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Rapha Grand Tour Glove
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BikeRadar verdict

3 out of 5 stars

"Classic retro chic. Well-made, grippy and tough. But with a bespoke-tailored price tag"

By Dan Joyce

Apart from the lack of a towelling thumb upper and some differences in trim, this looks very like the cheaper (ahem) Rapha Criterium glove.

In that it has knuckle holes, a classic D-shaped open back, a Velcro strap, and it uses the same '2mm pads from army sniper gloves'. So far, so retro chic. So why the price hike? Principally this is because of the leather. This isn't the kid leather of the Criterium, although it feels like it, but 'African hair sheep leather', which Rapha claim is the strongest, toughest leather in the world.

The gloves are hand stitched, grippy, fit very snugly and are available in more colours than the Criterium. Because they're leather they're also breathable, weather resistant and tough. Comfort is much the same as the Criterium: pretty good. It's a classic look, it's well made, and it's about as exclusive as it gets. But I don't think it offers enough over Rapha's own Criterium or other cheaper gloves. Eighty quid is a lot: I could buy shorts, shirt, gilet and mitts for that.

Manufacturers description

The Rapha Grand Tour glove has been developed for riders who want the ultimate road racing glove. Following the same pattern as the Criterium glove, Grand Tour gloves use ‘African Hair Sheep’ leather to produce the softest and most durable gloves on the market.

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Specification

Name:
Grand Tour Glove
Built by:
Rapha
Price:
n/a
Adjustable Fit:
Yes
Available Colours:
Black, White
Available In (Mens/Womens):
Mens
Clothing Material:
Leather
Clothing Sizes Available:
L, M, S, XL, XXL
Fastening Type:
Velcro
Glove Type:
Fingerless
Water-Resistant:
Yes

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