As cycling enthusiasts, we understand the importance of having the right gear to make our ride more comfortable and enjoyable. From helmets to shoes, every minor detail plays a crucial role in enhancing our cycling experience.
And when it comes to comfort and grip, cycling gloves undoubtedly top the list. With the constantly evolving technology and advanced materials, the market is filled with an abundance of options for cycling gloves.
From thick padding to breathable fabrics, we have seen it all. But with the imminent 2023 just around the corner, we thought of compiling a list of the best cycling gloves that are set to take over the market by storm.
Featuring a perfect blend of durability, comfort, and performance, these gloves are sure to leave you wanting more! So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the world of best cycling gloves 2023.
The importance of cycling gloves for a comfortable and safe ride
Cycling gloves are an essential accessory for any serious cyclist, both for comfort and safety reasons. Not only do they provide cushioning and padding to protect your palms from excessive pressure and vibration, but they also improve your grip on the handlebars, especially during long rides and challenging terrains.
Furthermore, in the event of a fall or accident, gloves can significantly reduce the risk of cuts, bruises and road rash to your hands. Therefore, when choosing the best cycling gloves for your needs, you should consider factors such as material quality, padding and cushioning, breathability and ventilation, grip and control, durability and design, to ensure a comfortable and safe ride.
Why choosing the best cycling gloves matters
Choosing the best cycling gloves may seem trivial, but it’s a crucial decision for any cyclist. Gloves protect your hands during a fall, give you a better grip on the handlebars, and provide extra comfort during long rides.
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of choosing the right gloves for your needs. Fingerless gloves are ideal for summer rides, while full-finger gloves are perfect for colder months and provide greater protection.
Padding and cushioning are essential for reducing fatigue and numbness in your hands, and breathability and ventilation help regulate temperature. Grip and control improve safety, durability and material quality add to the longevity of your gloves, and design and style add a touch of personality to your cycling gear.
Types of Cycling Gloves
Fingerless gloves
Fingerless cycling gloves, also known as track mitts, have been a staple in the cycling community for decades. They offer protection for the palms of the hands while allowing more breathability and flexibility than full-finger gloves. Plus, they make it easier to handle tools or adjust gear while cycling.
With great options like Altura Unisex Progel Mitts or Rapha Core Mitts, there’s no need to sacrifice style for function. Fingerless gloves are especially popular during the summer months when full-finger gloves can become too hot. They are a great investment for any cyclist, from beginners to experienced riders.
Full-finger gloves
Full-finger gloves are a popular choice for many cyclists, especially those who love to ride in cooler temperatures. These gloves provide extra coverage and warmth compared to fingerless gloves, which makes them a great option for chilly mornings or during autumn and winter rides.
They also offer better protection in case of a crash, helping to prevent cuts and scratches on your hands. When choosing full-finger gloves, look for options that offer padding and cushioning on the palm and fingers to add extra comfort and grip.
You’ll also want to ensure that the gloves are breathable and feature good ventilation to prevent your hands from getting too sweaty. Overall, full-finger gloves are a great investment for any cyclist who wants to ride comfortably and safely, even in cooler weather.
Winter gloves
When it comes to cycling in the winter months, keeping your hands warm is crucial for both comfort and safety. Thankfully, there are many options when it comes to winter cycling gloves.
From the Endura Strike gloves for affordable water and wind proofing to the Castelli Estremo gloves for the coldest temperatures, there is a glove out there for every rider.
Choosing the best winter cycling gloves for your needs depends on factors such as insulation, water resistance, grip, and touchscreen compatibility. With the right pair of gloves, you can keep your fingers warm and still enjoy a comfortable and safe ride during the colder months.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cycling Gloves
Padding and cushioning
One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing cycling gloves is how much padding and cushioning they offer. This is especially crucial if you plan to ride for long periods of time, as it can help prevent numbness, discomfort, and even injury.
Many gloves these days feature strategically placed padding and cushioning, often made from materials like foam or gel. Some gloves even offer extra padding on the palms, which is great for absorbing shock and reducing pressure on sensitive areas.
When it comes to padding and cushioning, it’s definitely worth investing in a pair of gloves that offer ample protection and support.
Breathability and ventilation
Breathability and ventilation are important factors to consider when choosing the best cycling gloves. As cyclists, our hands are constantly moving and sweating, which can lead to discomfort and even blisters.
Gloves with breathable fabrics and ventilation features help to regulate the temperature and prevent excessive sweat build-up, ensuring a comfortable ride. Many gloves now feature perforated mesh fabric on the back to provide great cooling and air flow, while also allowing for improved breathability.
Opting for gloves with such features can enhance your cycling experience, especially during hot weather conditions. As such, it is important to carefully evaluate the breathability and ventilation features of different gloves before making a purchase.
Grip and control
Having a good grip and control of the handlebars is essential when cycling, and the right gloves can make a significant difference. Gloves with proper padding and cushioning can help reduce hand fatigue, while materials with good traction can provide better control of the bike.
Choosing gloves with a design that fits your hand well can also make a difference. Some gloves have loops or tabs to make them easier to take off, while others have cuffs that fit snugly around your wrist for added stability.
Whether you prefer fingerless or full-finger gloves, finding the right ones that provide grip and control can make for a more enjoyable and comfortable ride.
Durability and material quality
Durability and material quality are essential factors to consider when choosing the best cycling gloves. Investing in high-quality gloves not only ensures comfort and protection, but it also extends the lifespan of your gloves.
When it comes to material quality, look for gloves made of high-quality materials like synthetic leather, breathable mesh, and durable padding. These materials not only enhance the longevity of your gloves, but they also offer comfort and protection during your rides.
Additionally, durable gloves can withstand wear and tear from frequent use and provide good value for your money. So, it’s always best to invest in gloves made of quality materials that offer maximum durability for a safe and comfortable ride.
Design and style
When it comes to cycling gloves, design and style may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it can certainly add some extra flair to your cycling kit.
From classic black to bright, eye-catching colors, there are a variety of options to suit your personal style. Some gloves even feature unique patterns or graphics for those who want to make a statement.
Additionally, gloves can vary in their level of padding and ventilation, so it’s important to choose a design that meets your specific needs. Whether you prefer the classic look or want to stand out with a bold design, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to design and style in cycling gloves.
1. Giro Jag Road Bike Gloves
The Giro Jag Road Bike Gloves are a great choice for riders who want a lightly padded glove with modern style that offers fit and comfort. Its exceptional Super Fit ergonomic design and high-quality construction make it stand out in a world of entry-level performance cycling gloves.
The gloves feature moisture-wicking fabric, plush EVA padding, and great stretch for enhanced grip and comfort. The top hand is made up of 62% nylon, 15% polyester, 13% spandex, and 10% cotton.
Super Fit Engineering is a proprietary process that guides the fit design and patterning of every Giro glove for maximum comfort and performance. With up to six sizes available per model, almost any rider can find a great pair of gloves to match their needs.
2. Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Glove
The Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Gloves are a favorite among cyclists for good reason. Made from Ax Suede Uno synthetic leather, these gloves provide exceptional fit, breathability, and bar feel.
The 3D-shaped gel pads offer targeted comfort and eliminate excess bulk, making it easier to hold a bar or grip. Reflective elements on the gloves improve visibility in low-light conditions, while the hook-and-loop closure ensures a perfect fit.
These gloves are not just for cycling, either; they are versatile enough for use in other activities, including weightlifting and yoga. With their exceptional fit and durable construction, the Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Gloves are a wise investment for anyone looking for a high-quality pair of cycling gloves.
3. Louis Garneau Women’s Biogel Rx Gloves
Louis Garneau Women’s Biogel Rx Gloves are a top-performing cycling glove for women. These gloves are designed with high-quality materials that provide great comfort and protection while riding. The gloves feature breathable, shock-absorbing padding that reduces fatigue and ensures comfort throughout your ride.
This glove is perfect for wiping sweat away while the adjustable Velcro straps provide a secure and customized fit. Riders also love the bright and stylish design of these gloves. These gloves are a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable pair of gloves for their cycling adventures.
4. Castelli Scalda Pro Glove
The Castelli Scalda Pro Glove is the perfect choice for those intermediate temperatures where you need protection from the elements but don’t want bulky gloves weighing you down.
Its Gore Windstopper outer shell not only blocks the wind, but sheds water too. The fleecy backing adds warmth without bulk, and the overall construction is slim and sleek, making it easy to control your bike.
The asymmetrical cuff with high-stretch neoprene insert makes putting them on and taking them off easy. It’s a great choice for fall and spring cycling, offering the perfect combination of protection and dexterity. So, if you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable cycling glove, the Castelli Scalda Pro Glove is definitely worth considering.
5. Fox Ranger Gel Short Glove
If you’re looking for the best cycling gloves for your mountain biking adventures, the Fox Ranger Gel Short Glove might just be what you need. These gloves are a fan favorite for good reason.
With strategically placed gel padding in the palm, these gloves offer added protection during rough rides. They’re also highly versatile and work well in almost any discipline.
The half finger design provides increased breathability, and the compression molded cuff ensures a secure fit. Plus, with conductive threads at the index finger and thumb, you can even use your touch screen devices without having to take the gloves off.
Choose the Fox Ranger Gel Short Glove for a comfortable and safe ride.
6. Specialized Body Geometry Grail Gloves
The Specialized Body Geometry Grail gloves are a great choice for cyclists who prioritize comfort and performance. Designed in collaboration with hand specialist Kyle Bickel, the gloves feature an ergonomically-shaped Equalizer pad that distributes surface pressure to eliminate hand numbness and fatigue.
Made with breathable mesh and a synthetic leather palm, the gloves are not only comfortable, but also durable and easy to clean. With tapered slip-on cuffs and a Microwipe thumb for sweat management, the Grail gloves offer an excellent grip on the handlebars and allow you to focus on the road ahead. Available in short and long-finger versions, they are suitable for all kinds of cyclists.
7. GORE WEAR C7 Unisex Pro Gloves
The GORE WEAR C7 Unisex Pro Gloves are a must-have for any serious cyclist. These gloves use innovative materials and design features to provide the utmost in comfort and performance.
Made with GORE Selected Fabrics, they offer fast moisture-wicking and extreme breathability, ensuring your hands stay comfortable no matter how long your ride.
The pre-shaped fingers and tactile material at the fingertips make them easy to use with touchscreens, while the mesh inserts on the back provide added ventilation. These gloves also use Gore-Tex Infinium for almost the entire construction, ensuring your hands stay warm and dry no matter how wet or cold it gets outside.
Overall, these gloves are the perfect choice for serious cyclists who demand the best in performance and comfort.
8. Endura Deluge II Waterproof Gloves
Looking for a winter-cycling glove that provides both warmth and dexterity can be tough, but Endura seems to have nailed it with their Deluge II Waterproof Gloves.
These heavy-duty gloves are equipped with an internal waterproof membrane, making them ideal for cold and wet conditions. An ample amount of insulation on the upper surface of the glove ensures your hands stay warm, while the padding on the palms and fingertips is light enough to ensure full control over your bike’s controls.
Other features like reflectives, touchscreen compatibility, and silicone print on the palm and finger tips for grip make the Deluge II gloves a good value at only £34.99.
9. Pearl Izumi PRO AmFIB Super Gloves
The Pearl Izumi PRO AmFIB Super Gloves are a popular choice for cyclists looking for optimal comfort and control in cold and wet weather conditions.
These gloves feature a combination of P.R.O. Softshell and Outdry lining material, providing optimal water protection and insulation without compromising on dexterity and mobility.
The innovative finger construction design keeps the index and middle fingers free to manipulate shifters and brakes, while the Clarino synthetic leather palm provides superior softness and durability. The gloves also feature BioViz reflective elements for low-light visibility, making them a reliable and safe choice for any cyclist.
With its high-quality construction and comfortable fit, the Pearl Izumi PRO AmFIB Super Gloves are a top contender for the best cycling gloves of 2023.
