Gerbing Heated Clothing: A suggestion for staying warm in Winter

Why gear yourself up with Gerbing?

The winter months may be a time for hanging up your gloves and hibernating your inner biker. The lower temperatures, rain and wind can kill bike riding fever, so if you ride for fun, race or tour, you may not be out so much. Gerbing have created a range of heated clothing for year-round commuters, or those reluctantly taking a break from their wheels. With their range extending to non-bikers; anyone who enjoys walking, golfing and cycling can benefit. Over 30 years ago in the U.S Gerbing began their production of heated clothing, expertise they’ve continued to build upon over this time.

How does the selection of Gerbing Heated Clothing operate?

Windchill is forever a harsh reality for motorbike riders or those out in Winter temperatures. Our bodies constantly emit heat. This creates a warm layer of air around our skin and an invisible “air jacket.” When wind blows the temperature of the skin is cooled to almost air temperature. If the wind is strong it will have more impact, if cool it’ll have even more impact. Having a lower body temperature is distracting which can reduce your concentration on the road. Gerbing Heated Clothing artificially provides a warmer “air jacket” around your skin. This increases the temperature and with the windproof properties of the clothing, the harsh effects of windchill. On a mechanical note the clothing operates by battery power, or using the energy generated by the bike. Anything Gerbing offer with the option of battery power is something you can charge up and wear off your bike too.

So what kind of Gerbing riding gear can you warm yourself with?

The gear can split into two ranges – 7V Gerbing Heated Clothing products or 12V Gerbing Heated Clothing products. The 12V options are designed for motorcyclists. The selection includes gloves, jacket liners and socks, among others. The power comes from either batteries, the bike, or both – please see individual product descriptions for these.

• Gloves: “Your hands can get very cold when riding: you won’t be able to operate the motorbike controls properly if your hands are too cold.” – Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency. Gloves are the primary focus of the Gerbing Heated Clothing range. The selection ranges from Gerbing Heated Liners to Ladies or Men’s leather-textile gloves. The features vary but most have a waterproof, windproof Hipora® lining and a Thinsulate® thermal layer in addition to the electrical heating element.
• Socks: 7V or 12V socks are options from Gerbing (now only available in sizes medium and 2XL, a new design will be introduced in 2016). The heating is directed underneath and over the top of your toes for a toasty way of staying insulated.
• Gerbing Heated Vest: Available in 12V or 7V these provide targeted warmth underneath your jacket, like an electrically warmed thermal liner. The vest has a Thinsulate® liner for added warmth and comfort, with heated pads at the chest, back and collar. Whether you’re a rider or not, the Gerbing products could keep you warm and safe.
• Handwarmer: This is a unique, winter warmer among the range. Slip your hands inside the handwarmer to keep your mits toasty. This is powered with 7V and isn’t designed for motorcycle riders.
• Coming soon! Gerbing are introducing bicycle gloves to their range, please check back if you’re interested.

For the complete range, gandering is possible here.

How long will Gerbing Heated Clothing last?

All Gerbing gear comes with a warranty. The selection of Gerbing Heated Clothing is protective for varying lengths of time. The company ask that you register them within 60 days of buying anything to validate this. The company are confident in the expertise behind the electrical heating component and this is valid for a lifetime. The other gear is protected for different lengths of time:-

• Manufacturing faults: Any non-electrical components of Gerbing clothing is covered for one year from purchase.
• Temperature controllers and accessories: Temperature controllers, accesories or electrical components are warranted against factory defect for three years from purchase.
• Rechargeable batteries and chargers: Gerbing’s rechargeable Lithium/NMH battery packs and chargers are covered for 90 days from purchase. Providing the product hasn’t been altered.

Are there any insider tips for Gerbing wearers?

Gerbing recommend wearing a silk or cotton liner underneath your Gerbing gloves. If the outside temperature isn’t cool enough then the gloves may direct too much heat to your hands. A liner shields your skin and prevents this from happening. If there is an instance where the gloves are too warm and cause you discomfort, please contact them directly for a replacement.

We’ve been Gerbing sellers for many years now, we welcome you to tap into our expertise and call us on 01623 627 600 or email us with questions.

Gerbing’s Company No. 04917203