Are you an avid road cyclist wondering if gloves are a necessary accessory for your next ride? While gloves may not seem like a crucial piece of gear, they provide several benefits that can improve your cycling experience. From providing extra grip and cushioning to protecting your hands from the elements, gloves can make a significant difference in your performance and comfort on the bike.
Do You Need Gloves for Road Cycling?
Having a firm grip on the handlebars is crucial to a safe and enjoyable road cycling experience. This is where gloves come into play as they provide an extra layer of grip, especially in warm weather when sweaty palms can make it challenging to hold onto the bars.
In addition, padded gloves can also enhance comfort on longer rides, offering additional support to reduce strain on the hands.
Protecting the hands in case of accidents is also important, but maintaining grip and control on the bike is a priority for any cyclist.
Therefore, wearing gloves is an essential piece of attire for road cycling.
Sweating and the Need for Hand Protection
Warm weather can make hands slippery with sweat, compromising the cyclist’s grip. This is where cycling gloves come in handy.
Not only do they help absorb sweat, keeping hands dry, but also offer a protective layer in case of accidents or scratches.
Padded gloves add an extra layer of comfort, allowing for longer rides without hand fatigue.
While some may argue that gloves are unnecessary in road cycling, the benefits of wearing them cannot be ignored. They not only protect your hands but also improve your grip and overall cycling experience.
Padded Gloves: A Boost to Comfort & Control
The padding on the underside of the gloves helps increase shock absorption, reducing the impact on your hands and wrists.
This added cushioning also makes it more comfortable to grip and control the handlebars. If you’re going for longer rides, wearing padded gloves can make a real difference in reducing hand fatigue and discomfort.
So even though gloves may not be strictly necessary for short distances, investing in a pair of padded gloves can provide you with a noticeable increase in comfort and control.
Hand Protection in Case of Accidents
Inevitably, accidents can happen during road cycling. When they do, it’s important to have proper hand protection to avoid any major injuries.
Wearing gloves can go a long way in minimizing the damage done to the hands in case of a crash.
Cyclists tend to instinctively put their hands out to catch themselves during a fall, so having gloves on can protect from cuts and bruises caused by rough surfaces such as the road or gravel.
Additionally, gloves can provide added cushioning to reduce impact, preventing any serious injuries.
While they may not completely eliminate the risk of injury, wearing gloves can definitely improve the chances of protecting the hands during an accident.
Understanding the Benefits of Wearing Bike Gloves
Wearing bike gloves may not be a necessity for road cycling, but it definitely offers numerous benefits.
One of the biggest advantages of wearing gloves is enhanced grip and control on the handlebars. Even in warm weather, when hands become slippery with sweat, the gloves help maintain a firm grip.
Additionally, good quality cycling gloves come with cushioning and gel padding in the palms, offering extra comfort and protection against the vibrations passed through the handlebars.
The padding also helps in reducing the risk of developing hand numbness or blisters during long rides.
Another benefit of bike gloves is added protection in case of an accident. They can help in preventing or reducing injuries to the hands in the event of a fall or road rash.
The Role of Gloves in Cold Weather
As falling from your bike is inevitable, and gloves provide the necessary protection for hands when it happens.
Additionally, when temperatures drop below 10°C, gloves can help keep hands warm and comfortable during rides.
But it’s not just about warmth – gloves also enhance grip and control, ensuring safety on the road.
However, it’s essential to choose the right gloves that will provide adequate protection without compromising dexterity.
Padded gloves can improve comfort, while full-fingered gloves provide greater insulation against cold and wind.
The Pros & Cons of Wearing Bike Gloves
On the one hand, wearing gloves can enhance grip, provide cushioning, and protect your hands from sweat and blisters. They also offer an additional layer of protection in case of accidents.
On the other hand, some cyclists find gloves uncomfortable or restrictive and prefer to ride without them.
Pro cyclists may choose not to wear gloves for aerodynamic reasons, but for everyday road cycling, wearing gloves can be beneficial for many reasons.
Why Don’t Pro Cyclists Wear Gloves?
Despite the many benefits of wearing gloves for road cycling, some professional cyclists choose not to wear them.
1- One reason is that they value the direct feel and control of the handlebars, which gloves can sometimes compromise.
2- Another reason is personal preference or superstition, as some riders simply feel more comfortable cycling without gloves.
However, it is worth noting that even if pro cyclists do not wear gloves during races, they often wear them during training rides or for specific conditions such as inclement weather or longer rides.
Choosing the Right Cycling Gloves for Your Needs
When selecting your gloves, make sure they fit well and are comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Keep in mind the type of biking you will be doing, as full finger gloves may be more appropriate for mountain biking.
Additionally, consider the weather conditions and look for gloves with added insulation for colder temperatures.
It’s crucial to measure your hands before purchasing any gloves to ensure a proper fit.
With so many options available, it’s easy to find a pair of cycling gloves that will provide the necessary protection and comfort for your road cycling adventures.
The Recommended Attire for Road Cycling
While gloves are a must-have accessory, they’re not the only item that should be on a cyclist’s checklist. It’s important to wear lightweight, breathable clothing that allows for freedom of movement. This includes padded shorts to alleviate pressure on the saddle, a moisture-wicking top to keep sweat at bay, and cycling shoes that provide good support to the feet. Additionally, a helmet and sunglasses offer protection from the sun’s rays and debris on the road.
References
• https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a28422469/should-you-wear-cycling-gloves/
• https://www.siroko.com/blog/c/types-of-cycling-gloves-and-why-to-use-them/
• https://biketoworkday.us/why-do-cyclists-wear-gloves/
• https://road.cc/content/news/164652-why-do-cyclists-wear-gloves
• https://thebikeadviser.com/why-wear-cycling-gloves/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling_glove
• https://hub.chainreactioncycles.com/buying-guides/clothing/gloves-buying-guide/
• https://www.theproscloset.com/blogs/news/cycling-gloves-vs-gloveless
