Carrera Release New Bike with Heated Grips for Winter Riding

Dec 14, 2019
by James Smurthwaite  
photo

Keeping your extremities warm in winter is one of the endless battles in cycling. There's a wide range of insulated footwear, but when it comes to your hands the options are either a bulky pair of gloves that cause you to lose some of the feedback from your bars or toughing it out for a few hours. A solution may have come from the most unlikely of sources though, British budget brand Carrera bikes.

Carrera bikes are sold directly through Halfords (a bit like a British version of Dick's Sporting Goods) and are generally known for more lower-end bikes, but their latest Subway AW commuter bike features a bit of tech we've not seen on bikes for nearly a decade: heated grips.

photo

There isn't a great deal of information available yet, but the pictures seem to indicate that a removable bar end is attached to a rechargeable battery that slides inside your handlebars. This element warms up when the grip is turned on and this is then conducted through the rubber of the grips and into your hands. The grips are claimed to have a battery life of 4 hours, are charged using a standard USB cable and can apparently heat your hands up to a toasty 40°C. Expected time to charge is 3-4 hours from 100% discharged to fully charged and they weigh 120g per grip, so 240g in total.

Currently, the grips are only available as part of a bike but Halfords have told us that an aftermarket version of the grips could be available next winter. For now, they seem to be aiming the product at commuters but is it outlandish to think they may appeal to mountain bikers too? After all, we already put tools in the end of our handlebars, why not something with a slightly different purpose?

photo

This isn't the first heated grip we've seen, way back in 2011 we spotted AME heated grips at Sea Otter, however, these GloGrips from Halfords seems a much neater package that don't rely on an external battery pack - plus you can almost get this whole bike for the price of a pair of the AME grips.

The main drawback we can see at this stage is that the grips seem to add a significant bit of width to your bars and that the rubber doesn't extend to the end of the grip. But what do you think? Could we soon be swapping on our heated grips when the leaves start to fall? Let us know in the comments below.

More info, here.

Posted In:
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194 Comments
  • 93 3
 This is the way for commuting, I have spoken.
  • 16 1
 I would agree. Depending on the distance of course. For someone like myself with notoriously cold hand syndrome, I could see this being pleasant on a long cold commute. Now all they need to do is heated bar tape for the drop crowd
  • 31 1
 This is the Way
  • 12 2
 This is the way @NotDeadYetMTB:
  • 13 2
 This is the way
  • 9 1
 This is the way
  • 9 1
 This is the way
  • 9 1
 This is the way
  • 12 2
 The way, this is
  • 5 0
 @NotDeadYetMTB:
This is the way I want to live
I'm going through changes
  • 4 1
 @swoop-aeg: Cominup cominup
  • 6 1
 What a time to be alive.
  • 5 1
 This is the way
  • 3 2
 This is the Way
  • 3 4
 There will be hot competition. AVS wants a piece of the commuter market too and will release heated hand guards. This is not the only way.
  • 4 2
 This is the Way.
  • 5 2
 No. This is the way @vinay:
  • 1 1
 Huh... I thought it was that way
  • 3 1
 I'm lost, can someone show me the way?
  • 3 1
 @gnarnaimo: this is the way
  • 3 1
 This is the way
  • 3 3
 THIS is the way

youtu.be/36s7cTlRJHo
  • 3 3
 @freeridejerk888: No way. I'll do it my way.

But what I really want to know is, are you gonna go my way?
  • 3 1
 Let's make this is the way great again
  • 1 1
 Which way is the way?
  • 1 1
 @OlSkoolJake: Don't ever do as they say. Please allow me to lead you astray.
  • 1 1
 Is this is REALLY the way ?
  • 2 0
 @gnarnaimo: devils kitchen,purgatory,bitchin camaro and milos meadow
  • 1 0
 This is the Way Brothers
  • 1 0
 @vinay: with you leading the way one could or never would go astray. That is the way of vinay.
  • 1 1
 @ssteve: ame makes heated handlebar tape www.amegrips.com/heat-bikes.html
  • 46 1
 I slide a heated river rock into my undies before those long cold decents.
  • 23 1
 So essentially you shit a brick
  • 22 1
 @browner: user name checks out Beer
  • 4 0
 Mother fucking bob log iii
  • 27 1
 Nothing makes a cold motorcycle ride more doable than heated grips (outside of a windshield and sensible clothing). does it apply to mtb? not sure. i definitely ride later in the day to avoid the cold so if they were affordable, i'd pull the trigger for sure. Hands happy and functioning at normal speed? Ok.
  • 8 3
 Agreed. I've used grip heaters on the MC before. I've thought about wiring a set up on my fatbike. Maybe use one of my bike light batteries for a power source. I bought Pogies and I'm lazy Smile

Grip heaters would be right under the rubber grip too. Not inside the handlebar like these. I can't imagine these things working with a battery that size,and heat actually making through the bars, past the grip and into your hands.
  • 10 1
 @Endurahbrah: looks like battery lives in the handlebar but the grip itself has the heating element. You can see what appear to be 4 contact points between the battery module and grip at the end of the bar.
  • 3 2
 Agreed on the moto . I have them installed on my KTM and they are amazing when its cold. However, on my MTB if it is cold enough to consider turning on a battery powered set of heated grips I'm probably not riding that day. I'll reroute to the gym. My hands aren't the biggest concern on those days as my ears are always the most cold item due to the wind chill.
  • 10 1
 @chasejj: Have you ever tried a ski helmet? When it gets into the low 30s, I just switch to that if I'm biking. It's tested to similar standards (impact is the same, but includes tests at low temps) and is much more comfortable than a bike helmet and thin beanie in my experience.
  • 2 0
 @MarcusBrody: That's what I use when the temps drop down to the 20's or lower. I have a Giro Seam. Works great. It has removable ear flaps as well and adjustable venting.
  • 1 0
 @MarcusBrody: I have a nice Giro ski helmet and you are right the ear flaps are nice in cold. Maybe I will dig it out if I need a cold weather ride. Gotta remember. Living here in Cali. I just have to wait a few days and the weather gets tolerable.
  • 2 0
 Those Japanese hand warmer sachets are pretty good too.
  • 2 0
 @Zhehan: I ride the turbo trainer with heated grips while doing hot yoga....
  • 2 0
 @curendero: You do you.
  • 29 10
 Aluminum is a great heat conductor. Rubber and plastic are not. Seems that most of the heat would dissipate thru the handlebar to open air rather than into gloves. Probably poor efficiency.
  • 20 1
 motorcycles and snow machines do just fine with rubber heated grips. Granted, it's not being powered with a small battery in those cases, but it'll do fine.
  • 3 1
 This was my first thought too. My second was hoping that they would tested multiple different compounds for the MTB version to balance conduction vs. grip. This looks like a cool concept. I hope they can refine it and tailor it for MTB's a bit because I feel this could be a winner depending on your local climate.
  • 3 1
 I think it would be enough to notice the difference, otherwise you could always just ride gripless (new trend?)
  • 3 0
 They’re common on snowmobiles with aluminum handlebars, and unless it’s below zero, I usually turn them off because they are so hot.
  • 4 0
 aluminum grips it is.
  • 12 0
 My experience from riding down to -20 C: it's the brake levers that suck most heat from your index finger. This is the only reason why I'd like to have something carbon on my bike, the levers.
  • 7 0
 @mikkosinisalo: here speaks a man with experience of proper cold!
  • 5 0
 @mikkosinisalo:
You can also buy rubber sleeves for brake levers. And they come in all colours...

www.amazon.com/T-best-Protector-Anti-Slip-Silicone-Mountain/dp/B07F5D13S2
  • 4 0
 @mikkosinisalo: heat shrink tubing over the levers helps a bit
  • 1 0
 Exactly what @cvoc said! That will help a bit but if you got big big problems with cold, amegrips seems to be the way to go for many fatbikers!
  • 1 0
 @mikkosinisalo: This is true, the brake finger suffers the most. Custom lever heaters are not hard to install though, love mine.
  • 1 0
 @cvoc: Thanks, I'll try those! Found cheaper on ebay.
  • 1 0
 @mikkosinisalo: 3M 2888 mastic tape on the lever blades seems to do a good job of isolating the cold of the metal lever. But you are correct carbon levers certainly are better.
  • 11 1
 My toes feel it worse on long cold rides

Heated pedals anyone?
  • 3 1
 And seat?
  • 29 2
 @karoliusz: what about some kind of metal cover around the bike, with glass for the wind and rain and a button on the inside that blows warm air. And a place for a Latte! Could be big.
  • 20 2
 @karoliusz: It's much easier to warm up the planet instead
  • 1 5
flag McArdle FL (Dec 14, 2019 at 3:39) (Below Threshold)
 @nickkk: so essentially a 4x4
  • 1 1
 @nickkk: Ummm...you forgot the windshield wipers sir!
  • 4 1
 Use heated insoles. I use them snowboarding and ice fishing and love them. They set at 37deg C so they don’t feel warm, just keep your feet “normal” temp. Highly recommend them.
  • 1 0
 @robwhynot: Source? Would these fit inside normal MTB shoes (5:10s...etc...)? SB & Fishing boots are super bulky with room to wiggle Smile , big socks too.
  • 2 1
 Heated socks, used them when working in COLD conditions, kept my feet nice and toastie !
  • 3 1
 @TW80: my snowboard boots are tight.... you don’t want play in ski/board boots.

Anyway, they’re basically replacement insoles and don’t take more room than a good insole (like a Dr Scholls gel sole).

I use Thermacell, they work great. Provide warmth for hours.
  • 1 1
 Winter shoes are well worth the money.
  • 1 0
 @nickkk: A velomobile?
  • 1 0
 Yes please!!
  • 7 2
 Lets be fair - other than for a first bike to get into riding....I have never seen a Carrera bike on the UK trails ha

Maybe it would be better as an after-market product which is suitable for all types of bikes - aimed to help riders with arthritis? For that reasons its a good idea but not standard spec for any bike
  • 68 1
 Where we live it will help keep teenage kids hands warm while they wheelie all over the roads delivering £20 bags on their Carreras.
  • 26 2
 @Dropthedebt: never heard Britain summed up in one sentence better
  • 2 1
 @Dropthedebt: county lines perks
  • 2 1
 @Dropthedebt: £20!?! Come to the city for a much better deal...
  • 2 1
 @Dropthedebt: hahaha
  • 5 1
 Sir, you wound me! My Carrera Vulcan makes for a pretty nice trail bike.
  • 3 1
 It isn't a mtb they are on but a commuter bike.
  • 5 1
 @Dropthedebt: I live in Llanelli - the teenagers who deal do love a Carrera or if they're doing well they'll be riding a Cube ha
  • 1 1
 haha no intensions to upset anyone - Google Carrera LRS 2003 (Green/Yellow bike), I had one of those Specialized designed frame
  • 2 1
 The subway is a commuter bike anyway.. My sister had one and I thought it was alright. Cool to see carrera add this feature because it it'll be really useful when cycling to work
  • 3 1
 @adzrees: there is this guy... Sorry, early teenager in my area currently on a Kona Operator 2011 that's in really good condition if anyone's has lost one recently... Clearly not his as a few weeks ago he was on a Scott eRide. When we saw him on that E-bike my other half and I came to the conclusion the rise of the E-bike is allowing "these boys" to go further for longer on their rounds. Also giving a burst of extra umph if the situation requires. lol
  • 1 0
 @nordland071285: Yeah 26inch wheel bike with 1.5" tyres with hybrid gearing - they did that for years.
  • 2 0
 @Dropthedebt: ahh fun you say that....one of the drug dealers rides around on like a 2008 which is mint!

bloody ebikes haha
  • 1 0
 @adzrees: I'm just messing with you!

Still I think they are really under rated bikes for the price compared other brand's low end mtbs - I guess because halfords sells a lot of them so there are better economies of scale. I remember the LRS in my local halfords circa 2004 but could only afford a Vulcan. And now 15 years later I have another one! Its amazing how far low end mtbs have come in that time.
  • 2 0
 @LarusFuscus: haha had me!

Yeah i can't argue against that - you look at even brands like GT, Trek and Giant.....the manufacturers that shift so many units and you get alot for you cash ....they cant match the specs of Carrera. Broadman bikes are smashing out big specs for low cash.

Do they still do the limited edition Vulcan with the Shimano spec?
  • 1 0
 @adzrees:

I don't know of any limited edition, but mine has full shimano gearing. Just took it out a 43mile adventure!
  • 1 0
 @LarusFuscus: Yeah dude all their bikes are Sram and tektro or clarke and limited editions are shimano spec......thats how it was years ago ha
  • 6 1
 Good idea to enable using thi ner gloves at low temps. Wouldmmake an excellent combo with my 100% Brisker gloves. Big question for mountain bike use: are they crash proof? Grips hit the deck pretty often when you fall so it matters.
  • 7 1
 Hottest grips on the market.
  • 5 1
 These would be great for fat biking in the winter. I could get away with wearing lighter gloves. If they come to the aftermarket I'll definitely pick up a pair.
  • 3 1
 I'm sure you've probable seen them. Pogies are awesome for fatbike riding. I usually wear my summer gloves, and my hands are warm. Coming off the bike, say for a crash, gets a little dicey while using them though.
  • 2 0
 @Endurahbrah: came here to say this- bar mitts aka pogies are the solution. I commuted with bare hands in Montana winter with a set I made for under $10. No need to over complicate the solution with heated grips.
  • 1 0
 @Endurahbrah: I crash all the time riding trails in the winter... No thanks on the pogies. Would love some budget heated grips!
  • 1 0
 @Endurahbrah: Pogies are great and are all that are needed for casual pedalling. I like to do silly things on my bike though, so wearing ski gloves makes the most sense for me.
  • 1 0
 @psyguy amegrips dot com Wink
  • 6 1
 Why are we not funding this?
  • 1 0
 Amegrips dot com...
  • 1 0
 I ride throughout the Canadian winter regularly in subzero temperatures and use the AME Heated Grips. I've just ordered a second pair for my wife's bike. They work great. Typically I only need them to get through the first half hour of a ride, unless it's really cold. After that, with my heart rate and body temperature up, I can turn the heat off. Without them, my hands hurt, even though I wear winter mountain biking gloves. They are crazy expensive, though, and having batteries inside the handlebar would be more convenient than having to strap a battery to the frame and run wires.
  • 1 0
 If these guys hold a patent on this, they should sell or license it to someone like ODI... Maybe even partner with someone, make the battery and control module and then work with a grip maker that can more easily be ready to offer different grip patterns and diameters. I ride with heated grips on my touring MC and have been thinking about putting them on my dual-sport. Not enough off-road around here to make it worthwhile now, but when I relocate to an area with good trail riding...

I froze my hands and feet pretty badly 20-something years ago. While I still ride in the colder temps (for me, that is in the high 30's-low 40's with sometimes lower figures encountered accidentally...) heated grips would be much appreciated. What's an extra ten ounces or so to be able to ride the trails in the winter and have a bigger smile on your face?
  • 1 0
 I have been wanting to make some barends with holders for charcoal sticks used in pocket warmers but never got around to it. Probaby only advisable to use those on Alu bars but the concept makes so much sense as it would weigh next to nothing and have minmal risk and RD cost for a potentially really good product.

Hope someone would pick up on this...Hope maybe?
  • 1 0
 You only have warm hands for that one bike Or activity, or purpose. I've had heated glove liners from a local company in Calgary for 4 Alberta winters. Put them in winter mitts, winter gloves, riding gloves for shoulder season, and have warm hands for all your bikes. Then use them snowboarding, backcountry skiing, or putting up the Christmas lights. I will never understand how heated grips even sell.
  • 3 1
 If it's cold enough for these, you could just use Bar Mitts/Pogies. I've biked in -20°F with them and a thin glove, my hands were plenty warm, and you don't lose dexterity.
  • 1 0
 ^^ yep. Commonwealthers think 5C is 'winter'. Pogies are the only answer for real winter riding!
  • 4 1
 Now if someone would make winter gloves that aren't puffy in the palms and not vented on the tops.
  • 1 1
 I'd probably buy these. Like to ride in summer gloves for feel. Ride all year round in Scotland and on the coldest days I'll take my backpack and 2 pairs of gloves, one big warm pair for long climbs and thin gloves for decending.
  • 2 5
 Are you sure you don't mean the opposite? Thin gloves for climbing and warmer ones for descending Wink
  • 1 1
 Has anyone on here directly compared carbon and aluminum bars to see what is colder in the winter? I feel like carbon would do a much better job of not pulling heat from your hands but I don’t have carbon bars to try on my fat bike.
  • 1 0
 Get some $30 neoprene bar mitts and be happy forever. Your hands are warm when you want them to be, but you can take the out and rest them on top when you need to cool them off.
  • 1 0
 So for the folks who do real winter riding, temps well below freezing, pogeys and a set of warm gloves have been a main stay because they work.

It’s a nice gimmick, but I’ll stick with lobster gloves, pogeys, etc...
  • 1 0
 Not really a gimmick when its on most larger motorcycles that are pushing though the cold air considerably faster. Trust me, I have them and they are not a gimmick.
  • 1 0
 Plus they are safer than pogeys if you fall!
  • 2 0
 I ride through Death Valley sans shirt and no sunscreen wearing sandals and bare steel handle bars . I feel no need for heated grips....
  • 1 0
 Same for us back home in Beggar's Canyon... Although Sand People & Womp Rats can cause problems.
  • 5 1
 Dildo grips!!!
  • 4 1
 do they make those heated?
  • 5 1
 @enis: not at first, but they get up to 98.6F pretty quickly.
  • 1 0
 @nyhc00:
Kind of makes me want to go for a ride with a couple of girls....

Warm hands and all
  • 3 0
 When you go n+1 just cause of the grips.
  • 2 0
 What really messes with you winter riding is the index freezing on the brake lever. Still no safety for that
  • 1 0
 Break leavers need to be heated too, I never get numb hands but right where my leaver meets my finger goes numb and I can't feel my breaks. Not fun.
  • 3 1
 "Dick's spoting goods" ya might wanna edit that.
  • 4 1
 That is its actual name here, kinda sucks
  • 3 1
 Should be able to charge with pedalling power.
  • 1 0
 Heated lock-on grips ! Those would qualify for a component of the year award. I need some. Take my money.
  • 1 0
 amegrips dot com
  • 1 0
 Heated grips are awesome gout the on all the motorbikes and even use them on low in the summer. Take my money
  • 1 0
 These would be helpful on my winter commutes that get down to -37c....heared saddle would also be awesome.
  • 1 0
 Blue nitrile gloves under your normal gloves do the trick
  • 1 0
 can i take the grips off and put them on my bike
  • 10 8
 Try gloves muppets
  • 15 1
 you mean : try muppets gloves
www.pinkcatshop.com/kit407-kermit-oven-mitt-muppets-oven-glove.html
  • 6 1
 I think they're called 'glove puppets'
  • 1 4
 @zede: I didn’t mean that, but they probably work better.
  • 2 1
 Does it come with a new bar Standard?
  • 1 1
 Also is there going to be an Enduro specific version?
  • 2 1
 Where are the heated pedals?!!!!!
  • 1 1
 imagine how many trees you'd catch your bars on if they extended 25mm past your hands
  • 1 1
 My snowblower has heated grips. I never use them so might put them on my bike instead.
  • 3 2
 I bet the Chinese already sell something like this, if not better Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Don't know but the americans do! amegrips
  • 2 1
 I’d have loved those on the road bike this morning!
  • 1 0
 You beautiful bastards! I’m in!!
  • 2 2
 Better idea set the whole bike alight its only a carrera who cares anyway kill it with fire who needs heated grips lol
  • 1 0
 Perhaps, but also motocross style wind blockers would help as well.
  • 1 0
 F the grips, i want to know about the reflector and bell Smile
  • 1 0
 Stuff the grips.Heated seat to keep my nuts warm. I have spoken.
  • 1 0
 Clark brakes....bleeeeeeehhhhhh
  • 1 0
 id buy that straight away
  • 1 0
 Will the heat affect the strength of carbon and aluminum bars?
  • 1 0
 This would be awesome for fat bikes
  • 1 0
 rosy palms? There is another legit reason besides the obvious...
  • 7 10
 I keep forgetting that there's a large population of low testosterone driven males, but then these products pop up... Good reminder to be grateful and fortunate to have good working gonads.
  • 1 0
 take my money now
  • 1 1
 Harden the fuck up and be a real rider without using any gloves!
  • 1 0
 Dentist approved grips
  • 1 0
 i ride bare bar
  • 1 0
 I need two pairs...yes.
  • 1 0
 Imagine Asia Carrera.
  • 2 5
 40c? Sweaty Hands? No thanks.

A Landrover discovery courtesy car i had a few years ago had a heated steering wheel.
I really didn’t like the sensation.
  • 30 1
 wait until its -25C at 630am when you start your car, sincerely Canada
  • 5 1
 @gunners1: You guys silly? Still gonna send it
  • 2 3
 @gunners1: you dont warm up your car eh? You just take off? Hosers...
  • 3 1
 @gunners1:

Its sickening what you get used to and decide that you cant live without something like that. But, -40C on some days, YEP, love me some heated steering wheel. Gets used a fair bit as we have more snow days than not and my gloves are usually cold/damp from clearing snow from my truck in the mornings.
  • 2 2
 @gunners1: Canadas pretty warm over here, eh. You picked the wrong spot to perch
  • 1 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: Technically illegal to idle your car more than 2 minutes.
  • 1 0
 @fabwizard: huh, I never knew that about canada...thanks for clarifying. That kinda sucks for your vehicles... how often does your catalytic converter get plugged, or do they not have those is Canada either?
  • 1 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: We have block heaters that plug in to preheat the engine block.

I dont think all of canada has that rule but Metro Vancouver does as we have similar pollution problems as LA.
  • 1 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: Re catalytic converter.

My 2007 car and 2011 mini van are both on original Cat. But we are not a high mileage family.

(hope i didnt just jinx myself)

Someone please correct me but I think Canada uses California emission standards.
  • 1 0
 @gunners1: agree... I love getting a rental car with a heated steering wheel up in Canada.
  • 1 0
 @fabwizard: You are correct
  • 1 0
 My next car will have heated steering wheel for sure!!

We can't idle more than 2mins except when it's really cold (maybe -10C, I don't remember).
  • 1 0
 @gnarnaimo: nah don't miss the months of pouring rain, I grew up on the island
  • 1 0
 @gunners1: Rain is part of what makes our mountain biking so great out here, without the rain the PNW wouldn't be so well known for it's beautiful rain forests. Also being able to ride all year round (aside from maybe a week or two) is a nice bonus.
  • 1 0
 @gnarnaimo: yeah theres rain and then theres months of it. Im pretty happy to see cold sunny days tbh
  • 1 0
 @gunners1: Must have lived on a different island. I can't recall in the 31 years of me living here getting rain for months straight. Maybe a couple weeks straight.. Theres always breaks in the rainy seasons, which is when hero dirt is born. Also, again, wouldn't be the beautiful rain forest it is without I rain...To each their own I suppose, I don't mind getting a bit wet here and there. In fact, it can be loads of fun!
  • 1 1
 Carbon bar ?
  • 1 2
 Can’t you just pedal harder? That’s how I warm up my hands...
  • 3 2
 My hands stay cold no matter how hard I pedal, slow resting heart rate means my hands get cold first and take ages to warm up. I usually end up taking a hand of the grips when it's safe and swinging my arms about like a mad man to force blood to them..which often leads to the screaming barfies. Very unpleasant...
  • 1 0
 @gnarnaimo: slow resting HR? I got to get me one of those. I’m messing with people man. I live in the Bay Area CA, it’s 50 degrees F is “cold” hereWink
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