Maintaining the comfort and safety of your hands is essential when cycling. Superior quality bike gloves do more than just protect your hands; they also provide shock absorption and guard against harsh winds. Another critical benefit is that they prevent your hands from losing grip on the handlebars, a common cause of bike accidents that seasoned cyclists are aware of.
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Available in multiple sizes, the cycling gloves stand out with the padding in the right place. They cost about half of the price some leading brands charge. But the gloves also look fantastic. From protecting the hands of city bikers to absorbing shocks for mountain bikers, they are practical and versatile.
Available in all sizes, the gloves can be used by both teenagers and adults. Sizing varies from small to XXL. Those who want to find out the exact size to fit their hands need to measure the palms’ circumference.
For example, S-size gloves are suitable for a pam circumference between 6.6 and 7.5 inches. XXL gloves are made for palms with a circumference between 9.88 inches and 11.1 inches.
Absorbing 8mm foam padding has been added to key areas of the palm which has similar comfort to gel gloves. It represents an interesting option for those who may venture off-road. These gloves have been already appreciated for how the padding resists in time, especially after a few washes.
Lycra backing is added for a cooling effect on the back of the hand. When riding for hours in the sun, the material adds a bit more breathability to help keep cyclists’ hand’s cooler. Of course, hands can’t be cool on the palms due to the thick cushioning.
The materials don’t shrink after washing and the gloves maintain their shape after a few months of use. Polyester and nylon are the materials used to make the gloves.
- Made with 2 easy removal straps
- Multiple sizes for adults and teenagers
- The padding doesn’t flatten in time
- Long tags
Made with thin breathable materials, the cycling gloves represent a top choice for anyone looking to cycle long distances. Their absorbent materials don’t compromise comfort as cushioning is added to the palm.
Sticky Velcro straps are added to these gloves for a tighter fit. The straps are made with a rubberized top surface so they don’t rip with frequent use. They are easy to use and some riders might even adjust them on the bike as needed.
For a breathability break, they can be opened up. When cycling at higher speeds, the straps can be tightened back.
Damping pad design is added to the palms. It’s here that most cyclists can find the main plus of the gloves. 4 pads are added in key areas so that even with a tight handlebar grip, cyclists won’t feel uncomfortable.
Breathable mesh fabric on the back further improves breathability just as good as on premium gloves such as those from Castelli. However, the thin material is now known for its insulating action. As a result, the gloves are not recommended for wintertime use. With breathable materials, the gloves are best on Amazon for summertime use.
- Made with Sticky Velcro straps
- Designed with breathable materials
- Available in 6 colors
- Not best in colder climates
Cycling gloves winter riders need may be few and far in-between. But Nerptow’s gloves are made with some of the thinnest warm materials in the cycling community. Bike riders might also use these gloves are regular winter protective gloves when off the bike.
Warm windproof materials have been used on the gloves. The fabrics are water-resistant and those riding in the snow will be able to have dry and warm hands regardless of the weather conditions. Most importantly, these materials are not thick and they allow proper hand movements.
Silicone grips have been added for a better grip. The gloves allow tight handlebar grip from various angles. Road bikes can be gripped vertically when riding in a lower aerodynamic position, which also applies to high-end endurance bikes.
City bikes and mountain bikes come with flat handlebars which are also properly gripped to prevent slipping with these gloves.
Fingers for touchscreen use have been added on this pair of gloves as on Gore or Luis Garneau gloves. Those who need to take a quick call don’t need to take their gloves off. For most riders, this also means they can handle GPS navigation systems better.
Elastic cuffs have been added to the gloves. They don’t require any adjustability such as with straps. Most importantly, these cuffs don’t allow cold air to enter the gloves.
- Made with thin thermal wintertime protection
- Designed for smartphone handling
- Unisex design
- Only available on black
The half-finger gloves are made for the ultimate control. Used in road cycling, the gloves offer better control. Used in mountain biking, the gloves prevent hand slippage. But the stretchy nylon material also ensures the gloves are a bit more comfortable than others.
Small shock-absorbing pads have been added to protect the hands. Available in multiple colors, they suit any type of rider from enduro fans to downhill champions.
Velcro straps have been added for better adjustability as on premium Garneau, Inbike, Giro or Pearl Izumi alternatives. These gloves stand out with the quality of these straps which are made with a rubberized surface for extra durability.
2 finger loops have been added at the edge of the fingers to help pull the gloves off. These loops are a bit longer than on other similar gloves. As a result, bikers rate them a bit higher for practicality.
Most importantly, the globes reduce road vibrations. They are ready to deal with moderate roads and offer the shock absorption which is needed to prevent hand pain.
- Made with rubber Velcro straps
- Designed with smooth cloth materials
- Features anti-slip gel silicones
- Not available in extreme sizes
The cycling gloves are mainly made for those seeking a bit more palm flexibility. This has been achieved by only placing padding in key areas that are in contact with handlebars instead of using large cushioned surfaces.
4-zone cushioning has been implemented in the palm area. These zones are separated by areas with no cushioning which enhances natural palm movements. For those who might be a bit longer on the bike each day, maintaining free motion is important.
Double stitching has been added for extra durability even with high abrasion. Riders note the stitching helps everybody to rely on the gloves as often as needed. Even used every day and washed a few times per week, the gloves maintain their shape and size.
Microsuede synthetic leather palm materials have been added for extra comfort even on long rides. Most find it particularly interesting that the suede palm materials also maintain their texture even after a few months of intense use.
Absorbent thumb towel-type materials are used on the gloves. Those getting sweat into their eyes can simply wipe it off with simple gestures. However, the material is not as large as to absorb all sweat from the entire face.
- Made for improved hand dexterity
- Relieves hand fatigue
- 4-zone cushioning
- Not available in XXL size
The comfortable gloves are made with stretchy materials and impressive futuristic design. Made for some of the most demanding riders, the gloves come with thin padding to maintain proper breathability while adding palm pads to decrease palm pain.
Breathable microfiber materials have been Arltb’s choice for flexibility. The materials offer one of the suitable options for frequent washing as well. Since the gloves are so comfortable, they’re also used in many other sports.
Full finger cycling gloves’ design means there’s no wind to worry about. Bike riders can better protect their gloves and they represent one of the top solutions for those who might be dealing with cracked skin and similar conditions.
Terry cloth wipe materials have been added on the gloves. Any rider needing to quickly get rid of sweat can use the gloves mid-ride. However, it’s still advisable to wash the gloves after every long bike ride to reduce bacteria build-up.
Adjustable straps keep the flexible gloves in place. Those seeking to improve the fit of the gloves simply need to find a better strap position. The gloves should not be too tight to prevent proper blood flow. But they shouldn’t be too loose for maximum grip.
- Made with full finger design
- Characterized by breathable materials
- Suitable for all types of cycling
- Only made for summertime use
The cycling gloves are among the most comfortable wintertime performers. Made to keep the hands warm using soft fleece, the gloves are among the top performers in low temperatures. Snow riders or those simply staying on their bikes when temperature drops might find the most appealing as they can also be used for driving or skiing.
Polyester fleece lining keeps the hands warm. Fleece is known for warming the hands quickly. But the softshell outer of the gloves also keeps the hands warmer. With waterproofing, the gloves might be also used for wintertime snow fun or snow shoveling.
Zipped closure makes getting these gloves on and off easier. This rare design makes them very practical. Make with large zippers, the gloves are very easy to put on even with freezing hands. Cyclists taking breaks quickly take them off with the help of the oversized zipper.
Waterproof materials help those who need to clear snow off the bike as well. Other gloves pick up moisture and they’re very slow to dry during the winter. But the gloves are snow-repellent and they might work on rainy days as well.
Designed for touchscreen use, the gloves are versatile for the modern cyclist. Soft rubber insertions on the tips of the fingers allow the gloves to be practical for touchscreen and navigation use. Those who ear a smartwatch might also find them a bit more interesting. The gloves are made with rubberized materials which allow users to answer or swipe smartwatch screens.
- Made with zipped closure
- Low-profile waterproof construction
- Warm fleece materials
- The rubber is a bit slippery
Frequently Asked Questions
How important are cycling gloves?
Cycling gloves are not mandatory but they can be helpful. Unlike regular gloves, they come with support pads that have the role of absorbing road shocks.
Cyclists normally use these gloves to reduce the palm pain caused by rigid handlebars. Depending on the type of cycling riders are into, gloves come in various designs.
Road cycling requires smooth globes that don’t negatively impact aerodynamics. But mountain biking requires a bit more cushioning and less aerodynamics. This is the main reason for the thickness of the materials is going to be different from case to case. At the same time, some versatile gloves may be used in different types of cycling and even in other sports or activities.
What is better loose or tight cycling gloves?
Tight gloves can offer a problem in terms of comfort and breathability. As many cyclists can attest, having a tight glove is not the best for sweaty palms. However, a tight fit might be better for practicality.
Some gloves are made with rubber insertions on the fingers to use touchscreen devices such as GPS’ or smartphones. In this case, the gloves need to be tight on the fingers.
Loose gloves have the advantage of better air circulation. These types of gloves are mainly used in off-road cycling where wind resistance is not as important as in road cycling.
How to clean cycling gloves?
Soap and water are used to clean cycling gloves. They’re rarely washed in the washing machine. For maximum water temperature, users should consult the tags which offer specific washing recommendations depending on the type of materials the gloves are made from.
How can I make my gloves tighter?
Cyclists can tighten gloves with Velcro straps. But most gloves tend to shrink in time when washed in warm to hot water. Those who want the tightest fit may only need to wash the gloves in hot water a few times before seeing them shrink.
