Cycling gloves, often called track mitts, have been a staple for cyclists for decades. Their primary purpose is to protect hands and enhance comfort while riding. This simple piece of cycling gear, the short-fingered glove, has remained remarkably consistent in design over the years, proving its enduring functionality.
Our hands are constantly engaged when cycling. From gripping the handlebars and operating gears and brakes to essential actions like wiping sweat, drinking, performing bike repairs, and applying force during sprints or climbs, our hands are vital. Bike riding gloves offer crucial protection, especially in crashes, and improve grip and comfort. While winter cycling gloves are essential for warmth in cold weather, summer gloves are equally important for comfort and performance.
If you’re specifically seeking winter handwear, our comprehensive guide to the best winter cycling gloves is available.
With over fifteen years of cycling and racing experience, I’ve gained extensive knowledge about cycling gloves – understanding what works, personal preferences, and common pitfalls. Each glove featured in this guide has been personally tested through extensive indoor and outdoor rides, and subjected to regular washing to assess durability and performance under various conditions.
Our top recommendation is the Rapha Core Mitts, recognized for their exceptional comfort and functional, straightforward design. Their fit is impeccable, and they are a pleasure to wear. For riders preferring long-fingered gloves in warmer conditions, the Galibier Zephyr gloves are currently my top choice. This guide aims to present a range of options to suit diverse rider needs, from ultra-thin gloves to padded and long-fingered styles for gravel and off-road cycling.
For those still seeking clarity on the Best Bike Riding Gloves for their needs, comprehensive buying advice is provided at the end of this article to help guide your decision-making process and deepen your understanding.
Top Cycling Gloves for Optimal Hand Protection and Comfort
1. Rapha Core Mitts
Rapha Core Mitts
Best Overall Bike Riding Gloves
Pros: Exceptionally comfortable design, Classic and understated style
Cons: Lacks dedicated thumb wipe panel
The Rapha Core Mitts stand out by offering premium quality at a more accessible price point compared to the Rapha Pro Team mitts. Available in classic black and navy, each glove is subtly branded with a white Rapha logo.
Constructed with a perforated mesh back, these gloves ensure excellent ventilation and comfort, keeping your hands cool and dry. The palm features a synthetic suede with light padding, providing a secure grip and enhanced comfort. The compressive fit is snug yet comfortable, a balance not always achieved in cycling gloves. These are truly a top pick for overall performance and comfort.
2. Galibier Specialissima Mitts
Galibier cycling glovesGalibier Specialissima Light Cycling Mitts for budget-conscious cyclists
Best Budget-Friendly Bike Riding Gloves
Pros: Highly competitive price, Extremely lightweight
Cons: No thumb wipe panel, White color may require more maintenance to keep clean
Galibier, an Irish brand, is known for producing high-quality cycling apparel at excellent value. The Specialissima gloves are a prime example, delivering performance without breaking the bank. These gloves are incredibly lightweight and comfortable, weighing only 18g per pair in size Medium. Despite their lightness, they offer effective padding in key palm areas, and the clean white uppers are exceptionally comfortable.
The result is a stylish, lightweight, and supremely comfortable pair of summer cycling gloves, ideal for racing or events. Just be mindful of keeping them clean due to their white color.
3. GripGrab Aero TT Raceday Gloves
Velotoze Featherlight
Best Aero Bike Riding Gloves
Pros: Well-padded palms, Convenient pull tab
Cons: Aerodynamic benefits may vary based on rider position
Aero gloves are increasingly popular among racers seeking every possible advantage. These gloves typically feature an extended cuff for a closer fit and are designed to minimize air resistance.
The GripGrab TT Raceday gloves are engineered precisely for this purpose, featuring a silicone gripper to secure the extended aero cuff. Comfort is not sacrificed for aerodynamics; these gloves include ample palm padding and a practical pull tab for easy removal.
Wind tunnel testing has been conducted on these gloves to quantify their aerodynamic benefits, details of which are available further down in this guide.
4. MAAP Pro Race Mitts
MAAP Pro Race mitts
Best Bike Riding Gloves for Style
Pros: Unique palm gripper design, Stylish aesthetics
Cons: Higher price point
The MAAP Pro Race Mitts are a premium, highly breathable option from the Australian brand MAAP. Featuring a mesh back and perforated palm, these gloves are ideally suited for cycling in hot weather or during intense indoor training sessions. They effectively manage moisture, even when soaked with sweat during indoor Zwift rides.
A standout feature is the Elastic Interface palm, which uses tiny, soft Velcro-like hooks to enhance grip—a unique feature not commonly found in other gloves.
Available in eight different colors, the MAAP Pro Race Mitts offer style and performance, though they are positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum for cycling mitts.
5. Endura Xtract Mitts
Endura XTRACT cycling gloves
Best Multi-Discipline Bike Riding Gloves
Pros: Excellent value for included features, Terry cloth thumb wipe panel, Generous gel palm padding
Cons: Velcro wrist strap might not be preferred by all
The Xtract mitts from Endura, a Scottish brand, are well-rounded, quality gloves packed with useful features at a competitive price.
Offered in four vibrant colors, these gloves are notable for including a Velcro wrist closure, a less common but highly functional feature for easy on-and-off.
They also feature a substantial Terry cloth nose wipe on the thumb, and gel palm padding with a silicone grip overlay. For cyclists seeking durable, feature-rich gloves without a high cost, the Endura Xtract Mitts are an excellent choice.
6. Velotoze Featherweight Gloves
Velotoze FeatherlightVelotoze Featherweight super thin cycling gloves
Best Lightweight Bike Riding Gloves
Pros: Superlight, minimalist design, Tacky rubber palm gripper
Cons: Lack pull tabs for easy removal
The Velotoze Featherweight gloves are a recent addition to our recommended list. If you prioritize an ultra-light, minimalist feel, these gloves are ideal.
Constructed with incredibly light materials and a fine mesh palm, they feature a silicone honeycomb pattern for surprisingly effective grip. They are designed to feel light and unrestrictive, offering less compression compared to more structured gloves like the Endura XTRACT mitts.
For cyclists who prefer a minimal glove feel for enhanced bar feedback, or for riding in hot conditions or indoor training, the Featherweights are a top contender.
7. Le Col Cycling Mitts
Le Col cycling gloves
Best Bike Riding Gloves with Longer Cuff
Pros: Understated, classic styling, Reflective strip for visibility
Cons: No thumb wipe panel
Le Col’s simply named ‘cycling mitts’ are designed as a versatile, padded all-rounder. Made in Italy, these gloves are available in three colors and feature lightweight, perforated palm padding and a reflective stripe for added safety in low light conditions. The cuff is slightly longer than gloves like the Rapha Core Mitts, which is beneficial for those who prefer no gap between their sleeves and gloves.
Finger tabs aid in glove removal, and the Lycra backing is both stretchy and lightweight. They have a snug fit, particularly around the fingers, so consider sizing up if you are between sizes or have larger fingers.
8. Nalini Summer Mitts
Pearl Izumi airNalini Summer Mitts with extra palm padding
Best Padded Bike Riding Gloves
Pros: Soft, well-fitting mesh top, Highly padded palm
Cons: No thumb wipe panel
Nalini, an Italian manufacturer with a long history of producing cycling apparel for various brands and pro teams, brings its expertise to these summer gloves.
Made in Italy, the Nalini Summer Mitts combine a comfortable, ultra-light mesh back with a durable, padded palm. Perforations on the finger undersides enhance ventilation, and strategically placed palm pads with silicone gripper dots improve grip.
Their vibrant, eye-catching design sets them apart from many darker cycling gloves, adding a splash of color to your cycling gear.
9. Pearl Izumi Pro Air Mitts
Pearl Izumi airPearl Izumi Pro Air Mitts for optimal handlebar feel
Best Bike Riding Gloves for Handlebar Feel
Pros: Thin palm for excellent grip and bar feel, Soft thumb wipe panel
Cons: Wrist area may fit slightly loose
The Pearl Izumi Pro Air gloves feature a unique design with a thin, perforated synthetic leather palm and no additional padding. This construction maximizes handlebar feel and grip.
The glove’s outer section is made from fast-drying, thin mesh, and includes a soft thumb wipe panel. The combination of a retro-style synthetic leather palm and mesh outer gives these gloves a distinctive and smart look.
Positioned between minimalist and heavily padded gloves, the Pro Air Mitts are ideal for cyclists who prefer a direct feel of the handlebars.
10. Specialized Body Geometry Dual Gel Gloves
Specialized BG gloves
Best Bike Riding Gloves for Off-Road Cycling
Pros: Touchscreen compatible, Substantial palm padding, Large nose wipe panel
Cons: Padding might be excessive for some road cyclists
The Specialized BG Dual Gel gloves are an excellent value option, particularly well-suited for gravel and mountain biking, but also effective for road cycling in warmer conditions. They are also priced competitively compared to other gloves in this guide.
Features include a Velcro closure, a large nose wipe panel, touchscreen compatibility, and generous palm padding. While the padding may seem substantial initially, it proves to be effective and non-intrusive during rides. These gloves are a solid choice for versatile cycling disciplines.
11. Assos RS LF Targa Gloves
Assos RS LF Targa
Best Long-Fingered Spring/Summer Bike Riding Gloves
Pros: Thin backing for ventilation, Touchscreen finger compatibility, Nose wipe panel on thumb
Cons: No pull tabs for removal
The Assos RS LF Targa gloves are a lightweight, long-fingered option perfect for cooler weather or for riders who prefer full finger coverage.
The thin mesh back ensures good ventilation to prevent overheating, and the wrist cuff is designed to be short enough to maintain coolness and freedom of movement. They include a nose wipe panel and touchscreen compatible fingertip. These gloves are well-suited for spring, autumn, summer, light off-road riding, and even running.
12. Galibier Zephyr All Surface Gloves
Galibier glovesGalibier Zephyr all surface gravel cycling gloves
Best Bike Riding Gloves for Gravel Style
Pros: Touchscreen compatible, Easy to put on and take off
Cons: No nose wipe panel
The Galibier Zephyr ‘All Surface’ gloves are versatile enough for various cycling disciplines, but particularly excel in gravel and mountain biking.
Extensively tested on gravel rides, these gloves feature a soft, comfortable woven material and are notably easy to remove and put back on, which is convenient for temperature changes or phone use.
The styling and unique bottle green color align well with gravel and adventure riding aesthetics, and they have received positive feedback from other riders. Priced under £35, they also offer exceptional value.
Choosing the Right Bike Riding Gloves for Your Needs
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Gloves might not be the most critical piece of cycling equipment, but finding a pair you like is essential for comfort and performance. Comfort and proper fit are paramount; ill-fitting gloves can compromise bike control. Ideally, try gloves on before purchasing to ensure the right fit. If you’re new to cycling gloves, start with a pair within your budget in a style and color you find appealing and experience the benefits firsthand.
Do You Really Need Gloves for Road Cycling?
While not strictly necessary, many road cyclists opt for gloves to protect their hands, especially if you are new to cycling.
Most professional cyclists wear gloves due to the extensive hours they spend cycling daily, which can strain hands over time. Gloves also provide a layer of protection to the palms in case of accidents.
For amateur cyclists who spend less time on the bike, gloves might seem less critical. However, for long rides or summer cycling when hands get sweaty, gloves can significantly enhance comfort. Experiment to see what works best for you. Some cyclists prefer riding without gloves, which is also a valid preference.
In competitive cycling, particularly track racing and some road or circuit races, especially for younger riders, race officials may mandate glove use for safety. Therefore, keeping a pair of gloves in your cycling kit is always a good idea.
Are Aero Gloves Actually Faster?
Aero gloves have been available for quite some time, promising aerodynamic advantages. During recent wind tunnel tests, we evaluated the GripGrab TT aero gloves to assess their effectiveness and enhance our testing data for this guide.
Our wind tunnel results indicated that, in a standard upright riding position with hands on the shifters, aero gloves were marginally slower for the tester in that specific position. The actual aerodynamic benefit of aero gloves depends significantly on individual riding position, glove fit, and how they interact with airflow around the wrists.
Interestingly, some research suggests that bare skin can be aerodynamically efficient. For example, it is rumored that cyclist Remco Evenepoel’s bare arms are faster than wearing a long-sleeved skinsuit, highlighting the variability of aerodynamic performance from rider to rider.
Regardless of marginal aero gains, gloves offer valuable hand protection and can improve grip and security, particularly on time trial handlebars.
The Utility of a Nose Wipe Panel on Gloves
A nose wipe panel on cycling gloves can be incredibly practical, especially for managing nasal discharge during rides. It’s a convenient and more hygienic solution. While many newer lightweight glove designs omit this feature, it remains a highly useful element to consider.
Why Choose Fingerless Gloves for Cycling?
In summer road cycling, full-fingered gloves can often be too warm. Short-fingered gloves, or mitts, provide adequate protection while keeping hands cooler and maintaining good dexterity. They strike a balance between protection and ventilation, making them ideal for warmer conditions.
Will Bike Riding Gloves Make a Real Difference?
Yes, in many scenarios, cycling gloves will make a noticeable difference. Especially if you are prone to hand soreness or chafing after long rides, gloves can alleviate discomfort. Some cyclists also experience nerve issues in their hands from repetitive cycling, and gloves can help mitigate potential strain-related injuries.
Gloves are particularly beneficial when riding on rough or uneven surfaces, which transmit significant vibrations through the handlebars. They add a crucial layer of cushioning and grip.
Anyone who has experienced road rash on their palms from a cycling crash will undoubtedly appreciate the protective benefit of wearing gloves.
Our Cycling Glove Testing Methodology
Each pair of gloves in this guide has undergone extensive testing. I’ve worn them for numerous hours of riding, including indoor sessions on a smart trainer to assess performance when saturated with sweat. They have been tested on cool spring mornings and warm summer days, on both short and long rides. Gloves were evaluated during intense, out-of-the-saddle efforts and more relaxed rides to thoroughly assess their performance across various cycling conditions.
