Warm and grippy: 8 winter gloves that work in deep gravel and on root trails

You don't want to miss out on rides even when your breath is condensing in frosty temperatures and icicles are already growing from your eyebrows? Then you're faced with a dilemma, because: The thicker a model is insulated, the less feeling it conveys when gripping the handlebars. Shifting gears, braking, steering - all movements are made more difficult by the thick lining, especially in the palm of the hand.

This effect is exacerbated if the gloves are equipped with an inflexible waterproof membrane. If the manufacturer doesn't manage to bond the individual layers firmly together, they will slide over each other like Teflon, making it difficult to maintain control in technical terrain - a particularly unpleasant situation on damp roots and mossy rocks. In the worst case scenario, the inner lining slips out of the glove with a wet hand during a hydration break and can hardly be put back in afterwards.

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Ultimately, the only option is to opt for models whose palm remains unlined and which therefore retain the secure grip of a normal cycling glove. We have tested eight of these lightweight winter gloves here. Small spoiler: The models that are really suitable for off-road riding are unfortunately reserved for less cold-sensitive bikers on cold winter days.

Of course, we also tested really warm winter gloves for cyclists, which should work even in temperatures below freezing.

>> Really warm: 9 heavily insulated winter gloves for cyclists are tested here.

The 8 winter gloves in the test

• 100% Hydromatic Brisker >> e.g. available here
• Chiba 2nd Skin >> e.g. available here
• Craft ADV SubZ All Weather Glove >> e.g. available here
• Fox Defend Thermo Off Road >> e.g. available here
• Giro Pivot 2.0 >> e.g. available here
• Pearl Izumi Summit Alpha Glove
• Troy Lee Designs Swelter >> e.g. available here
• Vaude Posta Warm Gloves >> e.g. available here

100% Hydromatic Brisker - Info & Price

• Price: 44,50 Euro >> available here
• SizesS to XXL
• Weight: 111 g
• Equipment: Waterproof and windproof; reflective; long waistband; touchscreen fingers

Valuation at a glance

Conclusion: 100% Hydromatic Brisker

Waterproof on the outside, lightly lined on the inside - the Brisker is the perfect companion for wet, mild days. The fit and grip feel are very good thanks to the thin layer of insulation, the Brisker gives a direct feel when shifting gears and braking and provides very good grip on the handlebars even without silicone prints. However, the backhand tightens due to the less flexible membrane, which is a little tiring in the long run. The 100% lacks a fleece on the thumb for wiping the nose, and the workmanship is also only moderate. Plenty of reflectivity ensures good visibility in foggy conditions.

Chiba 2nd Skin - Info & Price

• Price: 45 Euro >> available here
• SizesXS to 3XL
• Weight: 109 g
• Equipment: Wind- and waterproof; padded palm; reflective; Primaloft lining; long cuff

Valuation at a glance

Conclusion: Chiba 2nd Skin

Very high-quality and waterproof glove for not too cold rainy days in winter. Despite the membrane, the fit is excellent and the grip on the handlebars is secure and comfortable. The individual layers are neatly welded so that the lining doesn't slip. Unfortunately, the fingertips offer a little less grip and there is no touch function. The wiping thumb could also be a little softer. The long, flexible cuff makes it easy to slip into the glove, but a Velcro fastener to adjust the width would be nice. A great glove at a reasonable price.

Craft ADV SubZ All Weather Glove - Info Price

• Price: 44,95 Euro >> available here
• Sizes: XS to XXL
• Weight: 61 grammes
• Equipment: Wind/waterproof; Softshell palm; Silicone prints; Velcro fastener; Terry thumb; Reflective; Touchscreen fingers

Valuation at a glance

Conclusion: Craft ADV SubZ winter gloves

A very direct grip and good fit are the strengths of the ADV. It hardly differs in feel from a light summer glove. However, because Craft also skimps on insulation, the maximum range of use is 5 degrees above zero. The fingers are well protected from the wind and reasonably well protected from splashing water. However, the ADV cannot withstand really cold weather or even rain showers. Recommended lightweight glove for autumn and spring.

Fox Defend Thermo Off Road - Info & Price

• Price: 35 Euro >> available here
• SizesS to XXL
• Weight: 65 g
• EquipmentWindproof; touchscreen fingers; Velcro fastening

Conclusion: Fox Defend Thermo Off Road

Absolutely minimalist glove for gravel and mountain bike use and definitely only suitable for mild and dry winter days. The closed-cell foam top provides light protection against the cold, but the sides of the fingers are already draughty. On the other hand, the fit and feel are outstanding, with the thin Clarino palm providing excellent grip on the handlebars. The controls are also easy to operate. Unfortunately, there are neither touchscreen-compatible attachments nor a wiping thumb, and the cuff could also be a little longer.

Giro Pivot 2.0 - Details & Price

• Price: 90 Euro >> available here
• Sizes: XS to XXL
• Weight: 112 grams (L)
• Equipment: wind/waterproof; Primaloft lining; Velcro fastener; touchscreen fingers; gel padding; reflective

Valuation at a glance

Conclusion: Giro Pivot 2.0 winter gloves

With the windproof and waterproof Pivot, Giro has a solid all-rounder in its programme. Despite the Primaloft lining, the Giro is one of the more moderately insulated candidates. The Outdry membrane keeps the material flexible so that the grip on the handlebars hardly suffers. However, there is excess material at the end of the narrow-cut fingers, which interferes with handling, and the bulging seam of the touchscreen trim on the index finger is also irritating. With sweaty hands, it is difficult to get into the glove, the wiping surface is narrow and moderately absorbent, but very long, and the material is unusually raspy.

Pearl Izumi Summit Alpha Glove - Info & Price

• SizesXS to XXL
• Weight: 66 g
• Equipment: Wind-repellent; Polartec Alpha lining; touchscreen fingers; Velcro
• Price55 Euro

Valuation at a glance

Conclusion: Pearl Izumi Summit Alpha Glove

Similar to the Fox, the Pearl Izumi feels almost like a normal summer glove. With its thin Polartec Alpha lining on the backhand, it is more suitable for the transitional period than the depths of winter. The Summit runs large. Be careful, otherwise the material on the palm will bunch up when gripping the handlebars. The fit is also not quite as supple as that of the Fox, and the grip on the controls is slightly less. On the other hand, the Summit has well-functioning touchscreen attachments and a towelling attachment on the thumb and is better at fending off wind.

Troy Lee Designs Swelter - Details & Price

• Price: 54,99 Euro >> available here
• Sizes: S to XXL
• Weight: 82 grams (XL)
• Equipment: 3-layer softshell with fleece lining; stretch cuffs; Clarino palm; silicone fingertips

Valuation at a glance

Conclusion: Troy Lee Designs Swelter winter gloves

If you're looking for a lightweight transition glove with a top fit and very direct grip, this is the glove for you. With the Swelter, you stay in control even in tricky passages. However, as soon as moisture comes into play or the temperature drops below ten degrees, the Troy Lee becomes uncomfortable. You have to accept slight compromises in terms of features and quality, and the material and workmanship don't make a very high-quality impression either. The silicone print is missing on the index and middle fingers, of all places. There is also no thumb with towelling trim.

Vaude Posta Warm Gloves - Info & Price

Technical data and notes Vaude Posta Warm Gloves

• Price: 45 Euro >> available here
• Sizes: 6 to 12
• Weight: 73 g
• Equipment: Touchscreen fingers; windproof and water-repellent; Velcro fastening; padded bunion; terry thumb; reflective

Valuation at a glance

Conclusion: Vaude Posta Warm Gloves

The Posta's slim fit and thin lining make it very comfortable to wear straight away. The all-round wind-repellent finger material provides decent insulation, but the wind whistles through the extensively terry-lined thumb - a little unpleasant once it's wet. The long cuff with Velcro closes comfortably far back. The grip on the handlebars and fittings could be a little better. The padding strips sewn onto the palm are too inflexible and press on the hands while riding, reducing comfort.

Good to know: Additional impregnation helps

Even though most manufacturers attest to the water-repellent properties of their gloves, hardly any of the models were really convincing in the spray test. Moisture, whether fog, drizzle or sleet, is usually absorbed directly by the outer material, which accelerates the cooling of the fingers. If you regularly treat your gloves with an environmentally friendly impregnation (e.g. Nikwax glove impregnation, €9), you can significantly improve their performance in bad weather.

Winter gloves pose a dilemma: really warm models rarely provide a direct and comfortable grip. Thin gloves may give you a better grip on the bike, but they also quickly lead to cold fingers.

Glove care

Well-maintained gloves not only work better, they also last longer. Models without leather can be machine washed regularly at 30 degrees. Before doing so, you should close the Velcro fasteners or put the gloves in a laundry bag so that no other clothing is damaged.

After washing or wearing the gloves, hang them up or lay them out to air dry. Under no circumstances should gloves be tumble dried. Fabric softeners are also taboo. Leather gloves must not be machine washed or dried on a radiator. A waterproofing spray improves weather protection and keeps out sleet or light drizzle.

Runny nose? Tip: Wiping thumb on the glove

When we breathe in cold air, the brain increases the blood flow in the nasal concha. The blood vessels dilate and warm the cold air before it reaches the lungs. In order to keep the mucous membranes moist, secretion production also increases. Which in turn means that the nose runs and runs.

To prevent nasal secretions from freezing into icicles on your face, you need either a sophisticated snowing technique (experts can do it completely without fingers) or a softly rubbed wiping thumb on the glove. This should be part of the absolute basic equipment for winter gloves - which unfortunately not every manufacturer in this test takes to heart.

Waterproof membrane: yes or no?

If you have no intention of getting on your bike in the winter rain, it is better to do without a waterproof membrane in the glove. Each additional layer usually also worsens the fit of the glove, the handling and the grip.

The materials are often rigid and inflexible, especially on the surface of the hand, making it difficult to grip the handlebars or operate the gear and brake levers. If the individual layers are not properly welded together, the secure grip on the handlebars suffers even more - particularly unpleasant in technical terrain.