Best Cycling Gloves (Updated Review)

cycling gloves review 2017I was never a big fan of wearing gloves when out on the bike but when the weather changes and the road gets a bit rougher I am glad of them.

I have always loved the responsive feel on the handlebars from my bare hands as I speed down the asphalt.

It feels more natural and the steering pinpoint accurate.

However, as time has gone by and I have had a few too many tumbles I always reach for my gloves before I head out for a spin.

Cycling gloves can be worn all year round but are especially helpful when the weather gets that little bit colder and your hands could do with the extra layer to keep them working as they should.

Frozen hands lose power and with that, you lose control and end up on your rump in the middle of the road…

On warmer days if you do want to wear gloves make sure to get a pair that is breathable so you don’t end up with roasting hot sweaty hands as that is no fun for anybody.

Plus, like my shorts, I like a bit of padding where it counts for longer journeys…


Top 10 Cycling Gloves Review

Louis Garneau Men's Nimbus Evo Breathable, Padded, Half Finger Bike Gloves, Black, Large
Upper hand: 3D Spandex / Spandex Mesh Palm: Amara; Pullers at fingers: Help remove gloves; Microfiber thumb: Moisture absorption
Castelli Free Cycling Glove (Black/Red, X-Large)
Material: [back] Lycra, [palm] Ultrasuede; Padding: foam; Closure: pull-on; Recommended Use: road cycling


Best Padded Cycling Gloves – Castelli Free Cycling Glove

First up we want to take a look at the Castelli Free Gloves. These extra padded gloves are pure class if you are heading off on long rides and need that extra bit of grip…

I have been a fan of Castelli for years and have owned, tested and punished many of their products when out racing.
Quality has always been one of their selling points and these gloves are no exception.

Overall these are a great set of gloves. If your budget allows then you should invest in a pair today. They feel great on, have plenty of grip and because the gel pads are not the usual leather type they do not destroy your bar tape.

A nice feature of these gloves is the mesh material on the back of the hand which lets them breathe well.


Best Overall Cycling Gloves – Sugoi Formula Foxe Gloves

If you like to have a near perfect natural feel on your handlebars but still want the added grip that gloves give you then the Sugoi Formula gloves are perfect for you. Made from very thin but super strong leather they are as close to a natural grip that you can get.

The leather palm has two small gel pads near the base of the palm to give you a little extra comfort without taking from the natural feel on the handlebars. The gloves are made from both leather and a breathable mesh synthetic weave that lets you hands breath in the heat but stay warm on colder days.

Overall these are one of the best cycling gloves out there and should definitely be on your shortlist.

Sugoi Formula FX Gloves, Black, X-Large
Premium natural palm and Velcro closure; V-Notched for increased mobility; Strategically placed Gel Dampening System for a race day interface

Next Best Gloves – Giro Bravo Cycling Gloves

Next on our list it the excellent Giro Bravo Gloves. These gloves are pure class and a great reflection on the quality of Giro products.

Built from synthetic leather with great gel pads throughout these breathable cycling gloves are strong and offer excellent grip on even the longest of rides.Overall a nice comfortable set of cycling gloves from Giro. Again up in the price range a bit but worth the spend if you are looking for quality. A few of the guys love these and even throw them in the washer to keep them in tip-top condition for race day.

 

Notable Mention – Louis Garneau Nimbus Gloves

I have always been a fan of Louis Garneau and the Nimbus Gloves are one of my favourite pairs of cycling gloves.

Packed with all the features you would expect these gloves are ultra comfortable, a great fit and have plenty of padding for that long journey.

A great pair of gloves for the money. Backed by a 1-year guarantee if you have any issues but being Louis Garneau you should be fine. A few people have commented on the velcro strap de-laminating but glued it back together and still going…

Louis Garneau, Men's Nimbus Evo Breathable, Padded, Half Finger Bike Gloves, Black, X-Large
Upper hand: 3D Spandex / Spandex Mesh Palm: Amara; Pullers at fingers: Help remove gloves; Microfiber thumb: Moisture absorption


BEST WINTER CYCLING GLOVES

As the weather turns colder and the seasons shift towards winter your hands will get very cold when you are out on the bike. Insulation is critical for your hands but they also need to be able to breathe to stop them getting all sweaty.

A good pair of winter cycling gloves is essential for your comfort when on the road.

PEARL IZUMI ELITE SOFTSHELL GLOVES

When the weather gets colder you need a good quality pair of winter cycling gloves to keep your hands warm and functioning properly. That’s where the Elite Softshell Gloves from Pearl Izumi come into their own.

Plenty of Gel padding for longer rides and they even have a conductive thumb and index fingertips so you can use your smartphone. (not while riding though…)

Overall a solid pair of comfortable and durable gloves from Pearl Izumi. Pricing is fair and the quality is top notch.

Remember not to use your smartphone while on the go…

Pearl Izumi - Ride Men's Elite Softshell Glove, Black, Large
1:1 Gel Padding creates bridges over Ulnar and Median nerves for superior riding comfort; Soft fleece wiping surface on thumb; Reflective elements for low-light visibility

 

Next Best Winter Gloves – GORE POWER WINDSTOPPER SOFTSHELL GLOVES

When it comes to warm weather clothing no list would be complete without including Gore. The Gore Power Windstopper softshell gloves are designed to keep you warm and comfortable on every cycling journey.

You might be out for a leisurely training session or a flat-out race but rest assured your hands will stay warm and comfortable throughout.

Great for keeping your hands in tip-top condition when out on a long ride. Windproof but breathable your hands will thank you for choosing Gore the next time you head out in the cold.

Gore Bike Wear Men's Power Soft Shell Windstopper Gloves, Black, Medium
Thermo lining; Absorbent material on thumb for wiping away perspiration; Silicone print on forehand


FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST CYCLING GLOVES

These products are what we consider the best cycling gloves on the market today and have been chosen based on user reviews and honest feedback. We hope you find the right pair to suit you for your next cycling trip.

If you have a brand of cycling gloves that you use on a daily basis and feel they should be on the list then drop us a comment below and we will take a look.

If suitable it might even get a test run and make it onto the list next time around.

Thanks for stopping by and happy cycling.