Cycling gloves are an essential accessory for any cyclist, whether on mountain bikes or road bikes. They protect the hands, one of the most exposed parts to falls and impacts, as well as improve grip and handlebar control, offering a safer and more comfortable ride.
In mountain biking, where uneven terrain and constant vibrations are the norm, gloves help reduce fatigue and prevent blisters on demanding routes. On the other hand, in road cycling, where speed and aerodynamics play a key role, gloves provide better grip and absorb sweat, improving comfort over long distances.
But are they really essential? Can you ride a bike without them? Discover all their advantages and find the ideal model for your discipline by exploring our selection of mountain bikes and road bikes.
Reasons to use gloves in cycling
Is it possible to ride a bike without gloves? Although on short or occasional rides it may seem unnecessary, when cycling is practiced as a sport, their use is highly recommended. Cycling gloves not only improve comfort, but also provide safety, protection against the cold, and better handlebar control.
🚴♂️ Safety against falls and injuries
The hands are one of the parts of the body most exposed to impacts, scrapes, and falls. Using cycling gloves helps prevent abrasions, blisters, and cuts, reducing the risk of injuries on long or demanding rides.
❄️ Protection against cold and weather
In rainy or low-temperature conditions, proper gloves prevent your hands from going numb, maintaining control over the bike. Thermal gloves of good quality can make a difference on routes with adverse weather.
🔧 Greater control and comfort on the bike
Thanks to gloves, handlebar grip improves considerably, preventing fatigue in the fingers and the palm of the hand. This translates into more precise riding, especially on technical sections or with obstacles. If you want to improve your experience on two wheels, find the ideal bike for you in our Bicycles category. 🚴♀️
How to choose the right cycling gloves
Cycling gloves: How to choose the ideal model for each discipline?
Bicycle gloves are an essential accessory to improve grip, protection, and comfort on every ride. There are two main types: short or fingerless gloves and long or full-finger gloves. The choice between one or the other will depend on the weather and the type of cycling you practice. If you're looking to renew or purchase new ones, here we tell you what you should keep in mind.
🚵♂️ MTB gloves vs. road gloves: key differences
In MTB, the use of gloves is essential due to the demands of the terrain. Bicycle control is fundamental, and good gloves provide extra safety and comfort. For this discipline, it is recommended to opt for long gloves, regardless of the season. Ideally, you should have two pairs:
✅ Lightweight and breathable ones for hot days.
✅ Others that are thicker, with thermal materials for cold temperatures, without losing flexibility.
MTB gloves usually include rubber reinforcements on the palm, gel or silicone inserts to absorb vibrations and improve grip on uneven terrain. On the other hand, in road cycling, short gloves are more common, allowing for greater ventilation and freedom of movement, except on mountain routes with unstable weather, where a long model is recommended, but more flexible than MTB gloves.
🌡️ How to choose gloves according to the weather
The climate of the area where you ride will be a determining factor. For warm temperatures, breathable and flexible fabrics will be the best option, avoiding models with lining or neoprene. For mountain pass routes, where the weather changes easily, long and lightweight gloves offer the perfect balance between warmth and comfort.
🏆 Choose gloves according to your cycling discipline
Each discipline has specific needs:
✔ Cross country or marathon: long, lightweight gloves with gel inserts to absorb impacts.
✔ Trail and enduro: prioritize protection with additional reinforcements on the palm and back of the hand.
✔ Flat road cycling: short and breathable gloves to avoid sweat buildup.
✔ Mountain pass routes: gloves with gel and palm reinforcement for greater comfort on long distances.
🔍 Personal factors to consider
Each cyclist has different needs. If your hands sweat a lot, look for models with breathable fabrics. If you get cold easily, opt for gloves with double layer or thermal features. Also, if you use electronic devices like cycle computers or smartphones, check if the gloves are compatible with touch screens before buying them. If you’re looking for the ideal bike for your next adventure, visit our Bicycles category and equip yourself with the best for every route.
🧤 Cycling gloves: an essential accessory for any cyclist
Bicycle gloves are an affordable accessory that offers multiple benefits on every ride. Thanks to the wide variety of models and materials available, there is an ideal glove for every cyclist and weather condition. There are no excuses not to use them, since they improve safety, comfort, and grip on the handlebars. To always be prepared, the ideal is to have two pairs of gloves:
✅ Lightweight and breathable ones for hot days.
✅ Some thermal or reinforced ones for routes in rainy or cold conditions.
Besides protection, it is important to consider other aspects such as finger mobility and the ease of handling essential items like your phone, tools, or spare parts. A good pair of gloves will allow you to enjoy cycling with greater comfort and safety on any terrain. If you are looking for the perfect bike for your routes, check out our selection in the Bicycles category. 🚴♂️