Top 5 winter cycling gloves tested: These models keep you warm
Which cycling gloves are best for winter? There's hardly anything worse than having to end a nice ride because your fingers are so cold that you can barely grip the handlebars. Unfortunately, our hands are particularly susceptible to cold, damp, and wind in winter. That's precisely why you need the right cycling gloves – and they should be as windproof, waterproof, and comfortable as possible!
We tested 5 models for you, so you can stay warm at all times. But before we put our cycling gloves to a winter test, let's briefly discuss why it's so important to invest in high-quality cycling gloves.
Why are warm cycling gloves worth it in winter?
Besides choosing a perfect winter bike, you should also thoroughly research which gloves are best for your winter rides. Because once your hands are cold, you might as well turn back and ride home. That would be a shame, wouldn't it?
For these reasons, you should invest in high-quality cycling gloves for winter:
- Heat protection: Pretty straightforward. But it's often underestimated how quickly the body temperature drops during rides in the cold. Cold hands are not just uncomfortable; they can also become dangerous if you can’t grip the brake levers properly.
- Wind protection: Windproof cycling gloves for winter keep cold wind at bay, even at high speeds.
- Water resistance: Waterproof winter cycling gloves keep your hands dry – because damp hands get cold faster.
- Grip and padding: A non-slip coating with comfortable padding provides more control and comfort.
- Reflection: Many models can reflect light, ensuring greater visibility in poor lighting conditions.
Now you know the numerous advantages of gloves specifically designed for cycling in winter. They are an essential part of any good road bike and MTB equipment.
But which models are the best? We tested several options.
Cycling gloves for winter: a comparison
We took a closer look at some affordable cycling gloves for winter to make your decision easier. Here are our top 5.
1. GripGrab Ride Winter Cycling Gloves
These gloves are a true classic and have helped our hands survive many winters. They are in the mid-price range and offer many advantages that justify the cost. The touchscreen functionality, however, is not quite as good as that of other models.
Nonetheless, the GripGrab Ride gloves are worth it:
- Waterproof and windproof: Thanks to a 3-layer construction, they reliably withstand rain and wind.
- Silicone-coated palm: Silicone prints on the palm and fingertips improve grip on the handlebars and brake levers.
- Padded palms: The DoctorGel padding absorbs vibrations and prevents your hands from going numb.
- Breathable and insulating: They keep your hands warm while allowing excess heat to escape.
- Long cuff with Velcro: They cover your wrists as well and are easy to put on and take off thanks to the Velcro.
2. Valkental GloRider Ultra – waterproof cycling gloves with 3M insulation
These cycling gloves are available for both the transition period in autumn and for winter. They have a good price-performance ratio, and the fully reflective version ensures you are visible even on dark days.
That's why we think the GloRider from Valkental is awesome:
- Touchscreen compatible: You can use your phone while riding (but always be careful!).
- Padding: The gloves have padding and a special grip coating on the palm for a good and comfortable grip.
- Warm & windproof: They block wind and rain up to a water column of 3,000 mm. The autumn version is also 2-layered and keeps you warm down to 6 °C.
- Maximum visibility: The fully reflective versions provide extra safety.
- Perfect size: You can measure your hand with a tape measure and compare it with an online chart to find the ideal size.
3. Alpensattel Premium Thermo Cycling Gloves 2.0
These thermal cycling gloves for winter are a bit thinner than the other models, but still protect your hands very well from rain, wind, and cold. However, since they are only water-repellent and primarily designed for temperatures down to 0 °C, the Alpensattel gloves are more suitable for less icy rides.
Here are a few advantages:
- Fleece lining: The fleece lining feels very soft and keeps your hands warm.
- Touchscreen function: You can operate your phone with these gloves without having to take them off.
- Rubberized palms: The non-slip palm ensures a secure grip.
- Reflective Alpensattel logo: The reflective logo may not be as prominent as in other models, but it’s ideal if you prefer a more understated design.
4. C5 GORE-TEX Thermo Gloves
Products from Gore-Tex are well-known for withstanding all winds and weather. That’s why these cycling gloves are particularly suitable for extreme cold and longer rides. They are somewhat more expensive than other models, but the investment is definitely worth it.
That's why we think the C5 Gore-Tex Thermo gloves are great:
- Thermal insulation: Your hands stay warm even in extreme cold and on long trips.
- GORETEX product: The material is lightweight, very breathable, and holds up against wind and rain even for extended periods.
- Less sweat: There is a special material on the thumb that quickly absorbs sweat.
- Good cushioning: The palm is padded with foam and reliably absorbs shocks.
5. Roeckl Villach 2 Cycling gloves
Finally, we’d like to introduce you to the extra-warm Roeckl Villach 2 gloves. This classic among cycling gloves impresses with a variety of features that more than justify its price of around €60.
Here are the highlights:
- Extra warm: Thanks to innovative PrimaLoft Gold insulation plus Cross Core™ technology with aerogels.
- Highly windproof: The Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper Soft Shell Elastic protects you from icy headwinds.
- Non-slip material: The elastic Roeck-Grip synthetic suede on the palm prevents your hands from slipping.
- Comfortable foam padding: Together with the seamless thumb padding, these gloves provide ultimate comfort.
Winter cycling gloves: Our experience
Now you know our favorites when it comes to warm cycling gloves. To wrap things up, we’d like to share a few tips on what to look for when buying the perfect gloves:
- Choose the right size. If you’re unsure, try the gloves on in a store, if possible.
- Check the temperature range. Some gloves are designed for transitional seasons (up to 5°C), while others are made for sub-zero temperatures and longer rides.
- Read reviews on various online platforms and ask for recommendations from cycling friends. But remember: everyone has a different tolerance for cold, so there’s no single “perfect” pair of gloves.
- Opt for fully waterproof and windproof gloves if you plan to ride a lot in rain or snow. Water- and wind-resistant won’t cut it for extreme conditions.
- Expensive doesn’t always mean better, as long as the materials are high-quality. Great examples are models from GripGrab or Valkental.
Ready for winter? With the right gloves, you definitely will be!
No winter without gloves – and that goes for your bike rides too. Gloves not only protect you from cold, wind, and wet weather but also give you better control over your bike and a more secure grip on the handlebars. With the right pair, you can conquer even the coldest winter days! Be sure to invest in quality – it’s always worth it.
Speaking of quality: Are you still looking for the perfect bike for your winter rides? Then check out buycycle, where you’ll find a wide selection of high-quality second-hand bikes! Who knows, you might just find the perfect bike for a long ride in the snow. With us, nothing stands in the way of your next winter adventure!
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