Layers or spend $$$ for heated stuff??!!
Gerbings heated gloves and liner..I hate the cold ex Florida guy now I can ride during the winter in Tennessee as long as there is no ice and stay comfy..
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore, MD
I layer but will admit that eventually I get cold. Usually hands first then feet then I better be heading home. I was always put off about wires and stuff on heated gear. What about drain on charging system? Bikes alternators (stators, whatever) aren't known for high output. Anybody have a view on this? I like to ride often and long, but am currently limited when the temps get down there.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,530
Likes: 607
From: Raleigh NC
For a commute to and from work? yeah.... layers work well....
Riding for a few hours? ...then a good insulated riding suit like the First Gear Thermo-guard, will work well (remember to bring the suit indoos, when not riding, so it an "absorb some warmth"
For ME...... I like riding all day, I have Gerbings gloves, jacket warmer, and union ridge over pants. I'm toasty warm... and MY comfort is far more important to me.... than the opinon of a casual onlooker...
ok.... ok.... ok... yes, I'm a "wuss".... but I'm a warm wuss....
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 215
Likes: 1
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Layers work well for me but my hands were always were the problem. Bought a pair of HD heated battery operated gloves and problem solved. For my 1/2 hour rides to work it's great but if you are going to be out for hours at a time the wired units would likely be a better bet.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Now that the modern bikes have larger alternators, heated gear is the way to go. I sure love the Gerbings we got for half price on closeout, when they switched to microwire in the new ones.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
My next purchase will be heated gloves.
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Layers or Heated ?
I used to layer when the temp dropped but over the years after a few hours of riding, I would get cold to my core. I've had as many as 7 layers and still after a few hours....I got the Gerbings heated jacket liner and gloves and I really enjoy riding in the cold now. When the vest cycles on, you will know you made the right choice and my hands never get cold anymore. BTW Gerbings recommends 3 layers and it is a lot easier to move around.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 12
From: Commerce, Mich.
You can not layer enough to keep you as warm as my Gerbings vest and gloves with only a good leather over the top, and chaps over my jeans. No problems with movements, and I don't have to peel things away everytime I stop somewhere.
My typical setup for 35 degrees is as follows..
1) jeans long sleeve t-shirt and HD boots
2) good chaps and heated vest
3) light weight face warmer (HD windproof gaiter)
4) HD leather jacket and Half Helmet with zip out ear warmer, Heated Gloves
Withj this I can and often have riden long distances in temps below 40 Degrees. And have to turn down the temp most of the time.
My typical setup for 35 degrees is as follows..
1) jeans long sleeve t-shirt and HD boots
2) good chaps and heated vest
3) light weight face warmer (HD windproof gaiter)
4) HD leather jacket and Half Helmet with zip out ear warmer, Heated Gloves
Withj this I can and often have riden long distances in temps below 40 Degrees. And have to turn down the temp most of the time.