All-season road cycling gloves

Protect the ulnar nerve on long rides

To protect the ulnar nerve, the glove must relieve the heel of the hand, on the little finger side, where the nerve passes through a narrow bony tunnel, the Guyon canal. On a road bike, resting the hands on the hoods or the top of the handlebars compresses this area for hours; over time, tingling occurs, followed by loss of strength in the ring and little fingers. Road gloves place gel or foam inserts on either side of the canal to redirect the pressure to less sensitive areas. However, too thick padding squashes the handlebars in a vague way: the fineness of the touch matters just as much as the thickness.

The rest of the outfit

Road equipment also comes in:

• Jerseys.
• Bib shorts.
• Jackets.
• Shoe Covers.
• Socks.
• Road Shoes.
• Road Helmets.

All the gear is gathered on the road page.

Fingerless, mid-season gloves or winter gloves: temperature ranges

Each type of glove covers a temperature range. The fingerless glove, with cut-off fingers and a mesh back, is suitable above around fifteen degrees: it wicks sweat away and keeps the fingers in contact with the levers. Between eight and fifteen degrees, the long mid-season glove, made of fine windproof fabric, blocks the relative wind that cools the fingers right from the first descents. Below eight degrees, the winter glove combines insulation and a waterproof membrane, with a long cuff that covers the sleeve. In extreme cold, a thin under-glove slipped underneath adds an insulating layer of air without losing too much sensitivity when braking.

Size and details of a well-designed road glove

A correctly sized glove fits close to the hand: the fabric doesn’t bunch up in the palm, which can cause blisters after a few hours, and the tips of the fingers barely touch the end of the glove. Size is determined by measuring the hand's circumference at the knuckles, excluding the thumb. On the details side, a s synthetic leather palm maintains grip on a wet handlebar tape; a sponge zone on the thumb wipes sweat from the forehead; pull tabs between the fingers help remove a damp fingerless glove without turning it inside out. Touch-sensitive fingertips allow you to use a computer or phone without taking the gloves off.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The key times of the year follow a steady order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

Padded or thin gloves: what to choose for road biking?

Moderate padding, placed at the pressure points, relieves the hands on long rides. Riders who prefer the feel of the handlebars choose a thin glove with small gel inserts.

Why do I have tingling in my fingers while biking?

Compression of the ulnar or median nerve at the wrist causes this tingling. Padded gloves help, but you should also vary your hand position and check the adjustment of the handlebars and saddle.

What size of biking glove for a hand circumference of twenty centimeters?

A hand circumference of twenty centimeters often corresponds to a size M or size eight, depending on the brands. The sizing guide specific to each manufacturer remains the reference.

Do road biking gloves protect in case of a fall?

Yes, the reinforced palm prevents abrasions when catching yourself on the ground, a nearly automatic reflex during a fall. This is one of the main reasons to wear gloves, even in summer.

How many pairs of gloves are needed to ride all year round?

Three pairs cover most situations: a fingerless pair for summer, a lightweight long glove for mid-season, and an insulated glove for winter. An under-glove completes the set in extreme cold.