Just a few years ago, downhill bikers were plunging downhill over root carpets and stone fields heavily armoured like knights in plastic costumes. The protective armour did not even stop at the knuckles. Thick plastic or carbon humps were intended to protect the backs of the hands from the cruel consequences of contact with the ground. However, the secure grip on the handlebars often suffered as a result. And so today, not least the top riders in the Downhill World Cup rely on lightweight gloves with a perfect fit. Even if the overgloves only fulfil a minor protective function, you should still not do without a second skin. Biking drives the sweat out of your pores, unless you take a lift or shuttle up the mountains. To ensure that damp fingers can still grip the handlebars and brakes securely, manufacturers are developing non-slip materials and printing the fingertips and palms with sticky silicone prints. Padding and reinforcements prevent pressure points and, in extreme cases, blisters. And so gloves once again fulfil their protective function.
(Scoring: max. 6 points ● ● ● ● ● ●)
ENDURA MTR
Wiping thumb, Cordura inserts, airy mesh - the MTR lacks nothing. Even without Velcro, you can slip easily into the perfectly fitting glove. Unfortunately, you can feel the thick seams on the fingers and the grip on the handlebars could be a little better.
Info www.endurasport.com
Price 39,99 Euro
Weight 62 grammes
Fit ● ● ● ● ● o
Processing ● ● ● ● ● o
ERGON HX2
The wide Velcro opening allows you to slip easily into the robustly reinforced HX2. The fingers fit cleanly and without irritating seams, but are a little short. Lightweight mesh cools the fingers. If you grip the handlebars, the upper material stretches only slightly.
Info www.ergon-bike.com
Price 39,95 Euro
Weight 55 grammes
Fit ● ● ● ● o o
Processing ● ● ● ● ● o
ROECKL MANTUA
Roeckl knows its trade: the Mantua fits perfectly and is very supple. Sweating? Not a chance. The mesh backhand is so airy that even the sun tans through it. You get used to the Velcro on the underside. Whether you like the thick padding or not.
Info www.roeckl.de
Price 39,95 Euro
Weight 53 grammes
Fit ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Processing ● ● ● ● ● o
SIXSIXONE RAJI
The short-cut Raji gives a super grippy and direct feel on the handlebars - once you have it on. You practically work your way into the glove through the narrow opening. The print restricts mobility somewhat and the thumb is short.
Info www.cosmicsports.de
Price 34,90 Euro
Weight 50 grammes
Fit ● ● ● o o o o
Processing ● ● ● ● o o
SCOTT RC LF GLOVE
A breath of nothing: with the RC, a lot of air blows onto the hand from both above and below. The flexible material fits like a second skin and offers unexpectedly good grip on the handlebars. Unfortunately, the first seams start to come loose after just a few rides.
Info www.scott-sports.com
Price 39,95 Euro
Weight 33 grammes
Fit ● ● ●
● ●
o
Processing ● ● ● ● o o
100% CELIUM
The Clarino palm of the Celium is as full of holes as Swiss cheese. Together with the mesh upper side, which extends over the knuckle, it is extremely airy to wear. The finger length fits, but the fit is a little loose. Top: the 100% can be used to operate touchscreens.
Info www.sportsnut.de
Price 29,90 Euro
Weight 35 grammes
Fit ● ● ●
●
o
o
Processing ● ● ● ● o o
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 7/2015 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Stefan Frey
Editor
