The primary aspect to be taken into consideration while buying a pair of gloves is their intended usage. For example, when comparing mountain biking with road cycling, the hand positions differ, as do the pressure points. This in turn influences the design of the gloves and can impact the overall effectiveness of the gloves bought.
‘Fits like a glove’ - there is a reason this statement is often used to describe the perfect fit. Gloves are meant to fit your hand well while being super comfortable and well-suited. When it comes to Cycling Gloves, they too should ‘fit like a glove’, so to speak. Gloves are important for cyclists to help keep their hands protected from the elements, to wick away sweat and to allow for a firm and solid grip on the handlebar. So, what are the points to be considered while choosing a pair of cycling gloves? Read on for more…
USAGE:
TYPES OF GLOVE:
There are different types of gloves available and are as follows:
TYPE OF CYCLING:
Mountain Biking - When it comes to mountain biking and trail riding gloves are most essential for grip and protection. With trail riding, hands act as extensions of the handlebars to maintain control. Gloves for mountain biking are typically textured on the palm for maximum grip with padding in the palm to protect the rider’s hands from injuries that can develop over time. Given the added risk of crashing when mountain biking, MTB gloves need to be durable enough to withstand any impact that could be encountered while riding on trails. This will allow the rider to use their hands to brace themselves if they do topple of the saddle.
Road Biking - Gloves are crucial for road biking, too, but for different reasons! Road bikes typically don’t have the kind of suspension that mountain bikes do. And so, any shock delivered by the road can be transferred to the rider’s arms and body through the fork and handlebar. Padded gloves can help absorb shock to enhance comfort and protection on a long ride. Another feature typically found on road biking gloves is a fleece or cloth patch on the thumb, which comes in handy to wipe away sweat or a runny nose while riding. When racing against the clock, or on a serious training ride, most cyclists do not have the time to stop to access tissues or a hanky, and thus this feature comes handy - more often than not!
MATERIAL USED
Traditionally, cycling gloves are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic, fleece and polypropylene, or a blend of multiple materials.
OTHER ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Conclusion
The above aspects will help with choosing a pair of gloves that are ideal for your usage, and a good pair of gloves can go a long way to enhancing your overall ride quality. Additionally, a high-quality pair of gloves from a manufacturer is recommended as most other ‘lesser priced’ generic stuff tends to wear-out faster and fails in providing the essential comfort and protection. That said, whichever glove you opt for, bear in mind that the most important thing is the fit. Gloves must be snug enough to feel like a second skin but not too tight as to be restrictive. Gloves that are too big will be inconvenient - with unnecessary movement, while those that are too small will limit movement and cut off circulation. To ensure that the glove fits properly, they should closely follow the line of your hands, and shouldn’t prevent your fingers from moving willingly!
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