Tried and Tested: Pearl Izumi Gloves

Cyclists that spend long distances in the saddle can attest to the importance of gloves, which help absorb vibrations and can reduce numbness of the fingers. Even on the smoothest surfaces, gloves help absorb sweat, reduce friction and in the warmer months give that distinctive rider’s tan which one should proudly wear as a phalangeal badge of honor.

We recently put a couple of pairs of Pearl Izumi gloves to the test to see how our hands held up after hours of riding.

For the gals: Elite Gel Glove

Last year Pearl Izumi gave their most popular women’s gel padded glove an upgrade to help deliver a smoother inner plan design with reduced seams that cuts down on chafing and uncomfortable rubbing.

Available in six colors, the gloves feature gel padding which suitably cushioned our hands throughout the entire ride (even on a long stretch of washboard dirt road), a durable synthetic leather palm to ensure a secure grip, a soft wiping surface (useful for runny noses and sweaty brows) and a hook and loop closure on the ring and middle finger which allows for easy removal. The gloves are available in a half model ($35) and a whole model ($40) which includes touch-screen compatibility. We have found that the half-finger design has been perfect for the climbing temperatures in Western Colorado.

Shop here

For the guys: P.R.O. Gel Vent Glove

Warmer weather equals damp, sweaty palms. We found that the vents on the palms of the P.R.O. gloves reduced this to next to nothing. The vents also act as cushioning and so the effects of riding on stretches on gravel road were effectively reduced. Mesh on the top of the glove helps keep hands dry all over.

The gloves are light and thin, but they are durable at the same time with seams that are barely noticeable.

The nose wiping surface on the thumbs are very handy, if not an exactly glamorous, addition, and the hook and loop closure system makes taking them off that little bit easier, which is nice after a long ride when hands are in need of a little help.

The P.R.O. Gel Vent Glove are available in black and white.

Shop here

#ridetherockiesgear