I’d seen Bar Mitts, sometimes also called “pogies”, on commuter and fat bikes for years — those odd-looking black neoprene sacks that take up most of your bars. But I take back any side-eyeing I’ve ever done because they are indeed incredibly effective and I have now become a “pogie” user.
In the thrall of global climate change, winters here in the Pacific Northwest have become increasingly more severe. Sure we were always used to a fair bit of rain in the winter but freezing temperatures and snow are becoming an increasingly common occurrence. After getting caught out by a low snow line on a recent gravel ride —and crying in my car afterwards as the fingers painfully came back to life—, I turned to Bar Mitts to see how these compared to the best winter cycling gloves…
Bar Mitts: construction
(Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)
Polychloroprene, more commonly called “neoprene”, has long been the star of wetsuits, waders and cycling booties thanks to its excellent waterproof and insulating properties.
Neooprene gloves are not uncommon in water sports or hang gliding but in my experience with them, the dexterity was limited and the close-celled foam that makes the material waterproof also prevents ventilation, making them entirely too sweaty for cycling use.
The Bar Mitts, however, are more like neoprene pockets that fold over and enclose your brake levers and hoods, close around the bar using velcro yet keep an opening for easy hand insertion and removal.
- Made of waterproof, 5mm thick neoprene with nylon lamination inside and outside
- The mitts stay open and stiff allowing for easy access
- Mitts feature reflective material on seam and logo for visibility
- There are separate models available for internally and externally routed cables
- There are even specific models available even for bullhorn bars, flat, mustache, townie or butterfly bars
- Most models have various sizes as well
- MSRP: $74.95 USD
The ride
(Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)
It’s almost maddening how simply effective the Bar Mitts are — and why it’s taken me so long to try them. Made of 5mm thick neoprene, the cornucopia-shaped pogies slide over the bar ends, enclosing the brake levers and hoods, and attach to your bars using an integrated velcro strap.
The mittens remain upright and open so you can slide your hands in and out of them, and have space to shift and brake.
Installing the Bar Mitts was straightforward and quick, and armed with…