Mark Greene
Whether you are a casual biker, passionate cyclist that regularly covers long distances or a professional, you can benefit from wearing cycling gloves. They can protect you against bad weather, as well as help to keep your hands unharmed in case you fall off the bike. Additionally, gloves will significantly improve comfort and reduce fatigue while riding.
Would you like to know what are the best cycling gloves out there? We did the footwork and singled out the alternatives that are worth considering. Do not forget to check our guide on how to pick the ideal model for you!
BEST VALUE
GEARONIC TM Cycling Bike Bicycle Motorcycle Shockproof Half-Finger Gloves
The Best Cycling Gloves
1. Our Pick: ZOOKKI Cycling Gloves Men/Women
BEST CHOICE
1. Our Pick: ZOOKKI Cycling Gloves Men/Women
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Impressive comfort
- Suitable for long rides
- Breathable gloves
PROS
- Durable gloves
- Thickened palm cushioning reduces fatigue
- Solid elasticity and breathability
CONS
- They require a bit of time to break in
- The gloves run a little small
DETAILS
The manufacturer used microfiber leather during the manufacturing process, which resulted in gloves that are highly elastic. The company claims that they are breathable, and the thickened palm pad adds to the capability of absorbing the shock on uneven surfaces. It also reduces numbness that you may feel while riding on a bumpy road.
The glove seems to be durable, especially considering the price. It is a full-finger glove, which makes it suitable for relatively cold weather. They might not be suitable for harsh winters, but they are still warmer than half-finger gloves. They might require a bit of a time to break in, but they become way more comfortable after that. When choosing the sizing, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations carefully as they run a little small.
2. Premium Pick: DexShell THERMFIT NEO GLOVES(TOUCHSCREEN) BLACK
2. Premium Pick: DexShell THERMFIT NEO GLOVES (TOUCHSCREEN) BLACK
PREMIUM PICK
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Excellent choice for severe weather conditions
- They keep you warm
- Optimized for using smartphones
PROS
- Waterproof gloves with great dexterity in cold and wet conditions
- Terry loops on the inside improve the warmth you feel when wearing them
- You can use touchscreen devices while wearing them
CONS
- Only available in one color
DETAILS
If you are looking to look sleek and elegant while driving your bike, but you also want to be warm and comfortable, you may want to consider this unit. The first thing you notice is a bold and modern design with black as dominating color.
As soon as you put the glove on your hand, you will feel the warmth that they can provide. The terry loops on the inside improve the warmth you will feel when wearing them. It doesn’t matter if the weather is cold and wet, these gloves secure great dexterity.
The product is waterproof – its outer layer is made of nylon and elastics while the inner layer also adds anti-pilling acrylic and merino wool to the mix. You can use your touchscreen devices while wearing gloves.
3. Best Value: GEARONIC TM Cycling Bike Bicycle Motorcycle Shockproof Half-Finger Gloves
3. Best Value: GEARONIC TM Cycling Bike Bicycle Motorcycle Shockproof Half-Finger Gloves
BEST VALUE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Great choice when it is warm outside
- Wipe sweat without taking them off
- Optimal comfort
PROS
- Half-finger gloves suitable for summer weather
- They can do a good job in protecting your hand
- Easy to wipe the sweat when needed off your brow when needed
CONS
- Might not be the best option for everyday riding
- They run a little small
DETAILS
These gloves are available in both half-finger and full-finger alternatives, but we will focus on the former. The product features a mixture of elasticized microfiber and breathable mesh that should ensure the gloves fit comfortably to your hands. However, when you are picking the right size, consider that they run a little small.
The crucial thing is that, although they come at an affordable price, these gloves do a good job in protecting your hands in case of a fall. The padding is noticeable, but it is not bulky so that the glove keeps optimal comfort and lightness.
The gloves are thin, which makes them a great option for warm summer weather. The manufacturer even made the area on the outside of the thumb thicker to give you the option of wiping the sweat when needed.
4. Pearl Izumi Men’s Select Glove
4. Pearl Izumi Men’s Select Glove
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Excellent comfort
- Pick favorite color
- Suitable for casual riders
PROS
- Optimal padding thanks to the palm cushioning
- They have been in the market for a long time
- Five different color combinations
CONS
- Need to be washed before using to avoid dying your hands or equipment
- Not the best choice for long-distance riding
DETAILS
If you are a casual bike rider looking for sleek and elegant half-finger gloves, these deserve to be taken into consideration. The manufacturer originally made them in 2014, but they are still on the market, which should speak about quality.
The gloves are available in five different color combinations, but we like black the most. The palm of the glove features a mix of polyamide and polyurethane (60:40), which should secure optimal padding. Polyamide, spandex, and polyester were used for the back of the glove.
You may need to wash them before using to avoid getting the dye on your hands or equipment. Additionally, while they are great for casual rides, they may not be suitable for your long-distance biking adventures.
5. Fox Racing Ranger Mountain Bike Gloves
5. Fox Racing Ranger Mountain Bike Gloves
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Breathable and light
- Use your phone with glowers on
- A great choice when it is warm outside
PROS
- Light, thin, and suitable for summer weather
- Comfortable fit and fairly durable
- Suitable to use touchscreen devices
CONS
- A bit lower quality than some gloves that this manufacturer used to make
- The padding is not too generous
DETAILS
The material used in making the glove is a mixture of polyamide nylon (50%), polyvinyl chloride (10%), and polyester (40%). It is advertised as a mountain bike glove, and it is very durable.
However, keep in mind that it is fairly thin and its padding is not too generous. While it is comfortable, it might not be suitable for cold weather.
When you put these gloves on, you will realize that they fit well and feel comfortable. You can use touchscreen devices without taking them off, which is a huge plus in our book. Some would argue that this is not the same quality as earlier Fox’s gloves, but it is still a product worth considering.
6. Zackees Award Winning LED Turn Signal Cycling Gloves
6. Zackees Award Winning LED Turn Signal Cycling Gloves
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Great for night and foggy rides
- Attractive design
- Contributes to overall safety
PROS
- Increases your and the overall safety of everyone in traffic
- Suitable for when it is dark and foggy outside
- Elegant design with three different color combinations
CONS
- Batteries need to be changed often
- Might not be as durable as you expect
DETAILS
Drivers are often inconsiderate of cyclists, which may lead to unfortunate accidents. If you want to improve your safety, how about signaling them which way you plan to turn? Zackees offers cycling gloves that have LED turn lights that will signal the driver behind you what your next move is.
That is a great feature to have around the clock, but especially when it is dark or foggy.
The gloves are waterproof and washable despite its electronics, but the durability of the LED lights might not be as you expected. You also need to change batteries often because they can leave burn marks on your hand if they corrode.
On the plus side, you can choose between three different colors and the design looks cool and modern. The gloves are also quite comfortable and can be suitable for even longer rides.
7. Giro Bravo Gel Gloves
7. Giro Bravo Gel Gloves
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- They feel comfortable
- Easy to wipe sweat
- Perfect for those with smaller hands
PROS
- Generous padding for optimal comfort
- Breathable mesh prevents sweating of the hands
- A microfiber wiping surface included
CONS
- The Velcro strap is not that durable
- The gloves tend to run a little small
DETAILS
If comfort is your primary concern, this model might be the right fit for you. The generous gel padding makes this glove very comfortable. The manufacturer emphasizes that they removed the binding material from the cuff to further enhance the comfort.
You can stretch the glove in four ways to make it fit better. However, they tend to run a little small, so be careful when choosing the sizing. You might also need to be a bit careful with the Velcro strap as it is not as strong as you might expect.
The glove has reflective finger pulls and comes in two different designs. The breathable mesh is always a good option to prevent sweating, and there is a wiping surface made of microfiber that can absorb sweat well.
8. INBIKE Bike Gloves Half-Finger with 5mm Thick Padding
8. INBIKE Bike Gloves Half-Finger with 5mm Thick Padding
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Several color combinations
- Suitable for night riding
- Breathable
PROS
- The reflective stripe adds to your safety during the night
- You can adjust the tightness level with the Velcro strap
- Mesh fabric ensures optimal breathability
CONS
- The cushioning might not be suitable for long rides
DETAILS
This product comes in five different color combinations, but black is the dominant color in each one. The manufacturer used a mixture of breathable mesh fabric and elastic lycra when designing this glove.
They claim that the result is a comfortable glove with optimal breathability.The V-shaped Velcro closure allows you to choose how tight you want the glove to be. According to the company, the reflective stripe has the task of improving your safety when it is dark outside. The cushioning could be better, which isn’t noticeable unless you had for a long ride.
These half-finger gloves are quite durable, and they can deliver what is expected of them. The functionality is further improved with the terry cloth on the inside, which allows you to wipe sweat easily.
9. Gore Bike Wear Power
9. Gore Bike Wear Power
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Breathable gloves
- Easily washable
- Solid quality
PROS
- Breathability and comfort seem adequate
- They can do a good job in absorbing shock
- Easy to maintain and machine washable
CONS
- Thin gloves that are not suitable for severe weather
- They can run a bit small
DETAILS
These gloves seem to manage to find the right balance between two things – optimal comfort and absorbing shock. As for comfort, they seem breathable, and they fit nicely. The mixture of polyamide, elastane, mesh, and polyurethane made this glove quite comfortable while ensuring proper grip.
When it comes to absorbing shock, the palm is padded with foam while the heel of the hand is padded with gel. The logo and the stripes are reflective, which can be useful during night tights. You can easily clean the gloves in a washing machine.
On the downside, these are thin gloves. As a result, they may not be suitable for severe weather conditions. Additionally, they can run a bit small, and it might be smart to pick one size bigger than your usual.
10. Trideer Padded Full Finger Cycling Gloves
10. Trideer Padded Full Finger Cycling Gloves
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Versatility
- Excellent for absorbing shock
- Full-finger gloves
PROS
- Extremely versatile gloves
- Can reduce road vibration and absorb shock
- Breathable mesh keeps hands dry
CONS
- The sizing may run a bit small
- Not quite protective during severe weather conditions
DETAILS
These full-finger gloves seem incredibly versatile as the manufacturer claims you can use them for road cycling, BMX, mountain bike, and even for gym training.
The product relies a lot on functionality, and it seems that it does a good job in reducing road vibration, and absorbing shock. That may make this glove suitable for long-distance rides.
The silica gel is used as padding for the palm while the adjustable strap ensures ideal fit and wrist protection. The gloves are made of microfiber while the backing is of ventilated mesh which prevents sweating.Although it is a full finger glove, it may not be suitable for severe weather conditions. It is not unusual for cycling gloves, but the size may run a bit small.
How to Pick the Best Cycling Gloves
If you want to make an informed decision on the purchase, you need to know what features to consider when choosing cycling gloves. Here are the main factors to take into account.
Water and Weather Resistance
You should make sure to buy waterproof cycling gloves at all cost. The only reason to neglect that feature is if you like another pair of gloves and that one has all the other features you wanted.
As for weather resistance, that depends on your preference. If you do not ride your bike during cold and severe weather, you might not need a pair suitable for extreme conditions. If the budget allows you, it may be wise to buy two pairs – winter and summer gloves.
Size and Fit
Keep in mind that cycling gloves tend to run a little small when you choose the right size. As for the fit, the majority of gloves comes with a Velcro strap or another feature that allows you to adjust the tightness.
Comfort and Breathability
Many would say that this should be your primary concern. It is essential that you feel comfortable in the gloves you are wearing. Additionally, you should ensure that they have optimal breathability to keep your hands dry. While talking about comfort, keep in mind that some manufacturers have a special area that you can use to wipe the sweat off your eyebrows.
Other Features to Consider
Here are some additional factors that you can consider when buying cycling gloves:
- Brand – you want to ensure that a reputable company makes your gloves
- Durability – check out the materials as they can give a great insight into how long a product will last.
- Design – what style and color do you prefer? You can go with sa classic and neutral design or choose to attract attention with vivid and bright colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need a cycling glove?
A: A cycling glove can help to protect your hands in case of a fall. Additionally, they can improve comfort during long-distance rides and provide warmth necessary during cold weather conditions.
Q: Which gloves are suitable for warm summer weather?
A: You should look for relatively thin gloves with optimal padding. Also, breathability should be your primary concern because hands tend to sweat more when the weather is warm.
Q: Do I need waterproof gloves?
A: Although it is not mandatory, any experienced cyclist will tell you that you should have waterproof gloves. You never know when it might start raining, and you even end up in a pond after a fall.
Final Conclusion
There are many reasons why cycling gloves should be a mandatory part of your equipment, including safety, comfort, and warmth. Go ahead and pick the best cycling gloves for your needs to reap all these benefits and enjoy riding your bike even more!
