Rating of the best cycling gloves 2020 - selection rules

Cycling is an exciting and rewarding activity during which accidental falls and injuries cannot be avoided. Modern bicycles are designed in such a way that the main load falls on the hands. It is for them that special gloves are produced, which not many people pay attention to.

If they are chosen, then they are guided by the appearance, color or price. At a time when you need to consider practicality and convenience. Gloves for cyclists, bought at random, worsen the feeling of riding - with numb hands and calluses you won't go far. Correctly selected accessory will improve the grip of the handlebars, insure against fractures during a fall.

What are the functions of cycling gloves

Cycling beginners often confine themselves to buying and wearing a helmet, thinking that there is enough for a safe ride. An important role belongs to such an accessory as gloves. Their functions are as follows:

• fall protection. In 9 out of 10 cases, the cyclist falls with his palms extended forward at a considerable speed. Therefore, it is better to let the skin on the gloves rub off than on the hands;
• protection against calluses and rough skin. Bicycle manufacturers try to make the handlebar grips durable and reliable, but they are not geared towards the tactile feel of the palm. With heat and long trips, a characteristic burning sensation appears in them;
• protection against numbness. The low seating position pinches the nerves under the fingertips, causing numbness. To solve the problem, you need to choose a frame of the right size and buy those gloves where there are soft inserts on the palms;
• firm grip on the steering wheel. The accessory must provide a tenacious contact with the handlebars. This is especially important when skiing in summer and in the rain. Without gloves, hands tend to slip off.

Manufacturers produce a large number of different models. Among the assortment you can find gloves containing gel inserts that are designed to compensate for powerful impacts.

Types and characteristics of the accessory

Those who have been involved in cycling for a long time stock up on 2 types of gloves: short and long. The cropped model is worn in warm weather, the accessory with the fingers protects the hands better, but has the worst ventilation. Long gloves are great for cold weather and extreme riding.

Manufacturers also offer the following types of accessories:

• reinforced, which are easy to recognize by additional inserts, fasteners made of plastic and other durable materials;
• mitts are the most common model. Fingerless cycling gloves are popular because they protect the palm from calluses, they are not hot and it is convenient to switch speeds;
• mittens that have a separate hole just for the thumb. They are suitable for skiing in winter.

There are also classic cycling gloves with compartments for each finger. When choosing an accessory, the riding season is taken into account, because the characteristics depend on weather conditions.For example, summer cycling gloves are made of breathable material, should be lightweight, absorbent and have inserts that protect your wrists and fingers from injury.

Other requirements are imposed on winter models - you should choose a multi-layer accessory made of leather, textiles and foam. This combination of materials retains heat well. The toes of winter cycling gloves should bend well regardless of the tightness. Models differ in frost protection. Manufacturers produce demi-season gloves that are waterproof, with good protection from wind and dirt.

The following materials are used to make the accessory:

1. Leather. Natural material is sewn into the folds of the palm and fingertips. It promotes natural grip on the steering wheel and protects your hands from chafing.
2. Gortex is a special Teflon membrane fabric. Its advantages are high water resistance and vapor release, so the palms do not sweat.
3. Neoprene and fleece are the materials used for sewing winter models.
4. Nylon and spandex are indispensable for making summer gloves. Thanks to synthetic materials, the accessory adapts to the shape of the hands, fits snugly to the skin and accumulates excess moisture.

In gloves for cyclists, the Airmech mesh is always present - a voluminous material woven using three-dimensional technology. If not, then cycling will turn into flour, especially on a hot summer day. Gel and carbon are used to create protective inserts. When sewing cycling gloves, they also use leatherette, which resembles natural leather in properties.

When thinking about how to choose an accessory, you should remember that a high-quality product is sewn from several layers of different materials. Then the gloves will be durable and practical to use.

Good shopping rules

The functionality of models from different brands may differ, so the manufacturer's brand and cost are not the main selection criteria. Gloves are fixed on the hand with a tight elastic band or Velcro. It is these two elements that you should pay attention to first.

Cropped gloves are suitable for beginners, and for extreme lovers, closed models with protective elements around the fingers and wrist. Under insulated winter gloves, you should wear thin cotton products that will absorb sweat from your palms.

The female and male accessory is practically no different, except for the size. Popular models are available in different colors and designs, and some provide manicure protection. The rating of quality products will help to understand the gloves, which brand is better, the main characteristics and the price.

Studying the assortment, it is recommended to pay attention to the pleasant bonuses that increase the operation of the products. According to this parameter, gloves are:

• with touch screens, which are useful in harsh winter conditions, when prolonged exposure to the street with bare hands can lead to frostbite;
• with terry inserts, which are made on the summer models from the back. They can help a cyclist wipe sweat from his face;
• with moisture protection - a special coating that prevents liquid from getting inside. The accessory is suitable for rainy days;
• with protective inserts made of polymeric materials that will protect the knuckles from bruises in the event of a fall. Helium inserts are found on expensive accessories.

Reflective elements are usually attached to the cyclist's accessory, which makes riding at night safe. In some models, they even light up on the fingers when pressed. Clasp - Velcro should be made of high quality, without a hint of a defect. At the same time, it does not need to be overtightened so as not to disrupt blood circulation.

Rating of the best cycling gloves for all occasions

Almost any brand of sportswear also produces gloves for cyclists. But if you need really high-quality products, then you should pay attention to companies that focus on the production of cycling equipment and specifically gloves.

The best producers are Pearl Izumi, Scott, Avenir and others.Many professional athletes wear these brands while competing.

Avenir classic cool

Cycling gloves are suitable for both long trips and a short walk to the store. They are a little harsh, which sometimes scares off buyers, but will not slip off their hands. The accessory is made of water-repellent material, so the skin of the hands remains dry while riding. Inexpensive cycling gloves provide great freedom of action and good grip on the handlebars. But to become their owner, you have to look for them in foreign online stores.

• retro style;
• absorbent fabric on the thumbs;
• comfortable.

• little padding.

Average price: 870 rubles.

Shipping Fox 360

Demi-season gloves from the British manufacturer can often be seen on the hands of professional athletes. They are suitable for spring and autumn, warm and airy at the same time. So your hands won't freeze in them, but they won't sweat either.

Clasp - dense rubber Velcro, thanks to which the accessory will not fly off your hand. On the outside there is an overlay that prevents the appearance of calluses, and on the outside there is an elastic fabric that stretches when compressed and takes its previous shape when unclenched.

• excellent firmware;
• good grip on the handlebars;
• durable.

• not found.

Average price: 860 rubles.

Cube Gloves Race Blackline short finger

If you need summer cycling gloves, the Cube Gloves Race is the best model in this segment. The manufacturer has thought over the product to the smallest detail, so its quality matches the price. The skin of the hands "breathes" thanks to the fine mesh on the outside of the gloves. The palms are in contact with the microfiber, which absorbs sweat well.

Thanks to the rubber insert on the wrist, the gloves are comfortable to put on, as well as to take off if you grab onto the non-elastic loops. Gloves fit tightly around the hands and do not slip.

• soft material on the palms;
• convenient operation;
• hands are not hot in them.

• only for the summer.

Average price: 1,790 rubles.

SealSkinz Highland XP Claw

Cycling gloves for mountain biking and winter time. The model is specially designed for low temperatures and frost. They are not afraid of snow, squall or rain. Because the gloves are also waterproof.

The manufacturer has equipped the finger pads with reflective elements. The gloves have a remarkable design - they are three-fingered, so the heat is retained to the maximum inside. At the same time, the functionality of the cyclist, his freedom of movement is not limited.

• waterproofness;
• high grip on the steering wheel.

• high price.

Average price: 5 300 rubles.

Larsen Cycling Gloves

The Russian manufacturer offers mitts for summer and winter, sewn from natural materials. The range of colors of the products is extensive, so both ladies and men can find a suitable option.

The palms are protected by a polyurethane pad for increased grip, and the toes have a Pull Off system. The budget gloves are securely fixed on the hand with a Velcro fastener. Good ventilation is provided by the mesh. The manufacturer also produces an accessory for children.

• good protective properties
• comfortable wearing;
• variety of assortment.

• not found.

Average price: 420 rubles.

How to choose from all the variety

The popularity of the models is determined by the manufacturer, but many cyclists also choose the accessory for the price. What you can't do is hurry. First, it's better to decide what exactly you need cycling gloves for.

If these are trips around the town, then you shouldn't buy expensive models with a lot of "chips". All you need to do is choose cycling gloves with silicone pads that provide the desired level of protection. When choosing a model and thinking about which one is better to buy, you need to know a few tricks.

Looking at winter closed gloves, they get an accessory in which the fingers do not reach the edge by 5 mm.Having specified how much the accessory costs, it is worth choosing several models from different manufacturers. Then it will be easier to find cycling gloves suitable for professionals or amateurs.

Trying them on in the store, you need to put the product on your hand, dilute it strongly, and then clench your fingers into a fist. The glove should not press or wrap the hand too tightly, otherwise it will lead to numbness. The best way to check if an accessory fits the bike handle.

To find the right size, you need to measure the circumference of your palm under your fingers and divide it in two. When buying a winter model, they take one size larger. Then you can wear it under your regular cycling gloves to keep it warm. The purchase of an accessory should not be put on the back burner, but it is better to place a single order together with a helmet and other equipment.