Prioritizing safety and comfort on the bike is essential to getting the most out of each and every ride. A big part of this equation is having the right gear for the job. Cycling gloves are one of the most critical pieces of kit to keep your hands healthy and your grip tight. So today we’re going to talk about three of the best and most accessible cycling gloves available on the market this year.

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Why Are Cycling Gloves Important?

Depending on the type of riding you’re doing, cycling gloves can play an important role in protecting your hands from injury, reducing impact through your joints, and making the sport more comfortable. Let’s take a quick look at some of the reasons why cycling gloves are a smart investment for the serious cyclist.

Tighter Grip & Better Control

In hot temperatures and during longer rides, sweating can become a major problem. You’ll start to form a barrier between your hands and the handles, which means you have to work harder to hang on and maneuver the bike accordingly. Cycling gloves can help mitigate this to a large degree, with silicone and synthetic leather inserts to help give you traction and control. 

Absorbs Shock

Cycling gloves often offer some sort of padding to help reduce any impact sustained through vibration, terrain changes, bumps, etc. This force would otherwise be sent into your hands, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Good padding in a cycling glove can help dissipate the energy and protect you from absorbing it in your joints.

Comfort & Protection

While the pressure on the handlebars is generally low (especially with a proper bike fit), sustained over long periods of time it can be uncomfortable and lead to painful blisters and calluses. Cycling gloves provide a comfortable layer between your hands and the handlebars, and will also protect them if you happen to get in an accident or fall.

Best Cycling Gloves of 2023

Now let’s focus on some of the best, most affordable, and easily accessible cycling gloves on the market today. We have handpicked and analyzed the below products, giving you two of the top positive and negative aspects of each to help you decide. Click the name of each glove to be taken to a page where you can buy it today!

LuxoBike Top Performance Cycling Gloves

These LuxoBike cycling gloves offer competitive comfort and performance. They have shock-absorbing pads to help minimize hand fatigue and numbness while dampening road vibration. The stretchable Lycra back enhances flexibility, while the micro suede palm provides a comfortable fit and maximum grip while riding – all at a competitive price point.

Benefits

Good padding: The gloves have an excellent padding design, providing protection that reduces vibration while cycling. This helps to minimize hand numbness and fatigue, especially over the course of longer rides.

Comfortable & easy to remove: The gloves are very comfortable and feature loops that make it easy to take them off, which is a convenient feature some might overlook, but perhaps the more experienced cyclists will appreciate. 

Disadvantages

Sizing issues: There seemed to be some discrepancy in the sizing of these cycling gloves, such as the fit being too tight or too large. It was recommended to order a size up or down to ensure the right fit, but without a reference point, how do you decide?

Durability concerns: There is also some uncertainty about the durability of the gloves and whether the stitching will hold up over time. Because the price point is low, it is perhaps acceptable if you get even one good season out of them before needing to change.

Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Cycling Gloves

The synthetic suede palm in this Pearl Izumi cycling glove provides a genuine leather feel while offering easy care and multi-directional stretch. The glove features shaped gel pads for improved grip comfort and is made with high-quality materials. There are few drawbacks to this glove as it provides a cost-effective option for both beginner and experienced cyclists.

Benefits

Reduced Numbness: These gloves have been known for effectively alleviating hand numbness during long rides. The high-quality padding and comfortable stitching pattern contribute to an enjoyable all-around cycling experience with reduced vibration.

Good Value: The Pearl Izumi Elite Gel gloves are affordable and long-lasting. They’re widely considered to be well-made, durable, and suitable for long rides. The gloves’ performance and quality, combined with their reasonable price, make them an attractive option for cyclists.

Disadvantages

Padding Placement: While overall the padding is comfortable to most wearers, some people have noted the need for additional padding down the center of the glove. This may result in some discomfort for riders who frequently rest their hands just shy of the hoods.

Fit and Removal Challenges: There are some noted challenges related to the gloves’ fit and removal. Some find the gloves too snug around the wrist, making it slightly difficult to take them off. Additionally, the absence of finger loops for removal adds to the inconvenience.

HTZPLOO Cycling Gloves

The HTZPLOO Cycling Gloves feature effective shock-absorbing padding and anti-slip silicone gel on the palm, helping these gloves to provide a secure grip and precise control. Convenient finger loops and thumb towel cloth add to its versatility, as well. At a low price point, this glove is a lightweight option with a lot of value to offer.

Benefits

Good fit and sizing: The HTZPLOO gloves tend to fit nicely and come in sizes that are accurate to their description. This is important for ensuring a comfortable wearing experience across cyclists of all hand shapes and sizes.

Effective padding: The padding provides adequate shock absorption and helps reduce pressure and vibrations during rides. Combined with the anti-slip gel on the palm, you can expect a tight grip that feels comfortable and keeps your hands safe.

Disadvantages

Construction: While the price is low, there are some concerns about the overall quality of the gloves. Several cyclists reported issues such as fraying fabric or premature ripping after only a few uses…which could mean having to replace them quite frequently.

Breathability issues: The spandex-type fabric on the back of the gloves doesn’t breathe particularly well, which can cause some minor discomfort. This kind of trapped warmth was particularly noticed for people riding indoors on trainers or fitness bikes.

Conclusion

In the lower price ranges, the main thing you sacrifice is durability. Depending on the rigor with which you ride, the frequency, and the distance you usually travel, these gloves have the potential to get you geared up for very little money. They will certainly be an improvement over skin-to-bar contact, and can take your riding up a level as you get more and more experienced.