I’ve been using Moose Mitts since the beginning of December. AFAIK, they are the only drop bar compatible pogies available.
(Correction: I see that there is also a product called “Bar Mitts” out there.)
This is what they look like from the side:
On my bike, the left one droops a bit because I don’t have a gear cable coming off the left side of the handlebar.
These mitts have three points of attachment. There is a velcro wrap around the handlebar on the inboard corner of the mitt. There is also a slot to accommodate the gear cable that Velcros shut around it. You can see the slot in the above photo where the purple lining is visible.
From the back, you can see the third point, which is at the bar end. There is plenty of room inside the mitt to use all possible hand positions (although I should state that I mostly ride on the hoods).
The attachment at the bar end was originally a small piece of elastic. It is still visible on this photo on the left side. (and you can see it in the images on the manufacturer’s website.) The elastic on the right side came unstitched after a day or two of use, so I put a piece of Velcro One Wrap on each side. The width of the One Wrap makes the attachment point much more secure than stock.
(as an aside, Velcro One Wrap is a great product that is useful for all kinds of things both on and off the bike. Imagine a wide, infinitely reusable cable tie)
Here is a close up view of the stitching of the One Wrap. Actually I had my Mom do this, since she had the beefy craft needles and heavy thread that was best for this job. Thanks Mom!
Bottom line: in weather down to -10C, I’ve been able to stick with a thin pair of windblock fleece gloves for my half hour commute. Highly reccommended, if a bit pricey.
There are many other pogies out there for non-drop bars. There are even two companies in town. I met the people behind these products on last year’s “Coldest Day of the Year” Ride.
The developer of the “Barbra” is standing to the right in this photo.
This woman imports Handlebar booties, made in China from her original design. Can anyone confirm that these are still being sold? MEC also sells pogies but they don’t seem to get good reviews.
UPDATE: Handlebar booties has a website that appears to be dead (Nov 2016).
2014 update: I switched to Handlebar booties on my new winter bike (which doesn’t have drop bars). They are still being sold at Urbane.
Update Jan 2019: There are warmer pogies out there but they are quite expensive. For example these by Dogwood Designs. The other thing that I’ve found that works are cheap snowmobile mitts from Canadian Tire.
Your post makes me so glad I moved to Victoria where bitterly cold is -2 deg C…=-)
Hi Check out Myspace.com/Handlebarbooties. I was a little overwhelmed with Courier Co-op Toronto but now I’m back and updating things. Handlebar Booties also has a facebook page and if anyone wants any information they can contact me at handlebarbooties@gmail.com or text/phone me at 647 782 4123 Thanks for mentioning me and Handlebar Booties in your post! Cheryl
I love your photo. When I first glanced, I thought ‘I used to have a helmet like that.’ Then I realized that It is me in your photo. Likely taken during a Darcy (Al) Sheppard ride. Beside me is Shane Murphy, who was one of the co-owners when we owned Courier Coop Toronto. I wonder if you would please send it to me as a keepsake. Thanks. handlebarbooties@gmail.com Cheryl
Thank you for the posting your review of our Road Moose Mitts (made right here in Michigan). I would like to add that we have had some updates and the new website address is http://www.moosemitts.com we also have a Facebook page of the same name for anyone who had questions or looking for more details.
Could I ask that you update the link if possible on your review ?
Thank you again
MIke and Abby
Moosemitts.com
done!