Best Mountain Bike Gloves 2020: A Comprehensive Review

Mountain biking gloves are more than just an accessory; they're a crucial piece of safety equipment. This comprehensive review explores the best mountain bike gloves of 2020, examining a range of options to help you find the perfect fit for your riding style and needs. From lightweight, breathable gloves ideal for warm weather rides to heavily armored options providing superior protection against impacts, we'll delve into the key features and benefits of several top contenders. We'll consider factors such as padding, grip enhancement, ventilation, and added functionalities like touchscreen compatibility.This guide will help you navigate the diverse world of mountain bike gloves, highlighting their importance in both safety and performance. Whether you prioritize protection, comfort, or a blend of both, we'll equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. Discover which gloves offer superior grip in challenging conditions, which provide maximum impact protection, and which excel in breathability for warm-weather adventures. Ultimately, choosing the right gloves will significantly enhance your riding experience, ensuring comfort, safety, and control on the trails.

Pros And Cons

Grab Shark Cycling Gloves
  • Lightweight, breathable, and durable
  • Four millimeter DR gel shock absorbing pads to reduce nerve compression, numbness, and hand fatigue
  • Sweat wipes
  • Reflective logos
  • Slip-on cuffs
  • Silicone fingertips
Fox Ranger Gloves
  • Versatile
  • Comfortable four-way stretch construction
  • Silicon fingertip print for grip
  • Touchscreen friendly fingertips
  • Absorbent sweat wipe on thumb
Endura Humvee Gloves
  • Comfy with gel padding in the palm for handlebar support
  • Neoprene knuckle protection
  • Sweat wipe
  • Touchscreen compatible forefinger
Endura Single Track Gloves
  • Durable and robust
  • Tough mesh backhand with neoprene knuckles
  • Mesh webbing between fingers for ventilation
  • Silicone palm print for grip

Read more: 5 Best Cycling Gloves to Buy in 2024

The Importance of Mountain Bike Gloves

Mountain biking gloves are an essential piece of safety gear, offering crucial protection during falls. They safeguard your hands from abrasions, cuts, and impacts with trees or other obstacles. Beyond safety, gloves significantly enhance your grip, particularly in wet or muddy conditions, providing crucial control.

Close-up shot of a mountain biker's hands wearing gloves
Close-up shot of a mountain biker's hands wearing gloves

The added grip improves your bike handling and reduces the risk of accidents from slippery handlebars. Choosing the right glove can dramatically impact your riding experience, comfort, and safety.

Types of Mountain Bike Gloves and Features

Mountain bike gloves come in a wide range of styles and materials. Lightweight gloves prioritize ventilation and breathability, ideal for warm weather riding. Heavily armored gloves, on the other hand, offer superior protection with reinforced padding on the knuckles and back of the hand.

Close-up showing reinforced knuckle protection on a glove
Close-up showing reinforced knuckle protection on a glove

Many gloves incorporate gel padding in the palms for added comfort and shock absorption. Some gloves also include features like touchscreen-compatible fingertips, sweat wipes, and reflective logos for enhanced functionality and visibility.

Top Glove Recommendations

Endura Humvee Gloves: Highly popular, comfortable, with gel padding and neoprene knuckle protection. Suitable for various riding styles, including commuting, mountain biking and road cycling.

Endura Humvee Gloves showcased
Endura Humvee Gloves showcased

Enduro SingleTrack Gloves: A more minimalist option, built for durability with a tough mesh backhand and neoprene knuckles. Silicone palm print improves grip. Fox Ranger Gloves: Versatile, comfortable, and featuring a four-way stretch construction. Silicone fingertip print enhances grip; touchscreen compatibility is a bonus.

Fox Ranger Gloves highlighted
Fox Ranger Gloves highlighted

Additional Glove Options and Features

Grab Shark Cycling Gloves: Feature 4mm DR gel shock-absorbing pads to reduce nerve compression and fatigue. Sweat wipes, reflective logos, and silicone fingertips are added benefits. Troylee Designs Gloves: These gloves emphasize breathability with micro-mesh material and laser perforations for airflow; a silicone print on the fingertips provides reliable grip.

Grab Shark Cycling Gloves
Grab Shark Cycling Gloves

These gloves cater to a wide range of rider preferences, from those prioritizing protection to those who prioritize ventilation. Each offers unique features that enhance the riding experience.

Troylee Designs Gloves
Troylee Designs Gloves

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Glove

The best mountain bike glove depends on individual needs and riding style. Consider factors such as desired protection level, weather conditions, and personal preferences when making your choice. Features like gel padding, ventilation, touchscreen compatibility, and sweat wipes can greatly enhance comfort and functionality.

Montage of all the gloves reviewed
Montage of all the gloves reviewed

Each glove reviewed offers distinct advantages, from superior protection (e.g., Endura Humvee, Fox Ranger) to optimal breathability (e.g., Troylee Designs). Prioritizing safety and comfort is key to selecting the best glove for your riding adventures.