Gloves are an essential component of mountain biking equipment and offer several advantages to cyclists. There are different types of gloves available for mountain biking, each designed to meet specific needs and riding conditions.
Here are some of the most common types of mountain bike gloves:
Cross-country gloves: These gloves are lightweight and breathable, designed for long rides on less technical terrain. They are usually made with thin and breathable materials to provide a good grip and a direct contact feeling with the handlebars.
Trail gloves: These gloves are designed for riding on more technical and challenging terrain. They feature extra padding to absorb vibrations and protect the hands during rough descents. They may also have silicone or non-slip inserts for improved grip.
Downhill gloves: These gloves are designed for aggressive downhill riding. They offer increased protection and durability compared to other types of gloves. They typically have more padding to absorb impacts and may have additional protections such as knuckle or joint guards.
Winter gloves: These gloves are designed to protect the hands from cold temperatures and winter weather. They are made with insulating and waterproof materials to keep the hands warm and dry during riding in cold, rainy, or snowy conditions.
Fingerless gloves: These gloves, also known as “half-finger gloves” or “bike park gloves,” have exposed fingers to provide greater sensitivity and control over brake and shift levers. They are popular among cyclists who prefer a greater sense of finger mobility.
Freeride gloves: These gloves are designed for versatile riding on technical and challenging terrain. They combine protection, comfort, and grip. They may have thicker padding in critical areas and additional protective features.
It is important to choose gloves based on your personal needs, the type of riding you do, and the conditions you encounter. Make sure the gloves fit properly and offer the right balance of protection, comfort, and control.
Here are some of the reasons why gloves are considered important in mountain biking:
Protection from falls: During mountain biking, it is possible to fall or have collisions with obstacles on the trail. Gloves provide additional protection to the hands, reducing the risk of injuries to the fingers, knuckles, and skin. They can also help absorb impacts and reduce the impact of falls.
Improved grip: Mountain bike gloves are designed with non-slip material on the inner surface of the hands. This improves grip on the handlebars, especially when tackling rough or muddy terrain. A good grip allows the cyclist to maintain control of the bike and better handle challenging conditions.
Vibration damping: During mountain biking, you may encounter uneven terrain and rough trails that generate vibrations through the handlebars. Gloves often have padding or gel layers that help absorb vibrations, reducing hand fatigue and increasing rider comfort.
Weather protection: Gloves can provide additional protection from the elements. In cold conditions, they can keep the hands warm, avoiding discomfort and reduced dexterity caused by the cold. Additionally, they can offer some protection against moisture and abrasion of the hands when riding in rainy or muddy conditions.
Sweat absorption: During mountain biking, it is common to sweat a lot. Mountain bike gloves are often made with breathable materials that absorb sweat from the hands and wick it away, keeping the hands dry and reducing the risk of slipping on the handlebars.
In summary, gloves in mountain biking offer protection from falls, improve grip, reduce vibrations, provide weather protection, and absorb sweat. Wearing gloves is an effective way to enhance safety, comfort, and performance during mountain biking.
