If you’re an avid cyclist who likes riding on the trails and around the mountains, we salute you for being so daring, but we also hope you know that you must prioritize your safety while riding. In that case, we will take this moment to introduce you to the best mountain bike gloves, which is one of the necessary MTB safety precautions. Apart from providing you with a better grip, mountain bike gloves also protect your hands from slippery handlebars and help you stay in complete control.
There’re several types of bike gloves on the market so knowing the best option for you can be hard. Moreover, a particular model may work for one person while it turns out to be useless for another. With that in mind, we have combed the market to come up with a list of the top five mountain bike gloves out there, while considering several key factors like materials used, windproof feature, as well as the available colors and sizes.
As usual, tens of hours have been invested in the research, just so that we would be able to recommend only the best models existing. Consequently, we have designed this guide to be as thorough as possible, and we’ve divided it into several sections: a comparison table in which our selected products are compared based on their best features; a review section in which you’ll find extensive descriptions of the chosen products; and a buying guide which packs several tips you’ll find useful in your shopping.
More features: hook & loop wrist closure; 30-day no-hassle return
Functional, durable, safe, and touchscreen-compatible, the Seibertron Dirtpaw Unisex MTB Gloves isn’t our Editor’s Choice for no reason. Designed with both men and women in mind, this pair comes in three unique style options. In order to reduce the likelihood of injuries, the manufacturer has injected rubber in delicate areas like the knuckles and the back of the hand, which is a new innovative technology. Also, Lycra is the base material utilized for this pair of gloves, which is breathable and conforms to the shape of your hands.
The designer surely had the safety of the users in mind when this pair was being created, which is probably why they also included silicone grippers to reduce slipping or skidding. These gloves are very flexible, and you can use them for a variety of outdoor sports like mountain biking, BMX biking, and downhill biking, even in the most challenging of terrains. The gloves are engineered to keep your hands safe regardless of the conditions. And apart from being available in two sizes, they are also presented in three different colors, offering you to choose your favorite one.
Furthermore, the pressure points like the thumb and the knuckles are conveniently strengthened to provide adequate support to the users. With this, high-impact points are properly protected from injuries. Besides, the light-padded Lycra gussets is also a convenient add-on, and the gloves’ versatile construction makes it suitable for different activities like cycling and biking. The only complaint is that some customers felt the interior seams at fingertips, and even that isn’t common to everyone.
More features: windproof; reflective ribbon
Featuring great liners and gauntlets to prevent your jacket sleeves from being blown by the wind as you ride, it’s not difficult to realize that this pair of gloves from INBIKE is an incredible product. Not that it came as a total surprise to anyone though, as INBIKE itself is a company that has been producing remarkable cycling products for many years, so everyone knows what they are capable of. Fortunately for people who like using navigating devices while cycling, these gloves enable you to control your touchscreen devices without needing to take them off.
They aren’t only engineered to offer adequate warmth when cycling in the icy climate, but to also protect from shock in the event of a fall. This is achieved by the three pads incorporated to cushion your fall and improve your grip, making them perfect for tasks that need heavy lifting. For enhanced visibility, the manufacturers have also included a reflective ribbon at the gloves’ back, which is especially useful when you are riding during the winter nights.
Furthermore, though these warm gloves from INBIKE are designed to keep you warm, they are also breathable, so that you won’t sweat uncomfortably regardless of what the conditions are. As for the cons, the gel padding is a bit chunky, which is probably the only flaw anyone can find in this pair of gloves. The fact that it comes with a one-year warranty even serves as a sort of reassurance for prospective buyers.
More features: Anti-Slip & shock absorption protection; adjustable straps
Made for both men and women, the Firelion outdoor cycling gloves are among the best cycling gloves on the market for several reasons. Firstly, they are touchscreen compatible, which means you can seamlessly use your GPS device or phone for direction while cycling as they also sport a design that allows you to hold such devices firmly. Moving on, the Firelion Unisex Outdoor Cycling Gloves come with an absorbent and soft wipe function that prevents sweat blinding while cycling. While on the trail or on the road, they can be used to dry sweat without causing irritation to your sensitive skin.
The best outdoor cycling gloves must allow you to grip all types of handlebars properly and should be able to protect your hands from numbness, shock, and other related issues. Fortunately, the FIRELION Unisex Outdoor Gloves provide these benefits. It comes with reinforced micromatrix leather which absorbs shock and vibrations superbly to optimize comfort. Most users only have positive words to say about this pair of gloves and the incredible comfort it offers.
Cycling, of course, is a pleasurable daily activity that should be enjoyed all year round, and this set of gloves from FIRELION is the perfect safety accessory for such endeavor. It also has a breathable design that is sure to keep your hands comfortable and cool during the summer month, making it probably the best mountain bike gloves for hot weather. Keep in mind, that this model runs small so be sure to consult with the sizing chart first.
More features: shock-absorbing elastic 8mm foam padding on the palms
Since more women have started adopting cycling in recent years, it’s only ideal that a suitable pair of gloves like the BOODUN Women Cycling Gloves with Shock-absorbing Gel Pad is made for them. Made with 55 percent polyester and 45 percent fabric, this incredibly fit pair of gloves is one of the best on the market. Since it is made with high-quality materials, it’s expected of it to be durable. Apart from this, it is also super comfortable, and it comes along with a sweat-wiping towel cloth.
Besides being nerve-racking, the vibrations usually made by bicycles can irritate your wrists and palms while cycling, which causes sensitivity and numbness problems. This pair of cycling gloves from BOODUN have been engineered to prevent these issues. They feature shock-absorbing and thick padding that guards the hands against vibration-induced irritation and fatigue, making them super comfortable to use.
Furthermore, the upper part of this pair of gloves is made of Lycra, which apart from being stretchable and breathable, also conforms to the shape of the hands and keeps them very cool. Moreover, the gloves come in different sizes, which offers buyers a variety of size options to choose from. The only issue most customers have with the gloves is the unnecessarily long loops, which can be annoying sometimes.
More features: non-slip palm; sweat-wicking towel cloth; sticky Velcro buckle
You have probably never heard of Tanluhu before, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay close attention to these wonderful gloves from the company. Featuring durable fabrics and an anti-slip pad which reduce the numbness of the fingers, the Tanluhu Half Finger Mountain Bike Gloves are incredible gloves that you can count on. Although the gloves are half-finger, they offer adequate grip to put you in total control as you ride. And due to the type of materials with which they are made, they dry quickly when wet from sweat-wiping or when washed.
Being a half-finger pair, the gloves can be removed much quicker than a regular model, when needed. Apart from that, the palms of the gloves are padded and designed to be shock-absorbing, which allows them to reduce the vibrations when riding on a bumpy road during racing and training. You can also use these gloves for weightlifting and other hand-based exercises, which is especially great for fitness enthusiasts. Besides, the fact that the gloves are made in different sizes enable you to really get the one that fits you best.
Additionally, there is a towel cloth at the thumb which comes in handy for swabbing sweat. There are also finger loops to make the gloves effortless to wear and remove, which can be fairly time-saving. However, the stitching on these gloves is reportedly sub-standard, which is quite disappointing. Plus, some customers wished the dampening effect was a bit more.
You don’t want to be looking clueless when shopping for a pair of cycling gloves, and we also don’t want you in such an embarrassing situation. That’s why we have created the guide below. It contains everything you need to know in order to purchase the right product for your needs.
It may actually look like a no-brainer, but a helmet is one of the most vital bike gear essentials you can own. A helmet is designed to guard your noggin while blazing through the trails. Typically, a helmet comprises a strong outer shell and soft internal padding. The padding guarantees optimum cushioning while manufacturing a barrier in case any debris goes through the external shell.
Many beginners don’t know that there’re several different pedal choices available. Often, this causes improper usage, which eventually impacts their safety and performance. It is crucial to find the proper pedals for your riding conditions and needs. Use clipless or non-slip pedals if it’s wet or raining outside.
Another way of staying safe while riding is to ensure your footwear matches with your pedals. Ideally, it should be a comfortable pair of sneakers or heavy-duty casual shoes for the best riding experience. The shoes you will use for mountain biking need to give you the appropriate degree of grip, protection, and flexibility to obtain full-foot motion.
It is very important to stay hydrated when on the trails. While regular water bottles work, we recommend you to use hydration packs as they offer the simplest way to ensure you always have water at all times. Although they seem like regular backpacks, they actually contain a big water bladder. These bladders are capable of holding three or more liters of water. Also, they usually come with a small hose, which makes it easy to drink water while riding on the bike, thanks to a simple-to-use valve.
Hydration packs are an excellent hands-free solution for bikers looking to stay hydrated. Also, many models have air ventilation and padding to ensure you’re optimally comfortable while riding.
When looking to buy the right pair of bike gloves, there are many important factors or features to take into consideration. We will talk about a couple of them in the subsequent paragraphs.
Full-finger gloves offer more protection and, of course, if you’re riding in cold weather or in winter, you’d better go with full length. Half-finger gloves, like the Tanluhu Half Finger Mountain Bike Gloves, on the other hand, usually have more ventilation and are usually used by XC racers and road cyclists, although more racers are starting to adopt full-finger models as XC courses are getting more hazardous and technical.
While half-finger gloves may look more appealing during the summer, look for a full-finger model if you’re riding all year round.
The materials used to make the mountain bike gloves is also an important consideration that needs to be thought about. The majority of these gloves are produced using either ordinary leather or synthetic leather. Synthetic leather is known to ensure optimum durability and grip. Meanwhile, the top and the fingers of the glove ought to be produced using spandex for excellent moisture-wicking properties and fit.
If you intend to ride during the winters, ensure the gloves are insulated to give you some warmth as well.
Another critical factor to keep in mind when buying a pair of MTB gloves is the level of protection it provides. If you intend to ride over bumpy terrain regularly, it is an excellent idea to buy a pair with silicone or foam pads like the Seibertron Dirtpaw Unisex MTB Gloves. The pads serve as shock absorbers, which protect your wrists and hands against vibrations and bumps.
Before any pair of gloves can be able to give you any protection, it has to fit properly first. So before making your ultimate decision, measure your wrist and hand with the specification of the manufacturers. The measurements will be used to determine which size is the best for you.
Do you need to operate your smartphone during your ride? Then you need to buy a pair that won’t need you to keep removing your gloves every time you have to check your phone. Simply put, you need to buy a touch-screen compatible pair like the FIRELION Cycling Gloves as it will allow you to operate your phone or navigate other devices as you ride.
You can find a pair that has extra bonuses built into it. One of the useful additional features you may be looking for is the fingertips silicone, which helps when gripping the breaks and gear shifters. Another excellent feature is toweling, which is designed to enable you to wipe off your sweat from your brow. You can also look for padded gloves like the INBIKE Men’s Winter Cycling Bike Gloves if you often feel numbness. The padding will reduce the vibrations and aid the riding experience.
Our Editor’s Choice is the Seibertron Dirtpaw Unisex MTB Gloves, and we have many reasons to back this. Being a unisex pair, this glove is obviously versatile. However, its incredibility doesn’t stop at its versatility. It’s also durable, protective, breathable, and touchscreen-compatible, so no wonder it makes the top of our list.
Our second choice is the windproof INBIKE Men’s Winter Cycling Bike Gloves. Apart from being capable of keeping you warm during the winters, these gloves are also shock-absorbing, breathable, and touchscreen-compatible.
Designed for use during both winter and summer periods, our last pick is the FIRELION Cycling Gloves. For optimum comfort, the gloves come with reinforced micromatrix leather. This pair is also very shock-absorbing and breathable, making it a good choice for anyone looking for high-quality gloves.
