For me, the Mini steering wheel is too small - I'm talking too small for my hands....not too small in total diameter. I've driven other cars with steering wheels with "grips" that aren't any thicker, but the shape is different - not round like the Mini's ....and they are more comfortable.

I've tried adding a steering wheel cover, and that made it too thick...and it looked pretty bad because the spokes are so large that getting the stitching to go around them looked pretty tacky. I've considered a JCW steering wheel, but even if I could afford it, I'm not sure that I'd want to spend that kind of money on it. I've looked at having my steering wheel modified, but that's not cheap either, and I'm skeptical of the results.

What this means to me is that on longer drives my hands actually start to feel uncomfortable. I've changed the way that I grip the wheel, but that doesn't feel very natural.

Anybody else have this problem? Any solutions? I've done a search. but couldn't find any simple and inexpensive solutions.

 

You might try out some of the slip-on steering wheel covers at your local car parts chain stores; Pep Boys, Auto Zone, Advance, etc.

 

Thanks for the suggestion Jim. I've tried a couple at Autozone but they didn't fit well.

 

I was going to suggest Wheelskins, but I read a review that popped up on google where the reviewer was actually trying to put one on a MINI. He had the same problem you did due to the wide spokes, and took it off after a couple of days. This is a tough one.

Here's a wild shot: I've wrapped tennis racket grips around some of my yard tools' handles/grips to provide more comfort and better grip. There might be a problem due to the fact that the wheel is curved, however. If you do try that, pull the grip tight as you wrap it, and overlap each turn quite a bit for greater thickness, and less for less thickness. It will probably take several tennis racket grips to do the whole wheel minus the spokes sections. The grips eventually do wear out; that's why they keep selling them in sporting goods stores.

 

I am going to suggest the pricey option of the JCW steering wheel. Its got some meat behind it. And it will defianetly fit you needs. I have the Alacantara one which I need to wipe down everytime I clean the car to keep it looking fresh and new.

 

I have used driving gloves in the past. I have long fingers also , but my MCS wheel fits perfectly. for example http://www.drivingessentials.com/gloves.php

 

Everytime I think driving gloves I think Fedora, googles, rain coat and victory scarf.

 

Granny Clampett would probably recommend pruning your fingers.