Leather Cycling Gloves

admin | Monday, January 3rd, 2011 | No Comments »

Cycling gloves are worn by both men and women bicyclists for many good reasons. Cycling gloves can be made out of different material including leather. This article will talk about the merits of leather cycling gloves and how they can make cycling in any kind of weather a more pleasant experience.

Leather cycling gloves have many benefits for the cyclist. Riding a bicycle in rougher terrain such as on mountain trails can be stressful for the body, and the many bumps that happen along the way can definitely take its toll on the feet, knees, rear end, back, and shoulders. Cycling also affects the hands, which are used to steer the bike and often absorb the full shock of any impact through the front tire and handlebars. The hands need to be protected, especially on prolonged bike rides and on more rugged landscapes.

Cycling gloves serve three main purposes. First, they protect the hands and fingers from scrapes and injuries sustained from falls off the bike, as well as from painful blisters. Second, they keep the hands cocooned in comfort, and protect against bumps which put undo stress on the hands and fingers as they grip the handlebars. A glove that has the appropriate amount of padding, neither too excessive nor insufficient, helps insulate the hand from shock and protect the skin during accidents.

The third function of cycling gloves is to keep the hands warm. Because they remain fairly inert on the handlebars and must remain out in the open, the hands can get cold quite easily. Gloves protect hands from the elements like cold air, wind and rain. Bicyclists also tend to prefer wearing gloves in mild temperatures as well, in order to keep their hands dry as they sweat.

There are different types of leather cycling gloves. Fingerless gloves, otherwise known as track mitts, are preferred by riders of touring bikes with drop bars. There is less padding on these gloves, and it is more appropriate to wear them during hotter, rather than colder, temperatures. On the other hand, full-fingered gloves are windproof and waterproof and are ideal to wear during cooler spring and autumn months.

For real warmth during the coldest weather, winter gloves and mittens are best. Winter gloves have an outer waterproof layer and a washable inner layer, a longer cuff that keeps the wrist warm, and extra insulation. Mittens are appropriate for some of the coldest days because its design allows warm body heat to circulate around the fingers. Because of the mitten’s construction and the inability to move each finger separately, manipulating the brakes and shifting gears can be a bit difficult. Lobster-claw gloves combine the warmth of mittens and the increased dexterity of full-fingered gloves.

When purchasing leather cycling gloves, it is imperative to choose a pair that fits correctly. They need to feel snug and comfortable, but they should not be too constricted. If the gloves are too tight, they can restrict the rider’s blood flow and actually make their hands feel colder, not warmer. The fingers of the glove should be long enough to feel a bit loose, while the glove should fit more snugly around the palm area. Keep the gloves in good condition by storing them inside out or in a similar way to enable air circulation.