The best winter cycling gloves
Cycling gloves are a must-have for winter riding. Your fingers bear the brunt of the cold wind when riding, and you’ll quickly realise the need for feeling in your fingers when trying to brake.
Cycling gloves come in lots of styles, colours, and prices, so it’s difficult to decide what is best for your needs. We’ve broken down the best picks to keep you riding this winter.
Are cycling gloves necessary?
Yes.
Cycling gloves provide the necessary insulation when winter riding conditions are poor and you need to reach the brakes quickly. According to research led by George Havenith, our bodies regulate core temperature when exposed to cold conditions, leading to ‘physiological amputation’ – a drastic reduction in blood flow that leads to a decrease in dexterity.
Cycling gloves differ from those designed for other sports or general outdoor uses. Cycling gloves are designed with padding to absorb the vibrations from the road (which can cause numbness), and balance the need for dexterity with warmth.
Cycling gloves also provide grip in wet conditions with silicone grips or textured palms, keeping you in control of the handlebars and preventing your hands from slipping when cornering or over a pothole.
Best deep winter cycling gloves
At the start of winter, when temperatures feel surprisingly mild, you might think you can get away with your normal cycling gloves. However, by January, the average temperature only peaks at around 7° C. When you factor in the wind chill while cycling, it can feel a lot colder.
Sealskinz Upwell
Upwell from Sealskinz are the ultimate winter cycling gloves. With their integrated rechargeable heating element, you don’t have to worry about your hands getting cold. Upwell gloves also feature waterproofing Aquasealz™ technology and a goatskin palm to keep your hands dry and on the handlebars.
VAN RYSEL 920
The VAN RYSEL 920 gloves from Decathlon provide protection from the wind chill with their lobster design and 150g padding. This design keeps your fingers warm by sharing body heat, while still being comfortable and flexible enough to reach the brakes easily.
Trek Circuit
Designed for wet and cold conditions, the Trek Circuit gloves are a reliable option for your winter riding. They feature a 25000mm membrane to protect from rain and snow, while their non-padded design provides the dexterity needed to stay in control of your bike.
Best winter gloves under £30
You don’t need to spend a fortune on gloves to keep riding through the winter. Brands such as Decathlon and Proviz sell budget options that provide the waterproofing and warmth required.
VAN RYSEL RC100
The VAN RYSEL RC100 gloves from Decathlon are an inexpensive option for cycling in winter. Designed with Stratermic windproof fleece, the RC100s provide added protection from the cold weather and water repellency in light rain. Their silicone inserts on the palm ensure good grip on the handlebars, keeping you in control of your bike.
VAN RYSEL 500
The VAN RYSEL 500 gloves are an excellent budget option for early winter rides, where you need mild protection from the elements. The 500s have a thin fleece lining, designed to insulate against the cold while allowing a full range of movement on the handlebars.
Proviz Reflective Warm Knit Gloves
The reflective warm knit gloves from Proviz are an excellent choice if you want a less-restrictive pair than typical cycling gloves. While they’re not waterproof, their design provides a single-layer thermal protection and incorporates a reflective yarn which reflects light and to keep you visible when on the roads.
Best all-rounder
When looking for a great all-round pair of winter gloves, you’ve got to take into account how windproof, waterproof, and warm they are, while also ensuring adequate grip and dexterity to keep you safe on the bike.
The warmth of a cycling glove depends on the design and material used. The best all-rounder offers the windproofness and warmth you need, without being bulky.
An all-rounder pair of gloves needs to handle the whole winter, tackling both rain and cold, so they need to be waterproof as well as windproof & warm.
The VAN RYSEL RR 900s are our pick for the best all-rounder winter glove.
VAN RYSEL RR 900
The VAN RYSEL RR 900 gloves from Decathlon are a great all-rounder for your winter rides. Their lobster design, Softermic lining, and external windproof, waterproof fabric make for great protection from the elements, while their technogel inserts allow for greater grip and comfort on the handlebars.
Caring for your gloves
If you would like to get years of riding out of your winter cycling gloves, you need to take care of them. Since winter cycling gloves tend to sit in the cupboard for three quarters of the year, they can become musty and damaged if not stored and looked after correctly.
To look after your winter cycling gloves, wash them in the washing machine without softener and with the velcro closed, so you don’t damage the water repellent material.
To avoid your gloves becoming musty, make sure they’re completely dry before being stored away after winter.
In conclusion
Cycling gloves can make or break a winter ride. The best winter cycling gloves will keep your hands dry and warm while providing the necessary grip on the handlebars to keep you in control of the bike, even in the worst conditions.
Cycling equipment can be expensive, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to find a pair of cycling gloves that performs. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly pair or the all-rounder VAN RYSEL RR 900, the most important thing is you have the protection you need to keep riding through the winter.
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