Depending on where you live or ride, many of us consider braving brisk riding temperatures this time of year. If road conditions allow, you could bundle up and ride.

Or even better, warm up the ride with heated riding gear. Why is heated gear better? Layers of clothing might slow down the cool seeping through to you, but they’ll also restrict your movements. Electric clothing will keep you warm, comfortable, and mobile.

For safety’s sake, you need to stay flexible when riding. Too many layers of clothing under your riding jacket will probably make you feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy, and a frozen one at that. If the morning starts out brisk and the temperatures climb during the day, you will appreciate heated clothing. Simply turn it down or off as the mercury rises, and the clothing acts as a liner. Besides, it’s fun when people stare at you from inside their cages, thinking you’re crazy, when in fact you’re nice and toasty and enjoying the ride.

It’s a good idea to wear undergarments with your electric clothing, as they will create a more uniform heat transfer to your body. Ideally, heated gear should be snug against your body without binding, and fit well under your outer riding gear without bunching and lumping. If your leather jacket has a removable liner, you might consider replacing it with the heated jacket liner. Many brands of heated gear connect directly to an onboard power supply (like the Powerlet outlet featured on page 80), and some offer a thermostat temperature controller to regulate the warmth. The more the temperature changes during the ride, the more you’ll appreciate this thermostat. As the day warms up, simply reduce the heat setting. When the sun goes down and it cools off again, crank it up. Some units offer a controller to allow different temperatures for your pants, jacket, vest, and gloves. Generally speaking, it’s not a good idea to machine-wash, twist, or wring out your internally wired heated gear. And, of course, don’t iron it.

Powerlet recently introduced a new line of heated gear including the PHG-100 heated jacket liner, which is pre-wired and ready for wired gloves and pants. This liner has pads up front, in the upper and lower back, as well as in the sleeves and collar. It features integrated flex panels and a stretchy back for a snug fit,while still allowing full range of motion. The neck is lined with fleece and all pockets are zippered. The liner comes with a nylon storage pouch to store it so when you reach your destination you’ll be cozy and warm.

I team it up with a Powerlet PHG-300-S single heated controller to dial in just the right amount of heat. This temperature controller features a vinyl pouch with a belt hook to keep it within easy reach. Thanks, Powerlet — no more shivering rides for me. RB

SOURCES

Heated Jacket Liner #PHG-100-L $199
Temperature Controller #PHG-300-S $69.95
Powerlet
5520 Chicago Rd. Dept RB
Warren, MI 48092
586/276-0906
www.powerletproducts.com