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There’s nothing like the feeling of a fresh breeze against your skin as you ride your bike to work.
But what about when the weather turns cold?
That’s when you need a good pair of biking gloves to keep your hands warm.
Even during summer, gloves keep your hands protected from UV exposure and injury.
Check out our list of the best bike commuting gloves to keep you comfortable on your next ride!
Top 9 Best Gloves For Bike Commuters
Read on to discover nine of the best gloves for bike commuters.
1. Castelli Perfetto RoS Gloves (best overall)
Most full-fingered cycling gloves compromise somewhere, but the Castelli Perfetto RoS Gloves deliver generously on all fronts.
These stylish gloves defy usual winter expectations by being thin, lightweight and warm.
Castelli Perfetto RoS Gloves are also water-resistant and breathable, thanks to their use of Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabric.
And they include the “Castelli Damping System” (CDS) to reduce road vibration.
What We Like:
- Thin – lightweight, warm material that enables dexterity.
- Rain – windproof fabric delivers strong water resistance.
- Padding – Castelli Damping System reduces road buzz.
What We Don’t Like:
- Permeable – not entirely waterproof, but this helps breathability.
2. Gore Infinium Thermo Split Gloves (best for winter)
If it’s warmth you’re after, treat your hands to a pair of Gore Infinium Thermo Split Gloves!
These exceptional gloves are windproof, water-resistant and breathable.
They allow enough dexterity to easily operate STI gear and brake levers.
Gore Infinium Thermo Split Gloves use Gore-Tex Infinium fabric to allow sweat vapor to escape whilst resisting wet weather.
What We Like:
- Warm – one of the warmest pairs of gloves you’ll wear.
- Infinium – windproof, water-resistant and breathable fabric.
- Durable – high-quality manufacturing.
What We Don’t Like:
- Dexterity – not as nimble-fingered as some traditional gloves.
3. ASSOS Trail FF Gloves (best for summer)
CHECK PRICE AT COMPETITIVE CYCLIST
Despite being full-fingered gloves, ASSOS Trail FF Gloves are cool to wear in summer owing to their breathability.
They’re made with a 3D mesh on the palm and perforated padding elsewhere.
These gloves also have a terry thumb panel that actively wicks moisture.
They are a good choice for anyone who wants to fully protect their hands from sun and injury during summertime.
What We Like:
- Breathable – cool to wear, despite appearances to the contrary.
- Protection – protection against UV exposure and hand injury.
- Anatomical – anatomic cut with 3D curved design.
What We Don’t Like:
- Dexterity – you’ll be more dexterous with fingerless mitts.
4. Chrome Midweight Cycle Gloves (best full finger)
Elegant design is Chrome Industries’ strength, and this is evident in their Midweight Cycle Gloves.
They’re unusually casual for bike gloves, but not at the expense of functionality.
These gloves are made with durable 70D ripstop nylon and a synthetic PU leather palm.
Touchscreen-sensitive fingertips enable control over your phone.
A built in waterproof layer holds off rain, too, at least for the duration of most commutes.
What We Like:
- Windproof – warm gloves down to around 35-40°F.
- Casual – appealing subtle style.
- Control – allow touch control of device screens.
What We Don’t Like:
- Waterproofing – water-resistant rather than waterproof.
5. Giro Supernatural Gloves (best fingerless)
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A result of the partnership between Elastic Interface and Giro are the Giro Supernatural Road Gloves.
These gloves are exceptional for their breathability and fit.
The gloves feature a one-piece, 3D-molded palm panel with multi-density padding.
This means they don’t create any circulation discomfort.
They have a stretch-mesh upper with adjustable wrist closure and useful pull tabs for removal.
What We Like:
- Comfort – exceptional fit thanks to a seamless design.
- Breathable – mesh upper makes the mitts breathable.
- Removal – easy removal with finger tabs.
What We Don’t Like:
- Price – not the cheapest mitts, but the price is justified.
6. Endura Pro SL Primaloft Waterproof Gloves (best waterproof)
Genuinely waterproof gloves often forfeit breathability, but that’s not so with the Endura Pro SL Primaloft Waterproof Gloves.
These gloves include an internal membrane that allows sweat to escape but blocks rain.
Despite their efficient Primaloft Gold insulation liners, these gloves are surprisingly thin and lightweight, allowing ample dexterity.
Other features include reflective detailing, long draught-excluding cuffs, and synthetic leather palms with “durable grippy overlays”.
What We Like:
- Waterproof – impermeable rainproof membrane.
- Breathable – sweat vapors escape.
- Warm – exceptionally warm gloves.
What We Don’t Like:
- Cuff – no cuff adjustment, though the cuff is long.
7. ROCKBROS Winter Cycling Gloves (best budget)
Enjoy great value for money with the ROCKBROS Winter Cycling Gloves!
They have a zipper closure, warm insulation from 260g thickened fleece particles, touch-sensitive fingertips, extended cuffs and a water-repellent surface.
What We Like:
- Value – exceptional product at the price.
- Warmth – comfort down to low temps.
- Water-resistance – will keep out brief or light rainfall.
What We Don’t Like:
- Breathe – not as breathable as more expensive gloves.
8. REI Co-op Junction GTX Split-Finger Cycling Mittens
Another warm choice for winter commutes are the REI Co-op Junction GTX Split-Finger Cycling Mittens.
Like other premium gloves, these are made with Gore-Tex Infinium fabric and coated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish.
A fleece lining keeps your fingers comfy in these Rei mittens.
The gauntlet cuffs are a standout feature that you can cinch down with one hand to keep out wind and rain.
What We Like:
- Cuffs – gauntlet cuffs are great for keeping out weather.
- Warmth – fleece lined.
- Rainproof – robustly water-resistant.
What We Don’t Like:
- Dexterity – less dexterity than lighter gloves.
9. Bontrager JFW Winter Cycling Gloves
Primarily designed for “Jack Frost Weather” are the Bontrager JFW Winter Cycling Gloves.
As they’re windproof, you can expect some water resistance, too.
The warmth in these gloves is helped by Thinsulate insulation and a Merino wool lining with 37.5 fabric technology.
A zippered pocket provides space for a disposable warmer.
What We Like:
- Warmth – effective insulation, and the option of inserting a hand warmer.
- Durable – abrasion-resistant ripstop material.
- Dry hands – some water resistance.
What We Don’t Like:
- Bulky – great gloves, but a little bulkier than some.
Features Of Cycling Gloves To Look Out For
As with all cycling attire, your search for the ideal gloves is moved along by a little knowledge.
Should I Get Different Gloves For Winter And Summer Commutes?
You do need different gloves for summer and winter simply because you don’t want insulation in summer gloves.
They need to be light, airy, cool.
Why do you need summer gloves at all?
This is a legitimate question.
You’ll find the answers below.
Read more: How to commute by bike properly
Summer gloves often come in the form of fingerless mitts, at least on road bikes.
When riding an MTB or trail bike, you might still wear a full-fingered glove for the extra protection and purchase it offers on rougher surfaces.
Avoiding Injury In A Bike Fall
One reason why pros and “serious cyclists” wear gloves in the summer is because your hands will nearly always get hurt in a bike crash.
The palms are particularly vulnerable, because we instinctively stick them out to break any fall.
If you wear summer gloves, you may avoid cutting your hands if you’re unfortunate enough to hit the asphalt.
You probably won’t if you don’t.
Summer gloves are partly for protection, they protect your skin from UV exposure, too.
Making The Ride More Comfortable (A Year-Round Objective)
Another reason to wear summer gloves is to avoid repetitive strain injuries and make the ride more comfortable.
Most summer cycling gloves will include some kind of padding or gel in the palm area for this reason, just as winter gloves do.
What Makes For A Good Pair Of Winter Commuter Cycling Gloves?
The winter-glove wants list includes the following:
- Insulation – above all else, your hands must be warm, so look closely at insulating materials, membrane layers and technologies used in winter gloves.
- Windproof – tightly woven fabrics do not allow cold air to enter and they help prevent rapid heat loss through the wind-chill effect that occurs in cycling.
- Water Resistance – windproof gloves will also be water-resistant without necessarily being impermeable.
- Waterproof – technically, no fabric is waterproof, but in real-world terms it may be. Some gloves don’t let rain enter, but this can make them non-breathable.
- Breathability – for most commutes, a winter glove that is warm, breathable and reasonably water-resistant is a well-balanced choice.
Insulation is the most important feature, because your hands should always be able to retain heat, especially when wet.
Read more: Best bike gloves for hand numbness
Video: Gore-Tex Infinium Products
Wrapping Up: A “Handy” Summary
To recap on our reviewed products, the Castelli Perfetto RoS Gloves took top spot by excelling in most departments.
They’re warm, breathable, lightweight and water-resistant! Castelli throws in an innovative damping system for good measure.
Sporting a different design are the Gore Infinium Thermo Split Gloves in second spot.
Exceptional warmth and comfort are the main attractions in these 3-finger gloves.
Our third-placed ASSOS Trail FF Gloves are lighter and more breathable than they look.
They’re a fine choice if you want full-hand protection on summer rides.
By all means, use our pointers to locate your perfect pair of commuter gloves!
Read more: Guide to bike commuting clothes
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