Are your hands suffering during winter mountain biking? The 100% Briscoe winter MTB gloves promise a solution, offering warmth and grip at a reasonable price point of around £15-£20. This review delves into the performance of these gloves, testing their effectiveness in cold conditions and assessing their key features, including a crucial integrated tech thread for convenient smartphone access. We’ll explore whether the balance between warmth, dexterity, and grip lives up to the hype and if they represent good value for money.Our testing focused on a real-world scenario, experiencing the gloves firsthand during a chilly 6-degree Celsius ride. We'll examine their warmth retention, grip performance on the handlebars, and the impact on dexterity. We'll also discuss the potential drawbacks, such as potential sweat build-up, and ultimately determine if the 100% Briscoe gloves are the perfect winter companion for your mountain biking adventures, or if they fall short of expectations.
Pros And Cons
- Wind resistant
- Good grip
- Thick padding
- Well-made
- Integrated tech thread for smart devices
- Lightly insulated top layer
- Good contact with handlebars
- Keeps hands warm
- May be too warm in moderately cold weather
- Can make hands sweaty
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First Impressions and Features
The 100% Briscoe gloves arrived, promising warmth and grip for winter mountain biking. At a retail price of around £15-£20, they seemed reasonably priced. The gloves boast thick padding, good wind resistance, and a decent grip, promising comfortable performance in chilly conditions.
A key feature is the integrated tech thread, allowing for easy connection with smartphones and other smart devices. This is a practical addition for riders who appreciate staying connected on the trail. The design incorporates a lightly insulated top layer, striking a balance between warmth and dexterity.
On-Trail Performance in Cold Weather
Testing the gloves on a 6-degree day proved revealing. While they effectively kept my hands warm, they also felt slightly too warm for the conditions. This suggests they’ll be ideal for truly cold winter rides but might be excessive on milder days.
The gloves maintained good grip on the handlebars, never feeling overly bulky or hindering control. Even with the warmth, dexterity wasn't compromised. My hands did get a little sweaty, a minor drawback that might be easily overcome by choosing the right under-glove or considering lighter activity levels.
Final Verdict
The 100% Briscoe gloves are a solid choice for winter mountain biking, offering effective warmth and a secure grip. While they might be slightly too warm for some less frigid conditions, their performance in colder temperatures is undeniable.
The integrated tech thread is a useful addition, and the balance between insulation and dexterity is well-achieved. At their price point, the 100% Briscoe gloves provide good value for money and a reliable option for keeping your hands toasty and comfortable on the trails.