Warm, toasty, winter weather

So after more than 32 years riding bikes through all seasons, winter storms, shitty UK weather without anything more than a good set of leathers and waterproof textiles I've finally succumbed to a heated vest and gloves. As I'm now going to be commuting the 150 miles from home to Bristol at least twice a week week I did a bit of research and opted to go for some quality Keis kit. I did about 40 miles today testing them out and all I can say is..........

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why didn't I do this years ago?

They are amazing. Maybe technology has come on a long way because in the past I've been less than impressed when I tried heated kit. With this vest and gloves I just didn't get cold at all. I went out in jeans and trainers so I could actually feel the real temperature of what it was like and my legs went totally numb pretty quickly but my body and hands were just warm and cosy all the time.

The gloves are good fit and well made - better than a lot of other winter, Gortex lined, gloves and they are not bulky like some others I've owned and they have armour which is very rare. They have a pad on the back that lights up and goes from green to orange to red for different heat settings. Easy to do on the move as well.

Jacket is well fitting and has points to plug in for leads from either bike battery, Optimate jack or to re-chargable battery. I got Keis's larger one one and it was still giving more or less full power after two hours powering both the gloves and jacket.

If you are considering heated stuff just go and do it. Not cheap but worth every penny.

That's a little bit of a coincidence. I bought the same gloves this week. I'd the jacket before but never tried the gloves. I rode a couple of hundred miles in a temperature of 5c and my hands were toasty. I just plugged the jacket into the Optimate socket and off we went. I got the little extension leads that make getting the gloves on and off while connected a bit easier. Like Bic wish I'd had them years ago

I recently purchased heated gear also. It's awesome! The closest thing I can describe it to is standing next to a bonfire on a winter day. Nice and toasty.

I remember having been out on a winters bimble and having no feelings in my hands and feet. Quite dangerous having hardly any control, and made it home feeling like death. I ran a hot bath to get my core temperature back to normal and noticed one of my toes had turned green It took 45 minutes lying in the bath for my toe to go back to it's normal colour. I don't mind taking small journeys in winter,but if the temperature gets below 7 degrees, I know it's not for me, as combining speed v wind chill factor = pain. Also I hate the salty bloody roads,and knowing I'll have to jet wash the bike after each ride and then put protection on her. I admire people riding in Arctic conditions,but I'll stick to my car or bicycle for the most. Anyhoo, only a few weeks to go till I'm back in the saddle

Bic: What do you mean shit weather? I can see leaves and grass.
Do enjoy your gear.