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A complete guide to choose winter cycling gloves

All the useful tips to choose the best cycling gloves for the winter season

A complete guide to choose winter cycling gloves

When winter comes and temperatures drop, it becomes essential for cyclists to have more protection from cold. The hands, in particular, are one of the body parts most exposed to wind and low temperatures during cycling. Wearing suitable winter gloves, made of water-repellent, insulating and protective materials, is particularly important to keep your hands warm and protect them from the loss of sensitivity caused by cold, with all the risks that it could entail.

Choosing the right winter cycling gloves is therefore not only a question of comfort, but also of safety and performance. Each cyclist will have specific needs based on the weather conditions, type of route, duration of rides and personal preferences. Some may need extremely warm and waterproof gloves to be used in conditions of intense cold, others, on the contrary, may prefer lighter and more breathable models, suitable for milder climates. In any case, it is important to opt for models made of high-performance technical fabrics, which ensure the right degree of thermal insulation, water and wind resistance.

In this guide we offer you all the useful tips to choose the winter cycling gloves that best suit your needs and a selection of the best models to ride your bike with the right protection, even in the coldest months.

Winter cycling gloves: what characteristics should they have?

Before buying a pair of winter cycling gloves, it is essential to make sure that they have features that make them suitable for specific weather conditions, while ensuring comfort, protection and performance. 
First of all, one of the most important qualities that a good cycling glove should have for winter is its insulating capacity. It is essential that the gloves are designed to keep body heat and protect hands from cold, but not too bulky. The thermal insulation, which is usually ensured by using a layer system, allows to maintain a comfortable temperature even in case of particularly cold temperatures. However, it is important that the insulation does not compromise flexibility and tactile sensitivity, which are equally essential to maneuvering your bike with precision, especially when it comes to braking and shifting.

Another essential feature in winter cycling gloves is water resistance. In winter, rain and snow are always around the corner, so gloves must be made with waterproof materials or water-repellent treatments, which prevent water from penetrating, keeping your hands dry. At the same time, gloves must be breathable. Breathability is essential to prevent sweat from accumulating inside, creating a feeling of moisture that could quickly cool your hands. Some models are equipped with special breathable membranes, specifically designed to facilitate the escape of sweat and moisture.

Wind protection is another important quality, especially essential on cold and windy days. Gloves with windproof outer layers or made of wind resistant fabrics are the most suitable because they prevent air from penetrating. It is also useful to have a cuff closure designed to prevent the entry of cold air and keep the gloves snug to the body.

One last aspect not to be underestimated is the grip. Winter gloves must provide a secure grip on the handlebar even in wet or rainy conditions. So make sure to choose a model made with non-slip materials on the palm and fingers, which can ensure optimal control even in case of sudden braking or slippery terrain. Some winter cycling gloves may also offer additional safety features, such as reflective inserts to increase the rider’s visibility on darker days or in low light conditions. 

How to choose cycling gloves for winter

As we have seen, each cyclist has specific needs and can react differently to the cold. Some may be able to withstand very low temperatures without feeling any particular discomfort, others may need more thermal protection and therefore prefer heavier gloves or cycling clothing with insulation. However, there are some fundamental factors that should never be overlooked when choosing cycling gloves for winter. 

 

The first aspect to consider is the assessment of the climatic conditions in the area where you intend to ride. In places with harsh winters, sub-zero temperatures, strong wind and snow, thermal gloves with high insulation capacity and excellent protection against wind and moisture will be required. For milder winter climates, lighter cycling gloves with wind-resistant membranes are preferred, with excellent breathability and moderate insulation. 

 

For areas with very strong temperature changes it is advisable instead to opt for gloves of medium weight, perhaps adding a thin glove or an underglove that provides greater protection in the colder moments of the day, and which can then be easily removed when temperatures rise.

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In addition to this you should also consider:

  • size and fit: choosing the right glove size is crucial to ensure you have optimal comfort and performance. Winter gloves must fit perfectly in the hand: too large gloves could compromise grip on the handlebar and reduce control of the bike, while too narrow gloves could limit blood circulation, causing cold, stiff hands. If possible, before you buy always try the gloves or read carefully the instructions provided by the manufacturer to find the ideal size; 
  • padding: one of the most important aspects to consider is the padding of gloves. Winter gloves should offer good insulation but not be too bulky, as excessive thickness could reduce the sensitivity and mobility of the hands, making it difficult to maneuver the bike or operate the brakes. The right balance between insulation and clutter will ensure you good protection from cold, without compromising performance; 
  • cuff structure: the cuffs of gloves are often overlooked, but they play a key role in keeping hands warm and protected. High and protective cuffs, which adhere perfectly to the skin, help to seal the glove against the wrist, preventing the ingress of cold air, rain or snow; 
  • presence of non-slip silicone inserts on the palm and fingers of the gloves, which increase grip on the handlebar, ensuring optimal control even in wet or icy conditions. This is particularly important for cyclists who are riding on technical terrain or who want to maximize safety and precision while riding. A firm grip on the handlebar also helps to reduce hand fatigue in long rides; 
  • touchscreen functionality: another useful feature in cycling gloves is the presence of touch screen inserts on fingers. This allows you to use smartphones, GPS or other electronic devices without having to remove gloves and expose your hands to the cold. Touchscreen gloves are particularly useful for cyclists who use performance monitoring applications during their rides.

Best winter cycling gloves: discover all Nalini models!

Nalini cycling gloves combine advanced technology and high-quality technical materials to ensure optimal comfort, protection and control in any weather. Each model is designed to meet specific needs, ensuring maximum safety and control during the ride. In the Nalini gloves line you can find both thermal gloves designed to face the coldest winter temperatures, and lighter gloves, ideal for the mid-seasons, which provide thermal protection, water resistance and breathability

 

Among the top models for winter cycling, Logo Thermal gloves are designed to offer maximum protection against cold and weather. These gloves have a slim fit, which ensures excellent grip without compromising freedom of movement. Their construction in three-layer thermal fleece fabric with water-repellent treatment makes them particularly suitable for adverse weather conditions, as they offer an effective barrier against water and moisture. In addition, they have a non-slip microfiber palm, enhanced with a silicon hexagonal mesh insert that ensures a firm grip on the handlebar, even in wet conditions. 

 

This design greatly improves control and safety while riding, especially on slippery terrain or in rainy conditions. The palm padding, made with high frequency technology, also offers greater comfort and protection in contact with the skin. To increase visibility in low light conditions, Logo Thermal gloves are equipped with reflective logos on the upper part and central fingers in high reflective material, an optimal solution to ensure greater safety during evening or night outings.

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New Pure Mid gloves are the ideal choice for those looking for a versatile model to use in the mid-seasons. They are designed with an anatomical fit, which adapts perfectly to the shape of the hand, offering a high level of comfort without being too tight. They are particularly suitable for the mildest temperatures, guaranteeing adequate protection from wind and humidity, good thermal insulation and high breathability

New Pure Mid gloves' anatomical anti-slip palm ensures an optimal grip on the handlebar, while the high cuff provides extra protection, keeping the heat inside and preventing cold air from entering. These gloves also have a touchscreen insert on the fingertip, a very useful feature for those who want to use their smartphone or GPS device without having to remove the gloves.

 

Non-slip silicone prints on the palm ensure excellent grip, improving stability and control of the bike. This model, like all Nalini gloves, perfectly combines style, functionality and performance, and is perfect for cyclists looking for a lightweight but protective model for moderate cold conditions. 

 

Would you like more information about our winter gloves or other Nalini cycling accessories

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A complete guide to choose winter cycling gloves