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One of the best (and least expensive) pieces of equipment you can buy as an enthusiast, amateur or pro is a good quality set of gloves. As it is unlikey you’d be reading this if you weren’t already sold on the idea of getting a decent set of gloves; we won’t linger on this point beyond highlighting how far they’ve come in style, comfort and protection.
A couple of points to note. For mountain biking, full-length gloves are definitely where you should be. Beyond the obvious point that having fingers is better than not, the higher quality gloves around these days are very well ventilated so there isn’t really any good reason to sacrifice the extra length.
Fox Ranger Mountain Bike Gloves
Best Summer Mountain Biking Glove
It seems almost second nature that you would automatically think of FOX when you think Mountain bike. They have been around for years and offer some of the best, highest quality and most affordable outdoor sports gear in the world.
The Fox Racing Ranger gloves are the perfect summer glove. They don’t offer padding but are quite a strong glove. Full fingered in length protects you from any stone chips or scratches. The fingers are touch screen sensitive you can use your apps on the go.
It becomes quite clear why this is touted as FOX’s best-selling glove.
It features;
- Compression molded cuff
- Conductive thread on the thumb and index finger for touch screen usability
- 4-way stretch polyester construction
- Absorbent micro-suede thumb
- Silicone grip fingertip
What does this mean to you? Well if you’re looking for a comfortable summer glove, which will allow you to use your phone and riding apps, silicone tipped fingers so you won’t lose grip on your breaks with a light breathable construction, then this is the best summer mountain bike gloves 2019.
Cons;
Limited padding, these gloves aren’t really designed for free riding close contact forest trails or extremely bumpy rides.
No knuckle protection. Not suitable for winter riding.
Fox DirtPaw Glove
Best Entry level Mountain Bike Glove
Ok, it may seem like we’re nut hugging FOX a little much, but can you blame us? The FOX Racing Dirt paw gloves are similar to the Ranger gloves but with more padding. You will probably feel a little safer if you’re going to be doing more downhill or all mountain riding.
They offer protection around the knuckles, padded palm and flex points around the glove to make sure your hands aren’t restricted whilst riding.
It features;
- Compression molded neoprene cuff for a secure fit
- Padded, single layer Clarino palm
- Stretch mesh finger gussets for mobility
- Padded knuckles
- Silicone print on finger tips for brake lever grip
- Touch screen compatible
- Hook and loop wrist closure
If you’re into a little more trailing or downhill Mountain biking this is probably a better choice for you. It offers greater protection around the palms and knuckles so longer or bumpier rides will not fatigue the hands as bad.
You will be protected from any scratches getting to close to mountain sides or through a forest and they are touch screen compatible. Using your apps or camera isn’t going to be an issue. These gloves cover what any entry-level ride would want or need.
Cons;
Not suitable for cold weather. May not stand up to the wear and tear of more experienced riders after a couple of months.
Seibertron DirtPaw Gloves
Best Winter Mountain Biking Glove
Seibertron isn’t exactly what we’d call a mainstream brand, but they are certainly making waves all across the USA.
They are designed for use with Mountain biking as well as MX and ATV riding. They seem to offer superior protection whilst being very comfortable and taking beatings on dirt trails just as well as much higher priced gloves.
They feature;
- Direct rubber injected protection on the back of hands and knuckles
- Lycra finger gussets for comfort
- Lightly padded with silicone grippers on all fingers
- Touch screen compatible
- TPR hook & loop wrist closure
- 30 Day full money refund and a one-year warranty for manufacturing defects
These gloves are great. They offer protection and durability at an extremely affordable price. They look great and suit a variety of motor sports. The Seibertron Dirt paw was designed with versatility in mind and protections.
A great fall / winter glove, all mountain or cross country these gloves will keep you covered for any slips, trips or falls. They are touch screen compatible so using your favorite cycling app will not be an issue.
Cons;
May get hot and sweaty in the summer time. Not suitable for – Temps in winter but are ok for cold days (not freezing)
ZOOKKI MTB Glove
Best Budget Mountain Biking Glove
ZOOKKI is another brand taking the internet world by storm. They are producing great mountain biking gloves at a really strong price point. They represent an example of a cheap chinese brand that has actually managed to produce a good quality, reliable product, with reasonable customer service too.
Although they don’t offer the greatest knuckle protection, the hand padding should be enough for most novice – intermediate XC and trail riders.
They feature;
- 100% Cotton towel on the back of the thumb to wipe away sweat
- Thick palm with silica gel to help absorb drops and shocks
- Touch screen usability
- Velcro wrist closure
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
The ZOOKKI Mountain biking glove is a pretty strong contender when it comes to the best mountain biking gloves. It offers breathability, comfort and an intermediate level of protection. If you’re struggling with sweat, they have a cotton towel strip on the back of the thumb to wipe it away.
We were surprised to find using your phone with these gloves wasn’t an issue.
Cons;
Limited protection for knuckles. Not suitable for cold weather riding. Not suitable for higher risk trails.
FOX Bomber Gloves
Best Armoured Mountain Bike Glove
The Fox Bomber gloves offer amazing protection, manoeuvrability (you can tie your shoe laces with these) and comfort to any trail blazing, high speed rider from all mountain to downhill and freeride.
Suitable for pro’s these are serious gloves for riding serious lines.
They feature;
- Extended wrist guard
- Molded plastic knuckle and finger
- Double layer Clarino palm
- Leather gusset on the pinky
- Long neoprene cuff
Overall the FOX Bomber glove will allow you to attack any trail with the comfort of knowing you will be protected from a fall, and from any branches or over hanging rocks.
Cons;
Not touch screen compatible. Slightly heavier gloves.
Mountain Bike Gloves – Buyers Guide
You have seen our contenders for the five best mountain biking gloves on the market right now. But not everyone agrees and sometimes you want to have a look for yourself. So, read through this guide to make sure you understand what makes a great mountain biking glove.
Time of year
Are you riding in summer or winter? If you ride through summer you will need a glove with good ventilation. Even better if it has sweat wicking material. Just because it is hot though doesn’t mean you should be tempted to skip protection (at least not in your hands).
Winter riders will need a thicker glove to offer more warmth. The issue is though sometimes thickness can reduce mobility. Try them on if you can. Working your gloves like a baseball mitt is one way to soften them up a little.
Environment
Are you riding downhill or cross country? Riding all mountain may mean you need something more durable with thicker palm padding. Hitting bumps and rocks all day long can put pressure on your palms and fatigue your hand muscles rather quickly.
Someone who rides freestyle may prefer something a little lighter as they don’t want to be constricted by movement when having to react fast to the environment.
Fitting
Your gloves should fit snug, not tight. Tight gloves may cause your hands to chafe, they reduce mobility and will cause blisters. Snug gloves should offer protection to your hands with little movement of the material over your skin. When your riding your hands shouldn’t be sliding around inside your gloves.
Protection
Knuckle protection and back of hand injection molded rubber or plastic is a must if you ride more aggressively or on any track which has protruding branches or rocks. They will keep the back of your hands from getting snagged and even pierced.
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