Bicycles

Heated handlebar inserts work with a bike's existing grips

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The Polar Plug system is presently on Kickstarter
Polar Plug
The Polar Plug system is presently on Kickstarter
Polar Plug
One 2-hour charge should be good for at least five hours of runtime
Polar Plug

Nobody likes having cold hands while cycling, which is why heated handlebar grips do exist … but what if you prefer your existing fair-weather grips? Well, that's where the Polar Plug system is designed to come in.

Invented by mountain biker Brandon Lentz, the setup consists of two cylindrical modules that are inserted into the two ends of the handlebars, in place of the existing plugs. This means that they end up almost entirely inside the bar, directly beneath the existing grips.

Each unit contains an electric heating element and a lithium battery, along with a power button on the protruding outside end. One push of that button turns the element on, causing it to radiate heat through the handlebar tubing and into the rubber grip. Lentz tells us that the module reaches a temperature of 100 to 105º C (212 to 221º F), causing the outside surface of the grip to get up to 40º C (104º F) within 15 minutes.

An integrated sensor monitors the internal temperature, not only boosting the output under particularly cold conditions, but also keeping everything from getting too hot.

One 2-hour charge should be good for at least five hours of runtime
Polar Plug

The system is said to be compatible with both aluminum and carbon fiber flat handlebars, as long as their inside diameter is no wider than 17.5 millimeters. One 2-hour USB charge of the batteries should reportedly be good for at least five hours of use – although that figure will obviously vary with the temperature of individual users' surroundings.

Should you be interested, the Polar Plug system is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, where a pledge of US$99 will get you a set – assuming they reach production, that is. The retail price will be in the range of $150 to $200.

Sources: Kickstarter, Polar Plug

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5 comments
Trylon
You can get heated motorcycle gloves for less, and they'll heat your entire hands, not just your palms.
Username
An aluminium handle bar tube is a wonderful heat sink. Add to that the insulating factor of the grips and I doubt much heat gets through.
AWF69
Перчатки за 30 долларов с Алиэкспресс с электроподогревом отлично греют руки 6 часов
TomWatson
Interesting. I currently have mirrors in both of my handlebars. It is IMPERATIVE that I see what's behind me, and I have adapted my riding to the slight change in width that I have now with them on the bike. If I am coming too close to something or someone I can turn the mirrors inward to pass and then put them out to see behind again once past the obstacle. I presently use Hand Warmers inside my gloves and this does the job quite well.
TomWatson
I agree with USERNAME. If I ever went this way, I would first want to either see a REVIEW by a reputable entity, or see them in person working. Presently they are in Kickstarter so anything stated their is surely to their monetary advantage. ... also ... Trylon, I have heated ski gloves that do work but are thicker and less-sensative to lever control, not to a great hinderance, but a lighter glove with hand warmers is more functional and safe (cost $, but safety is paramount to me, so I'll pay for it). When it gets to 30 degrees or below and/or with significant wind chill I go to the gym - too freakin' cold.