Buyer's Guide to winter gloves
Keep your hands warm in winter ( Paul Smith©)
Your extremities are the first things to suffer during winter; they take the brunt of the cold and wet conditions. Holding on to the handlebars with only the occasional movement, your hands require a lot of protection to keep them warm and prevent the weather from spoiling your ride. A sound pair of winter gloves is essential for your winter wardrobe.
The trouble is, selecting the correct gloves can often be a double-edged sword. For warmth, gloves are often made with thick insulation but this can restrict movement and reduce feedback at the controls. Too light a glove, though, and the cold and wet will find its way through the inadequate protection. The trick is getting the mix just right and dressing for the occasion.
Membranes
Performance membranes are an ideal way of adding lightweight protection. The windstopping membranes work the best and although they are not waterproof they are breathable and keep your hands warm by reducing wind chill. Waterproof gloves are often too bulky and restrictive.
Upper
The upper, along with the index finger, takes the brunt of the weather and is the most insulated and protected area on winter gloves. Gauge insulation and warmth properties on what conditions you ride in and on how much you suffer in the cold. There's no point in going for a heavy winter glove if you're a fair weather rider, or a thin glove in the depths of an arctic winter.
Cuff
The cuff should fit gently against the arm. Some will feature adjustable Velcro closures to seal out the elements this also makes taking them on and off a lot easier. A long cuff will sit against the long sleeves of a jersey or jacket to better seal out the weather. Look for pull tabs to make getting the gloves on easier.
Fit
The fit should be snug but not tight. A tight, poor fitting glove will restrict circulation and make your hands get cold. Always try a pair on before buying because all gloves fit differently.
Palm
The thinner the better for feeling the controls, but a thin palm will reduce insulation. The trick is to get the mix right. Look for gel pads for extra comfort and a silicon gripper for a firmer hold.
Women's gloves
While some women with larger hands can easily wear men's gloves, the smallest sizes just aren't little enough for many gals. Properly fitting gloves boost confidence more than you'd think because hands are directly responsible for controlling the bike. Too big a glove leads to excess material at the tips, which can get in the way of braking. Likewise, a loose palm section makes feel to the bars sloppy as hands slide around. Women specific gloves address these fit issues with smaller, thinner shaped fingers and palms. There's certainly less selection on the market for women but Pearl Izumi, Cannondale, Specialized and Gore are a few brands to look out for.
Verdict
Of the selction of winters gloves we have test these are the ones we liked. For a bit of extra winter warmth the Prendas Super Roubaix gloves are an excellent choice. Perfect for the spring and autumn weather, they're extremely lightweight and can fi t easily under a bigger glove for warmth in the winter. For an all out, toasty winter warmer, though, the Chiba Windstopper Gel gloves were the warmest on test. They are a bit bulkier than most but the thick fl eece is light and doesn't impede movement. Feel at the controls is also good and the palm is grippy and comes with extra padding at the stress points. They make a great all-day glove and the Gore-Tex Windstopper membrane adds a high level of protection with minimum weight penalty. They're also a bargain, and for the price the level of features is impressive.
For slightly milder winter conditions, Cannondale's 3Season glove is an adaptable choice. That lightweight cover for the fingers and thumbs makes a huge difference should you get caught out in the cold, and it stows neatly away to reveal a tidy five-fingered glove that will keep your digits warm enough in most conditions
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