What To Look For
Bicycling in the winter is more difficult than cycling in any other season. In the winter the hands and feet quickly become cold and numb. When cycling, it is essential that you have control over your fingers to apply the brake and steer the bike. Look for gloves that offer insulation from cold, are made of waterproof or water resistant material, and have traction so you can grip the handlebars safely. A sweat wipe and reflective safety strips are also important features. Try to find gloves with seams on the outside rather than the inside for more comfort. Bike Radar.com recommends the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster gloves for extreme winter protection and comfort. Bike Radar also recommends the SealSkinz Road Cycle Gloves for those who require a more flexible and maneuverable glove. Bicycling Magazine recommends the Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Lobster Wind Mitt because it provides cold protection and can convert from a lobster glove to a fingered glove.
Common Pitfalls
The problem with most winter gloves is that they either do not provide enough insulation to keep the hands warm, or they provide too much, causing the palms to sweat and become uncomfortable. Seams on the inside of gloves can cause uncomfortable rashes or irritation during long rides. Some gloves do not supply a sweat strip to wipe your face, which makes it difficult to see while biking. Gloves that are not waterproof may cause hands to become wet and cold by the end of the ride, defeating the purpose of the gloves.
Where To Buy
Buy winter cycling gloves at sporting goods stores. REI, Sports Authority and Dick's Sporting Goods all have large selections of biking gloves for summer or winter riding. They carry many of the most popular brands, including Pearl Izumi, SealSkinz, Adidas, Nike and more. These stores also offer periodic discounts so you can pay the best price possible for winter cycling gloves.
Cost
Most winter bike gloves do not cost more than $100. Most will cost $50 and under. The Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster gloves cost about $70. The SealSkinz Road Cycle gloves cost about $50. The Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Lobster Wind Mitts cost about $45. Prices may be slightly more or less, depending on the retailer and the location.
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