grahamr (11/03/82)
I've been considering those fleece-lined camera bags for my handlebars this winter. (Icy roads are fairly rare here in Portland). Can anyone testify as to their safety record or point me to a magazine article? My armchair wisdom says that they probably lower the risk of "self- inflicted" shoulder/elbow dislocations but that they might eat fingers. -Graham Ross teklabs!tekmdp!grahamr
hsc (11/04/82)
I have used HippoHands for about seven years (I commute all year on my bike). I like them, mainly for the convenience of not having to put on super-heavy gloves when its only 30 degrees F or so. They DO take a little getiing used to and they DON'T mix with cruise controls. I dumped once on a LONG patch of ice at about 40 mph, and my hands came out of the HippoHands like there was nothing there. The HippoHands got a 2" tear that had to be sewn up, and probably prevented more expensive damage to the bike. For really long cold rides, I find that nothing works like electric gloves - mine are from Gerbrings. Once your hands are already cold (as from taking your gloves off to dig out tollway change) there is NO passive insulation that will get them warm again. Electric gloves may seem kludgy, but they always do the job. Another alternative which I have not tried but that should work well is HippoHands and electric handgrip heaters. Please post news on what you try and how it works. Harvey S. Cohen BTL-LZ1C314 (201)576-6059 houxn!hsc