[net.cycle] hippo hands vs. safety

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