Mountain Bike Gloves
If you’re serious about riding on rough terrain, you need to be sure you have the right gear to keep you safe and comfortable. And one item that shouldn’t be overlooked is a good pair of mountain bike gloves. Personally, I don’t like riding without them, but others prefer not to. So let’s go into the details, so you can decide for yourself.
Why Wear Mountain Bike Gloves?
First, I’ll talk about the advantages of wearing mountain bike gloves. The primary reason is protection. Gloves can protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, and blisters that can happen when gripping handlebars tightly for long periods.
In addition, mountain bike gloves provide a better grip on the handlebars. This is particularly important in wet or sweaty conditions, where the grip can become compromised. The added grip also helps with control, allowing you to maintain a firm hold on the bike even on bumpy terrain.
They also keep the skin on your palms when you go sliding down the trail when you and your bike part ways.
Another benefit of wearing gloves is shock absorption. When you hit rough terrain or take a jump, your hands can take a beating. A good pair of gloves will have padding in the palm area to help absorb shock and reduce the impact on your hands.
Lastly, gloves can also provide some warmth on cooler rides. Check out my blog on winter mountain bike gloves.
Why Some Riders Don't Like Wearing Gloves
While there are many advantages to wearing gloves, some riders choose not to. One reason is that gloves can sometimes feel bulky and restrict movement. This can be particularly true with thicker gloves that have more padding.
Another reason is that some riders simply don’t like the feeling of gloves. They may prefer the tactile sensation of gripping the handlebars directly with their bare hands. Additionally, some riders find that gloves can make their hands sweat more, which can be uncomfortable on long rides.
Buyer's Guide for Mountain Bike Gloves
Now that I’ve covered the why’s and why not’s of wearing gloves, let’s dive into what to look for when buying a pair. Here are some factors to consider:
Material
Look for gloves made from a breathable material that will wick away sweat and keep your hands cool. Many gloves are made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, while others may use natural materials like leather.
Padding
If you’re looking for added shock absorption, make sure the gloves have padding in the palm area. Some gloves have thicker padding than others, so choose a level of padding that works for you. But be aware, there can be too much padding. If your gloves are too padded, you can feel isolated from valuable feedback from the handlebars.
Grip
A good pair of gloves should provide a non-slip grip that will help you maintain control of the bike. Look for gloves with silicone or rubberized grips on the palm area.
Fit
Be sure to choose gloves that fit snugly but not too tightly. You want to be able to move your hands comfortably and easily but without any excess material that could get in the way. If they are too big, the gloves will bunch up, causing friction and painful blisters.
Ventilation
Some mountain bike gloves have mesh panels. These are usually on the back of the hands and great for riding in hot weather.
Durability
Mountain biking can be tough on gear, so you want gloves to withstand the wear and tear. Look for gloves with reinforced stitching and high-quality materials that will last.
Examples Of Excellent Mountain Bike Gloves
Endura MT500 D30 MTB Gloves
Whether you’re conquering challenging trails or simply seeking an epic ride, the MT500 D30 MTB Gloves have your back…and your hands!
Steadfast Grip, Unwavering Control
As you charge down the trails, these gloves prove their mettle with strategic silicone prints on the palm and fingertips. You won’t have any problems holding on to the grips, providing confidence at every turn.
Crafted with a sleek synthetic leather palm, these gloves are durable without sacrificing agility. Padded-free, they grant unparalleled dexterity, making you feel like you’re one with the handlebars and the rugged terrain.
Great Protection
Brushing against trailside foliage is no match for the formidable D3O® knuckle and finger protection. Bumps and bruises fade into insignificance, leaving you undeterred and focused on the thrill of the ride.
Verdict: The Ultimate Trail Sidekicks
The MT500 D30 MTB Gloves seamlessly combine form and function, providing the perfect balance of style, comfort, and performance.
100% Celium Glove
Crafted with a stretch-mesh back, these gloves ensure a breezy ride while maintaining the ideal hand temperature. Mesh-finger gussets amplify dexterity, resulting in trail magic at your fingertips.
You’ll love how comfortable these gloves are and how easy they are to put on. They feature slip-on wrist cuffs that guarantee convenience while boosting your riding experience.
Palm Perfection
The slim Clarino palm is both resilient and cozy, granting an exceptional connection with your grips. Thanks to the silicone print, your grip and control over brake levers are enhanced.
A Cool Style With Convenience
Sublimated graphics stay vibrant through countless rides, and touchscreen compatibility ensures easy tech interaction on the go.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Trail Adventure
The Celium Gloves merge comfort, style, and performance, delivering dexterity and an unrestrictive fit.
Troy Lee Designs Ace 2.0
The single-layer palm connects you intimately with the handlebars, ensuring you receive all the valuable feedback coming through the bars. You also have excellent control over your brakes thanks to the silicone print on the fingertips.
Cool and Dry Triumph
Troy Lee has given these gloves laser perforations throughout. These enhance breathability so your hands can stay dryer and more comfortable for longer.
Design that Moves with You
Slip into streamlined perfection with the Ace gloves’ slip-on design and welded construction. There is no bulkiness, just a second-skin sensation that lets you focus solely on your ride.
Verdict: Where Comfort Meets Control
The Ace 2.0 Gloves effortlessly blend comfort and control, ensuring confidence during every ride.
IXS Carve
Distinguished by their pre-formed ergonomics and snug stretch back, the IXS Carve Gloves boast a tailored fit that harmonizes seamlessly with your grip on the handlebars. This integration enhances comfort and augments the rider’s capacity for precise braking and seamless gear shifting.
Dexterity And Control
The gloves’ preeminent attribute lies in their capacity to provide a remarkable degree of dexterity. The culmination of this design empowers riders to navigate the complexities of braking and gear changing with unparalleled finesse, resulting in a heightened sense of control.
Durability and Performance
Manifesting in the form of a durable synthetic palm, the Carve Gloves offer a reliable barrier against wear and tear. Complemented by perforations, this design proactively curtails the accumulation of sweat, assuring unimpaired grip and comfort during extensive rides. Reinforced fingertips constitute an additional layer of durability, fortifying a critical stress point.
Tech-Ready Integration
The gloves incorporate touchscreen-friendly fingertips, facilitating effortless interaction with smartphones, GPS devices, and action cameras, allowing riders to seamlessly document and engage with their MTB endeavors.
Conclusion: Excellent Form and Function
The IXS Carve Gloves stand as an embodiment of meticulous engineering and purpose-driven design. You’ll love their precision fit, dexterity, durability, and tech-savvy features.
Leatt MTB 2.0 X-Flow
Leatt’s incorporation of the NanoGrip palm within the MTB 2.0 X-Flow Gloves signifies a leap forward in glove technology. Its remarkable flexibility and ultra-thin composition emulate the sensation of riding gloveless yet grant riders the distinct advantage of elevated bar control and safeguarding against grip-induced abrasion.
Comfort and Precision
The gloves are constructed with a pre-curved and seamless design, offer excellent comfort and precision.
Whether navigating wet or dry terrains, the NanoGrip maintains unwavering traction, lending riders an extraordinary connection with the trail. The vented X-Flow mesh composing the back of the gloves facilitates optimal airflow, mitigating discomfort from rising temperatures and intense rides. This ventilation system additionally aids in dissipating sweat, ensuring sustained comfort.
High Durability And Comfort
The inclusion of 3D Brush Guard reinforcements and vented X-Flow mesh at the back of the hand elevates the gloves’ durability while providing lightweight protection against trailside obstacles. This design factor, coupled with Stretch-Stitch seams and multi-row, technical thread stitching, imparts unparalleled strength, thereby extending the gloves’ longevity.
The stretch-fit cuff ensures secure and comfortable wrist placement, thus upholding rider comfort during extended rides. Moreover, the gloves’ touchscreen compatibility adds a layer of convenience, enabling users to manage devices without needing to take them off.
Verdict: Comfort and Practicality
In summary, the Leatt MTB 2.0 X-Flow Gloves bend technological innovation and pragmatic design. The result is a pair of MTB gloves with flexibility, precision, durability, and adaptability, thereby underscoring the MTB 2.0 X-Flow Gloves as an excellent choice for all riders.
