- 1. Giro DND Mountain Bike Gloves
- 2. Fox Racing Ranger Mountain Bike Gloves
- 3. GEARONIC TM Foam Padded MTB Gloves
- 4. ZOOKKI Cycling Gloves
- 5. INBIKE Mountain Bike Gloves
- 6. Fox Women's Ripley Mountain Bike Gloves
- 7. BOODUN Mountain Bike Gloves
- 8. FIRELION Cycling Gloves
- 9. HTZPLOO MTB Gloves
- 10. Seibertron Dirtpaw Unisex Mountain Bike Gloves
As all keen cyclists know, whether you’re hitting the roads or the trail, you’ll need the right protection. Although helmets take center stage in the bike safety arena, you’ll also need a pair of cycling mitts if you want to give yourself the fullest protection.
Bike gloves are grippy, padded, and usually fingerless. They help riders to achieve a firm grip on the handle bars, as well as providing a protective layer in the event of a fall. With so many benefits, it’s unsurprising that the bikewear market is flooded with these gloves, and finding the perfect pair for you can seem like a daunting task. That’s where we come in. We’ve searched high and low for the top 10 pairs of bike riding gloves on the market right now, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to protecting your hands. We’ve also put together a handy buying guide, in which we answer some common questions about why riders need these gloves, and how to get the most out of them.
The Best Mountain Bike Gloves
Kicking off our list are these unisex bike gloves by Gir. These synthetic leather gloves offer cyclists a protective layer between their hands and the elements, thanks to their durable but comfortable design. The gloves are woven into a moisture-wicking, breathable mesh, keeping your hands cool and dry even on those hot days. Their four-way stretch also ensures a great fit, that’s comfortable to wear for hours on end.
The absorbent microfiber surface on the back of these gloves is ideal for wiping your brow, eyes, or nose on the go. Meanwhile, the faux suede palms gives you a secure and comfortable grip on the handlebars. The fingertips and knuckles are reinforced, for superior protection in the event of a scrape. They’re also available in seven different sizes, and 18 colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect pair for you, no matter what.
- Unisex mountain bike gloves
- Made from synthetic leather and suede
- Feature moisture-wicking, breathable technology
- Four-way stretch makes for a snug and comfortable fit
- Absorbent microfiber backing is ideal for wiping
- Provide a secure and comfortable handlebar grip
- Reinforced fingertips and knuckles offer excellent protection
- Available in a variety of colors and sizes
- Brand Giro
- Model DND
- Weight 3.2 ounces
Fox Racing are known as a leader in motocross and biking gear, so it should come as no surprise that they’ve turned their attention towards a pair of hand gloves for bikes. The gloves feature a carefully curated blend of polymer fabrics, designed for protection, comfort, and flexibility. The lightweight glove offers riders a conveniently absorbent top layer, while silicone fingertips allow you to achieve a solid grip on the handlebars.
On their palms, the gloves feature a double layer of Clarino faux leather, which is not only grippy, but also strong enough to shield your hands from cuts, scrapes, and chafing. Even when worn for hours on end, these gloves provide superior comfort. The closing tab at their wrist is low profile, too, preventing any awkward bunches of fabric from interfering with your sleeves. These fox mtb gloves can also be had in a variety of colors and sizes to fit your needs.
- Unisex mountain bike gloves
- Faux leather offers comfort, flexibility, and protection
- Absorbent top layer is ideal for on-the-go wiping
- Silicone fingertips make for a solid grip on the handlebars
- Clarino faux leather on the palms protects hands against cuts, scrapes, and chafing
- Low profile closing tab
- Available in a variety of colors and styles
- Brand Fox Racing
- Model Ranger
- Weight 2.7 ounces
The first pair of fingerless cycling gloves to make our list is by Gearonic. Their comfortable bike gloves are strategically padded with shock-proof foam, allowing them to cushion your hands from the impact of uneven surfaces, potholes, or even jumps.
They’re constructed from a heavy duty synthetic fabric, engineered for breathability and a snug fit. The fingerless design ensures you can protect your hands, without so much padding that you can barely feel the handlebars. Gearonic recommend their gloves for casual and professional use alike, in a whole host of biking activities, from off-roading to spin class. They’re available in a range of sizes, for men, women, and kids, and a few different colors, too. Users say that these budget-friendly gloves offer a comfortable grip, and help to prevent the hand numbness which long distance rides can bring on.
- Fingerless biking gloves suitable for men, women, and kids
- Strategically padded with shock-proof foam to absorb impact
- Made from breathable synthetic fabric
- Comfortable to wear, even on long rides
- Suitable for professional riding, casual riding, and everything in between
- Available in a range of colors
- Help to prevent hand numbness on long distance rides
- Brand GEARONIC TM
- Weight 3.2 ounces
Zooki have also earned a spot on our list, with their cushioned fingerless bike gloves. Their surface is made from a combination of mesh lycra and terry cloth, offering a breathable but elastic finish. The fabric pairing makes for a great fit, which prevents sweaty, slippery hands on a hot day. An absorbent surface on the back of the thumb is great for wiping your face, too.
On the palms, clever gel padding works to absorb any shocks, as well as improving your grip on the handlebars. This cushioning also helps protect against chafing, numbness, and fatigue. The gloves are easy to get in and out of, too, thanks to a pair of fabric loops positioned at the finger holes. Simply grip these loops with your other hand, and pull the glove away. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, these protective gloves are the ideal choice when it comes to shielding your hands from the dangers of biking.
- Fingerless, unisex bike gloves
- Made from a combination of lycra and terry cloth
- Breathable yet absorbent
- Gel padding on the palms protects your hands from bumps and scrapes
- Padding placement makes for an excellent grip
- Two fabric loops make the gloves easy to remove, even after a long, sweaty ride
- Available in a number of colors and sizes
- Brand ZOOKKI
- Weight 3.0 ounces
The next bike gloves to earn themselves a spot on our list are by INBIKE. These fingerless gloves, made from a combination of flexible lycra and knitted mesh fabric, functional, and comfortable. The fabric is breathable, helping you to keep cool on hotter days, while its elasticity make for a great fit no matter what your size.
Extra padding on the palms of the gloves allow you to grip your handle bars safely and effectively. These strategically placed pads also act as shock absorbers, helping to protect your hands on rough terrain or jumps. Wearing these padded gloves helps to prevent fatigue, too, helping you to keep going during long distance rides. The back of each glove features terry cloth sections too, perfect for wiping sweat away on the go. Finally, the low profile of the fastening mechanism on the gloves ensures that wearing them won’t interfere with sleeves and other clothing. INBIKE recommend their gloves for spring, summer, and fall. They’re available in red or blue, in a variety of sizes.
- Fingerless bike gloves available in a variety of sizes and 2 colors
- Suitable for use in spring, summer, and fall
- Constructed from lycra and terry cloth
- Breathable fabric helps to keep your hands cool
- Palm-side padding works to absorb shocks and reduce hand fatigue
- Terry cloth backing is ideal for wiping your face on the move
- Brand INBIKE
- Weight 2.7 ounces
If you’re looking for something a little more tailored, check out these women’s riding gloves by fox. Made from a unique blend of polymer fabrics, the gloves are moisture-wicking, lightweight, and comfortable. Because of their cozy, full-fingered design, they may well be the best winter cycling gloves around.
Each pair features an absorbent micro-suede patch on the thumb, perfect for wiping eyes, brows, and noses on the go. They also feature silicone grip fingertips, allowing you to grip the handlebars with ease, and a low profile closure tab, preventing the glove from becoming bulky and interfering with other items of clothing, Users say the gloves a comfortable fit, and perfect for cold weather. Their durable but soft fabric will protect your hands against chafing, cuts, scrapes, and of course the elements.
- Full fingered cycling gloves for women
- Made from a soft but durable polymer blend
- Ideal for winter and cold weather
- Absorbent micro-suede patch on the thumb is ideal for wiping eyes and brow on the go
- Silicone grips on the fingertips make it easy to hold onto handlebars
- Flexible fabric is comfortable to wear for long periods
- Brand Fox
- Model Ripley
- Weight 1.92 ounces
BOODUN have also impressed us on the glove front, with their padded, fingerless bike mitts. The gloves’ polyester and nylon blend is long-lasting yet soft, helping the gloves to fit snugly on every ride. The upper fabric layer is enriched with lycra, for the flexibility you need to ride smoothly.
Meanwhile, shock-absorbing pads mounted on the palms make for a comfortable ride, even during jumps, or on rough terrain. These pads also help to reduce hand fatigue on long rides, and prevent the numbing and chafing which can occur following long periods of gripping handle bars. The thumb of each glove is fitted with a patch of towel cloth, too, helping you to easily wipe away sweat on the move. BOODUN’s design is available in a variety of sizes, and 11 attractive colors, so it’s easy to find a pair that work for you.
- Padded, fingerless bike gloves
- Made from a polymer fabric blend that’s soft but durable
- Lycra-enriched top panel has great elasticity for a snug fit
- Gel pads on the palms help to absorb shocks from rough surfaces or jumps
- Towel cloth patch on each thumb is perfect for wiping away sweat
- Available in a variety of sizes and colors
- Brand BOODUN
- Model B-001
- Weight 3.2 ounces
The next pair of bike gloves to earn a spot on our list are by LIONFIRE. Their breathable, multi-functional gloves are ideal for off-road cycling, mountain biking, BMX, spin class, and more. The durable but comfortable fabric makes them easy to wear for long periods, while its breathability helps you to stay warm in winter, and cool in summer.
Thanks to their cleverly designed fingertips, you don’t need to remove the gloves in order to use touch screens. This makes using your smartphone safer and easier when you’re out and about, which is ideal, since you’ll probably want to access the camera on those scenic bike rides. On the palms of these gloves, durable gel pouches provide powerful anti-slip and shock-absorbing properties. This helps you to maintain your grip on the handlebars, while protecting your hands against bumps and fatigue. Each pair of FIRELION gloves includes a 30 day money back guarantee, and a full year’s replacement warranty. They’re available in black, red, or neon green, and a variety of sizes.
- Bike gloves available in a selection of colors and sizes
- Made from breathable fabric for a stable temperature
- Flexible fabric makes for a snug fit
- Touch-screen compatible for easy smartphone access on the go
- Gel pads on the palms protect against chafing, slippage, fatigue, and shocks
- 30 day money back guarantee and 1 year warranty included with each pair
- Brand FIRELION
- Weight 2.7 ounces
These reliable gloves by HTZPLOO have also earned a spot on our list. The fingerless gloves are perfect for cycling in spring, summer, and fall, providing your hands with the protection they need for a safe and comfortable ride. Made from a soft yet tough polyester and nylon blend, the gloves significantly improve your grip, while reducing hand fatigue and road vibration.
Their palms are equipped with an anti-slip silicone gel, improving your control, and protecting your hands and wrists from jolts and bumps. Their lightweight design makes them extremely comfortable to wear, even on long distance rides. Thanks to a low-profile velcro fastening, the gloves can be made to fit almost anyone snugly, without getting caught in sleeves or other clothing. A set of fabric loops extending from the fingers of each glove also make them incredibly easy to pull off. They’re available in 8 different colors, and multiple sizes, to fit any need.
- Fingerless cycling gloves, available in a variety of colors and sizes
- Polymer fabric blend is tough but soft
- Prevent chafing and scrapes
- Significantly improve your grip on the handlebars
- Gel pads in the palms absorb any shocks, and reduce road vibration
- Fabric loops in the fingers provide a convenient anchor point for removal
- Adjustable velcro fastening makes for a snug fit
- Brand HTZPLOO
- Weight 2.9 ounces
Last, but not least, is Seibertron, with their cozy unisex bike gloves. Their unique rubber inserts, located on the fingers and knuckles, not only look cool, but also provide excellent handlebar grip, improving your control over the bike. In a scrape, this rubber also equips your hands with a great layer of protection that helps to reduce cuts and bruises.
With their lycra finger gusset and light padding, these gloves are as comfortable to wear as they are safe. This padded interior helps to keep the cold at bay, even in the depths of winter, as well as absorbing the shocks you might encounter on a rough surface, keeping hand fatigue and wrist injuries at bay. With a variety of sizes available for both adults and kids, these gloves are the perfect way for any cycling enthusiast to protect their hands when they hit the trails.
- Unisex bike gloves with full finger enclosure
- Available in a variety of sizes for both adults and kids
- Rubber inserts protect against cuts and bruises
- Lycra finger gusset and light padding make for superior comfort
- Protect hands against the cold and wind
- Padding helps to absorb vibrations and reduce hand fatigue
- Brand Seibertron
- Model Dirtpaw
- Weight 3.2 ounces
Best Mountain Bike Gloves Buying Guide
These gloves are the best of the bunch when it comes to keeping your hands safe and comfortable as you cycle. Whatever your taste, hand size, or local climate, we’re confident there’s something on out list to meet your needs.
To help you work out which gloves are best for you, and get the most out of whichever pair you choose, we’ve compiled this guide. Below we discuss what to look out for in a pair of mountain bike gloves, how to care for them, and what benefits wearing them can have.
Things to Consider When Buying Mountain Bike Gloves
When it’s time to choose a pair of mountain bike gloves, these factors should be borne in mind:
- Size and Fit
Even the best pair of mountain bike gloves won’t give you much protection if they don’t properly fit. Before you make your final decision, measure your hand and wrist using the manufacturer’s specification. You can use these measurements to work out which size will fit you best.
- Level of Protection
Another factor to bear in mind when purchasing a pair of mountain bike gloves is the type of protection you require. If you plan on riding over rough terrain on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to invest in a pair with foam or silicone pads on their palms. These pads act as shock absorbers, protecting your hands and wrists against bumps and vibrations.
- Comfort
Comfort is another important consideration when choosing a pair of mountain bike gloves. Look out for soft, breathable fabric, padding, and a snug fit. Uncomfortable bike gloves can be surprisingly distracting, so comfort is a real issue to bear in mind.
- Climate
The climate in which you’ll be cycling should also inform your decision. If you tend to hit the trails in the summer, or a warmer overall climate, choosing a pair of lightweight fingerless gloves is your best bet. On the other hand, if you live in a cold spot, or frequently cycle in fall and winter, choosing a full fingered pair with a layer of padding will help to keep the elements at bay.
- Style
Style is another factor to consider when choosing a pair of mountain bike gloves. If you like the way your gloves look, you’re far more likely to wear them, and benefit from the safety and comfort they can add to your ride. As our list has demonstrated, cycling gloves can be had in all sorts of colors and designs. Whether you prefer simple blacks or loud colors, you’re sure to find something to suit.
Why You Should Use MTB Gloves
Wearing a good pair of mountain bike gloves when you hit the trails has a whole host of benefits, which can be broken down into three main categories:
- Protection
The main reason why cyclists wear gloves is protection. The pressure, vibration, and friction emitted from handlebars is uncomfortable to experience, and can lead to blisters and calluses. During longer rides, numbness or tingling can also occur.
Gloves provide a cushioning layer that helps prevent these symptoms by eliminating chafing and absorbing shocks and bumps.
Mountain bike gloves also protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, and bruising should you fall off during a ride.
- Grip
On a long ride, fatigue and sweat can make it difficult for cyclists to grip the handlebars properly, leading to reduced levels of control. Gloves can fix this issue, by wicking away sweat, and providing a grippy surface with which to hold the handlebars.
- Comfort
As mentioned earlier, a comfortable ride is a safe ride. Sweaty, hot, or chafed hands can distract you from the road or trail ahead, while comfortable hands allow you to focus on your journey. Soft, breathable, moisture-wicking gloves help to keep your hands comfortable when you ride, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Types of Mountain Bike Gloves
When selecting a pair of mountain bike gloves, you’ll have two main styles to choose from, each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks:
- Fingerless
As the name suggests, fingerless mountain bike gloves don’t cover the entire hand. Instead, your fingers and thumb are left exposed from the knuckle onwards. The design is ideal for warm weather, since it offers plenty of protection, but leaves room for your skin to breathe. This type of glove is also more likely to feature prominent padding on its palm, which is great if you regularly use rougher paths and trails. However, this type of glove does not protect your entire hand, and you may find your fingers are chilly should you wear them in the winter.
- Fully Enclosed
Fully enclosed mountain bike gloves look more like regular gloves. The entire hand, right up to the fingertip, is covered. This type of cycling glove is the best choice for cooler climes, since not one part of your hand is exposed to the elements. Their full cover can also make for a better grip, depending on how you hold the handlebars, since their grippy fabric covers your entire finger rather than just the top. These gloves are less well suited to warmer climates, where good ventilation is necessary. They also tend to feature less padding than their fingerless counterparts.
Best Mountain Bike Gloves FAQ:
Gloves from different manufacturers will require different care – if in doubt check the label. In general, mountain bike gloves should be hand washed in warm, not hot water, and air dried. Avoiding extreme heat helps to retain their shape.
To measure yourself for a pair of mountain bike gloves, you’ll need a tape measure, and possibly some help, depending on how dextrous your non-dominant hand is. Measure your dominant hand, wrapping the tape measure around your palm below your knuckles, excluding the thumb. Use this measurement to work out which size is best for you. Some manufacturers use numerical sizes, while others opt for inch measurements, or a simple S/M/L.
Our Top Pick
In our opinion, the best mountain bike gloves around right now have to be Giro’s DND design. The gloves are comfortable, versatile, and provide a great layer of protection for those all-important appendages, your hands.
Made from synthetic leather, the gloves are breathable and moisture-wicking, making them a great option no matter the time of year. A highly absorbent microfiber patch on the back of each glove, is the perfect solution for wiping away beads of sweat on the move, while reinforced fingertips and knuckles keep hands safe from cuts and scrapes. Each glove’s three panel design is engineered to offer the snug fit that cyclists need, while a simple fastening mechanism makes them easy to put on and remove. With 17 colors and seven sizes to choose from, these affordable gloves are a great all-rounder for any mountain bike enthusiast.
Sources:
- Tips for Cleaning Bike Gloves for Another Year – Have Fun Biking
- Mountain Bike Performance Accessories – HowStuffWorks