As all cyclists know, the extremities get cold first in winter. You won’t be able to enjoy your ride if your hands are too hard, regardless of your body temperature. Getting the best winter cycling gloves will make a difference if you want to keep your fingers functioning in the colder months.
Finding the right balance between warmth, weather resistance, and breathability can be challenging when cycling in cold weather. You must choose the best winter cycling gloves that combine insulation, windproofing, and skill since your hands will bear the brunt of cold wind, rain, snow, and whatever else your winter cycling adventures may bring.
During the winter months, you can buy the best winter cycling gloves. Several retailers overstock for Christmas and once the holidays are over. They want to clean out their shelves for the Spring season.
You can choose from a variety of winter gloves. Each one has its distinct characteristics. There will always be those who favor one feature over another or weather conditions. The guide has been divided into sections to make it easier to browse.
10 Best Winter Cycling Gloves
Design
Product
Features
Price
Ozero Touch Screen Water Resistant Anti Slip Cycling Winter Gloves for Men and Women
1. Ozero Touch Screen Water Resistant Anti Slip Cycling Winter Gloves for Men and Women
The OZERO winter thermal gloves protect against the elements with a softshell main body and an Amara suede palm. They are not as robust as the Castelli Perfetto RoS gloves in keeping out the details and are not a complete barrier in heavy rain. Still, they keep you dry in the worst of weather, and the Altura Dry Technology fabric is true to its word in that it is quick-wicking.
The gloves we tested kept hands warm and mostly dry throughout the harsh winter months, especially when worn with a glove liner to extend the temperature range and prove their durability.
This glove gave us a great hold on the bars due to its low bulk, but it did get a little sweaty once up to full gas riding temperature.
The finger-touch screen compatibility worked very well to unlock a smartphone or for essential computer functions. The oversized unisex cut of these cycling gloves does not suit anyone with small hands who needs more finger dexterity, such as typing.
The reflective nature of these gloves makes them stand out in traffic, especially when signaling at intersections. Still, it is a minor issue, as other than that, these are a great choice of bike gloves, especially for city night riders.
Winter cycling gloves such as the OZERO Winter Thermal Gloves provide excellent value for money but be careful with sizing.
Key Specification
The OZERO touchscreen gloves feature excellent wind-proof and water-resistant features that meet the needs of cyclists. Cycling can be more enjoyable when you wear these gloves.
2. Supacaz Full Finger Cycling Gloves for Winter
Although these Supacaz SupaG Full Finger Cycling Gloves aren’t quite as warm as those made for deep winter, they were friendly to around zero even with a cold hands sufferer tester.
Despite missing the touch screen capability, the classy-looking Supacaz SupaG Full Finger Cycling Glovesget the balance just right between low bulk, warmth, lightweight, and dexterity.
Tall cuffs prevented cold glove to jersey gaps – perfect for long-arm riders who suffer from this problem at full stretch. In addition to being the best winter cycling glove pair for keeping out wet stuff, they do not contain synthetic suede, which we have found can be a weak spot in gloves, though be aware that Windstopper fabric will eventually wet out in heavy rain.
It is impressive how stretchy the Windstopper X-Free 300 fabric is and how well it works in keeping out the wind. Santini reversed the material on the thumb to create a thumb wipe, a feature not available on more expensive winter gloves such as the Rapha Pro Team Winter Gloves and Assos Assosoires Winter Gloves. Although it is useful when the inevitable nose drip occurs on a cold ride, it is somewhat of a sacrifice for the thumb’s warmth.
Despite the iciest days, you’ll stay warm even in this pair of winter cycling gloves.
Key Specification
All weather and terrain conditions are no match for a SupaG glove. A seamless fingertip and Clarino palm make the SupaG a perfect glove. Designed with SiliGrip technology, the SupaG Long maximizes control.
3. The Stealth Ultra Thin Leather Glove by Tough Gloves
Despite double the price, The Stealth Ultra-Thin Leather Glove TD303performs like some best winter cycling gloves. Our experience wearing these was comfortable, warm, and breathable. It’s made entirely of Windtex Membrane Thermal fabric from the high cuff to the fingers. Because this fabric is stretchy and has high elasticity, it fits snugly against the skin without being so tight that it’s difficult to remove.
A fleece liner makes these gloves extremely warm and is windproof and water-resistant. While the padding might seem excessive to some, riders who struggle with numb hands – either from cold or pressure on a handlebar – will appreciate this feature.
The design would resemble the higher end and cost double the price of Castelli Perfetto RoS gloves without these features. Winter cycling gloves are good value for money, but it is often necessary to order direct from stealth.
Key Specification
Tough Gloves are lightweight, tactile, and flexible for maximum dexterity and precision performance. It is the thinnest glove on the market, suitable for writing, searching, and handling firearms.
4. Giro Bravo Gel Men’s Road Cycling Gloves
There can’t be many cyclists who don’t own a Giro product. It appears that this brand has mastered the art of nailing a design and simply repeating it repeatedly. It has been a mainstay forever and is a classic lightweight Giro Duragloves ET that has been perfect for fall/autumn and early spring and has been a mainstay for years. However, this version gains a technical upgrade with the E-Touch function.
Using your touchscreen device without removing your gloves is no longer an issue. It isn’t the most slimline pair, but they’re not bulky, and they’ve been used under deep winter gloves like the Giro 100 Proof winter gloves for total insulation and to keep a layer on when removing them to use a touchscreen.
You can wear them as the best winter cycling gloves for adding a pop of color to your ride, as they come in five distinct styles.
Key Specification
Super Fit Engineering ensures maximum comfort and performance. By carefully tailoring the palm, fingers, and padding zones, SFE reduces bunching and discomfort. There are six sizes per model for riders to choose from.
5. Giro Xnetic Adult Unisex Winter Mountain Cycling Gloves
According to the company, Giro gloves are waterproof. Nevertheless, they are more than just a safety net when it threatens to rain. Whether heading out for a long road ride or heading to the shops on your bike, these gloves work well for excellent conditions. They’re light and minimal, so they’re perfect for ideal conditions. Because they weigh just 62 grams each, they can easily be stored.
The low weight of the Xnetic allows you to barely notice that you’re wearing them once you put them on. In addition, this can also be attributed to the glove’s high degree of stretch, which is evident in the glove’s ability to adapt to the shape of your hand. Additionally, it creates a good wrist seal, preventing unwanted drafts from entering your clothes.
The Xnetic gloves offer superior breathability over traditional neoprene gloves. Our hands never sweated much when we tested them. Unlike many gloves with this degree of moisture management, the glove kept our hands warm when temperatures dropped into the single digits celsius and kept them dry through persistent showers and heavy downpours.
We are dealing with some well-disguised technology here. It is a simple-looking glove that any minimalist would appreciate. Three layers of fabric, including an outer layer, a waterproof membrane, and a hypoallergenic lining, are blended into a knit glove-like fabric. The gloves provide exceptional performance.
Key Specification
Flexible waterproof gloves with breathable fibers, the Xnetic H20 provides waterproof performance. A durable nylon outer shell and hypoallergenic liner combine with a RainGuard membrane to allow this jacket to be worn in temperatures as low as 40°F.
6. Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Gloves With Fusion Control
The SealSkinz Waterproof Cold Weather Gloves have Fusion Control technology, making them waterproof and windproof. A water-repellent membrane surrounds an inner layer of merino wool; an outer layer of goatskin and a softshell is made of durable goatskin.
We found that these provided excellent protection in the saddle on cold, wet days and that very little water could penetrate. In addition to the superb fit and secureness of the gloves, we also noticed that they were very windproof.
We found these gloves to be great at keeping our hands warm during colder temperatures, 39 – 50 degrees Fahrenheit/4 – 10 degrees Celsius. With a temperature range of 39 – 50 degrees, these gloves will keep your hands warm while holding the handlebars or using the brakes, a big bonus for anyone who struggles with grip in the cold or has slippery sensations in the rain.
Triple layers are pretty bulky, so if you’re a rider who frequently changes gears and adjusts your bike while on the road, you may find them too encumbering. It is also worth mentioning that you cannot just throw them straight into the washing machine since they cannot be washed flat. Natural fabrics should theoretically not build up synthetic materials’ odors, but they might not be the right pair of shoes for an off-road adventure in mud.
Key Specification
Fusion Control technology makes SealSkinz Waterproof Cold Weather Gloves waterproof and windproof. A water-repellent membrane surrounds merino wool inner layer, goatskin outer layer, and durable goatskin softshell.
7. Gore Wear C3 Gtx I Stretch Mid Gloves
Since Gore makes the gold standard in weather protection fabrics, no roundup of the best winter cycling gloves would be complete without its inclusion. With two different variations of this material, the Gore C3 Gore-Tex Infinium glove offers protection without adding bulk to the hand.
The Gore-Tex Infinium fabric replaces Gore’s Windstopper range of materials with a weatherproof, breathable alternative. Even the king of wind-blocking gloves, Assos Assosoires Winter Gloves, couldn’t compete with the Gore C3 Gore-Tex Infinium glove’s windproof performance.
Gel pads near the heel of the hand make these cycling gloves one of the best winter cycling gloves to balance a secure grip with hand protection. Their special Ulnar nerve protection makes these winter cycling gloves one of the best.
In addition to standard screen navigation, adding silicon to the thumb and index fingers can also aid gear and brake control in the rain. We had only one complaint about the fit, finding it too tight across the knuckles, but that is a very subjective issue, and you may love them.
These gloves are included because of their water-resistant properties but can also be considered an all-arounder due to their solid construction. The gloves are priced at £30, making them a pretty good deal. A durable outer layer that blends a comfortable fleece lining with water and wind-resistant lining kept our hands dry and warm in a heavy drizzle and temperatures down to the low single digits. In milder weather, the glove’s lack of bulk made them an excellent choice and illustrated their versatility and ability to be worn in various situations.
It was mainly the short cuffs of these gloves that bothered me since they were not adjustable. It is a solid winter glove for people on a budget.
Key Specification
Without Gore fabrics, a roundup of the best winter cycling gloves would not be complete. This glove offers protection without adding bulk to the hand with two variations of Gore-Tex Infinium.
8. Superior Fleece-Lined With Black Tight Grip Palms Winter Work Gloves
These gloves are ideal for UK conditions because a Danish company makes them. With Superior Winter Work Gloves, you’ll be able to keep warm whenever the weather gets chilly, thanks to their breathable membrane. As you know, balancing the requirement for thermal insulation with the need to maintain talent can be challenging for gloves. Still, these gloves managed the trick admirably, retaining their warmth on even the wettest days due to effective waterproofing.
A silicone grip is used on the palm, the forefinger, and the middle finger; a touch screen tip is on the thumb, and the back of the glove is covered in terry cloth. In the bottom half of the back of the jacket, there is a reflective pattern in the form of dots.
With the Specialized Prime Series Thermal Gloves, the long cuff extends over the wrist and is secured with a Velcro tab. However, the cuff is not quite slim as the Prime Series, so you’ll have to fasten it over the sleeves of your winter jacket.
The GripGrab Ride Waterproof Winter gloves excel in reflective detailing, making them the best winter cycling gloves for wearing during nighttime in any weather, making it easier for other drivers to see you. It would help if you sized up as they run small.
Key Specification
The gloves are made in Denmark and are perfect for British conditions. Superior Winter Work Gloves feature a breathable membrane to keep your hands warm when it gets chilly. The balance between thermal insulation and retaining talent is challenging for gloves.
9. Giro Jag Men’s Road Cycling Gloves
Giro Jag Men’s Road Cycling Gloves stand out thanks to their slim design. This package performed exceptionally well at frigid temperatures, and we were impressed with how well it kept hands warm.
These gloves have minimal padding and are excellent for winter cycling in all weather conditions. You can navigate a touch screen with zero dexterity compromises and unwrap an energy bar mid-ride. We found these gloves to be the perfect fit for winter league cycling and were undoubtedly a performance pair.
Although these gloves have a windproof back, they are water-resistant, not waterproof.
Raindrops bead off the gloves in the rain due to their DWR coating (which we should reapply at some point), but we noticed that the synthetic suede palms absorbed water.
Even though both brands are considered elite, these gloves are perfect for racing if you want to wear them over the winter.
Key Specification
Giro Jag Men’s Road Cycling Gloves are distinguished by their slim design. The package kept our hands warm even in frigid temperatures, and we were impressed with its performance.
10. Castelli Men’s Winter Lightness Cycling Gloves for Cold Weather
At this price and from this brand, the Assos Assosoires Winter Gloves are of high quality and stylish design. Testing showed that these gloves were excellent at blocking wind, and we also noticed that they were hot for such a low-bulk glove.
With their talent, they are great all-rounders, able to do a lot, including zip-up jackets and lock the front door. Since they don’t perform well on the rainiest days, with their microfiber palms leaking water very quickly, 44°F/7°C in the dry mark seems ideal for these excellent winter cycling gloves.
Even though the Santini 365 Origine Long Finger Gloves are a bit shorter than the Santini 365 Origine Long Finger Gloves, they are still long enough to fit under most winter jackets or jersey sleeves without gaping.
Paddling with palm foam and gel may not be to everyone’s taste, but that’s the only downside. You would not enjoy these gloves if you enjoyed the minimalist Rapha Pro Team Winter Gloves.
Key Specification
We’ve updated our Lightness Glove with a better fit, easier on/off, better grip, and better padding. A brushed fleece backing provides just a little heat without overheating. As a result of the new wrist cuff and Castelli Damping System padding, easy entry and exit are possible.
Best Winter Cycling Gloves | Buying Guide
How to Choose the Best Winter Cycling Gloves
Cycling-specific gloves are worth investing in if you spend a lot of time on your bike despite the temptation to wear whatever mittens you find in the drawer before you head out. These shoes will accommodate cyclists’ weather conditions (such as biting winds and driving rain) while offering the grip and dexterity necessary to change gear and brake effectively.
When it comes to keeping hands comfortable in unfavorable weather conditions, warmth (windproofing and insulation), waterproofing, and breathability are three factors to consider.
Decide what you need to prioritize based on the conditions you typically face on your bike. Whether it’s torrential rain or freezing temperatures, you need gloves with a windproof, waterproof construction if you intend to get out in bad weather. However, this may not be a concern if the conditions are much milder.
You’ll prefer a lighter pair of gloves if you’re a fair-weather cyclist who is happy to ride when the temperature drops but not when dark clouds form. They will also offer improved ventilation and reduced bulk (improving your talent).
Choosing gloves that are the right size is also essential: too loose, and you might have trouble feeling through them; too tight, and you might just end up with numb fingertips, which defeats the very purpose of wearing them.
You should consider each pair separately when choosing a pair of winter cycling gloves. The following post features the top selections from the top cycling brands, highly rated and reviewed by cycling enthusiasts for their weather-beating abilities – but everyone has their unique charm, making it better suited to specific cycling conditions.
Warmth
The most important thing to consider when choosing winter cycling gloves is warmth. If you buy a pair of thin gloves that aren’t warm enough, your hands will get cold very quickly in the winter weather. This could lead to frostbite or hypothermia, both of which can be severe conditions that require immediate medical attention. You want to ensure that any pair of winter cycling gloves will keep your hands warm enough even if it gets below freezing outside!
Protection
Another essential feature in a pair of winter cycling gloves is protection against falling ice or snowflakes hitting your hands while cycling. If these sharp objects hit exposed skin on your hand while cycling, it can cause painful sores and cuts that may require medical attention.
Waterproofing
Weather conditions can change suddenly during the winter, so staying dry is key to comfort and safety when cycling. Choose waterproof winter cycling gloves that provide extra protection from rain and snow and a wind chill that can make hands even colder than they already are in freezing temperatures!
Grip
Take note of unique features that provide increased grip when using reins or other equipment, such as bit guards when cycling in winter weather conditions where wetness can be an issue!
FAQs
Do cycling gloves make a difference?
Wearing cycling gloves is evident in winter. The hands-on handlebars are exposed to the wind, and they’re the first thing that hits it when you’re cycling. When you don’t wear gloves in the winter, wind, rain, sleet, and snow can quickly cool your hands to the point where they are numb. The lack of talent and feeling will make controlling your bike more challenging, and dangerous.
Winter cycling gloves should be built to withstand the oncoming winds and rain to keep your hands protected. While some work to keep them dry, others strive to keep them warm so that you can maintain your agility and control.
Which cycling gloves should I buy for winter protection?
In the winter, lobster claw gloves are unlikely to see the light of day, but liners will keep your hands warm on a ride; however, if you live in Iceland, bar mitts are unlikely to keep your hands warm.
There is a chance you can get by with a glove that is only windproof on the Gold Coast in Australia. Likewise, wet weather cycling is given for our UK readers, so a glove with a waterproof membrane will probably leave you happier than one without.
Since your fingers will still be freezing if you overheat your hands and saturate your gloves with sweat, the right combination of insulation and breathability is crucial.
Winter cycling gloves with fingers or mittens?
Since mitts have a smaller surface area surrounding the fingers, and each finger’s heat is shared, they tend to be warmer than gloves. This extra warmth, however, affects dexterity.
You can get three-finger or lobster claw gloves when gloves aren’t enough to keep your hands warm. These gloves offer some dexterity and protection at the same time.
What should the cuff of a winter cycling glove be?
A glove’s cuff is arguably its most overlooked feature, allowing cold air to creep in through the opening. Ideally, a winter cycling glove will have closure for the wrist opening, such as velcro or a drawstring. Look for gloves with extended cuffs that will overlap with your jacket’s sleeves for deep-winter cycling.
Conclusion
The best winter cycling gloves should be warm, comfortable, durable, waterproof, and well-priced. You can search online but do not know which one to get. So we made a special list with the best winter cycling gloves that are affordable and suitable for your needs as a rider.