Ever felt your fingers go numb on a chilly mountain bike ride, turning a fun adventure into a frozen ordeal? You’re not alone! Winter riding can be incredible, with crisp air and quiet trails, but it also brings the challenge of keeping your hands warm and protected. It’s tough to find gloves that are warm enough without making your hands sweaty and clumsy.
Choosing the right winter mountain bike gloves matters. You need gloves that offer warmth, grip, and dexterity so you can still control your bike and brake safely. Too much bulk, and you lose feel on the handlebars. Not enough warmth, and your ride is cut short. This can lead to frustration and even frostbite if you’re not prepared.
This post is your guide to conquering the cold! We’ll break down what makes a great winter MTB glove and help you find the perfect pair. You’ll learn about different materials, features, and what to look for to keep your hands happy on even the coldest days. Get ready to ride through winter like a pro!
Our Top 5 Mtb Gloves For Winter Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mtb Gloves For Winter Detailed Reviews
1. 100% BRISKER Cold Weather Motocross & Mountain Bike Gloves – Warm Winter MTB & MX Powersport Racing Protective Gear (XL – FLO Orange/Black)
Rating: 9.3/10
Conquer the cold and keep your hands warm on your next motocross or mountain bike adventure with the 100% BRISKER Cold Weather Gloves. These gloves are designed for riders who don’t let chilly temperatures stop them from hitting the trails or the track. The bright FLO Orange and Black color scheme ensures you’ll be seen, and the XL size provides a comfortable fit for many riders.
What We Like:
- The adjustable wrist closure with hook and loop backing gives you a secure and personalized fit.
- A lightly insulated soft-shell top hand keeps your fingers protected from the cold.
- The moisture-wicking microfiber interior helps keep your hands dry and comfortable by managing sweat.
- A single-layer Clarion palm offers excellent comfort and a great feel for your handlebars.
- You can stay connected thanks to the touch screen compatible fingertips.
What Could Be Improved:
- While insulated, extreme sub-zero conditions might require additional layers for some riders.
- The focus is on cold weather; they might be too warm for milder conditions.
These gloves are a solid choice for staying comfortable and in control during colder riding seasons. They offer a good balance of warmth, protection, and functionality for your powersport needs.
2. ROCK BROS Winter Cycling Gloves for Men Women Water Resistant Touch Screen Gloves Shock-Absorbing Full Finger Biking Glove Anti-Slip Motorcycle Mountain Bike Gloves
Rating: 9.0/10
Conquer the cold and stay connected with the ROCK BROS Winter Cycling Gloves. These gloves are built tough for all your outdoor adventures, from cycling and motorcycling to fishing and even golfing. They keep your hands warm, dry, and in control, no matter the weather.
What We Like:
- Durable outer fabric resists scratches and wear.
- Thick fleece lining keeps hands toasty warm in freezing temperatures.
- Touchscreen-friendly fingertips let you use your phone or tablet easily.
- Extended wristbands block wind and improve comfort.
- Adjustable zipper cuffs fit all hand sizes snugly.
- Silicone grip on the palm ensures a firm hold on handlebars or equipment.
- Water-repellent surface sheds rain and snow.
- Reflective strips enhance visibility for safer night rides.
- Link locks make them easy to carry and store.
What Could Be Improved:
- While water-repellent, they may not be fully waterproof for extended submersion.
- The “shock-absorbing” feature is not explicitly detailed, so its effectiveness might vary.
These ROCK BROS gloves offer excellent protection and functionality for winter activities. They are a solid choice for anyone needing warm, versatile, and reliable handwear.
3. INBIKE Cycling Winter Gloves
Rating: 8.8/10
Conquer the cold and ride in comfort with the INBIKE Cycling Winter Gloves. These gloves are built for serious winter adventures, keeping your hands warm and protected no matter the weather. They’re perfect for cycling, but also great for running, motorcycle rides, and anything else you do outdoors when it’s chilly.
What We Like:
- These gloves are super warm and block the wind.
- The soft fleece lining feels cozy inside.
- The long wrist strap keeps the wind out and warmth in.
- Gel pads on the palm help soak up bumps, making your ride smoother.
- You can use your smartphone without taking them off thanks to the touch screen fingertips.
- Reflective parts on the back make you more visible when it’s dark outside.
- The silicone grips on the fingers stop your hands from slipping.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for most winter conditions, extreme cold might require an extra layer.
- The touch screen sensitivity can sometimes be a little tricky with very wet hands.
These INBIKE gloves offer excellent warmth and protection for your winter activities. They are a solid choice for anyone who wants to stay comfortable and safe outdoors during the colder months.
4. 100% BRISKER Cold Weather Motocross & Mountain Bike Gloves – Warm Winter MTB & MX Powersport Racing Protective Gear (SM – Heather)
Rating: 9.3/10
Gear up for winter rides with the 100% BRISKER Cold Weather Motocross & Mountain Bike Gloves. These gloves are designed to keep your hands warm and protected whether you’re hitting the trails on your mountain bike or tackling the motocross track. They offer a snug fit and are built to handle the chill of colder weather.
What We Like:
- The adjustable wrist closure with hook and loop backing provides a secure and personalized fit, so the gloves stay put.
- A lightly insulated soft-shell top hand offers good warmth without making your hands feel bulky.
- The moisture-wicking microfiber interior keeps your hands dry and comfortable, managing sweat effectively.
- A single-layer Clarion palm gives you excellent comfort and a great feel for your handlebars.
- You can easily use your phone or GPS with the integrated tech thread, keeping you connected on the go.
What Could Be Improved:
- While insulated, they might not be warm enough for extremely freezing temperatures.
- The heather color, while stylish, could show dirt more easily than darker options.
Overall, these BRISKER gloves are a solid choice for riders who need reliable warmth and control in cooler conditions. They offer a good balance of protection, comfort, and connectivity for your winter adventures.
5. GripGrab Ride Windproof Winter Padded Cycling Gloves Full Finger Breathable Biking Gloves Thermal Fleece Lined Cold Weather Bike Riding Gloves for MTB Gravel Road Bike
Rating: 8.9/10
Cold weather doesn’t have to stop your cycling adventures. The GripGrab Ride Windproof Winter Padded Cycling Gloves are designed to keep your hands warm and comfortable, no matter the chill. Whether you’re hitting the trails on your MTB, cruising on your gravel bike, or powering through on the road, these gloves offer protection and performance.
What We Like:
- The gloves offer a snug, performance fit. They hug your hands closely for better control.
- They are completely windproof, stopping icy gusts from chilling your fingers.
- The material breathes well, letting out extra heat so your hands don’t get sweaty.
- DoctorGel padding is placed in smart spots. This padding absorbs shocks and reduces hand pain on longer rides.
- A soft fleece patch on the thumb is handy for wiping sweat from your face.
- The long knitted cuff seals the gap between your jacket and the gloves. This keeps cold air out and warmth in.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s recommended to size up compared to your usual summer gloves. This ensures a comfortable, insulating fit.
These gloves are a solid choice for any cyclist braving the cold. They effectively balance warmth, protection, and comfort for a better winter riding experience.
Conquer the Cold: Your Ultimate Guide to Winter MTB Gloves
Riding your mountain bike when the air bites with frost doesn’t have to mean numb fingers. Choosing the right winter MTB gloves keeps your hands warm, dry, and in control. This guide helps you find the perfect pair so you can enjoy those crisp trail rides.
1. Key Features to Look For
Warmth is King
The most important job of winter gloves is keeping your hands warm. Look for gloves with good insulation. This is the stuff that traps body heat. Some gloves use different kinds of insulation to keep you toasty.
Water and Wind Resistance
Cold wind cuts through your warmth like a knife. You need gloves that block the wind. Also, winter trails can be wet. Your gloves should stop rain and snow from getting in and making your hands cold and soggy. A waterproof or water-resistant coating helps a lot.
Grip and Control
Even with warm hands, you need to feel your handlebars. Good winter gloves offer excellent grip. This lets you steer and brake with confidence. Some gloves have special textures on the palms for better grip, even when wet.
Dexterity
You still need to work your shifters and brakes. Gloves that are too bulky make this hard. Look for gloves that let your fingers move freely. This means you can change gears and brake smoothly.
Durability
Mountain biking can be tough on gear. Your gloves should be strong. They need to handle falls, branches, and rough trails. Reinforced areas, like on the knuckles or palms, add extra toughness.
2. Important Materials
Insulation: The Warmth Makers
- **Fleece:** Soft and warm, fleece is a popular choice. It traps air to keep heat in.
- **Synthetic Fill:** Materials like PrimaLoft or Thinsulate are very good at staying warm even when they get a little wet. They work like down but are better in damp conditions.
- **Down:** While very warm, down loses its insulation when wet. It’s less common in MTB gloves for this reason.
Outer Shell: The Protective Layer
- **Nylon and Polyester:** These fabrics are strong and often water-resistant. They form the main body of many gloves.
- **Softshell:** This material is stretchy and breathable. It blocks wind and light rain but lets some moisture escape.
- **Waterproof/Breathable Membranes:** Materials like Gore-Tex or similar technologies create a barrier against water but allow sweat to escape. This keeps your hands dry from the inside and out.
Palm and Grip: The Connection Points
- **Synthetic Leather (Amara, Clarino):** This material mimics leather’s grip and durability. It works well even when damp.
- **Silicone Prints:** Small silicone patterns add extra grip to the palm and fingers.
- **Rubber:** Some gloves use rubber for enhanced grip in specific areas.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- **Sealed Seams:** Properly sealed seams stop water from seeping in through the stitching.
- **Adjustable Cuffs:** Cuffs that you can tighten help seal out cold air and snow.
- **Touchscreen Compatibility:** Some gloves let you use your phone or GPS without taking them off. This is a nice convenience.
- **Reinforced Padding:** Extra padding on the palms can reduce vibration and add comfort on long rides.
Reducing Quality
- **Poor Stitching:** Loose or weak stitching can lead to tears and reduce a glove’s lifespan.
- **Non-Breathable Materials:** If a glove can’t let sweat escape, your hands will get clammy and cold.
- **Lack of Grip:** If the palm material is slick, you’ll struggle to control your bike.
- **Excessive Bulk:** Gloves that are too thick make it hard to operate controls.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Winter MTB gloves are for anyone who wants to ride when it’s cold. They are great for trail riding in autumn and winter. If you commute by bike in colder weather, they are also a good choice. They keep your fingers from going numb, which means you can enjoy your ride more. You can focus on the trail, not on how cold your hands are.
When you’re climbing a hill, your body generates heat. The gloves need to manage this heat. They shouldn’t make your hands sweat too much. On the downhill, when you’re moving faster and the wind is stronger, the windproof feature becomes very important. Good gloves protect you from both the cold and the wind chill.
Winter MTB Glove FAQs
Q: How do I know if winter MTB gloves are warm enough?
A: Look for gloves with good insulation. Check for materials like fleece or synthetic fill. Reviews from other riders can also give you an idea of how warm they are.
Q: Are waterproof gloves always the best for winter?
A: Not always. While waterproof gloves keep out rain, they can sometimes be less breathable. If your hands sweat a lot, you might prefer water-resistant and breathable gloves that let moisture escape.
Q: How important is grip for winter gloves?
A: Grip is very important. You need to be able to control your handlebars and brakes easily, even when it’s cold and wet. Look for palms made from synthetic leather or with silicone prints.
Q: Can I use regular winter gloves for mountain biking?
A: Regular winter gloves might not have the grip, durability, or dexterity needed for mountain biking. MTB gloves are designed with these specific needs in mind.
Q: How do I clean my winter MTB gloves?
A: Always check the care label. Most can be hand-washed with mild soap and cold water. Rinse them well and let them air dry away from direct heat.
Q: What if my hands get too hot inside the gloves?
A: This means the gloves might be too warm for the conditions, or they aren’t breathable enough. For milder winter days, you might need a lighter pair.
Q: Should I buy gloves that are a size too big?
A: No, you should buy gloves that fit well. If they are too big, they will be bulky and make it hard to control your bike. They won’t trap heat as effectively either.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on good winter MTB gloves?
A: Good quality winter MTB gloves can range from $40 to $100 or more. The price often depends on the materials, features, and brand.
Q: What is “dexterity” in a glove?
A: Dexterity means how easily your fingers can move. Gloves with good dexterity let you feel your controls and operate them smoothly, like shifting gears.
Q: How do I know if the gloves will fit my hands properly?
A: Measure the width of your palm and the length of your middle finger. Compare these measurements to the brand’s sizing chart. Trying them on is always the best option if possible.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.