Mitts or Gloves for extreme cold

[Reinout]

What are the best mitts or gloves for extreme cold weather, down to single digits if not Zero, in Chicago.
I have read about the Outdor Research Alti Mitts. Any experiences or other recommendations?

Thanks, Reinout

[paddleboy17]

I have been riding this winter with pogies.  There is a bike store in town that makes and sell them (they sold some to the Chicago Police Department).  They are called Moose Mitts, and create an insulated pocket on your handle bars.　　Ｉuse lighweight gloves on my hands.  Look for a shop called Trails Edge in Northville, Michigan.  They have a web site, and that is where you would go to order Moose Mitts. 

[Cyclesafe]

I use the OR Cornice mitten set - one step down from the Altimitts.  I combine with a glove liner so I can be dexterous off the bike.

[Successor to the Professor]

If you're using STI style shifters, I would steer clear from mittens, otherwise go for them.  Another option is to check out Bar Mitts at http://barmitts.com/.  

[bogiesan]

No recommendations, nothing works for me as temps reach 30-24F. My brain just figures I don't need my toes or fingers any more and shuts them off, no insulation systems help. I have to add heat by sitting on my hands.

We'd appreciate it if you came back and let us know what you bought and how they worked for you. One thing to ask for advice, another to be able to give recommendations based on real experience. Helps future seekers.

david boise ID

[John Nettles]

I agree with David as far as passing along the info.  Regarding recommendations, I like Manzella Ranch Hand gloves http://www.rei.com/product/742033 but be careful when removing so the lining doesn't come out and it is a pain to get back in.

[Reinout]

I have looked at the handle bar mitts. I would need at least two sets for the different bikes I use. Also, my hands need very very much protection as well as the hand warmer pouches. My finger tips start to turn white and numb at about 40 degr. I haven't bought anything yet, but I am leaning towards the AltiMits, if I can try them on at REI over the weekend.

[Reinout]

REI only carries the top-of-the-line OR's on-line. The had me try-out a lot lower cost REI brand mitten but it wasn't warm enough. They said to order the OR's with store delivery, try them and I could retun for full refund anytime, without any questions. Sounded like a real liberal return policy. I may try that out

[dunedigger]

I guess it kinda depends on the person. Me, a light pair of polertech gloves inside some thick wool mittens. Always keeps my fingers warm, and if I need to take the mittens off I don't freeze my fingers because of the fleece gloves. I'm not much for brands though, can never remember the names.

[johnsondasw]

IN the winter, I just wear ski gloves.  I have thin ones, medium ones, and heavy ones, so I can pick the level depending on the day. This has worked for me for over 30  years, but I don't go any more if it's below about 30 degrees.  I have a lot more trouble with cold feet, and don't like to bulk up with all the extra clothing for the real cold temps.  If it's too cold, and it is here in the mountains a lot on some winters, I just go X-country skiing or hking on the local ridges.

[Spokey]

A few winters ago, I rode to work and my fingers were so cold that I considered calling my wife and getting sagged home.  Fortunately there was an LBS below my office at that time and I went to look to see what they had.

I ended up with a pair of full fingered Pearl Izumis that are not padded and roomy enough to fit over my regular biking gloves.  Just having an air pocket that way seemed to do the trick and I haven't had any desire to do anything else.  Normally, Pearl Izumi's largest gloves fit but are a little small for me so these must have been made just for this purpose.

[dombrosk]

I've commuted for four winters now in Minnesota, 10 miles each way, and ride down to zero (or slightly below).  For temps below 15 I wear one or two pairs of thin polypro glove liners underneath Pearl Izumi lobster gloves. 

[CraftGeek]

I'll second the recommendation for the Pearl Izumi lobster gloves. They handled Colorado winter just fine.
http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&product_id=1455044

[dubovsmj]

take pair of warm wool socks and cut thumb holes in them.
use them as mittens.

i have Raynaud's syndrome and it has worked great for me.
of course you can then put a real mitten over the "socked" hand to keep thumb warm.

[nhhillbilly]

I also us the Lobster gloved in my commute in NH.