If you require a quick answer, the best cycling gloves are the GripGrab ProGel, which are ideal for summer use and have strategically placed shock absorbing pads for additional comfort. However, if you require winter cycling gloves, the Elite Cycling Malmo are the best alternative that are windproof, waterproof and lined with thermal insulation.
To rate the cycling gloves within this article, we based our recommendations upon our experience and testing of multiple gloves (as shown in the “How We Rated” section below). We also carried out hours of research and considered a number of factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the build quality, sizes and colours available, closure, reflective details, waterproof qualities, comfort, warranty and value for money.
Table of Contents
Cycling Gloves Comparison
| Cycling Gloves | Use | Size(s) |
|---|---|---|
| GripGrab ProGel | Summer | 6 |
| Elite Cycling Malmo | Winter | 4 |
| Elite Cycling Fingerless | Summer | 4 |
| SLB Waterproof | Winter | 3 |
| Boildeg Road | Summer | 5 |
| I Kua Fly Padded | All Year | 3 |
When measuring up the different glove sizes, you’ll want to ensure that you measure your wrist and knuckle diameter. Although most brands include adjustable straps or zips that allow you to tailor the tightness for the perfect fit, it’s important that you get an approximate measurement so that you aren’t left disappointed with the gloves you choose.
Below is a list of the best cycling gloves that provide adequate padding and are suitable for winter or summer use.
The Best Cycling Gloves
1. GripGrab ProGel Summer Cycling Gloves
The ProGel gloves by the GripGrab brand are their flagship gloves for cyclists and they are built to the highest of standards. They also have a clever design that includes a sweat wiper, reflective details and so much more.
According to the brand, they are the most comfortable cycling gloves on the market and they provide an excellent fit with a wide range of sizes available.
Other features of the GripGrab ProGel include:
- Strategically placed shock absorbing gel padding
- Reflective details for visibility at night
- Integrated mini magnets to connects gloves together
- Sweat wiper terry cloth upon the thumb
- Available in XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL sizes
- Choice of six different styles
Although expensive, the GripGrab ProGel are the ultimate summer cycling gloves that combine performance with comfort. The highly padded design also prevents fatigue and numbness of the hand as well as providing maximum grip and control. There really isn’t much to dislike with these cycling gloves and they certainly won’t disappoint.
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2. Elite Cycling Malmo Winter Cycling Gloves
Finding a proper pair of winter cycling gloves can be difficult but the Elite Cycling brand have the perfect solution. Their gloves are windproof, waterproof and lined with a 3M thinsulate thermal insulation for additional warmth.
Other features of the Elite Cycling Malmo include:
- Reinforced finger and thumb tips
- Wide cuffs to keep the warmth in
- Gel pads on the palm and across the knuckles
- Adjustable hook and loop wrist fastener
- Waterproof and windproof construction
- Available in four different sizes
- Black or Hi-Viz green styling
To conclude, the Malmo gloves by Elite Cycling are the best option for winter use and they are completely waterproof and windproof. The clever design and premium insulation provides unbeatable performance that won’t disappoint.
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3. Elite Cycling Fingerless Cycling Gloves
Another pair of cycling gloves by the Elite Cycling brand are their fingerless alternative, which are perfect for summer use. They are constructed of a breathable material and feature artificial leather palms for extra grip.
Other features of the Elite Cycling Fingerless Gloves include:
- Padded palm and gel thumb protection
- Short finger design
- Stretchy Lycra back
- Machine washable at low temperatures
- Non-slip silicone upon the palm and fingers
- Choice of five different designs
- Available in four sizes
Overall, the fingerless cycling gloves by the Elite Cycling brand are an excellent all-round option for summer use. They also offer relatively good value for the money when compared to similar designed gloves.
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4. SLB Waterproof Cycling Gloves
One of the cheapest cycling gloves that are actually worth buying are by the SLB brand. They are fully waterproof cycling gloves that offer touchscreen compatibility and are constructed of high quality raw materials.
Other features of the SLB Waterproof Cycling Gloves include:
- Waterproof and windproof
- Touchscreen compatible (thumb, index and middle finger)
- Anti-skid design
- Adjustable via the zipper
- Choice of three different sizes
- Backed by a 12 month warranty
To conclude, the SLB waterproof cycling gloves are by far the best budget option that tick all the boxes. Due to the low cost, they may not be as durable but even if you bought two pairs, they are still cheaper than most premium alternatives.
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5. Boildeg Road Cycling Gloves
The Boildeg Cycling Gloves are another affordable option to consider because they feature a short finger breathable design that’s ideal for hot summer days. The durable stretchy Lycra back and synthetic leather palm ensure a comfortable fit and they even come with a two year warranty for complete peace of mind.
In terms of taking the gloves on or off, they feature adhesive tapes and an adjustable clamp at the wrist. This allows you to quickly remove them and adjust the level of tightness to best suit your requirements.
Other features of the Boildeg Gloves include:
- Available in 5 different styles
- Choice of 5 sizes (S to XXL)
- Highly breathable construction
- Non-slip silicone surface
- Silica gel honeycomb structure for shock absorption
- Backed by a two year warranty
Overall, the Boildeg cycling gloves are an affordable yet high quality option that provides a perfect fit via the adjustable straps and plenty of comfort through the gel padding. The brand even offer a two year warranty for complete peace of mind, which is very impressive considering its budget price tag.
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6. I Kua Fly Padded Cycling Gloves
If you require a pair of cycling gloves that can be used all year round, these padded gloves by the I Kua Fly brand are the perfect solution. They are a durable option that are ideal for mountain bike riders or road cyclists and they feature a full finger breathable construction to keep your hands dry from the weather but also allow sweat to evaporate from inside.
A standout feature of these gloves is that they have the benefit of being touchscreen compatible via the thumb and index finger. Therefore, this design allows you to use touchscreen devices such as a bike computer or your smartphone.
Other features of the I Kua Fly Gloves include:
- Breathable fabric and palm holes
- Three piece gel pad for anti-shock performance
- Touchscreen compatible
- Absorbent cloth overlay
- Adjustable straps to tailor the tightness of the glove
- Available in three different sizes
- Choice of six styles
Overall, they are unique cycling gloves that provide superior padding and have the bonus of being touchscreen compatible. Although they are more expensive than many of the cheaper alternatives on the market, they are built to a much higher standard and certainly worth paying the extra for.
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How We Rated
Over the years of cycling upon road, electric and mountain bikes, we’ve tried and tested a variety of cycling gloves. We personally own a pair for both summer and winter (as shown in the photos below) and they certainly see plenty of use.
From past experience, we tend to avoid the budget options because they simply aren’t built to a high standard and they would break after just a few rides. Therefore, if you are able to do so, we would recommend purchasing from a reputable brand because they are often higher quality, which means they’ll last longer and actually work out as better value.
As well as our experience and testing of multiple cycling gloves, we also based our recommendations upon plenty of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the build quality, sizes and colours available, closure, reflective details, waterproof qualities, comfort, warranty and value for money.
Conclusion
Although there are hundreds of cheap gloves for cycling on the market, we strongly advise that you avoid them because they won’t provide the benefits. The gloves need to provide plenty of padding and be either breathable for summer or insulated for winter use. All of our recommendations listed above include gloves suitable for all budgets and those designed specifically for cycling. However, if you need further information, feel free to get in touch with our team.
