“There’s nothing cool about being cold.” I’m probably not alone in saying that I’m not the only one that couldn’t agree more with that tag line. As with many riders I like to get out throughout the winter, but no matter how much I bundle up, I often feel a chill in the fingers. This is because when your gloves become saturated with sweat or water, it can be very difficult to keep your hands warm. British-based BreezeBlockers has a novel solution for this all too common problem – block your hands from being in the wind.
The entire line of BreezeBlockers products are designed to keep your hands out of the wind while cycling, and use your natural body heat to create a warm air pocket inside the BreezeBlockers. Keeping this warm air pocket outside of the glove should reduce the amount of sweat that could potentially build up inside your gloves. Along with keeping the sweat from building within your gloves, they are also designed to keep water out. The BreezeBlockers are constructed of ABS or polypropylene plastic (depending on the model) which will help shield your hands from outside water from coming in contact with your gloves.
httpv://youtu.be/XvuW_ypjZcI
There are two specific lines of BreezeBlockers, the Aero and Armour. The Aero line, as the name implies, is designed with aerodynamics in mind. They are mounted to the top of the drop bars keeping your hands out of the wind and not interfering with the braking or shifting. The Armour line is for mountain bikes or bike with straight bars. This line is not only designed to keep the hands warm, but also protect them from impact.
The Aero line should fit most road bikes with little problem, except if you are using suicide or cyclocross brake levers that mount of the top of the drop bars. Some modifications might be required. The Armour line has a few more limitations, notably if you run twist shifters or combined gear and brake levers. If so, unfortunately BreezeBlockers will not work for you.
Beyond the gloves, BreezeBlockers is looking at other ways to keep you covered, including a product to fit over road shoes. The AeroGuard is essentially a plastic toe cover for cleated shoes and works along the same principal – keeping your feet out of the wind. BreezeBlockers are designed and manufactured in England, and alas there is no U.S. distributor listed, but if you have a Paypal account, you can order directly from them. If you live in an area with lots of cold rain or snow, the BreezeBlockers line of products might just be your ticket for keeping your digits warm.
Thank you for the product review. BreezeBlockers has 2 new products soon to be launched, they will be specific for city/ commuting bikes, that are compatible with grip shifters and combination levers. Coming soon to the website – thanks for looking.
BreezeBlockers would welcome any interest from American distributors.