All Arround MTB

SO GOOD The Sidewinder Polars' fluorescent yellow colourway makes them ideal for night rides or commutes on dark roads.

SO GOOD The theme here is definitely warmth and the BBBs are oven-like in that department. They're extremely waterproof too and the elasticated cuffs further seal in the heat. The AquaShields also walk away with the coveted award for softest snot wipe on test. At this price, they represent great value too.

ANSWER'S GRIT GLOVES are part of their Trail Builder range and are styled to look like you're about to get heavy-handed with a chainsaw.

THE NEW SIMI gloves from 100% use perforated leather on the back of the hand for protection and a thin Clarino palm for maximum grip and feel, and look very similar to Giro's excellent Remedy Xs.

WITH PIECES OF the same 'Unobtainium' rubber material used on Oakley's eyewear added to the knuckles and fingers for added protection, the Overload gloves certainly mean business.

SINCE RELAUNCHING WITH a well-received range of goggles, 100% have quickly expanded into casual clothing, sunglasses and gloves, with more of the latter being added to their line for 2015. 

WE LIKE the Moabs' thin palm, which has been reinforced strategically to improve durability. Alpinestars have done a good job with the shaping and fit too, creating a glove that feels comfortable and doesn't bunch when you're gripping the bar.

SO GOOD Sometimes, less really is more. The iTracks’ superb fit and comfort mean you just don’t notice them when you’re riding, which is great. The palm is nice and thin and doesn’t bunch up when gripping the bar either. The thick mesh on the back allows your hands to breathe but still keeps the chill at bay on colder days. The neoprene cuff is secure without feeling restrictive, and it’s thin enough that you don’t get sweaty. The fact these are just under 30$ is a big plus.

SO GOOD The well-shaped neoprene pull tab incorporated into the cuff makes getting the Stages on easy. Race Face have done a great job with the shaping and fit, ensuring that the thin palm follows the contours of your hand nicely, with no bunching. There’s decent reinforcement in all the key high-wear areas and ours are yet to show any signs of significant wear. The conductive patch on the middle (rather than index) finger is a nice touch too.

SO GOOD The cut, shape and fit of the Gats just feels right from the moment you slip your hands through the comfortable neoprene cuffs. We were dubious about the amount of gum-like silicone across the palm, but it enhances grip dramatically in the dry. The palm itself fits really well and doesn’t bunch up. There are small but handy conductive patches sewn neatly into the tip of the index finger and thumb.

SO GOOD The fit of the Monitors is really quite impressive. They’re snug but not overly so, giving a secure feel without being uncomfortable. They’re also reinforced in all the right places, with additional padding across the base of the fingers – which does offer some protection when riding really rough trails – and at the heel of the palm. The small conductive touchscreen patch on the index finger is handy too.

SO GOOD The Sprints’ super-comfy upper provides a good balance of protection and venting, as well as looking great. The fit around the thumb and length in the fingers are spot-on too. The single-layer Clarino palm is comfy, hard wearing and thin enough to provide plenty of feedback from the handlebar. The conductive patch on the index finger doesn’t interfere with braking and makes using your phone less of a faff.

SO GOOD It’s hard not to like the price of the Cores, and they come in five sizes. We’re big fans of the minimalist styling too. The palm is nice and thin, allowing you to really feel your grips, and it doesn’t bunch up when gripping the bar. The meshed back means they stay nice and cool during the summer months. The cuffless wrists are really comfy and offer an unrestricted feel.

Despite the Star Wars Stormtrooper black and white colourway turning geography teacher fawn on their first outing, I love the   ingletracks more than any other gloves, and have two pairs on rotation.