10 Best Cycling Gloves – Reviews & Analysis

 

Top Gloves for Cycling – Guide & Comparison

 

With so many options of cycling gloves out there, it can be a bit hard to know which the best cycling gloves are since that can be a relative term as it depends on what you cherish more. Nevertheless, the Giro DND Men’s Mountain Cycling Gloves are a cool item that you can check out. This pair is made out of synthetic fibers, which, as you know, come with various benefits, such as longevity, a pretty important feature if you think about it, especially for cycling gloves. The product also has a superior absorbent microfiber wiping surface and the mesh is actually quite breathable, so you won’t sweat a lot. In the eventuality that this product is not available, you can also try the Giro Jag Men’s Road Cycling Gloves which are also really cool and have plenty of features that you might like.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Cycling Gloves (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

 

Is choosing a pair of cycling gloves really hard? No, not really, but it’s not as simple as you’d think. From the material that the gloves are made of to the need for padding, you have to pay attention to many things so you’ll find a pair that is satisfying enough, but worry not, as we have you covered.

 

 

1. Giro DND Men’s Mountain Cycling Gloves

 

Wearing gloves while you ride a bike is not mandatory by law, but it is of great help, as it will protect you from getting blisters and even keep your hands and skin safe in the case that you have an accident. A good option is this pair of gloves from Giro, which are synthetic, and synthetic fabric comes with various qualities.

Among the advantages of synthetic fabric is the fact that it is more elastic, it doesn’t wrinkle easily, the price is lower, and the product is much more durable, especially if you compare it to other materials used for making cycling gloves. The breathable mesh is a big plus, as it will let your skin breathe better and you won’t sweat as much.

This pair also has a superior absorbent microfiber wiping surface so, again, sweat won’t be a problem while you ride your bicycle with these gloves.

 

Pros

As the pair of gloves is made out of synthetic fabric, it will last for a longer period of time, it won’t wrinkle, and it is more elastic.

It has a superior type of absorbent microfiber wiping surface, so you won’t have any problems with sweating.

The breathable mesh, as the name itself implies, will let your skin breathe better, so you won’t get too hot wearing these gloves.

The fingertips are at a higher risk than other parts of the hands, this is why this product has them reinforced, for extra protection.

 

Cons

The fact that these gloves don’t come with padding means that you can only use them on some types of bikes, such as road bikes, but they aren’t very good when it comes to trail riding on a mountain bike, as you need better protection in those cases.

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2. Giro Jag Men’s Road Cycling Gloves

 

Another popular material for bike gloves is spandex. This has other important benefits, like the fact that it is much lighter, it doesn’t create static electricity, it is resistant to abrasion, but also to body oils and sweat, detergent and various lotions, so you have a pretty serious reason to take this model of gloves into consideration.

This product really fights against letting you sweat or making you feel sweaty as it has a super absorbent microfiber wiping surface. This way, no matter how hot it is outside, you are not going to have any problems. This is really important because even a little bit of sweat can make you lose control of the handles.

Another cool feature of this product is the low-profile hook-and-loop closure, which means that once you’ve put the gloves on, they will stay there – but is that such a good thing in all cases? Not always.

 

Pros

These gloves are made with spandex, a material that is very light, resistant to many factors (sweat, abrasion, detergent, etc.), and it doesn’t create static electricity either.

The super absorbent microfiber wiping surface is going to make sure that you won’t have to deal with sweat that could cause you discomfort.

On top of that, this pair also includes a moisture-wicking four-way-stretch lycra part, so you are going to feel more comfortable wearing them.

The low-profile hook-and-loop closure makes the velcro used to hold the gloves in place hidden and it guarantees that you won’t drop the gloves when you wear them.

 

Cons

While the gloves will surely be kept in place, the disadvantage is that they may be kept in place too well, meaning that, in some cases, you will have a harder time removing the gloves from your hands. It’s up to you if this is a significant con or not.

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3. FIRELION Cycling Gloves Breathable Gel Pad

 

Of course, maybe nylon could be more to your liking as the main material for your bike gloves. If so, you can take a closer look at this model. Nylon also comes with various features that you will enjoy, such as better strength, and it resists abrasion and it is easy to wash, doesn’t get damaged by oil or other chemicals and it has insulating properties.

This product has durable gel pads included in the palm area, which are meant to offer you a longer period in which using the gloves is possible, as they have anti-slip and anti-shock properties. As a result, you won’t feel like your palm is stuffy, you won’t feel all the vibrations in the road and you won’t suffer from hand fatigue.

For you to enjoy a higher level of comfort, you have some adjustable straps available, which is also contributing to your hands feeling rested, no matter how much you are riding.

 

Pros

The 100% nylon composition gives these gloves better strength, makes them resistant to abrasion, easy to wash, and they also are harder to get damaged by chemicals.

Another important aspect of these gloves is the insulating property that also comes from the fact that they are made out of 100% nylon.

The durable gel placed in the palm area has anti-shock and anti-slip properties, so your hand won’t suffer from fatigue and your palm won’t feel stuffy.

The adjustable straps give you the option of placing them as you see them fit, tighter or extra loose, depending on how you prefer your gloves to be when you ride the bike.

 

Cons

When you are out there riding the bike, you won’t do much texting, but you might get a phone call that you want to answer or would like to change the song. These gloves aren’t really great at letting you do that. It’s not impossible to do it, but it requires you to touch the screen several times until you get it right.

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4. MOREOK Mens Cycling Gloves Half Finger

 

This pair was created using highly elastic lycra and knitted mesh fabric, which means you will feel extra comfortable when you wear the gloves, especially since these materials will let your skin breathe properly and you won’t sweat as much. The palm also has an anti-slip suede and a widened velcro so you will feel totally relaxed while riding the bike.

The extra-thick 5 mm SBR gel pads in the palm areas of the gloves means that you are dealing with non-slip silicone. As a result, your hands won’t slip when you touch various surfaces, and, on top of that, they will feel less pain and get tired less thanks to the presence of the shock absorption effect included in this product.

Basically, the aim of these gloves is to avoid making you feel numb, ease the pain, and minimize the fatigue that would normally appear as you ride any bike.

 

Pros

This pair is made out of really elastic lycra and knitted mesh fabric, so you can feel super comfortable while you wear the gloves and your skin can breathe properly.

The non-slip silicone that is used around the areas of the palms means that your hands won’t slip as you ride the bike or touch various items.

The pair has a very absorbent terry cloth on the outside part of the thumb that you can easily use in order to wipe out the sweat from your forehead.

The functional Micro suede palm that was included in this product is also of great help as it manages to make sure that you have the perfect fit at all times.

 

Cons

The material doesn’t let UV rays get through, which, in theory, is a good thing, but if you ride a lot under the sun, you will find yourself with tanned arms and pale hands.

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5. NICEWIN Cycling Gloves Mountain – Road Bicycle

 

This pair is made out of elastic suede and it has breathable spandex on the back of the gloves which makes for much more comfortable wearing. Your hands will always be kept cool and fresh in these gloves, regardless of the season in which you are wearing them. This is a big plus, as you can ride the bike all year long.

The product also has polar fleece on the thumb which you can use in order to wipe the sweat away more easily. The wrist is lengthened using a hook-and-loop fastener, which makes this pair not only a more stylish choice, but also much easier to put on, and it keeps the gloves warm for a longer period of time.

The gloves also have a safety design, which is really important. This design is made out of caution strips on the back of the hands, making you more visible during the night or in foggy conditions.

 

Pros

The elastic suede and breathable spandex make for very comfortable wearing, as you will always have your hands cool and fresh, no matter the season you’re wearing them.

The polar fleece placed on the thumb is a cool addition as it lets you wipe away the sweat from your face and forehead more easily.

The hook-and-loop fastener and lengthened wrist are going to make putting on the gloves a simpler affair, on top of the fact that it makes them look more stylish.

The safety design made out of caution strips that are placed on the back of the hands makes you easier to spot in the night or in the fog.

 

Cons

The size chart for these gloves is a bit off. It’s recommended that you buy a bigger size for these gloves so, this way, you will be sure that they will actually fit well on your hands.

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6. Unigear Winter Waterproof Gloves Lightweight

 

As winter has rougher conditions, you will need a pair of gloves that can keep you warm at all times. Thankfully, this pair of Unigear gloves does just that by combining the breathable quality of polyester with the ability to repel water of the PU leather, making the pair water-resistant and, also, anti-skid, really important factors during the cold of winter.

The inner layers of the gloves are coated using TPU material so you will benefit from protection against water. The pair has an extra waterproof TPU membrane so your hands will always be dry, no matter the conditions, be it rain or snow. As you can imagine, that is highly important, as it reduces the chances of you catching a cold.

The surface of the gloves has the role of blocking the cold air from going through it, while the inclusion of an inner velvet aims to keep your hands warm during the cold winter.

 

Pros

This product is made out of polyester, which lets your skin breathe, and PU leather, which basically repels water, for the lack of a better word.

The gloves have an inner layer that is coated with TPU material which adds extra protection to your hands against water, keeping them dry at all times.

The surface of these gloves aims to stop the cold air from going through it and, combined with the inner velvet, you will have the warmest hands in the winter.

You won’t have to take off your gloves during winter to use your smartphone, as the thumb and index finger of the gloves are created to be able to do that with no problems.

 

Cons

This pair is a bit heavier than other types of gloves available on the market, probably as a direct result of the materials that are used in it so that you will feel warm during cold weather.

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7. Sunifier Winter Running Gloves Touchscreen Thermal Gloves

 

This pair of gloves is made out of premium compression soft fabrics which will make them really light and allow your skin to breathe. On top of that, it also has an anti-static function, so you won’t have any shocking surprises when you wear them! It also has a fleece thermal lining that is soft and warm, so you will feel comfortable when you wear the gloves.

The product is advertised as being water-resistant and as being windproof, which is true, to a certain degree. This is thanks to the usage of waterproof TPU, which will keep your hands warm and dry even when outside it’s raining or snowing. This pair of gloves has universal appeal, as you can use them not only for your bike, but also for skiing, climbing, etc.

This universal usage aspect is really important and the one that could make you be more interested in this pair.

 

Pros

The fact that the gloves have universal use, ranging from cycling to climbing, hiking, skiing, etc., gives them a huge advantage over other winter cycling gloves.

The premium compression soft fabrics of these gloves make them very light, as opposed to the heavier models out there.

The presence of waterproof TPU is a great way of making sure that the hands will always be dry and that the cold wind won’t be a nuisance.

The fact that it lets your skin breathe is another big plus, as you aren’t going to sweat a lot, which would ultimately make you sick because of the low temperatures.

 

Cons

These gloves will keep you warm and dry, but only to a certain degree. Once it starts to really pour outside or the temperature drops a lot, they don’t do this as well as when the temperature is relatively low and it just drizzles.

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8. Louis Garneau Men’s Biogel RX-V Bike Gloves

 

This pair of gloves from Louis Garneau is very well-padded. As a result, it can absorb a huge amount of vibrations that you would normally feel on the road, which, in turn, is reducing the pressure that you feel on your hands overall as you ride the bicycle. To that, we add a high level of comfort and a high level of breathability.

In order for your hands to be cool at all times and not to keep them in the moisture that appears because of the sweat, these gloves have a perforated palm and some X-shaped vents which will reduce the forming moisture on your hands and will also keep them ventilated very well, so you will always feel comfortable wearing these gloves.

The combination of spandex with Power Mesh is offering these gloves a high level of stretchability, and a lot of comfort, while the Biogel padding is going to let you feel the handlebar better.

 

Pros

These gloves will absorb the vibrations that you normally feel while out riding, so you will always feel comfortable, as there is no more pressure on your hands.

It is very important for cycling gloves that they let your skin breathe, as this way you aren’t going to sweat excessively as it would happen if there was no breathability.

The X-shaped vents and perforated palm of these gloves have the role of removing the moisture that does appear as a result of sweating.

Also important is the fact that these gloves have a nice level of stretchability, as a result of mixing Power Mesh with spandex.

 

Cons 

One downside to this pair of gloves is the fact that it is not waterproof. While it has many cool features to fight moisture and sweat, the inability to offer protection to something that you are bound to encounter is not that cool.

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9. VBIGER Touch Screen Gloves Anti-slip Running Cycling Gloves

 

These gloves from VBIGER are made out of elastic milk fiber and spandex. This makes them really soft when you touch them, but also when you wear them, leading to an overall comfortable experience. For you to feel even better, this product has a thickened fleece lining, plus a stretchy cuff so you won’t feel the cold of the winter days.

In order for you to have a better grip, so you won’t slip, these gloves have silicone printings mixed with some classic patterns on the palm area. Indeed, it can make a world of difference, so you should really check this pair out. The model also has a reflective strip design that involves novel microfiber printings.

This not only makes you more visible during the night or even if it’s fog outside, but it makes the pair a bit more fashionable, so basically, you get the best of both worlds.

 

Pros

The combination of elastic milk fiber and spandex makes this pair a lot more comfortable and soft when you touch them and also when you wear them.

The thickened fleece lining and the stretchy cuff are included in the design so you won’t risk feeling cold when outside the temperatures are dropping.

This model has silicone printings and classic patterns on the palm which will give you a much better grip so the risk of accidents will also run low.

On top of that, the reflective strip design used for these gloves means that you will be easier to be seen in the dark, and it also adds a bit of fashion to the product.

 

Cons

The gloves are advertised as letting you use your smartphone, but it seems like the response actually varies. It could be that it works better with some models than with others, but generally speaking, it’s not guaranteed that it will work for your phone too.

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10. RocRide Cycling Gloves with Gel Padded Protection

 

Looking for some bicycle gloves that are lightweight and breathable? This pair from RocRide is a nice example of that. The model is made out of 60% microfiber leather and 40% lycra. What does this do? It will remove moisture from the areas in which you sweat the most, which is very important, as some bike gloves can get really sweaty.

Aside from that, these gloves have a double-stitched construction with extra reinforcement. This makes it safer to ride using them, but it also means that you can put the gloves in the washing machine or in the dryer and they are not going to be destroyed. We also have to mention the gel padded protection.

The gel padded protection has a silicone anti-slip grip and it also includes a shock-absorbent technology which will make your hands feel better after hours of riding, and not fatigued, thanks to the extra padding.

 

Pros

The gloves are made using 40% lycra and 60% microfiber leather so any moisture will be removed from your hands as you ride the bike.

In order for the gloves to be more resistant, they have a double-stitched construction and some extra reinforcement so you can ride safely.

The extra reinforcement and the double-stitched construction also means that you can put the gloves in the washing machine or dryer and they’ll be safe.

These gloves have gel-padded protection with silicone anti-slip grip, which will absorb all shocks and, as a result, your hands won’t feel as tired.

 

Cons

Depending on how cold it gets outside, these gloves can offer you more or less protection against low temperatures. Basically, if you live in a hot climate, you are not going to have any complaints, but if you live in a place that tends to be colder, this pair isn’t going to offer you much protection.

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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Looking for the best cycling gloves? It’s not terribly hard to find them, but first, you must know that such a term can be relative. The best cycling glove for someone won’t necessarily be the best one for you too, because you may have different tastes and needs. Checking out cycling gloves reviews from pros and users can be of great help.

Different seasons

You must first think about the general weather in your area. If you live somewhere in the north, winter cycling gloves should be your go-to choice as they will keep you warm and cozy even in the coldest temperatures. The best winter cycling gloves will have padding and other similar features so they’ll qualify for the title of the warmest cycling gloves.

Cold weather cycling gloves are often heavier because they have reinforced fleece to keep you warm. So, if you are looking for warm cycling gloves, you must look for the best padded cycling gloves. Of course, padding can mean more than just keeping you warm, as the pads are used to keep your hands from hurting when you hold the grips.

Padded cycling gloves can also be a part of the best summer cycling gloves offer of various stores. They often come in different models, such as fingerless cycling gloves, but they may not always be the best waterproof cycling gloves as the features are added to keep you cool and stop palm sweat and focus less on keeping you dry.

 

What features are important?

Again, based on where you live and what usually your riding routine is, you can have a better idea of what you need. Living in a rainy area will absolutely require waterproof cycling gloves and even windproof cycling gloves, as these two phenomena tend to go together. A pair of full finger cycling gloves wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

The material from which the best bicycle gloves are made is also highly important. Spandex, lycra, synthetic or leather cycling gloves are all popular options, based on how much you sweat, how much the weather affects you, how good your grip is, etc. Check out any best cycling glove review and you will notice the differences.

 

Is the price important?

It really depends. While we all would be really interested in a pair of affordable cycling gloves, this doesn’t mean you are really aiming for the best there is out there. Specialized cycling gloves, for example, are much more expensive so you won’t find them in the cheap cycling gloves category, but if that is what you need, you must focus on that and less on the price.

A cheap cycling glove can be very tempting, but you must first check out all of the other aforementioned features so you’ll be sure the choice you make is one that will please you. Still, this doesn’t mean that an affordable cycling glove can’t be good, but you just need to be extra careful.

Other aspects

There are also differences between the women’s cycling gloves and men’s cycling gloves, but they usually come down to a different design and less to really serious topics. Gel cycling gloves can be found in both categories, so gender is really only related to design as road cycling gloves have the same needs regardless of who wears them.

We hope that this guide will help you find what you are looking for, whether you are looking for the best road cycling gloves, mountain bike one or universal ones.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

 

Q: Are cycling gloves necessary?

Legally speaking, unlike the headgear required when you ride a bike, there is no obligation for you to wear cycling gloves. So, if it’s not mandatory by law, some people may be asking themselves if they really should invest in this product or just keep on riding without them. Obligatory or not, there are plenty of reasons for which cycling gloves are so important.

Firstly, cycling gloves offer you safety. Nobody ever really leaves the house thinking they’ll have an accident, but those things do happen, so the best way to avoid any injuries is to be prepared. If you crash into something, your reflex will be to put your hands in front of you and, without gloves, you may find yourself with a pretty nasty bruise.

Secondly, cycling gloves will make sure that you have a firm grip on the handlebar. As your hands will naturally sweat, the gloves will absorb the humidity and allow you to have a better grip on the bike’s control.

Q: Full finger or fingerless cycling gloves?

Choosing whether to wear full finger of fingerless gloves depends on the weather conditions and on the bike type that you use. For example, a mountain bike will automatically ask for a full finger model, as you need a better grasp of the handlebar and it will help you avoid having to deal with blisters.

The answer regarding the weather conditions is rather obvious: many people prefer fingerless gloves during the hot and humid season, while the full finger ones are back in style as soon as the cold weather comes around. There is no need to sweat more than you should in full finger gloves during summer and you will be cold with fingerless ones during winter.

For people who don’t really enjoy wearing any kind of gloves, the fingerless ones may be the go-to option, as they only cover a part of your hand so that strange feeling will be much easier to tolerate.

 

Q: Can you wash cycling gloves?

Regarding the possibility of washing cycling gloves, it all depends on the material used for making the products, the stitching, and how good the overall product is. A cheap one may be quite easy to disintegrate after you’ve put it in the washing machine, but a model made of high-quality products will do just fine.

For example, if your gloves are made out of polyester, you can put them in the washing machine with no worries, this fabric doesn’t shrink and it doesn’t wrinkle. On the other hand, if the gloves were created from spandex, you should only wash them by hand, as this fabric doesn’t do too well if placed in the washing machine.

On the opposite of the polyester is leather. Leather is notoriously hard to keep clean, compared to other fabrics, so you should find other options to clean your pair of gloves, but a washing machine is not the answer.