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When it comes to mountain biking, bike gloves are far from incidental! They are even mandatory for extreme disciplines such as downhill and enduro, and this is not trivial. What should you look for when buying a mountain bike glove? What are the parameters to look at? Should you choose short or long gloves for a good protection? With 6 purchase criteria scrutinized, Ekoï helps you complete your mountain bike equipment by finding a pair perfectly suited to your practice.
Bike gloves for mountain biking, an essential protection
When mountain biking, it is unimaginable to ride with bare hands. Thrill-seeker or Sunday rider, this observation is the same for everyone!
Wearing gloves does indeed provide essential triple protection against:
- External aggressions in the saddle: in narrow paths, the mountain biker evolves as close as possible to the vegetation. The hands are therefore particularly exposed to risks of scratches caused by the multiple branches.
- Collisions in case of a fall, especially on stony trails: gloves prevent scratches and avoid ending up with raw skin.
- Blisters generated by repeated rubbing of the palm in contact with the handlebars of the mountain bike.
1. The type of mountain bike glove: short gloves vs. long gloves
Generally speaking, and this also applies to mountain biking, there are two types of cycling gloves: short and long models. Let's take a closer look at their characteristics.
Short gloves dress the palm and top of the hand, but only cover your fingers up to the first phalanx. This leaves the last two phalanges exposed to the air. Short gloves, also known as mittens, offer partial protection for the hand.
Long gloves, on the other hand, completely cover the hands. This optimal protection thus ensures a higher degree of safety than the mitten version.
So, short gloves can be used to protect your hands
So, short gloves or long gloves? That is the question!
Two elements will condition the choice of your pair of mountain bike gloves: the discipline practiced and the weather conditions.
The exploratory terrains are numerous in mountain biking and expose to different degrees of danger. In cross-country and touring, short gloves are thus preferred, while long gloves are preferred for more extreme practices on rugged courses, such as all-mountain, enduro and downhill.
The Mountain Bike is the best way to protect yourself from the elements
The mercury and weather play a prominent role in model selection. In warmer weather, warmer temperatures encourage riding with mittens or summer version of long gloves. In winter, full cycling gloves are king. Those who are cold will not hesitate to buy under-gloves to preserve their hands from the cold.
2. Palm padding
Our second buying criterion is the degree of padding on the bottom of the glove. Not all cycling gloves offer the same level of comfort. It depends primarily on your requirements in this regard, and the riding sensations you're looking for.
Here are a few things to help you with your MTB glove comparison.
If you're an ace handlebar rider and want to maintain maximum dexterity and control on your handlebars, turn to a thin, abrasion-resistant palm.
If you're looking to combine ride and comfort, choose a padded glove with gel or foam inserts instead. They help absorb vibrations, which are very common on rocky and forest trails, imparting optimal cushioning. It is the ideal alternative to limit hand numbness and microtrauma related to shaking.
In any case, make sure your mountain bike gloves have a non-slip grip intended to maximize grip and handlebar grip.
3. The degree of protection from the elements
Let's continue this buying guide with the protective attributes of mountain bike gloves. As mentioned above, the mountain bike glove preserves the hand from possible injury. But, it also provides a protective function:
- against heat;
- against the cold;
- against the rain.
Do you ride in hot weather? Whether it's short or long, your pair of gloves must allow perspiration to evacuate effectively, this to prevent your hands from slipping on the handlebars. A breathable mesh fabric, lightweight and thin offers good ventilation and fulfills this role to perfection.
Like to pedal even when the temperatures are cool? Naturally, a long glove will keep your hands warmer than a pair of mittens. Most brands offer a whole range of gloves for fall and winter, depending on what degrees the thermometer says. The use of technical and innovative fibers has several advantages: insulating power, warmth, water-repellent membrane, even waterproof, to ride in the rain while keeping your hands dry.
4. The closure system
While it is less decisive than the others, this purchase criterion still deserves your attention.
On the market, there are two types of closures on mountain bike gloves:
- With Velcro: a Velcro strap allows you to close the glove and adjust it to your liking. Handle with care to limit the risk of snagging on your cycling clothes.
- With elastic: no velcro on this model, just a stretchy opening at the wrist. The glove hugs the contours of your hand perfectly, like a second skin. Note that, as a result, this model is more difficult to put on and take off. A tab is sometimes added to help remove them.
Buy a glove with or without velcro: the choice is yours!
5. The size of the mountain bike glove
It is imperative that your bike gloves are perfectly fit for your hand size. A glove that's too tight will earn you a feeling of compression causing poor blood circulation and discomfort. In addition, the fabric may shear between your fingers. A glove that is too loose will promote rubbing and the appearance of lesions, which is of course totally counterproductive.
So one word of advice: choose a glove that fits. If you don't have the opportunity to try them on in store, refer to the size guide offered by the manufacturer (XS to XL). It's usually enough to measure the turn of your palm at the knuckles.
Before ordering, remember to check if it is a men's gloves or women's gloves model. Indeed, if they are not mixed, the gloves may have a different size reference. Similarly, there are children's mountain bike gloves that fit their handcuffs.
6. The design of the pair of gloves
The last purchasing criterion is entirely subjective. Your tastes will dictate your choice. While they are an integral part of the mountain biker's equipment to ensure protection, mountain bike gloves are also a fashion accessory.
Some riders will prefer discreet and classic colors, such as black, while others will be seduced by the array of colors on the market. If you want to maximize your safety and make yourself more visible, fluorescent gloves are a great option.
You can also match your gloves to your cycling outfit or choose it in the colors of your favorite team, like KMC Orbea. Anything goes!
You now have all the information you need to compare the different models of mountain bike gloves and buy the one that suits you best. If you haven't already, complete your mountain biker's kit with our buying guides on Mountain Bike Glasses and Mountain Bike Shoes.
