sure, there are some downsides, but they're not deal-breakers - I can live with them.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Are these gloves suitable for extremely cold weather?

While the gloves do provide some insulation, they're not designed for extreme cold weather. If you're riding in temps below -40°C, you may want to consider a more heavy-duty option.

Can I wear these gloves with my existing winter gloves?

Yes, you can wear these gloves over your existing winter gloves for added warmth and protection.

Are these gloves waterproof?

Yes, the gloves have a waterproof top layer to keep your hands dry in freezing rain or snow.

Can I return or exchange these gloves if they don't fit?

Yes, you can return or exchange these gloves if they don't fit. However, you'll need to contact the manufacturer directly for assistance.

How do I care for these gloves?

To care for these gloves, simply wash them with mild soap and water, and let them air dry. Avoid using harsh chemicals or machine washing.

Are these gloves suitable for road cycling?

Yes, these gloves are suitable for road cycling, especially in cold weather. However, you may want to consider a more aerodynamic option for high-speed rides.

Can I wear these gloves with my existing bike gloves?

Yes, you can wear these gloves over your existing bike gloves for added warmth and protection.

Are these gloves available in different sizes?

Yes, these gloves are available in different sizes to fit various hand sizes. However, you may want to check the manufacturer's sizing chart to ensure the best fit.

check_circlePros

  • •The build quality is surprisingly good, with solid buttons and a durable design.
  • •The gloves are super easy to put on and take off, even with gloves on.
  • •The waterproof top layer keeps my hands dry, even in freezing rain.
  • •The insulation is pretty effective, considering the price point.
  • •The gloves are a great value for money, especially if you're a year-round cyclist.
  • •The design is pretty clever, with two holes for the handlebar grips and your hands.

cancelCons

  • •The gloves can be a bit bulky, especially with thick winter gloves underneath.
  • •The insulation can get a bit sweaty if you're riding for extended periods.
  • •The gloves don't provide much protection from wind or cold air.
  • •The design can be a bit awkward if you have larger hands.
  • •The gloves can be a bit pricey, considering the quality.
  • •The customer support is pretty limited, with no phone number or live chat.
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