Bicycles

DriBarz are windshields for cyclists' hands

DriBarz are windshields for cyclists' hands
DriBarz shield cyclists' hands from the rain, while still letting sweat moisture escape
DriBarz shield cyclists' hands from the rain, while still letting sweat moisture escape
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DriBarz shield cyclists' hands from the rain, while still letting sweat moisture escape
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DriBarz shield cyclists' hands from the rain, while still letting sweat moisture escape
DriBarz reportedly installs on drop-style handlebars in seconds via rubber straps, fitting over Shimano, Campagnolo or SRAM brake hoods
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DriBarz reportedly installs on drop-style handlebars in seconds via rubber straps, fitting over Shimano, Campagnolo or SRAM brake hoods
DriBarz also shields the hands from wind chill
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DriBarz also shields the hands from wind chill
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Cyclists who ride in the rain typically stay dry by wearing waterproof-yet-breathable jackets and pants. According to Vancouver, Washington-based engineer Jay Small, however, waterproof cycling gloves have a harder time keeping out the rain while also letting the sweat escape. His solution? Use regular dry-weather gloves, and his DriBarz handlebar fairing.

DriBarz reportedly installs on drop-style handlebars in seconds via rubber straps, fitting over Shimano, Campagnolo or SRAM brake hoods. The transparent aerodynamic cowlings protect the rider's hands from rain (and wind chill), while still allowing sweat moisture to exit through the back and bottom.

DriBarz also shields the hands from wind chill
DriBarz also shields the hands from wind chill

Additionally, a cycling computer, headlight or other device can be mounted on the bar joining the two cowlings, freeing up space on the handlebars. While it does look like water might just run down the arms of the user's jacket and onto their gloves, Small claims that most such water is blown off of the sleeves while riding.

Should you be interested, DriBarz is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of US$89 will get you a set, when and if they reach production. You can see the product in use, in the following video.

Potential buyers might also want to check out Bar Mitts.

Sources: DriBarz, Kickstarter


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6 comments
6 comments
Timelord
Easy, time-proven rain protection at a fraction of the cost of this: a bike poncho. Keeps not only the hands dry, but the upper body and the head while providing good breathability. As cheap as $20 or so, although there are fancy ones that cost a lot more.
Cody Blank
Man does gizmag cover some of the kookiest biking things...
unklmurray
I really had to comment on this one,I road my first Harley' in the summer of 1969 in Colorado,.......some time in the next decade or so I learned the trick of getting 2 Colorox bleach jugs just slice the neck and cut out the handle all the way to the base, about 3in.wide ,put them on the handle bars using Zip-ties.....around the neck and you have hand covers for less than a dollar......or use a clear 1gat. Water jug!!!!use a piece of wire and the cost si FREE!! I just saved you each $89/00...............LOL
DaveWesely
They may be missing the mark on marketing. Not many bikers are willing to ride in the rain, but will in the cold - except for freezing fingers. This would break the wind and chill factor on the digits, making for a much more pleasant ride. I ride in freezing weather and find keeping my fingers comfortable a real problem.
Accelerate20
Yes, if you don't bike in the rain, you just don't get it. Those of us who do, we get it.
unklmurray
I really had to comment on this one,I road my first Harley' in the summer of 1969 in Colorado,.......some time in the next decade or so I learned the trick of getting 2 Colorox bleach jugs just slice the neck and cut out the handle all the way to the base, about 3in.wide ,put them on the handle bars using Zip-ties.....around the neck and you have hand covers for less than a dollar......or use a clear 1gat. Water jug!!!!use a piece of wire and the cost si FREE!! I just saved you each $89/00...............LOL