The Best Cycling Gloves for Every Season
Cycling gloves can be a very personal purchase, as everyone has a different preference on length, style, color and of course, thickness if it’s cooler weather. While the best cycling gloves may be unique to you, we’ve compiled a list here that should have something for everyone, including options for every season. From fingerless gloves to hard-core winter riding puffers, we’ve got them all. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a daily commuter, gloves are a must-have item to protect your hands from the elements, to keep your fingers from slipping on hot days when the handlebars become sticky with sweat or from going numb on cold winter rides. Another factor to consider when commuting is the added gel that some gloves have to prevent nerve damage or to keep your hands more comfortable.
So which brands are the best? While it’s easy to go for the cheaper option for thin summer cycling gloves, you don’t want to skimp on quality for winter gloves, because you’ll find your fingers going numb within ten minutes of riding. Some other factors to consider are how much riding you do, where you ride (roads, gravel, dirt) and the quality of the gloves you’re looking for. While cheaper gloves might only last one season, higher-priced cycling gloves are more likely to last a couple of years, depending on how often you ride. Road cyclists especially should check out fingerless gloves for summer to prevent road rash in the case of a crash.
Check out our favorite options for the best cycling gloves below.
1. Giro Monaco II Gel Gloves
BEST FOR SUMMER
The Giro fingerless cycling gloves are an excellent option for hot summer rides to protect your hands from slipping. The fingerless design will keep your hands cool while allowing you to maintain control of your handlebars and they are stylish and come in various colors for everyone to choose from. The Giro brand is a favorite of all cyclists and commuters alike for its high-quality products and versatile use by racers and road cyclists alike. Keep your hands from sweating and avoid road rash with a pair of their Monaco II Gel Gloves.
Buy: Giro Monaco II Gel Gloves $41.95
2. Handske SIC Lightweight Gloves
BEST FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING
Handske has the best designs out there if you’re looking for something funky and colorful and their lightweight gloves are a great choice for commuting, mountain biking, or gravel riding. If you’re seeking a little bit more protection in the hotter months, a full-length pair of lightweight gloves may be the right choice for you. With touch screen compatibility on the fingers, you can easily take photos of those awesome vistas without removing your gloves. The terry cloth thumb is excellent for wiping away any sweat or grit from your eyes and mouth while riding. Keep your style going strong with a pair of Handske gloves.
Buy: Handske SIC Lightweight Gloves $34.99
3. Endura FS260-Pro Aerogel Cycling Glove
BEST PADDED
The Endura cycling gloves are great for those who want a little extra padding on their hands while riding. If your hands get stiff, consider padded gloves for shock absorption. These gloves are best for gravel riding or mountain biking but can also be useful for anyone commuting on rough roads. With a terry cloth sweat wipe panel to easily clean your face mid-ride, these gloves also have a silicone pad for gripping, and a velcro strap for a better fit.
Buy: Endura FS260-Pro Aerogel Cycling Glove $31.50
4. Velocio Signature Soft Shell Glove
BEST FOR SHOULDER SEASON
The Velocio glove is the most eco-friendly pair you’ll buy this year, not to mention the most comfortable. With a rubberized palm for a sturdy and insulated grip, your hands won’t be going numb anytime soon while out riding in these Signature Soft Shell Gloves. The warm fleece-backed softshell fabric will keep you cozy and the microfleece will keep your fingers toasty on a cold day when the wind picks up. Keep your fingers safe and let your ride go smoothly with the correct pair of gloves during the shoulder season when the weather can’t decide if it’s going to be mildly cold or temperate that day.
Read More: Best Cycling Bibs
Buy: Velocio Signature Soft Shell Glove $79.00
5. GORE Windstopper Thermo Gloves
BEST FOR WINTER
From the brand that knows winter the best, how could we not want to try the Windstopper Thermo gloves? For your coldest winter ride after a rain, snow, or just freezing wind but you still have to get out there because why not, try the Gore cylcing gloves. Made from polyester that is windproof, water repellant, and highly breathable, these Thermo-lined gloves will keep you outside for longer periods of time.
Buy: GORE Windstopper Thermo Gloves $70.00
6. Castelli Men’s Perffeto Winter Gloves
BEST FOR EXTREME COLD
Castelli’s winter cycling gloves are so warm that you’ll find yourself still outside and comfortable for longer than you thought possible. One of the leading cycling brands, Castelli’s Perffeto gloves are made from GORE-TEX Infinium stretch warm fabric to keep your hands from going numb. Fleece-lined for extra warmth and with a stretchy neoprene opening on the wrist for easy on, these gloves are meant to keep you moving. Warm, comfortable, and of high quality, these will be the pair of gloves you’ll find yourself buying year after year.
Buy: Castelli Men’s Perffeto Winter Gloves $74.99
7. Castelli Entrata Gloves
BEST FOR COMMUTING
These fingerless Castelli cycling gloves are well padded but not bulky, a great in-between for commuters looking for a summer glove to keep their hands comfortable and sweat-free. These gloves have excellent moisture management and a Damping System for less vibration on the road, which will keep your commute as smooth as possible. Try these Castelli Entrata gloves for a spring or summer commute for easy cruising miles, because at their lower price point, they’re worth it.
Read More: Best Spin Bikes
Buy: Castelli Entrata Gloves $26.99
8. Pearl Izumi Men’s Select Glove
BEST VALUE
This is the great go-between from Pearl Izumi. It’s not the luxe racing glove but it’s not the cheapest glove on the market either. For the price, it’s a decent summer glove for road rides or commuting, highly breathable, comfortable, and quick to dry. Let your hands maintain their grip with a pair of gloves you can wear for three seasons of the year.
Buy: Pearl Izumi Men’s Select Glove $28.00
9. Meriwool Merino Wool Glove Liners
SOFTEST
Merino wool is the magic component to any cycling outfit and as a glove liner, they make the perfect addition to any winter cycling glove. If the weather is truly awful and you’re still going out, then slide these babies on before your extra thick GORE-TEX gloves that are waterproof. There isn’t any grip or padding so wearing them by themselves is tricky in hot weather and not recommended, but as a liner, they are foolproof.
Buy: Meriwool Merino Wool Glove Liners $16.99
10. Ostroy Short Finger Aero Gloves
MOST STYLISH
If you’re into floral, these Ostroy cycling gloves are lightweight and perfect for summer. Keep your grip while adding style to your cycling kit. With padded palms, your hands will grip the handlebars easily on race day or on a casual ride with friends. These gloves are a great companion for anyone looking to add some flair to their day.
Buy: Ostroy Short Finger Aero Gloves $40.00
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