When I first started getting serious about riding my bike, I didn’t think about cycling gloves at all.
The online retailers were filled with cycling accessories that seemed to me at the time like they all fell into the category of “nice to have but not essential.” I’m talking about things like knee warmers, shoe covers, and neck gaiters.
But once I tried riding in a pair of gloves, I saw the light. And they weren’t even particularly nice gloves. Now I’ve come to the conclusion that gloves may be the most essential cycling accessory. If you are just starting out, and have an eye on your budget, gloves are a smart place to spend your money.
Why do you need cycling gloves? The key is they serve multiple purposes. First, they protect your hands from the elements. Even in mild temperatures, the wind can have a surprising effect over the course of a long bike ride. In colder conditions, it can be seriously unpleasant to ride with exposed hands. Second, gloves provide additional padding to ease the pressure on your fingers and palms. You might not notice the difference on a 30-minute ride, but you will definitely notice it when you’re out for 3 or 4 hours.
A common question for new cyclists is: should I buy fingerless gloves, or full-finger gloves? My answer is: plan to buy both over the course of your first year of regular cycling. If it’s summer, make your first purchase fingerless. If it’s fall or spring, go full-finger. Winter cycling gloves offer even more warmth, but as a beginner on a budget, I’d suggest you first make sure you are committed to riding in serious cold weather conditions before buying.
Full-Finger Cycling Gloves
1. Ornot x Giro Gray Ties DND Glove
The folks from Ornot teamed up with Giro to make a version of Giro’s DND (Down and Dirty) glove that combines great style with practical features like touphotochscreen fingertips, breathable mesh backs, and synthetic suede palms.
2. Specialized Body Geometry Grail Gloves
Ergonomic, ventilated, padded in all the right places, and available in a range of colors including hi-vis yellow, these gloves live up to the Specialized reputation for quality.
3. DeFeet Duraglove
Fingerless Cycling Gloves
4. Giro Monaco II Gel Gloves
Speaking of Giro, their fingerless gel gloves offer a balance of cushioning and ventilation aimed at easing the pressure for long distance rides.
5. Velocio Ultralight Gloves
Highly breathable and minimalist, these gloves from Velocio are a terrific option for riders who prefer their gloves without padding. These are the ones to reach for on the hottest days of summer.
6. Giro Xnetic Road Knit Cycling Glove
Giro loafs up these knit cycling gloves with the same technology that has made knit footwear so popular.
Winter Cycling Gloves
7. Craft Siberian Split Finger Gloves
For winter riding, we’re assuming temperatures at or below freezing point, and for those conditions we say: go full lobster claw. This style of glove may look strange to beginners, but the warmth benefits are undeniable. These gloves are waterproof, windproof, and made of high quality materials.
8. Velocio Zero+ Gloves
For temperatures in the 40s F, these Italian-made gloves from Velocio fit the bill, with premium materials and spot-on aesthetics.
