Cycling gloves are a small piece of gear that makes a big difference on every ride. REI’s bike clothing guide explains that gloves add comfort and control, and many models include padding to absorb road and trail vibrations. Most bike gloves feature a leather or synthetic-leather palm and a moisture-absorbing terry cloth patch for wiping sweat or a runny nose. Choosing the right pair depends on the weather, your riding style, and how much protection you want.
Why Wear Cycling Gloves?
According to REI’s commuter bike gear article, cycling gloves are not a fashion statement. The padded palms absorb road vibration, which reduces hand and arm fatigue on longer rides. They also protect your hands from abrasion in the event of a fall. The bike clothing guide adds that many cycling gloves have a leather or synthetic-leather palm for durability and a terry cloth patch on the thumb for dabbing sweat or a runny nose. Lightweight gloves give you more grip and control, while padded gloves offer extra comfort.
For riders who commute or ride in traffic, visibility matters. REI’s clothing guide notes that cycling clothes with reflective elements can improve your visibility to motorists. If you are building a full commuter kit, our commuter cycling gear guide covers lights, bags, and other essentials.
Padding: Comfort vs. Bar Feel
Padding in cycling gloves is designed to absorb vibrations from the road or trail. REI’s bike clothing guide recommends padded gloves for extra comfort, especially on rides where hand fatigue is a concern. However, the mountain biking clothing guide from REI points out that mountain bike grips are already padded, so glove padding is optional. Gloves with no padding are lighter, cooler, and allow you to maintain better bar feel, a plus when you are doing steep, fast, or technical descents. For rides lasting several hours or more, you may appreciate the increased comfort that padding provides. If you ride primarily on pavement, our road cycling gear checklist can help you round out your kit.
Fingerless vs. Full-Finger Gloves
The choice between fingerless and full-finger gloves largely comes down to temperature and protection. REI’s bike clothing guide states that fingerless gloves work well in warmer conditions, while full-finger gloves offer protection against wind and rain. The commuter gear article echoes this: in warm weather, fingerless gloves are a popular option, and as the weather cools, you should switch to full-finger styles, including waterproof and insulated versions when needed.
For mountain biking, the REI mountain biking clothing guide explains that you see far fewer fingerless gloves on the trail. Sweaty hands are a minor discomfort compared to bloody knuckles, so full-fingered gloves are almost always the wiser way to go. If you are new to off-road riding, our mountain bike gear checklist walks through all the protective gear you will want.
Gloves for Wet and Cold Weather
When cycling in the rain, fingers tend to get cold the quickest, especially when they encounter a breeze. REI’s tips for biking in the rain recommend wearing warm, waterproof gloves. The guide suggests looking for items made for skiing and kayaking, as they cross over well for cycling. For winter riding, REI’s winter bicycling tips note that bike gloves that are fully waterproof can keep your hands dry and warm. You need to find the warmest pair of gloves that still afford you full control of your brakes and shifters, and they must grip well in wet weather.
For even greater warmth, the bike clothing guide suggests using thin liner gloves inside your other gloves. Air-activated handwarmers that slip inside your gloves can also be a big help on bitterly cold days. REI’s winter guide reminds riders that warmers do not heat up instantaneously, so break them out of their sealed packaging a few minutes before your ride. Layering your hands is part of a larger cold-weather strategy; our cycling layering for cold weather guide explains how to dress from head to toe.
Mountain Biking Glove Considerations
The REI mountain biking clothing guide highlights two features that distinguish mountain bike gloves from road cycling gloves: padding and finger coverage. Because mountain bike grips are padded, padding in gloves is optional. Unpadded gloves are lighter and give you better bar feel on technical descents, while padded gloves can add comfort on rides lasting several hours or more. REI’s view is that sweaty hands are a minor discomfort compared to bloody knuckles, so full-finger gloves are almost always the wiser choice on the trail. For a complete look at trail-ready apparel, see our mountain bike gear guide.
Commuting and Everyday Riding
REI’s commuter bike gear article emphasizes that padded palms reduce hand and arm fatigue by absorbing road vibration, and gloves protect your hands from abrasion in a fall. In warm weather, fingerless gloves are a popular option. As temperatures drop, full-finger gloves with insulation and waterproofing become necessary. If you ride in wet conditions, a waterproof jacket is just as important; our cycling jackets for rain and wind guide can help you stay dry.
Glove Type Comparison
| Glove Type | When to Use | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerless | Warm weather, road riding, commuting | Lightweight, good grip and control, some padding available; less hand protection |
| Full-finger (unpadded) | Mountain biking, technical descents, mild weather | Full knuckle protection, better bar feel, lighter and cooler than padded gloves |
| Full-finger (padded) | Long road rides, commuting, touring | Vibration absorption, reduced hand fatigue, leather or synthetic palm, terry cloth wipe |
| Waterproof/insulated full-finger | Rain, cold weather, winter commuting | Keeps hands dry and warm; must still allow full control of brakes and shifters and grip well when wet; can be paired with liner gloves or handwarmers |
Table based on information from REI’s bike clothing, winter bicycling, rain biking, mountain biking, and commuter gear guides.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need padded gloves for mountain biking?
Padding is optional for mountain biking. REI’s mountain biking clothing guide explains that because mountain bike grips are already padded, you can choose gloves with no padding for a lighter, cooler feel and better bar control on technical descents. If you ride for several hours or more, padded gloves may increase comfort.
Can I use ski or kayak gloves for winter cycling?
Yes. REI’s tips for biking in the rain recommend looking for warm, waterproof gloves made for skiing and kayaking, as they cross over well for cycling. The key is to find a pair that still allows full control of your brakes and shifters and grips well in wet weather.
When should I switch from fingerless to full-finger gloves?
Switch to full-finger gloves as the weather cools. REI’s commuter gear article advises moving to full-finger styles, including waterproof and insulated versions, when temperatures drop. Full-finger gloves also provide protection against wind and rain, and they are the safer choice for off-road riding where knuckle protection matters.
For more guides on jerseys, shorts, jackets, and other riding apparel, visit our cycling apparel section.
