Mountain bike gloves are your sole interface between your upper body and the bike. As one of two key contact points, subtle changes in materials, padding, and more can make a big difference to some riders. But other riders just want a pair of gloves that provide a little protection and look cool without breaking the bank. You’ll find all types of mountain bike gloves on our readers’ choice list below–as long as you want a full-finger glove.
Not one half-finger mountain bike glove broke the top 10 list for 2017, yet even on this list, you’ll find gloves designed for XC with minimal padding and heft, others for gravity riding with significant knuckle padding, and many in between
This list also further highlights Fox’s dominance in the apparel and protectives market, with 5 Fox gloves in the top 10 highest-voted models.
10. Giro Xen
- MSRP: $35
- Palm Padding: Heel of hand
- Closure: Velcro
- Knuckle Protection: Outside knuckles and back of hand
- Special Features: Touchscreen compatible
- Colors: 4
9. Troy Lee Designs XC
- MSRP: $15-30
- Palm Padding: None
- Closure: Velcro
- Knuckle Protection: None
- Colors: 8
8. Fox Sidewinder
- MSRP: $32
- Palm Padding: None
- Closure: Velcro
- Knuckle Protection: Low profile
- Special Features: Silicone grip fingertip
- Colors: 3
7. Specialized Enduro
- MSRP: $40
- Palm Padding: Reinforced padding panel
- Closure: Neoprene cuff
- Knuckle Protection: Yes
- Special Features: Pre-curved fingers and silicone textured fingertips for brake grip
- Colors: 3
6. Fox Bomber
- MSRP: $55
- Palm Padding: Yes
- Closure: Velcro
- Knuckle Protection: Substantial: molded plastic knuckle and finger guards.
- Special Features: Extended wrist guard and leather gusset on pinky.
- Colors: 4
5. Fox Reflex Gel
- MSRP: $26-$33
- Palm Padding: Gel cushioning
- Closure: Velcro
- Knuckle Protection: No
- Special Features: Silicone grip fingertip
- Colors: 3
4. Troy Lee Designs Air
- MSRP: $14.50-$29
- Palm Padding: None
- Closure: Velcro
- Knuckle Protection: None
- Colors: 6
3. Giro DND
- MSRP: $25
- Palm Padding: Small reinforcement at heel of hand
- Closure: Elastic
- Knuckle Protection: None
- Special Features: Silicone fingertip is touchscreen compatible
- Colors: 10
2. Fox Ranger
- MSRP: $25
- Palm Padding: None
- Closure: Velcro
- Knuckle Protection: None
- Special Features: Thumb and index finger are touchscreen compatible
- Colors: 4
1. Fox Dirtpaw Race
- MSRP: $25
- Palm Padding: Minimal
- Closure: Velcro
- Knuckle Protection: Yes
- Special Features: Silicone print fingertip for brake grip
- Colors: 7
8 Comments
Nov 30, 2017
Nov 30, 2017
I recently purchased a pair of Dakine Traverse gloves. They're fairly minimalist with no padding, but they keep my hands cool and dry. And they fit! On a recent night ride, as the temp fell I slipped on my pair of Pearl fingerless over them. I found the combo to be comfortable, protective and fingertip-freeing.
The Traverse gloves are my new go-to for any XC ride above 40 degrees. Add the fingerless and those restrictions disappear.
Dec 4, 2017
Nov 29, 2017
Nov 30, 2017
Really curious to learn more about the gloves you are using in this particular case. Do you have any images of them or perhaps the brand name? Do you ride with them all year round? How do they fair in cold weather?
I've been wearing through gloves an alarming rate, but I think that's because I've been sticking to light and thin XC full-finger gloves. I used to use "Mechanix" gloves when I first started mountain biking over a decade ago. I remember them working great and wearing well. I think it may be worth revisiting the concept to save some money.
Thanks,
Mike
Nov 30, 2017
Nov 29, 2017
Nov 29, 2017