ROCKBROS Winter Cycling Bar Mitts: My Real-World Review

My honest ROCKBROS Bar Mitts review after five Canadian winters. How warm are they, how durable are they, and are they worth buying?

CYCLING GEAR

Joe O'

10/8/20265 min read

Winter cyclist wearing a bright yellow jacket beside a bicycle equipped with ROCKBROS handlebar mitt
Winter cyclist wearing a bright yellow jacket beside a bicycle equipped with ROCKBROS handlebar mitt

Winter Cycling in Canada: Keeping My Hands Warm

I've been cycling through Canadian winters for years, and one thing I've learned is that keeping your hands warm can make the difference between an enjoyable winter ride and a miserable one.

Living in Thunder Bay, Ontario, I'm no stranger to cold temperatures, snow, and winter riding conditions.

In the fall of 2020, I started using ROCKBROS Bar Mitts on my bike. GAME CHANGER!

They've become a regular part of my winter cycling setup, and I've had plenty of opportunities to put them to the test.

In this review, I'll share my experience with them, what I like, what could be better, and whether I think they're worth buying.

How Warm Are ROCKBROS Bar Mitts?

I've used my ROCKBROS Bar Mitts through five Canadian winters so far, including winters in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and one in Winnipeg, Manitoba — or as I like to call it, Winterpeg ManiSNOWba!

I bought them in the fall of 2020, and the upcoming winter of 2026–2027 will be my sixth season using them.

Here's how I typically use them:

  • Around −5°C or warmer: No gloves at all! Just my bare hands inside the Bar Mitts.

  • Colder temperatures: A lightweight pair of gloves is usually enough.

  • Longer rides in even colder weather: I switch to midweight gloves for some extra warmth.

And just how cold have I used them?

Temperatures down into the −40s°C!

Of course, what gloves I wear depends on the temperature, wind, and how long I'm planning to ride. But the Bar Mitts have made an enormous difference to my winter cycling comfort.

After more than 30 years of riding year-round, I can confidently say these have been one of the biggest improvements I've made to my cold-weather cycling setup.

Durability: Five Winters and Still Going Strong!

These are still the original ROCKBROS Bar Mitts I purchased back in the fall of 2020.

After five winters of riding in Thunder Bay and Winnipeg, they're still doing their job.

No repairs. No replacements. No problems.

I've never had to do anything to them other than put them on my bike and use them.

With my sixth winter approaching, I'd say they've been an excellent investment.

Sometimes the best gear is the stuff you buy once and then almost forget about because it just keeps working!

My Final Verdict: Are ROCKBROS Bar Mitts Worth Buying?

After five Canadian winters using the same pair of ROCKBROS Bar Mitts, my answer is an enthusiastic YES!

They've kept my hands comfortable in conditions ranging from relatively mild winter days to temperatures down into the −40s°C, with appropriate gloves when needed.

Getting my hands in and out is easy and effortless, whether I'm wearing gloves or not.

They're quick to install, convenient to leave on throughout winter, and the large zippered pockets and removable liners are welcome extras.

Best of all, my original pair from 2020 is still going strong without a single repair.

Any complaints after five winters? Not one!

For someone who has been cycling year-round for more than 30 years, that's saying something.

If you're looking for a way to make cold-weather cycling more comfortable, ROCKBROS Bar Mitts are absolutely worth considering.

GAME CHANGER!

Installation and Everyday Use

One of the things I really like about the ROCKBROS Bar Mitts is how convenient they are to use.

Installation is quick and easy! It only takes me a couple of minutes to put them on my bike or take them off.

At the inner end of each Bar Mitt, there's a strap with a plastic flip-lock mechanism that tightens around the handlebars and holds everything in place.

Once winter arrives, I pretty much leave them installed on my bike for the entire season.

The only time I normally remove them is when I'm doing bike adjustments or tune-ups and need better access to the brakes, shifters, or other handlebar components.

Otherwise, they stay right where they belong, ready for the next ride!

Getting my hands in and out is effortless, whether I'm wearing gloves or going barehanded. That's especially important when you're frequently stopping, adjusting something, or reaching for items during a ride.

After five winters, they've become just another part of my winter cycling setup. I don't have to think about putting them on before every ride or taking them off afterward.

Install them, leave them on, and enjoy warmer hands all winter!

A Couple of Handy Extra Features

Besides keeping my hands warm, the ROCKBROS Bar Mitts have a couple of other features worth mentioning.

Large Zippered Storage Pockets

On the underside of each Bar Mitt is a surprisingly large zippered storage pocket.

They're big enough to hold gloves, a phone, wallet, or other small items you might want to bring along on a winter ride.

And since there's a pocket on each Bar Mitt, you've got two convenient places to stash your stuff!

Removable Inner Liners

Another nice feature is the removable insulated inner liners.

If the inside of the Bar Mitts ever gets damp, you can remove the liners and let them dry separately.

It's a handy feature for equipment designed to spend months exposed to cold, snow, and winter riding conditions.

It's little details like these that make the ROCKBROS Bar Mitts such a practical addition to my winter cycling setup.

Watch My ROCKBROS Bar Mitts Video

Where to Buy ROCKBROS Bar Mitts

The ROCKBROS Bar Mitts I've been using since 2020 are available on Amazon Canada.

After five Canadian winters with the same pair, I have no hesitation recommending them based on my own experience.

Click below to check the current price and availability.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't cost you anything extra.

Another Option: ROCKBROS Thinsulate Bar Mitts

ROCKBROS also offers a newer Thinsulate version of its Bar Mitts, and at the time of writing, it's actually selling for less than the original model I've been using!

I haven't personally tested this newer version yet, but it's one I'm considering trying myself.

My recommendation in this review is based on five Canadian winters with my original ROCKBROS Bar Mitts. However, if you're shopping for a pair, I'd certainly suggest checking out both versions and comparing their current prices.

Amazon prices and discounts can change, so check the latest listings before buying.

Enjoyed This Review? Buy Joe a Beer! 🍺

I've been cycling through Canadian winters for more than 30 years, and I love sharing the gear that's made those adventures a little more enjoyable.

If you found this review helpful and feel like buying your friendly neighbourhood outdoor adventurer a beer, I'd certainly appreciate it!

Cheers, and happy winter cycling!

Joe O'