There’s a debate over whether you need to wear cycling gloves to protect your hands. The debate has been ongoing for years, with arguments going both ways. But the truth is that there’s no “right” answer to this question, and your decision to ride with gloves or not will come down to your own individual preferences.
Whether you wear cycling gloves or not, every cyclist needs to at least consider if wearing gloves is right for them. In this post, we will talk about the pros and cons of using cycling gloves while biking.
Table of Contents
Pros and Cons of Wearing Cycling Gloves
Bicycle riding can be a dangerous sport that requires the use of specialized equipment. One of the most important pieces of safety equipment for bicyclists is a pair of gloves. There are several reasons why bicycle gloves are needed. First, they help prevent hand injuries from debris like dirt and gravel. Second, they protect the hands from hot objects like exhaust pipes and brakes. Third, they are essential in preventing blisters and other skin problems. And lastly, bicycle gloves keep your hands warm in cold weather.
Here’s a list of the pros and cons of wearing cycling gloves:
Pros
- Gloves allow for better grip.
- They protect your hands from cold weather.
- Gloves protect your hands from road rash when you fall.
- The padding on the cycling gloves can reduce the vibration and shock to your hands while riding.
- Gloves help you avoid getting blisters.
Cons
- Some people’s hands tend to get numb after a while.
- Your hands can get sweaty and become uncomfortable.
- Without the right fiber in the fingertips of the gloves, you won’t be able to track your KOM stats or answer your cellphone without taking your gloves off.
- Gloves may get in the way of your ability to control the bike.
Are Gloves Necessary For Cycling
It’s important to wear gloves when you are out on your bike especially when you are riding someplace where you can get hurt. If you aren’t wearing gloves when you’re cycling, you are risking serious injury to your hands. Clearly, the advantages of wearing gloves far outweigh the inconveniences associated with wearing them.
But, in the purest sense of what the word “necessary” means, gloves are not necessary for cycling. However, if you want to protect the skin on your hands when you crash, improve your grip when your palms start sweating, or for those who mountain bike or ride on gravel, keep vegetation from hitting your hands, deciding to wear gloves would be a smart decision.
Why Do Some Cyclists Not Wear Gloves
The decision not to wear gloves boils down to personal preference. Cyclists who don’t wear gloves usually state that they don’t like the way gloves feel on their hands. Others indicate that they forget to wear their gloves. This suggests to me that they simply do not see the importance of wearing gloves.
In What Temperatures Do You Need Cycling Gloves
When you’re out in freezing and below-freezing temperatures it’s easy to notice that your hands are cold. When you’re cycling the cold temperatures are even more evident. The air temperature is just as low, but there’s also the factor of wind that can make your hands susceptible to frostbite. So, when it comes to cycling, you need to consider both the air temperature and the wind when determining if you need to wear gloves.
Also, before you go cycling, you need to be aware of the weather conditions. Rain and snow can make wearing gloves a good choice since wet conditions can make your handlebars more slippery and harder to grasp.
If you enjoy cycling in the winter, it is a good idea to wear a pair of long finger gloves (Amazon aff. link) that are designed to keep your hands warm.
How To Choose Winter Cycling Gloves [Video]
Related Questions
Do cycling gloves make a difference?
As a cyclist, you can expect to encounter a variety of weather conditions and terrains. You might be riding through rain or hail, you may find yourself navigating steep hills, or you may have to deal with a cold day. To stay warm and dry, you will need the right gear. Cycling gloves can certainly make a difference in the safety of your bike rides.
Can you use ski gloves for cycling?
There are plenty of examples of gloves that perform well as cycling gloves so, you might think why can’t I use ski gloves as cycling gloves? The reason isn’t just the different materials used; it’s because ski gloves are designed strictly to protect your hands from cold temperatures while cycling gloves are made also to protect your hands from slipping while riding and injury from falling.
Which gloves are better for cycling?
I’ve always thought that the best cycling gloves are the ones that are designed specifically for cyclists. These gloves need to be snug in order to keep your fingers in place and the material needs to be padded to help protect your hands when you fall.
When you cycle, your hands are usually exposed to harsh elements, so why wouldn’t you want to protect them with a good pair of cycling gloves? The question, however, is what type of glove should you choose?
What Should You Look For In Cycling Gloves?
If you have decided to wear gloves while cycling it is important to have a good pair of cycling gloves. There are many kinds of cycling gloves out there. Some are made of leather, while others are made of cotton. But the key to finding the best of gloves for you is to get a pair of cycling gloves that make your hands feel safe and protected from the weather.
The gloves’ material should be comfortable and breathable. Also, they should allow maximum protection for your hands while being minimally restrictive.
The most important thing is that your gloves should be comfortable. Don’t use cycling gloves that don’t fit well. To avoid any chafing or irritation to your hands, buy a pair of gloves that fit your hands well. Before making a purchase, be sure to check the measurements that are printed on the package.
Also, look for cycling gloves with a material that is durable since the gloves may get wet or sweaty while riding. Additionally, you should look for gloves with good stitching and construction.
You can find a good pair of gloves that fit you perfectly by looking in a store that sells cycling equipment.
