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May 23, 2022 4 min read

How to Choose the Best Biking Gloves

There's no doubt that biking is a great way to get around, see the sights, and stay healthy. You can bike just about anywhere these days, from city streets to off-road trails. But no matter where you bike, one thing is always important - safety.

With more and more people biking, bike-related injuries are on the rise. According to theCenter for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1000 cyclists die every year. And up to 130,000 sustain bike-related injuries.

When you're out on a bike ride, you want to savor the experience and not worry about getting hurt. That's where biking gloves come in.

Choosing the right biking gloves can help you stay safe and protected in case of a fall. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the perfect gloves for you? Here's everything you need to know about choosing the best biking gloves.

How to Choose the Best Biking Gloves

Why Do I Need Biking Gloves?

Just like cycling cleats, biking gloves have an important functional use. They definitely can be worn as a fashion statement. But, they're also designed to protect your hands from injuries in case of a fall. They help cushion the impact of the fall and prevent your hands from being cut, scraped, or bruised.

When you fall off your bike, your first instinct is to put your hands out to break the fall. And no matter how well you ride, there's always a chance of taking a spill. So, if you're going to be biking - especially in traffic or on rough terrain - it's important to wear gloves that will protect your hands.

In addition to protection, biking gloves also provide comfort and grip. They help absorb vibrations from the road, making for a smoother ride.

Between the handlebars, gear shifts, and brakes, your hands can take a beating on a bike ride. But with gloves, you can reduce the amount of hand fatigue and add extra grip for a more comfortable ride.

How to Choose the Best Biking Gloves

There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best gloves. The type of gloves you need depends on the kind of biking you're doing, the climate, and your personal preferences.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best gloves for your next bike ride:

#1. Type of Biking

The first thing to consider is the type of biking you'll be doing. Are you an avid road cyclist who spends hours pedaling? Or do you enjoy the occasional leisurely ride around the neighborhood?

The type of biking you do will determine the features you need in a glove. Road cyclists, for example, need gloves that are lightweight and breathable. They also need gloves with extra grip to help hold onto the handlebars for long periods.

Mountain bikers, on the other hand, need gloves that are durable and offer more protection. They're more likely to take a spill on the rough terrain, so they need gloves to hold up against scrapes and scratches.

#2. Climate

No one likes biking in the cold, but sometimes you just have to bundle up and brave the elements. If you bike in cold weather, you'll need thicker gloves that offer more insulation. Look for gloves that are made of windproof and waterproof materials.

But, if you bike in warm weather, you'll want lightweight and breathable gloves. Gloves made of mesh or other breathable materials will help keep your hands cool and dry. You might also want to consider fingerless gloves, which offer ventilation while still providing protection and grip.

#3. Material

The material of the glove is also essential. Gloves are typically made from leather, synthetic materials, or a combination of both. Leather gloves are durable and offer good protection, but they can be bulky and may not be as breathable as other materials.

Synthetic materials, however, are often lighter and more breathable. They're a good option for road cyclists and mountain bikers who need gloves that won't make their hands sweaty. Synthetic materials are also often cheaper than leather, so they're a good option if you're on a budget.

#4. Fit

Of course, you'll want to make sure the gloves fit well. Gloves that are too big or too small can be uncomfortable and may not offer the protection or grip you need.

When trying on gloves, make sure you can move your fingers freely. The gloves should feel snug but not tight. And, when you make a fist, the material should stretch slightly.

Most gloves come in small, medium, and large sizes. But, some brands also offer gloves in extra-small or extra-large sizes. You can also find gloves that are specifically designed for women or men.

#5. Other Considerations

In addition to the type of biking, climate, material, and fit, there are a few other things you might want to consider when choosing gloves.

Some gloves come with extra features like touchscreen compatibility or built-in GPS. And, if you bike at night, you might want to look for gloves that have reflective detailing to help make you more visible to drivers.

There's a lot to consider when choosing the best gloves for your next bike ride. But, with a little bit of research, you can find the perfect pair of gloves to keep your hands safe and comfortable on the road or trail.

Other ways to protect yourself when biking include wearing bright or reflective clothing and using safety lights. By taking these simple precautions, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable biking experience for yourself and everyone else on the road.