10 Best Cycling Gloves – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Whether you’re a serious cyclist or you ride your bike occasionally, gloves are a crucial part of cycling accessories. In fact, cycling gets more pleasant if you’re wearing gloves since they protect your hands from cold, rainwater, wind, and vibrations from the road. With a padded pair, you can also defend your hands in case you fall off your bike.

But there are so many things to consider when buying biking gloves that you could end up with a wrong purchase if you don’t do your research well. The Gearbikesreview team did the research and testing for you and singled out the best pairs.

Here comes our in-depth review for you.

Best Cycling Gloves Reviews

1 OZERO Men’s Winter Thermal Gloves (For the Normal Winter Weather)

Why it Stands Out To Us

Everyone needs a pair of gloves for that time between the slightly chilly winter and the freezing, bitter winds that come about as we go deeper into the season. Moreover, cycling in winter requires gloves that are warm enough to withstand the vast winds and also thin enough to not be an inconvenience while gripping the handle of the bike. The OZERO gloves are perfect for this period.

The elastic cuff at the bottom facilitates a snug fit that prevents wind from getting inside. The fabric is also quite thin and lightweight, which makes these gloves an ideal option for casually cycling or driving around town for short periods of time. We also felt that the aesthetically pleasing design added to its appeal.

Our Experience with the OZERO Men’s Winter Thermal Gloves  

• They were touchscreen-friendly, warm in mild winter conditions, and wind/water resistant.
• From our experience, we found that while cycling in 30-degree weather, the gloves were quite warm for a few hours.
• It allowed us to roam about without our fingers freezing off and shielded us from the bitter chill. We could feel the wind on the rest of our body but surprisingly not on our hands due to how effective the gloves were.
• The material of the gloves enhances the grip so we could easily pick up and move around objects.
• It also reduced hand fatigue as we did not have to grip the handlebars with too much force.

What We Didn’t Like

• The gloves are marketed as a touchscreen-friendly product but we found that while our devices could be used to a certain extent, the SmartTouch feature was not as sensitive or precise as we would have liked.
• We did not feel the bite of the wind while motionless but we could feel it while cycling at high speeds.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• The SmartTouch problem could be attributed to the fit of the glove. Some users complained that the fit was disproportionate and due to the lack of snugness, the touchscreen feature was not as effective as advertised. If the glove was more close-fitting, the SmartTouch would work better.
• It is a windproof product but this is only true when the wearer is not in motion. If the gloves are subjected to harsh winds repeatedly, some of the wind can still be felt. It would be more convenient if the elastic cuff could withstand the cold during cycling.

Specifications

Pros

• Relatively touchscreen-friendly
• Deflects water
• Sufficient grip
• Wind resistant
• Suitable for mild winter

Cons

• Not resistant to heavy rain
• Not suitable for extreme weather conditions

2 OZERO Winter Gloves Deerskin Suede Leather Palm with Big Patch (For Extreme Cold Weather)

Why it Stands Out To Us

The OZERO Winter Gloves are an absolute savior for those who reside in the frost-covered lands similar to the world of the Frozen franchise. Able to withstand temperature drops between -30°F to -20°F, this product is essential for the harsh winter winds that render our fingers useless.

Our Experience with the OZERO Winter Gloves

• These were great for biking in frigid weather.
• They’re also waterproof, windproof, flexible, durable, comfortable, have good grip, and incredible heat retention.
• To test out the extent of the gloves’ insulation, we went biking in -20 degree weather. Given the cold temperature, we had already assumed our hands would not feel hot. However, we didn’t even feel the cold because the material did such a great job at blocking out the wind effectively. We were pleasantly surprised by how warm our hands remained even after riding around for a few hours.
• We also found that the gloves provided quite a bit of flexibility to our fingers. While it wasn’t possible to pick up thin objects given the bulkiness, there was enough leeway to move around larger objects easily.
• The softness on the inside provided a level of comfort that we enjoyed as well.

What We Didn’t Like

• We were unable to operate our touchscreen devices. While this is usually a characteristic of bulky winter gloves, it means that we would be forced to take them off in order to use our devices and this may be inconvenient during an especially cold day.
• We also found that our hands were damp after taking off the gloves at the end of the day. The material locks in the moisture from your skin, which may be uncomfortable for some.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• Some users complained that the gloves were overly bulky and they were unable to pick up anything while wearing them. Reducing the number of layers or at least their thickness without sacrificing insulation would be ideal for these gloves.
• Adding touchscreen-sensitive fingertip pads would make it immensely convenient for wearers as they could use their devices with ease.

Specifications

Pros

• Great for biking or hunting in frigid weather
• Protects against extremely cold temperatures
• Windproof
• Flexible
• Durable
• Soft and fuzzy
• Good grip
• Incredible heat retention
• Waterproof

Cons

• Not breathable
• Bulky
• Not touchscreen-friendly

3 Touch Screen Gloves Anti-slip Running Cycling Gloves (Most Lightweight Pair)

Why it Stands Out To Us

If you’re sick of those bulky gloves that make your cycling experience a tragedy, these lightweight gloves are a must-have. Not only are they good at keeping your hands warm on cool days, they maximize flexibility for ultimate comfort.

The quality is overall highly impressive for its price of $13.99, so we consider this one an absolute winner in the lightweight department.

Our Experience with the VBIGER Touch Screen Gloves  

• They’re touchscreen-friendly, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and are overall perfect for mildly cold temperatures.
• They also provided extra visibility at night while biking due to the reflective belt.
• These were extremely comfortable to wear and provided exceptional flexibility.
• The polymer coating allows for a strong grip that makes it easy to pick up objects.
• They’re also well-balanced as they’re not too thin or too thick.
• They are appropriate for early winter or fall when the temperature ranges between 30 to 40 degrees.
• Overall, it was a comfortable experience as we could move our hands with ease while keeping sufficiently warm.

What We Didn’t Like

• The gloves were not effective at keeping our hands warm in temperatures below 30 degrees. If you’re going to be in extremely frigid weather, it’s best to opt for a bulkier alternative as these are suitable for mild winter or fall.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• The gloves are not waterproof. Even in mildly cold temperatures, people may end up getting their hands wet. This would be extremely uncomfortable as these gloves absorb water rapidly. It would be better if the material used had been water-resistant.

Specifications

Pros

• Touchscreen-friendly
• Comfortable
• Flexible
• Extra visibility at night while biking due to reflective belt
• Aesthetic pattern
• Perfect for mildly cold temperatures

Cons

• Less effective in temperatures below 30 degrees
• Not waterproof
• Only suitable for dry conditions

4 LuxoBike Cycling Gloves (Best Padded Gloves)

Why it Stands Out To Us

The LuxoBike Cycling Gloves have quite a lot of features that make them a reliable staple for cyclists in warm weather conditions. With convenient finger tabs in place, it’s a breeze getting them on and off. The gel padding is also distributed well enough to absorb the shock and vibrations from the handlebars.

Our Experience with the LuxoBike Cycling Gloves   

• They’re breathable, easy to take off and put on, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
• They also had well-distributed padding, maximum grip, reduced hand fatigue/numbness,  and provided good value for money.
• After getting a few hundred miles on these gloves, we found that the grip was still great.
• They’re very lightweight which is always appreciated in gloves made for cycling.
• The back of the thumb had a terry cloth that was convenient for wiping off the heaps of sweat that accumulated on our foreheads. This was especially useful as sweat tends to drip down the eyes and reduce vision.

What We Didn’t Like

• There were no reflective patches. As many cyclists tend to stay on the road during and after dusk, they require patches so their hand signals are visible to others on the road.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• It would be better if the gloves come with reflective patches so that cyclists would not have to put on reflective straps on their wrists when they’re staying out after dark. It would make evening commutes much safer.

Specifications

Pros

• Reduces hand fatigue
• Reduces numbness
• Breathable
• Maximum grip
• Easy to take off and put on
• Well-distributed padding
• Good value for money
• Durable
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Contains sweat-wipe cloth
• Variety of colors to choose from

Cons

• No reflective patches
• The gray glove looks more sea green

5 GEARONIC Cycling Shockproof Foam Padded Sports Full Finger Short Gloves (Top Shockproof Gloves)

Why it Stands Out To Us

This glove does not overheat at all, making it an absolute dream for summer cyclists. It also comes in both full and half fingers in a wide range of colors so you’ll have ample options to choose from. The ultrasuede material makes it very comfortable to wear as well. The back of the glove has a velcro strap to adjust tightness for a more cozy experience.

Our Experience with the GEARONIC Cycling Gloves  

• They are aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, easy to get on and off, lightweight, great for summer use, have good grip, provide great value for money, and can absorb vibrations.

• While some prefer thicker padding, we felt that it was exactly the right amount for a lightweight glove within this price range.
• The grip on the handlebars was also quite impressive and provided enough traction to safely maneuver through a few hundred miles.
• It also significantly reduced hand fatigue as we did not have to grip the bars with too much pressure.
• The gloves absorbed shock from sudden bumps efficiently, which meant that we could ride for extended periods of time without suffering any numbness.

What We Didn’t Like

• The material doesn’t hold moisture, which translates to sweaty palms that don’t dry immediately. While this wouldn’t be a problem for those whose palms don’t sweat, we did not particularly benefit from this feature.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• Some users complained that due to the thinness of the cushioning, the sudden bumps could be felt through the handle. For extra shock absorption, the padding could be improved for those who want a more comfortable experience. This may be helpful for users who go cycling in especially rocky terrain.

Our Recommendation

The velcro will last longer if you close them together before washing it. Velcro tends to lose its quality if it is exposed to other types of fabrics.

Specifications

Pros

• Can absorb vibrations
• Great for summer use
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Comfortable
• Good grip
• Easy to get on and off
• Lightweight
• Great value for money
• Ergonomic design

Cons

• Does not absorb sweat

6 SIMARI Winter Gloves (Touch Screen Pair)

Why it Stands Out To Us

The SIMARI Winter Gloves are a strong contender for touchscreen ability. While there are many gloves which claim to have touchscreen-sensitive fingertips, these gloves actually deliver what they promise. Having to take off your gloves in cold weather is an inconvenience at best and a health hazard at worst, so these come in quite handy. The conductive silicone striping in the touchscreen fingertips works wonders.

Our Experience with the SIMARI Winter Gloves  

• They’re aesthetically pleasing, not bulky, easy to get on and off, comfortable, touchscreen-friendly, appropriate for cycling in 35-degree weather, and have good grip.

• While they are adequate for mild winter mornings, we found that it is not that effective for especially frigid weather. They are quite thin so this is to be expected.
• However, this very thinness allowed us to maneuver the bicycle handles better. The trade-off here is between warmth and increased flexibility.
• We also found that the grip was strong enough to hold phones, water bottles and bike handles comfortably without the fear of slipping.

What We Didn’t Like

• While it can ward off the cold in temperatures around 35 degrees, it is not the best for warming up already cold hands. The SmartTouch is high quality but it does require a bit of pressure before it responds to the device screen.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• Since the gloves are quite lightweight, they do not come with the extra padding that is essential for biking in uneven terrain. If the padding was made to be on the thicker side, it would be more convenient for hardcore cyclists.

Specifications

Pros

• Aesthetically pleasing
• Not bulky
• Touchscreen-friendly
• Appropriate for cycling in 35-degree weather
• Good grip
• Easy to get on and off
• Comfortable and warm

Cons

• Ineffective at warding off extreme cold
• Lacks traditional padding that cyclists use
• Not water resistant

7 Atercel Gloves Workout, Best Exercise Gloves (Well Gripped Choice)

Why it Stands Out To Us

As the old saying goes, with great padding comes great responsibility, and the Atercel gloves deliver as promised. The padding is just light enough to not be bulky while simultaneously ensuring your hands are cushioned so you can do any task at the gym without getting a single blister. We felt that the extra padding is perfect for working out and the fine stitching contributes to the gloves’ longevity. The material allows for an enhanced grip that effortlessly elevates the glove to the next level.

Our Experience with the Atercel Workout Gloves 

• They’re comfortable and lightweight, durable, sufficient padding, ergonomic, and good grips provide good wrist support, have high-quality velcro straps.

• We followed the size chart as recommended and ordered accordingly. And lo and behold, they fit like a dream. We were very impressed with its snugness and felt that it improved the overall glove-wearing experience.
• Since these gloves are mainly targeted at weightlifters, we decided to test their credibility at the gym. The grip on the palms made carrying equipment much easier and the extra support around the wrists helped in moving around comfortably.
• The finger loops also did an exceptional job at making it easy to get the gloves on and off.

What We Didn’t Like

• Despite being marketed as cycling gloves alongside workout gloves, these gloves are better-suited for heavy weightlifting. This is not to say that they cannot be used specifically for biking.
• Their features make them perfect for gym purposes due to the padding, grip and stitching. When you buy a pair of the versatile Atercel Workout Gloves, you can multi-purpose it for working out and cycling.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• The fingers are a little bit on the longer side. It would be better if the length was decreased for increased flexibility.
• Some users complained that the fit was uncomfortable and slightly too tight. While it was just on the right side of snug for us, the product could come with instructions to refer to the size chart before ordering so that users could order accordingly.

Our Recommendations

• Refer to the size chart before ordering to get the best fit.

Specifications

Pros

• Finger loops for easy removal
• Comfortable and lightweight
• Good wrist support
• High-quality velcro straps
• Durable
• Sufficient padding
• Ergonomic
• Good grip

Cons

• More suited to weightlifting than cycling
• Fingers might be a bit long for some

8 Aisprts Winter Gloves, Touchscreen Gloves Cold Weather Cycling Gloves (Full Finger Pair)

Why it Stands Out To Us

These gloves were tailor-made for casual athletes cycling in mild winter conditions. While these aren’t the warmest in this list, they are quite comfortable for temperatures above 32 degrees. They are suitable for both running and cycling as they prevent cold winds from entering the gloves. The full fingers do a brilliant job of shielding the wearer from nature and allow for enhanced grip on the handlebars of the bike.

Our Experience with the Aisprts Winter Gloves 

• They are touchscreen-friendly, windproof, flexible, durable, well-padded, comfortable, flexible, have good grip, and contain reflective tabs.
• We found that the wrist cuffs did a brilliant job of resisting the biting winds and keeping our wrists as well as our hands warm.
• This feature also provided enough length for us to tuck the ends of the gloves into our sleeves comfortably without any items getting bunched or wrinkled.
• They were also very lightweight for winter gloves, which made them easy to transport as we could simply put them in our pockets while hiking or walking around.
• They were quite flexible and allowed room for movement as well.
• On top of that, the insides of the gloves were made from a soft and cozy material that helped maximize the comfort level.
• It is true that the SmartTouch is not very sophisticated as other options in this list, but for $9.99, we considered this an absolute steal.

What We Didn’t Like

• These gloves will not warm up your hands in extremely cold conditions but they will retain the existing heat your hand already has.
• The SmartTouch works quite well but it is not the most sensitive.
• They are not suitable for wet conditions. The brand does not boast that they are 100% waterproof and this much is true. However, they can be classified as water-resistant.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• If these gloves could make the jump from water-resistant to waterproof, they could potentially be an all-rounder and rise up much higher on the list.

Specifications

Pros

• Good grip
• Touchscreen-friendly
• Windproof
• Flexible
• Durable
• Well-padded
• Comfortable and warm
• Flexible
• Has reflective tabs

Cons

• Not suitable for extremely frigid weather
• Not waterproof

9 MORE OK Men’s Cycling Gloves (Easiest & Fastest to Remove)

Why it Stands Out To Us

After wearing gloves all day, we usually want the fastest and easiest way to take them off. To ensure that there’s no hassle while doing so, the MORE OK Gloves come with two strategically placed finger tabs on the middle and ring fingers. These are well placed enough to not disrupt the functionality of the gloves and also give them a sleek appearance. The comfort and convenience we felt while handling the gloves warranted them a position in our top ten list.

Our Experience with the MORE OK Men’s Cycling Gloves  

• They’re easy to get on and off, breathable, durable, touchscreen-friendly, comfortable, and not bulky.
• They come with finger tabs and thick padding.

• One of the features that immediately jumps out (aside from the finger tabs), is the padding in the palms. While grabbing the handles of the bike, we usually encounter vibrations and blisters. The constant vibration can even carry on for a long after the bike ride is over.
• So, it was a big relief that the gel pads on the gloves were thick enough to absorb most of the vibrations that we felt during our rides on uneven paths.
• The grip on the palms was also noteworthy as it reduced hand fatigue.

What We Didn’t Like

• While the padding is thick around the sides of the glove, it was missing from the center of the palm.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• Since the center of the palm bears a significant amount of vibrations while cycling, it would be better if there was some gel padding there instead of only mesh cloth.

Specifications

Pros

• Thick padding
• Good grip
• Easy to get on and off
• Not bulky
• Breathable
• Durable
• Touchscreen-friendly
• Comfortable and warm

Cons

• Lacks padding in the center of the palms

10 Aisprts Cycling Gloves (For the Perfect Fit)

Why it Stands Out To Us

There’s an old adage that goes “it fits like a glove” when describing something that fits phenomenally. We’re willing to bet that the Aisprts Cycling Gloves are the reason behind this proverb. With its beautiful stitching and snug fit, it revolutionizes comfort in winter gloves. The zipper makes sure the fit is cozy on the wearer and makes it very convenient to put on and take off. For $7.99, the brand outdid itself in the functionality department, making it one of the top contenders for winter cycling gloves.

Our Experience with the Aisprts Cycling Gloves  

• They’re aesthetically pleasing, water-resistant in some areas, not bulky, breathable, touchscreen-friendly, appropriate for cycling in lighter cold weather, comfortable, have good grip, and provide great value for money.
• One of the greatest features of these gloves is that it comes with a warning to pick a size that’s above the user’s original size. This is especially useful as it removes the need to return and reorder the product again if you order the wrong size. Many people end up making this mistake when it comes to gloves, so we found this warning to be quite helpful. It also speaks volumes about the consideration of the brand when it comes to its customers, which we appreciated immensely.
• Along with the perfect fit, the fibrous material of the gloves was also breathable, which meant our hands would not stay sweaty.
• The touchscreen was also a great addition and contributed to making the entire experience of wearing the gloves much more enjoyable for us.

What We Didn’t Like

• While the product isn’t advertised as waterproof, it is not fully water-resistant either. The palms will get wet if exposed to water as only the top part of the gloves is water-resistant.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• If the palms were made with a more effective waterproof material instead of the fibrous cloth, the overall quality of the gloves would’ve improved vastly.

Specifications

Pros

• Great value for money
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Water-resistance in some areas
• Not bulky
• Breathable
• Touchscreen-friendly
• Appropriate for cycling in lighter cold weather
• Good grip
• Comfortable and warm

Cons

• Ineffective at warding off extreme cold
• Not waterproof

Do You Really Need Cycling Gloves?

• Cold protection

The hand is one of the extremities of the body and as such, it does not have the best circulation. This is especially true in colder weather conditions. Many gloves come with thick insulation that can keep your hands warm and toasty in brutal weather.

• Comfort and grip

The handlebars transfer much of the vibrations and shocks from the ground to the palms of the cyclist. The padding in gloves cushion the palms and provide comfort to the wearer. Gloves are also made of material that enhances grip on the handlebar.

• Hand protection from unwanted accident

In case of accidents, cyclists sometimes tend to break their fall with their hands. If the hand is defenseless, it will be prone to cuts, bruises, and perhaps even fractures in extreme cases. Gloves can act as a barrier between them and the ground in these cases.

• Sweat-wicking

Cycling is a physically taxing activity, therefore cyclists are prone to sweating buckets. It is important to get rid of this sweat as excessive sweat can reduce the grip on the handlebars. Gloves can soak up the sweat. Some of them even come with terry cloth on the thumb that can be used to wipe off sweat from the forehead.

Types of Cycling Gloves

1. Fingerless or half-finger gloves 

These are sometimes known as cycling mitts and are usually used in summer. They contain padded palms and textured material that cushion your hand and provide a better grip.

2. Full-finger gloves 

As the name suggests, these gloves cover the entirety of the fingers. They provide increased warmth and protection, which makes them better suited for winter weather.

3. Winter gloves 

These provide maximum insulation and warmth to keep your fingers from freezing off in harsh weather conditions. While they are very effective at keeping you warm, they are quite bulky and not suitable for year-round biking.

Best Cycling Gloves Reviews [Buying Guide]

Attributes of the Gloves

There are many characteristics of a glove you can consider – its visuals, durability, insulation, a lightweight dress, breathability, material, distribution of padding, resistance to water and wind, grip, touchscreen-friendliness, presence of reflective patches, and flexibility.

Ventilation/Breathability

While some gloves can allow moisture to evaporate from the inside, there are many which trap it inside all day. If you prefer to keep your hands dry at the end of the day when you take your glove off, you may want to opt for a fabric that is breathable and allow for the sweat to dry.

Materials

• Polyester – This allows for maximum breathability. However, it allows little wind and waterproofing.
• Acrylic – This one is also breathable. It increases flexibility due to its stretchiness and keeps the wearer warm as well. However, it is not very wind or waterproof just like polyester.
• Fleece – This is also known as microfibre. This material is usually found in winter gloves as it provides insulation. It’s not very breathable though.
• Polypropylene – While it’s good at defending against wind and water, it lacks breathability.
• Neoprene – This is a weather-resistant synthetic rubber material that can withstand various temperatures.

DWR vs Windproof vs Waterproof

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) is a temporary treatment that reduces the water permeability of the fabric while not inhibiting its breathability. Water droplets maintain their surface tension due to the microspikes created by the DWR treatment.

The level of waterproofness of a fabric is measured by placing a column of water with a diameter of 1 inch on the fabric for a period of 24 hours. The height of the water in the column is measured before and after. The fabric needs to be rated at a minimum of 15k for it to qualify as waterproof.

The windproof rating of a fabric is determined by measuring the volume of air that passes through one square inch of it in one second. The fabric has to be rated below 5 l/m²/s for it to be considered windproof.

Protection

How much your glove can protect you depends on the material and padding. If you are going cycling on especially rocky terrain or in extremely cold conditions, then you may want to pack up on extra cushioning and insulation respectively. You also want to consider the placement of the padding. Some prefer the padding to be evenly distributed, some prefer it to be in the center while others prefer only a mesh cloth. At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide what you prefer.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is an important feature to consider as it can save you from superfluous inconvenience.

You want to look at how easy it is to get the gloves on and off. Some cycling gloves come with finger loops or tabs that allow the user to pull them off easily. This saves time and effort while increasing the longevity of the gloves as they don’t have to be pulled with excessive force every time.

How lightweight or bulky your glove is will also contribute to your experience. Lightweight gloves often allow more flexibility while bulky ones tend to hinder it. However, bulky gloves are usually for winter and can provide insulation even in extremely cold temperatures.

Another thing to consider is the SmartTouch. If you’re wearing a full-fingered winter glove, you may not want to take off your gloves every time you want to use your touchscreen devices.  It is important to consider the touchscreen feature’s presence and efficiency if it is a factor you prioritize.

Adjustments

How well a glove fits you will make all the difference. The adjustment options play into this as many gloves come with a velcro patch that allows the user to adjust the tightness. Some also have zippers, hook-and-loop mechanisms, and even simple pull-on systems. All of these have different levels of adjustments so it is important to look into them before making a purchase.

FAQs

1. Do cycling gloves make any difference?

Ans. Cyclists usually ride for hours at a time. As such, their hands have to absorb much of the shocks and vibrations of the handlebars from the rocky terrain. Since cycling gloves come with padding that can protect the palms of the wearer and also keep them warm, they are a staple for both the casual cyclist and the seasoned athlete.

2. Do pro cyclists wear gloves?

Ans. Professional cyclists want to avoid numbness and reduce hand fatigue as they ride on dangerously uneven terrains for prolonged periods of time. They also want to keep warm during cold weather, therefore yes, pro cyclists will wear gloves and also advise you to do the same!

3. How do I know my bike glove size?

Ans. Firstly, measure the length from the tip of your middle finger to the crease in your wrist. Then measure the circumference around the widest part of your hand just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb. Refer to the size chart and select your size accordingly.

Note: Measure your dominant hand. If your length and width fall under two different sizes, go with the one that’s larger.