This review compares three winter cycling gloves: the Pearl Izumi AmFib Light, the Pearl Izumi AmFib, and the Castelli Spettacolo. The author's search for a cold-weather replacement for their beloved Pearl Izumi Zoomy Cyclone gloves, which excel in mild conditions but lack insulation, led to this in-depth comparison. The key criteria for the new gloves were maintaining dexterity and precise control, similar to the Cyclones, while offering sufficient warmth for colder rides. The comfortable thumb material for wiping sweat and a snug cuff were also important considerations.Each glove is rigorously tested and evaluated based on warmth, dexterity, and overall feel. The review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each model, detailing the impact of insulation levels on dexterity and control. The author ultimately selects a favorite, weighing the benefits of warmth against the need for precise handlebar control and gear shifting. This review provides valuable insights for cyclists seeking the perfect balance of warmth and dexterity in their winter gloves.
Pros And Cons
- Insulation between Amphib Light and Amphib
- Lined with fleecy material
- Velvety palm material
- Zipper for easy on/off
- Less durable palm material than fake leather
- Worse dexterity than Amphib Light
- Cannot cinch cuff tightly
- Similar fit and style to Cyclone
- Has insulation
- Tight cuff
- Soft material on thumb for wiping
- Sturdy and durable material
- Reinforcement on palm
- Less dexterity than Cyclone
- Synthetic leather smell
- Not lined
- Insulation is not very noticeable
- Great fit
- Good dexterity
- Gel inserts are nice
- Soft material on thumb for wiping
- Zero insulation (not suitable for cold weather)
- Touchscreen pads are not very good
- 100 grams of Primaloft insulation
- Cross-court technology
- Lined with fleecy material
- Tight cuff
- Bulkier and less dexterity
- Too warm for most riding conditions
Read more: 5 Best Cycling Gloves to Buy in 2024
Pearl Izumi Zoomy Cyclone Gloves: A Mild Weather Champion
My experience with the Pearl Izumi Zoomy Cyclone gloves spans two seasons. They're fantastic for mild weather conditions, offering a superb fit and comfortable gel inserts. The touchscreen compatibility, while not perfect, is acceptable given the overall dexterity. However, their lack of insulation makes them unsuitable for colder temperatures.
Contenders for Cold Weather Cycling: Introducing the Candidates
Seeking better cold-weather protection, I evaluated three glove options: the Pearl Izumi AmFib Light, the Pearl Izumi AmFib, and the Castelli Spettacolo. The AmFib Light closely resembles the Cyclones but features insulation. The AmFib offers even more insulation, resulting in a bulkier design. The Castelli Spettacolo, recommended by my local bike shop, is another potential solution.
Desired Features in a New Glove
My priorities in a new glove centered around maintaining the dexterity and feel of the Cyclones, including excellent bar feel and precise gear shifting. The soft thumb material for wiping sweat or glasses was another key feature. A snug cuff was also crucial to maintain warmth and an aerodynamic fit.
Pearl Izumi AmFib Light Review: A Balanced Approach
The AmFib Light offers a reasonably snug fit but compromises slightly on dexterity compared to the Cyclones. The snug cuff is a plus, but the slight looseness around the knuckles allows for better circulation. While warmer than the Cyclones, it lacks the same precise control feel. The same comfortable thumb material is present, and the durable palm material is appreciated.
Pearl Izumi AmFib Review: Maximum Warmth, Compromised Dexterity
The AmFib, with its significant primaloft insulation, is exceptionally warm. However, this bulkiness heavily impacts dexterity, making precise hand movements difficult. The fleecy lining adds to the warmth but reduces the tactile feedback needed for confident cycling. Although warm, the bulk and reduced dexterity make it less ideal for my riding style.
Castelli Spettacolo RoS Review: A Comfortable Middle Ground
The Castelli Spettacolo strikes a balance between warmth and dexterity. Its fleecy lining provides considerable comfort and warmth, though perhaps not as much as the AmFib. While the dexterity isn't as high as the Cyclones, it's superior to the AmFib. The convenient zippered cuff is easy to use but sacrifices the adjustability of a Velcro closure.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Glove
Ultimately, I chose the Castelli Spettacolo. The balance of warmth and dexterity, coupled with the convenient zippered cuff, proved more appealing. While I sacrifice a bit of precise control compared to the Cyclones, the added warmth outweighs this minor drawback. The AmFib Light was a close contender, but the Castelli's lining and ease of use tipped the scales.
