The 13 Best Cycling Gloves

Have you ever been in a bicycle crash and you fell into the gravel or asphalt with your hands down? If you were not wearing your cycling gloves, you probably wished you had something to cushion your palms against the hard ground.

In this article, we’re going to review the best cycling gloves you can get your hands on (pun intended). These gloves will protect your hands against bruises, cuts, and frostbites.

Let’s jump right in.

Best Fall Cycling Gloves

These Castelli Men’s Cycling Gloves are ideal for the fall season when the temperatures are ranging from 12 to 19 degrees Celsius. Even though it’s mostly made out of Polyester material, the fingertips are printed with silicone to improve the grip.

It gets better; at the back of the hand glove, it uses thermoflex insulation technology to keep you warm without compromising on breathability. That means, it lets out the moisture when you sweat so your hands are not slippery.

It’s very effective at not letting in air on a windy day and if you splash water on it, you don’t need to worry about it. However, we’ve seen cycling gloves that have a better waterproof rating than these pieces.

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Closed fingers
• Material: Polyester
• Temperature range: 12°-19°C / 54°-66°F

What We Like

• Excellent breathability
• Silicone print to improve grip
• Easy to wear and remove
• Water-resistant and windproof
• Enhances comfort and control

What We Don’t Like

• It’s not fully waterproof

Summary

These cycling gloves have excellent breathability so you don’t have soaking sweaty hands.

Pearl iZUMi – Ride Thermal Lite Glove

Here is the cool thing; this pair of gloves can glow in the dark making it easier for other motorists to spot you when you’re riding at night. Besides that, if it’s one of those cold days when your nose turns into a tap, the soft nose wipe patch can be a lifesaver.

It uses a softshell fabric insulation layer that keeps off the wind but locks in the heat. On top of that, it’s tailored with another soft fabric at the back of your hand to keep you warm and comfortable.

Did I mention, it’s touchscreen-friendly and it features a silicon imprint to improve grip on the handlebar. There is just one thing though; that silicone print can fade off after a few months

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Closed fingers
• Material: Polyester
• Temperature range: 2°C to 7°C / 35°-45°F

What We Like

• It can be machine washed
• It’s lightweight
• It improves grip
• Reflective elements
• Lightweight
• Unisex fit
• Warm enough for cool weather
• Touchscreen friendly
• It comes with a soft nose wipe patch

What We Don’t Like

• The silicone imprint can fade

Summary

Pearl iZUMi gloves are a lightweight and warm pair of cycling gloves for chilly spring weather.

ShowersPass Waterproof Knit Gloves

These are the type of gloves that won’t let your hands get wet even if it rains cats and dogs. Surprisingly, it looks like a typical regular knit glove but it comes with a waterproof membrane sandwiched in between the inner and outer materials.

But that’s not all; there is another moisture-wicking super-thin membrane that lets out the excess heat. Not to mention, it’s very lightweight and you will probably forget that you’re wearing hand gloves.

Despite all its impressive features, you have to remove it if you want to control the touchscreen on your smartphone.

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Closed fingers
• Material: Nylon and rubber
• Temperature range: 2°C to 7°C / 36°- 45°F

What We Like

• It’s waterproof
• It’s elastic and easy to wear
• Excellent breathability
• Very light gloves
• They’re durable
• Multipurpose use

What We Don’t Like

• They’re not touchscreen-friendly

Summary

A set of waterproof knit gloves to keep you warm during the spring.

Castelli Corridore Gloves

If you’re looking for a pair of gloves that can be worn on a mountain bike, road bike, or commuter bike, this is a good option. It’s rated at 12 degrees to 18 degrees Celsius; that means, you can use it in autumn or summer when the weather is not too hot.

The outer material is polyester but it’s insulated inside to keep you warm. Additionally, these are the type of gloves that will keep your hands dry if you sweat too much.

But what really makes it stand out are the silicon prints at the palm to improve the grip; yes, it can also control a touchscreen.

Unfortunately, these are not the best gloves if it’s cold outside; at least not below 12 degrees Celsius

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Closed fingers
• Material: Polyester
• Temperature range: 12°C to 18°C / 53°- 64°F

What We Like

• Easy to fit
• Budget-friendly
• Touchscreen compatible
• It can be used on all types of bikes
• Very warm and comfortable
• Excellent breathability
• Improves handlebar grip

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for very cold weather

Summary

The Castelli Corridore is a multi-purpose cycling glove that can be used on all types of bikes.

DeFeet E-Touch Neon Dura Gloves

We have to admit it; it looks sort of futuristic. But that’s exactly the type of top tier quality gloves that we’re looking for; something that is lightweight, touchscreen-friendly, comfortable with no padding but designed to protect you against the wind and cold.

According to the manufacturers, this pair of gloves are designed to maximize grip and speed. The best part is, they can be used on any type of bike; from a mountain bike to a road bike.

On the downside, we’re a little bit disappointed it doesn’t have reflective material to improve visibility at night.

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Closed fingers
• Material: Cordura, nylon
• Temperature range: 4°C to 16°C / 40°- 60°F

What We Like

• Extra lightweight
• Long-lasting material
• Extended cuff
• Coolmax breathable material
• Touchscreen friendly
• Improves grip

What We Don’t Like

• No reflective material

Summary

Sleek cycling gloves with an extendable cuff for extra wrist protection.

Best Winter Cycling Gloves

SEALSKINZ Cold Weather Cycle Glove

These gloves are made of 3 layers to keep you warm and comfortable in freezing conditions. Similarly, the gloves have one of the best windproof and waterproof ratings on the market; they can survive a rainstorm without as much as a rain droplet leaking inside.

Here is the catch though; it doesn’t just keep you warm but it will let the moisture in when it gets hot. Also, thanks to the reflective material, it improves your visibility at night.

On the flip side, we think it’s a little bit expensive. Then again, it’s a small cost to pay to avoid frostbite.

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Closed fingers
• Material: Polyester, Polyurethane
• Temperature range: 0°C to 10°C / 32°- 50°F

What We Like

• Suitable for extremely cold weather
• Completely waterproof and windproof
• Reflective material to improve visibility
• Padded and insulated
• Excellent breathability

What We Don’t Like

• It’s expensive

Summary

Sealskinz are some of the best winter cycling gloves to keep you comfortable.

PEARL IZUMI Men’s Cyclone Gel Glove

You know those days when it’s not freezing but cold enough that you can’t ride with your bare fingers? This set of gloves could come just in handy as long as the temperatures are between 7 degrees to 15 Celsius.

Anyway, the palm area is padded with gel which is very effective at absorbing road vibrations and relieving nerve pressure. Besides that, the gel padding delivers a “real feel” comfort that enhances your grip on the handle.

At the bottom of the glove, it features a hook and loop closure that makes it possible to attach it to your jacket sleeve.

Well, here is the “but”…..even though it can be used during winter, it has a limited temperature range that doesn’t allow it to be used below zero degrees Celsius.

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Closed fingers
• Material: Polyamide, elastane, polyester, polyurethane
• Temperature range: 7°C to 15°C / 44°- 59°F

What We Like

• Hook and loop closure
• Reflective elements
• Improves grip comfort
• Lightweight material
• Machine washable
• Water and wind-resistant
• It can be attached to a jacket
• Wiping material on glove

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for the coldest winter

Summary

The Pearl Izumi is a gel padded glove that relieves nerve pressure and absorbs shock.

Castelli Estremo Winter Cycling Gloves

How about some winter cycling gloves that will keep your hands warm below freezing point? For starters, it repels both water and wind; and it saves you from frostbite even at -5 degrees Celsius.

What’s more, it has a pre-curved construction with a scorpion logo at the side that gives it a robotic look. Beyond its impressive aesthetics, it serves a purpose to improve control and reduce fatigue on longer rides.

Not to mention, it can cover your wrist and overlap with your jacket sleeve.

Like most winter gloves, we think they’re a little bit heavy. Then again, if you happen to crash, you can be assured you probably won’t have bruises on your hands.

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Closed fingers
• Material: Neoprene, Microsuede, Windstopper fibre, fleece
• Temperature range: -5°C to 5°C / 23°- 41°F

What We Like

• Windproof and waterproof material
• Silicon print to improve grip
• Ideal for the harshest winter
• Easy to use Velcro closure
• Extendable cuff
• Excellent insulation
• Soft wiping surface

What We Don’t Like

• It’s a little bit heavy

Summary

The Castelli Estremo is one of the best winter riding gloves for the harshest winter conditions.

Giro Proof Winter Cycling Gloves

These gloves are designed with a unique palm construction that reduces bunching; that means, you can naturally move your hands while they’re inside the gloves without losing the grip. Even better, you can operate your smartphone without removing your gloves.

What else? It features double insulation that will make you warm below zero degrees Celsius. Surprisingly, it’s lightweight compared to most winter gloves. To top it off, the gloves are unisex fit that can be worn by both men and women.

However, these are not the ideal gloves to wear if the temperature is not below the freezing point.

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Closed fingers
• Material: Nylon shell, fleece lining
• Temperature range: -4°C to -2°C / 25°- 35°F

What We Like

• Touchscreen compatibility
• Optimized gel padding
• Reflective material
• Lightweight for a winter glove
• Unisex fit
• Reduces bunching
• Windproof and waterproof

What We Don’t Like

• Not ideal for hot weather

Summary

If you’re looking for lightweight winter cycling gloves, this pair of Giro gloves could be a good option.

Best Summer Cycling Gloves

Castelli Cycling Arenberg Gloves

If you want a pair of gloves that are comfortable over a long distance, consider the Castelli Cycling Arenberg Gloves. Sure, they’re open finger gloves but that’s because they’re suitable for the summer season; and designed for road or hybrid bikes.

Unlike most cycling gloves, this pair uses micromesh material that lets in air when you’re cruising at high speed to cool your hands on a sunny day. But on the inside, it’s padded with gel to reduce road vibrations. Also, the palm area is tailored with a silicone grip to enhance control.

It turns out, its strength is also its weakness; the fact that it’s an open finger type of glove means that you won’t have finger protection if you fall.

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Open fingers
• Material: Micromesh
• Temperature range: 15°C to – 30°C / 59°- 86°F

What We Like

• It can be used during the summer
• Ideal for road and gravel bikes
• It’s very comfortable
• Adjustable wrist closure
• Nose wipe on thumb
• Durable gloves

What We Don’t Like

• No finger protection

Summary

One of the best cycling gloves for summer. Can be used for road and gravel bikes.

It turns out, its strength is also its weakness; the fact that it’s an open finger type of glove means that you won’t have finger protection if you fall.

Endura Aerogel Mitt II Cycling Glove

Most gloves with thick gel padding have overheating issues, but not the Endura Aerogel Mitt II Cycling Glove. That’s because the designers behind this product use something known as “aerogel technology” that adds voids to the gloves to promote airflow.

For what’s worth, this is the pair of gloves that you should pick if you want to go racing on a road bike. It doesn’t hand hinder any movement and the silicone palm print makes it easier to grip the controls even when it’s slippery wet.

Nevertheless, these cycling gloves are strictly for summer when the temperatures are hot. You will be disappointed if you wear it during fall or winter.

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Open fingers
• Material: Micromesh
• Temperature range: 15°C to – 30°C / 59°- 86°F

What We Like

• Aerogel technology
• Easy to remove
• Velcro adjusted strap
• Open venting
• Terry sweat wipe

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for cold weather

Summary

It’s designed with vents to promote airflow so you can grip the controls even when it’s slippery wet.

Nevertheless, these cycling gloves are strictly for summer when the temperatures are hot. You will be disappointed if you wear it during fall or winter.

Click here for the women’s version

Louis Garneau Biogel RX-V Bike Gloves

How about gloves that use low profile padding? In case you’re wondering, that will help you avoid numbness on a long-distance ride by absorbing road vibrations and relieving nerve pressure.

What if you sweat too much? No problem, it’s tailored with X shaped vents to release the moisture and regulate the internal temperature.

The best part is, this pair of gloves are multi-purpose and you can also use them at the gym for weight training. However, it’s a shame they’re not waterproof.

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Open fingers
• Material: Micromesh
• Temperature range: 15°C to – 30°C / 59°- 86°F

What We Like

• Absorbs vibrations
• Relieves nerve pressure
• Budget-friendly
• Excellent breathability
• Hook and loop fastener
• X shaped vents to release moisture
• Lightweight

What We Don’t Like

• Not waterproof

Summary

The Louis Garneau Biogels are multi-purpose bike gloves to prevent hand numbness over a long distance.

GORE WEAR C5 Unisex Gloves

If you’re one of those people that don’t like padding in the center of the palm, these gloves could be just what you’re looking for. Not to mention, too much padding is not good for your nerves if you’re riding the bicycle non-stop for many hours.

Even so, it’s designed with minimal padding on the palm edges to absorb shock and reduce fatigue. Beyond that, it ticks all the right boxes you would expect in a good summer cycling glove. In this case, we’re talking about abrasion resistance, moisture-wicking, and durability.

Like most summer cycling gloves, don’t be surprised if it’s not waterproof.

Manufacturer specs

• Type: Open fingers
• Material: Polyamide, elastane, polyester, polyurethane
• Temperature range: 15°C to – 30°C / 59°- 86°F

What We Like

• Abrasion-resistant
• Very durable
• Perforated venting
• Suitable for hot weather
• Unisex fit
• Excellent breathability
• Lightweight

What We Don’t Like

• Not waterproof

Summary

The Gore Wear C5s are a pair of unisex gloves with minimal padding design to enhance performance.

What Are Cycling Gloves, and Why Would You Use Them?

Truth be told, most riders don’t think about the importance of cycling gloves until they fall on their bike or the temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius. Those little gloves may seem insignificant but they can protect your hands against serious injury in case of an accident.

It could be worse if you lose your fingers during winter due to frostbite just because you were too stubborn to wear protective cycling gloves. Besides that, cycling gloves can give you a better grip on the handlebar, absorb sweat and reduce road vibrations to improve your riding comfort.

Well, even if you don’t care about the convenience, cycling gloves can make you look cool like Michael Jackson!

Cycling Glove Types

Open finger gloves

Open finger gloves, otherwise known as track mitts or fingerless cycling gloves, are mostly worn during the summer. This is because they’re usually lightweight and the open design gives your fingers breathing space when it’s too hot outside.

Most open finger gloves are usually made of elastane, and padded with leather or gel. Quite often, they’re the best type of cycling gloves to be used on road or touring bikes with drop-down handlebars.

Spoiler alert though, you’re likely to have finger tan lines if you wear track mitts.  However, they will protect your palms against injury; plus, improve your grip and comfort on the bike.

Closed finger gloves 

As the name suggests, closed finger gloves fully covers your hands, including your fingers.

Closed or full finger gloves offer more protection than half finger gloves. However, they’re not ideal for summer when it’s too hot but instead, they’re better suited for spring, autumn, and winter.

Also, most closed finger gloves are adapted to be worn when riding mountain bikes.

Are road cycling gloves different from mountain biking gloves? 

Yes, there is a difference between road cycling gloves and mountain biking gloves. For starters, most road cycling gloves are track mitts that prioritize comfort over a long distance. In most cases, road cycling gloves are lightweight and padded with gel.

Despite that, you can make an exception during winter and choose closed finger road bike cycling gloves. 

On other hand, most mountain bike gloves are usually full-finger gloves with extra padding to reduce road vibrations and improve comfort. But that doesn’t mean all-mountain bike gloves are heavy; actually, we have mountain bike gloves that are lightweight as possible and specially adapted for cross-country riding.

5 Things to Consider When Looking for Good Cycling Gloves

Size and Fit 

Before you order cycling gloves, it’s important to know your exact cycling gloves size. How do you do that? You can use a tape measure to find out your exact glove size; adjust the tape measure below the knuckles but exclude your thumb finger to measure the widest part of your hand.

In most cases, the glove size is listed in inches or centimeters. Obviously, you should match it to the width measurement of your hands just below the knuckles. If you want to be sure, you can even measure your finger length.

Whatever your size, always go for something that is not too loose or too tight. That means, if the width of your hand is 9 inches, you can add an extra half an inch and choose a 9.5-inch glove for a normal fit.

Level of padding 

If you want gloves that are good at absorbing vibrations and relieving nerve pressure, you should choose cycling gloves with padding.

Of course, it all depends on your preference; gloves that are padded at the heel of your hand are very effective at absorbing vibrations while gloves that are cushioned at the middle of the palm are designed to relieve nerve pressure.

Most cycling gloves are padded with gel or foam; sometimes both. More often than not, gel-padded bike gloves give a better “real feel” comfort than foam-padded gloves.

However, you should avoid cycling gloves that are over cushioned; they should be moderate. This is because too much padding can compress soft tissue and cause gradual nerve damage side effects.

Do the cycle gloves offer good thermal insulation?

Warm cycling gloves are very important, especially during the winter season. If that’s the case, consider gloves that come with an insulating layer to keep you warm if the temperature drops.

But above everything else, make sure the gloves have some breathing space so it doesn’t trap moisture when you sweat. Alternatively, you could choose a cycling glove with sweat absorbing material.

Otherwise, if you find it difficult to choose, you can look at the temperature ratings of the available options. Most manufacturers test their products in a lab to deduce the temperature range and list it for the consumers.

For instance, if you live in the coldest part of the country, you can buy cycling gloves rated for below zero degrees Celsius.

Are the bike gloves waterproof, water-resistant and windproof? 

Here is something to remember; there is a disparity between water-resistant and waterproof gloves.

To put it into perspective, water-resistant gloves will prevent water from getting into your hands for a few seconds, especially when you splash water onto it, but when it rains and the water is too much, it will be overwhelmed and become saturated.

A waterproof glove is different though; it uses an impermeable material that doesn’t let a drop of water pass through, even during the heaviest rainstorm.

So do you want a waterproof or a wind-resistant cycling glove? It all comes down to where you live and your riding habits. For most people, water-resistant gloves will do just fine but if you’re the type that is not afraid of catching a cold and you ride like you don’t care when it’s raining waterfalls, waterproof bike gloves will do the trick.

Well, the same can be said about windproof and wind-resistant gloves. However, it doesn’t hurt to get windproof and waterproof gloves just in case you have one of those bad days when it seems like the weather is conspiring against you.

How is the Grip and Dexterity?

Since you will be changing gears and pressing on the brakes using your hands, you need suitable cycling gloves that will make it feel like the real deal; almost like you’re not wearing gloves. Any gloves that won’t give you a solid grip over your bike controls could be dangerous to ride with.

For that reason, choose gloves that come with grip improvers aligned on the fingers such as silicone. It will also make it easier to pick up your phone without dropping it.

Cycling Gloves FAQs

Q. Do cycling gloves make a difference?

A. Yes, cycling gloves can protect your hands against significant injury in case of an accident. Also, cycling gloves can prevent frostbite during winter.

Q. Which cycling gloves do I need? 

A. There is no “one size fits all” and you should choose the best cycling gloves depending on your preference, hand size, and type of bike that you ride.

For example, if you live in cold areas, you should choose winter gloves to protect you against frostbite; and if you live in hot areas, you should opt for summer gloves that can absorb sweat.

Q. What size cycling gloves do I need?

A. Use a tape measure to figure out the size of the widest part of your hand in inches; just below the knuckles but excluding the thumb. After you’ve measured that part, choose a cycling glove that matches your size.

Q. Why do pro cyclists not wear gloves?

A. Most professional cyclists wear gloves when racing to improve comfort, absorb sweat, and prevent hand bruising in case of a crash. However, most pro cyclists prefer open finger gloves or track mitts, or road bikes.

Q. Can you wash cycling gloves? 

A. Yes, but every cycling glove has a different method of washing. Hence, you should always follow the manufacturers’ instructions.

For instance, leather-palmed gloves require to be hand-washed gently with soap and water but some types of gloves made of synthetic material can be machine washed. 

Q. Are neoprene gloves good for cycling?

A. Yes, neoprene gloves are good for cycling especially if you want something that will keep you warm during the winter. However, neoprene gloves are not the best option for summer.

Q. Are neoprene gloves waterproof?

A. Yes, neoprene gloves are waterproof.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, you can choose the best cycling gloves depending on two important factors; the weather and your preference. If it’s too hot, you can choose the best summer gloves such as Castelli Cycling Arenberg Gloves. 

But if it’s freezing cold, you can choose the best winter gloves such as Castelli Estremo Gloves. Autumn? How about the Pearl iZUMi – Ride Thermal Lite Glove. 

Better yet, you can have different cycling gloves for different seasons throughout the year.