Reviews You Can Rely On

The 7 Best Mountain Bike Gloves

We tested models from Giro, Dakine, Fox, 100%, and more to find the best mountain bike gloves
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Best Mountain Bike Gloves
Need new mountain bike gloves? We've tested the best pairs on the market.
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Sunday December 31, 2023

Are you searching for the best mountain bike gloves? Our team has tested more than 35 models over the past five years. For this review, we purchased 13 of our favorites for side-by-side testing. Our selection includes gloves for riding through every season, to benefit every riding style, and to accommodate preferences at a range of price points. Our extended test period allows our testers to put each pair through the wringer. We focus our testing on actually riding in these gloves, assessing each model for comfort, protection, and durability. We then supplement our field testing with a comparative analysis of fit, and closely examine the functionality of features like padding and touchscreen compatibility. Our comprehensive review offers expert advice to help you find the perfect pair of gloves based on your needs and budget.

Just in case you take a digger, you want to make sure you're wearing the best protective gear on your next mountain bike ride. Over the years, our riding team has tested the best in safety equipment, from gloves to knee pads and top-rated mountain bike helmets.

Editor's Note: We updated this review on December 31, 2023, to update our testing metrics and provide more in-depth product comparisons.

Top 13 Product Ratings

Displaying 1 - 5 of 13
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Awards Top Pick Award Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award   
Price $21.04 at Amazon$30.99 at Backcountry$24.00 at Evo$23.99 at Backcountry$23.96 at Evo
Overall Score Sort Icon
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80
79
77
76
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Pros Padded knuckles, longer Velcro cuff, ventilated palm, silicone panels, tough four-way stretch top fabricWater and wind resistant, insulated, silicone fingers, long cuff, nose wipeSnug fit, micromesh back, ventilated palm, touchscreen compatible, very lightComfortable, velcro wrist, form fitting, silicone finger tabsLightweight, slip on, silicone panels, touchscreen compatible
Cons Knuckles need to breakLacks ventilation, decreased dexterityThinner fabric on backside of gloveSeams at finger tips, not for colder temps, minimal protectionFingertips tight when new, no palm ventilation
Bottom Line The most protective glove we've tested, with a great fit and outstanding durabilityA water-resistant, lightly insulated glove for cool weather riding that won't break the bankThese form-fitting, lightweight gloves have the necessary features and comfort for a great rideA classic, warm-weather minimalist glove with good quality and fitA durable, lightweight, slip-on glove that feels great for all types of riding
Rating Categories 100% Cognito D30 Fox Racing Ranger Fire Troy Lee Designs Ai... Fox Racing Ranger G... Dakine Covert
Fit (25%)
8.0
8.5
8.5
8.0
8.0
Comfort (25%)
8.5
8.0
8.5
8.0
7.5
Features (20%)
8.0
8.0
7.5
8.0
7.5
Protection (15%)
8.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
Durability (15%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
9.0
7.5
Specs 100% Cognito D30 Fox Racing Ranger Fire Troy Lee Designs Ai... Fox Racing Ranger G... Dakine Covert
Touchscreen Friendly? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cold or Warm Weather? Warm Cold Warm Warm Warm
Palm Fabric Perforated single-layer Clarino Water-resistant Ax Suede palm Single-layer synthetic leather Polyester AX Suede Uno synthetic suede
Back of Hand Fabric 4-way stretch fabric with D30 knuckle pads Polyester and nylon Micro-mesh 4-way stretch polyester 4-way stretch breathable mesh
Silicone Fingertips? Yes: Pointer, middle, palm Yes: Thumb and 1/2 fingers Yes: 1/2 fingers Yes: Pointer, middle, thumb Yes: Pointer, thumb
Nose Wipe? No Yes No Yes Yes


Best Overall Mountain Bike Glove


Troy Lee Designs Air Glove


79
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Fit 8.5
  • Comfort 8.5
  • Features 7.5
  • Protection 7.0
  • Durability 7.0
Available sizes: S - XXL | Touchscreen Friendly? Yes
REASONS TO BUY
Snug fit
Mesh back and ventilated palm
Lightweight
Touchscreen compatible
REASONS TO AVOID
Thin fabric on backside
Not for colder rides

Troy Lee Designs has a long history of making quality, comfortable, stylish riding apparel, and the Troy Lee Designs Air Glove reinforces that reputation. When you first pick up the gloves, you notice how lightweight they are thanks to the micromesh backing and perforated palm. The breathable fabric keeps your hands cool on longer rides and the flexible fabric contours to your hands for all-day comfort. The index and middle fingers have silicone pads for improved lever grip, and the touchscreen compatibility means you don't have to remove the gloves to ridicule your friends for missing the ride. There is also an additional layer of synthetic leather in the thumb webbing for blister protection. The velcro wrist closure feels very secure, and the inside of the wrist has a nice silicone tab for pulling the glove onto your hands when things get sweaty.

The TLD Air quickly stood out as a favorite mountain bike glove and will likely pull double duty on other, motorized two-wheel adventures. While this TLD glove is a comfortable option for warmer rides, it isn't the most well-ventilated glove we tested. These gloves offer great dexterity for technical riding or adjusting your equipment, but they are a bit more noticeable on your hands than other lightweight models, particularly minimalist gloves like the 100% Celium. But it is hard to beat the TLD Air's combination of comfort, protection, and flair, and it's obvious as soon as you slip them on how they earned our nod as the best gloves on the market.

mountain bike gloves - best overall mountain bike glove
Our testing process involves plenty of time spent actually riding with each pair of gloves.
Credit: Laura Casner

Best Bang for Your Buck


Giro DND


74
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Fit 8.0
  • Comfort 8.0
  • Features 7.0
  • Protection 5.0
  • Durability 8.0
Available sizes: XS - XXXL | Touchscreen Friendly? Yes
REASONS TO BUY
Well-refined fit
Good breathability
Compatible with touchscreen
Reasonable price
REASONS TO AVOID
Minimal protection

The Giro DND is a popular glove in Giro's line-up and has remained relatively unchanged over the years. These slip-on gloves feature a comfortable combination of AX Suede synthetic leather on the palm and 4-way stretch mesh on the backside of the hand. Their fit is bolstered by Giro's "Super-Fit" engineered three-panel palm construction, meant to improve feel and reduce material bunching. The gloves are meant for warmer weather riding and offer a sweat wipe on the thumb and silicone on the thumb, index, and middle finger for grip. Not to be outdone by the other, more expensive models, the DND is also touchscreen compatible, so you can shoot pictures and text without removing your gloves.

The DND is more of a minimalist, warm-weather glove. It doesn't offer the same protection from overgrowth and tree branches as the higher-rated Troy Lee Designs Air, but it did hold up to a few slides across the hardpack. The DND has been well received over the years and continues to be an all-around favorite for many riders, all at a price almost everyone can afford.

mountain bike gloves - we&#039;ve been riding in various pairs of giro dnd for years. if it...
We've been riding in various pairs of Giro DND for years. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Best Budget Buy


Giro Trixter


64
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Fit 6.5
  • Comfort 7.0
  • Features 7.0
  • Protection 5.0
  • Durability 6.0
Available sizes: XS-XXL | Touchscreen Friendly? Yes
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to take on and off
Close-fitting
Breathable
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks protection
Seam placement on fingertips
Potential for seam failure

The Giro Trixter is a minimalist glove offering solid breathability and comfort on a budget. The slip-on style features a stretchable lycra cuff that makes it easier to glove up. The perforated palm, flexible "AX Bolt" fabric on the backside, and mesh between the fingers keep your hand cool. These pricepoint gloves even feature Giro's "Instachill" technology, which they claim cools your skin as you sweat. The Trixter also includes blister protection inside the thumb and is touchscreen-compatible.

The lightweight fabric of the Trixter is definitely comfortable and flexible, but the gloves fit smaller-to-size than other comparable models tested. It is one of the few models to experience failure during our test period, with the mesh seam splitting on one finger and the fabric across one of the knuckles pulling apart when stretched. The cuff of the gloves also feels short on the palm side, and the seams on the fingers cause pressure at the fingertips. The Trixter is a great value for a warm-weather glove, but unless you're shopping on a particularly tight budget, it's worth considering spending a few more bucks on a durable glove like the Giro DND.

mountain bike gloves - comfortable, minimalist gloves like the trixter allow you to focus...
Comfortable, minimalist gloves like the Trixter allow you to focus on the task at-hand.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Most Protective Gloves


100% Cognito D30


81
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Fit 8.0
  • Comfort 8.5
  • Features 8.0
  • Protection 8.0
  • Durability 8.0
Available sizes: S-XXL | Touchscreen Friendly? Yes
REASONS TO BUY
D30 knuckle protection
Comfortable fit
Highly breathable
Good dexterity
REASONS TO AVOID
No nose wipe
Longer cuff than most gloves

When you envision a tough, protective glove that is still flexible and breathable, the 100% Cognito D30 should be what comes to mind. These gloves include all of the desired features of other popular gloves, like silicone finger and palm pads, touchscreen capability, mesh finger gussets, and a Clarini perforated palm. The Cognito D30 also adds a neoprene velcro cuff and abrasion-resistant stretch material on the backside for additional protection from scrapes and cuts. The stand-out difference of these gloves, however, are the molded knuckles that will give you the confidence to corner tighter and knuckle kiss a tree here and there.

With the additional protection, it takes some time to get used to the thicker fabric and formed knuckles on the Cognito D30, especially if you're used to more minimalist gloves like the Giro Trixter. The abrasion-resistant material on the back of the D30 isn't particularly well-ventilated, so these gloves can feel a bit warm on hotter days. Even though they fit true to size, the velcro cuff felt looser than other, similarly sized gloves. Additional protection aside, the gloves don't feel bulky or stiff, so you won't be sacrificing any range of motion or dexterity for the added protection. Ultimately, the D30 is a well-made glove that offers a little boost of confidence to tackle those tight trails and obstacles.

mountain bike gloves - the cognito d30 provide a nice level of protection in a surprisingly...
The Cognito D30 provide a nice level of protection in a surprisingly breathable and comfortable package.
Credit: Laura Casner

Best for Cold Weather Riding


Fox Racing Ranger Fire


80
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Fit 8.5
  • Comfort 8.0
  • Features 8.0
  • Protection 7.0
  • Durability 8.0
Available sizes: S - XXL | Touchscreen Friendly? Yes
REASONS TO BUY
Not too bulky
Silicone grips
Water and wind-resistant
Long cuff
REASONS TO AVOID
Narrow cuff to squeeze hand through
Difficult to take on and off when sweaty

The Fox Ranger Fire is a riding glove for colder days, offering comfort and dexterity without the bulky feel of a full winter glove. The Ranger Fire has a water resistant Ax Suede palm with silicone grips to prevent slippage when wet, and the back of the glove is a flexible polyester and nylon softshell. Sliding your hand into the soft, brushed fleece interior is made easier with a reinforced pull tab on the extended cuff, which can be tucked into a jacket to keep the wind and water out on adventurous rides.The glove also offers a nose wipe on the thumb and is touchscreen-compatible, so you don't have to expose your hands to send a text.

Often a cold weather glove is bulky, and it can be difficult to get a feel for levers and shifters. But the Ranger Fire fits close to the hand and doesn't feel much different from any other fully-featured gloves in our test group, like the Troy Lee Designs Air Glove. Riding in early morning temperatures in the 40 °Fs was no issue with the Ranger Fire, but they got a little uncomfortable as temperatures climbed closer to 60 °F. Once our hands were sweaty, the gloves were a bit more challenging to slip on due to their narrow cuff, but the pull tab certainly helped. An altogether impressive design, the Ranger Fire is a sleek and comfortable glove for cold-weather riding.

mountain bike gloves - we always do our best to test products in the conditions for which...
We always do our best to test products in the conditions for which they are intended, like testing the cold-weather Fox Ranger Fire on a fat bike ride.
Credit: Laura Casner

Most Stylish Gloves


Handup Summer Lite


72
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Fit 9.0
  • Comfort 8.0
  • Features 6.0
  • Protection 5.0
  • Durability 6.5
Available sizes: XS - XXL | Touchscreen Friendly? No
REASONS TO BUY
Great breathability
Wide range of colors and graphics
REASONS TO AVOID
Very lightweight
Touchscreen compatibility is inconsistent

The Handup Summer Lite is the go-to choice for those who want a lightweight, minimalist glove with a little pizzazz. Sometimes the first things you notice are a rider's gloves, and the Summer Lite offers a variety of colors and graphics to express your inner wild child. Handup makes a variety of gloves for different conditions, and as the name suggests, the Summer series is made for the warmest riding weather. The perforated palm and mesh shell keep your hands cool on those hot days and these gloves include a sweat wipe on the thumb to keep the sweat out of your eyes. Their close-knit fit and top-notch flexibility make them quite comfortable for a full day on the trail.

Since the Summer Lite is a lightweight glove, it doesn't offer much protection past the fabric covering your hand. The glove may be fine sliding out in a turn or hitting light foliage, but unlike the 100% Cognito D30, it probably isn't the best option for testing out your bone density in a rock garden. The Summer Lite is listed as a touchscreen-compatible glove, though inconsistencies during our testing would prove otherwise. If you are looking for a minimalist glove with a little flair so you can be a peacock at the bike park, the Summer Lite offers plenty of fun options to fit the bill.

mountain bike gloves - lightweight, minimalist gloves aren&#039;t specifically designed for...
Lightweight, minimalist gloves aren't specifically designed for cooler weather rides. But they might be preferable over thicker options, especially for techy trails.
Credit: Laura Casner

Best for Glove-Averse Riders


100% Celium


65
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Fit 6.5
  • Comfort 7.0
  • Features 6.5
  • Protection 5.0
  • Durability 7.0
Available sizes: S - XL | Touchscreen Friendly? Yes
REASONS TO BUY
Minimalist
Very lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Short cuff
Ultra thin

If you are a rider who likes the au-natural feel of the controls, but you still want some level of protection and grip, the 100% Celium may be your perfect glove. The Celium is a true-to-size glove that offers a single-layer, perforated Clarino palm with an ultra-thin stretch mesh back panel that feels almost non-existent. The slip-on design with a short cuff offers a very snug fit that flexes well with any hand movement. Other features include touchscreen compatibility, a sweat wipe, and silicone on the palm, first, and second fingers for additional grip.

The Celium performed well on the trail and definitely keeps your hands from getting hot. Since it is a minimalist design, it doesn't offer any smash or bash protection but does offer some abrasion resistance for when you take a slide. One noticeable issue is the seams are sewn at the fingertips, which feels odd at first. Although those odd feelings subsided with use, a glove with a more refined fit like the Giro DND avoids this issue altogether. However, for riders who like a minimalist glove or for the glove-adverse rider who wants to try out a pair, the Celium is still the perfect ultralight glove with a barely-there feel.

mountain bike gloves - a little play time while wearing the celium. thin gloves hardly...
A little play time while wearing the Celium. Thin gloves hardly impede control over your bike.
Credit: Travis Reddinger

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
81
100% Cognito D30
Most Protective Gloves
$40
Top Pick Award
80
Fox Racing Ranger Fire
Best for Cold Weather Riding
$45
Top Pick Award
79
Troy Lee Designs Air Glove
Best Overall Mountain Bike Glove
$34
Editors' Choice Award
77
Fox Racing Ranger Gloves
$30
76
Dakine Covert
$32
75
Hestra Bike Long Sr. 5-Finger
$50
74
Giro DND
Best Bang for Your Buck
$25
Best Buy Award
72
Handup Summer Lite
Most Stylish Gloves
$32
Top Pick Award
71
Specialized Trail Thermal Gloves
$40
67
POC Essential DH
$50
66
Dakine Cross-X
$40
65
100% Celium
Best for Glove-Averse Riders
$30
Top Pick Award
64
Giro Trixter
Best Budget Buy
$20
Best Buy Award

mountain bike gloves - gloves like the 100% cognito d30 have knuckle padding for riding in...
Gloves like the 100% Cognito D30 have knuckle padding for riding in heavy hitting terrain.
Credit: Laura Casner

Why You Should Trust Us


For our comprehensive review, we first identified key metrics to grade mountain bike gloves. While there was debate over which aspects we should focus on, all of our reviewers agreed that the best way to test these gloves is by wearing them to ride – a lot. For metrics like fit and comfort, we simply wore these gloves for months end to feel how they either improved or impeded our riding experience. Other metrics, like features and protection, were supplemented by close, side-by-side examination of every glove to judge how certain designs supported our experience in the field. We wore these gloves while riding a wide variety of terrain and through every type of weather to best assess their versatility.

Our testing of mountain bike gloves is divided into five rating metrics:
  • Fit (25% of total score weighting)
  • Comfort (25% weighting)
  • Features (20% weighting)
  • Protection (15% weighting)
  • Durability (15% weighting)

Our lead mountain bike glove reviewer is Jeremy Benson. Benson is a bike racer based in South Lake Tahoe, CA. He began mountain biking in the early nineties and has become more addicted to the sport over the years. Whether riding for fun, work, or training, Benson spends lots of time on the bike in all seasons. In addition to putting all types of gear through the wringer for GearLab reviews, Benson is also the author of Mountain Bike Tahoe, a guidebook published by Mountaineers Books.

Zach Wick is a riding fanatic who has spent years working in product development and testing in the cycling industry. He has experience testing new equipment both in the lab and in the field, and he has developed a keen sense of what makes a good product. Over the past fifteen years, he's spent time riding and racing most two-wheeled disciplines you can think of at an elite level. These days he spends most of his time mountain biking on his local trails in Santa Cruz and taking part in the occasional mountain, gravel, or cyclocross race while testing gear for GearLab.

Travis Reddinger has spent much of his life on two wheels, starting with BMX racing and dirt jumping, eventually growing into riding mountain bikes and dirt bikes. Now, he is fortunate enough to have a family who also enjoys riding all things two-wheeled. With years of experience on the trails, putting equipment to the test with a keen attention to detail, Travis knows how to determine what is functional and what simply doesn't work.

The Ranger is both functional and stylish.
The Ranger is both functional and stylish.
Testing bike gloves in some cool spring weather.
Testing bike gloves in some cool spring weather.
Hestra&#039;s Bike Long Sr. 5-finger keeps the fingers warm on crisp fall...
Hestra's Bike Long Sr. 5-finger keeps the fingers warm on crisp fall rides.

Analysis and Test Results


Mountain bike gloves serve different purposes for each individual rider, and it can be challenging to pick the perfect pair to suit your particular needs. There is a wide assortment of gloves to choose from, so we spend time researching the most popular options on the market and selecting only the best ones to test side-by-side. During the testing process, each model is rated on five performance metrics: fit, comfort, features, protection, and durability. The gloves undergo testing and examination by multiple riders, and feedback is collected for accurate assessments.


Value


Price does not impact how a product scores during our testing phase, but it does matter to anyone making a purchase decision. Oftentimes, high-performance products come with higher price tags as a result of the materials used, cost of production, or design labor behind extra features. Specially designed glovers like the 100% Cognito D30 and Fox Ranger Fire fit this mold perfectly. But opting for a less expensive glove doesn't mean you are settling for an inferior product. The Giro DND performs admirably across the board, offering many of the same features as higher-end gloves at a fraction of the cost.

mountain bike gloves - we put each pair of gloves through the wringer in testing. simple...
We put each pair of gloves through the wringer in testing. Simple gloves like the Giro Trixter fulfill most, if not all, needs for everyday riding.
Credit: Sarah Strobel

Fit


If your gear doesn't fit properly, it won't get used. We pay attention to finger articulation, length and shape, ease of application and removal, material stretch and binding, and how the glove impacts movement or is restrictive. We also examine if the gloves run true to size since the range of fit can vary between brands or even between a brand's own models.


The four-way stretch fabric and Clarino palm on the Handup Summer Lite make this minimalist summer glove one of the best-fitting options in our review. The Fox Ranger Fire and TLD Air Glove are made for different temperatures (cold and shoulder seasons, respectively) but score similarly well thanks to their nearly perfect finger length and shape. The Hestra Sr. 5-Finger and Specialized Trail Thermal also offer additional cold weather protection without limiting movement for technical riding. The 100% Cognito D30 and Dakine Covert feature a perforated Clarino palm with stretch material on the back, which aids in unrestricted movement – a particularly notable achievement for the heavily padded D30 gloves.

mountain bike gloves - gloves can help with technical control on obstacles.
Gloves can help with technical control on obstacles.
Credit: Travis Reddinger

Comfort


The comfort of a glove may seem like a subjective metric, but there are important objective factors that determine how comfortable a riding glove will be. The materials used in manufacturing greatly impact the comfort of a glove, as well as its ability to regulate body temperature for warm or cold weather rides. Most mountain bike gloves feature a mix of synthetic leather, polyester fabric, and mesh for flexibility. But some gloves have a much better feel than others when compared side-by-side. Design and construction can also make or break comfort. Poorly placed seams and excess fabric can bunch up or create hotspots, causing irritation or blisters. Throughout our years of testing, we've noticed that the most comfortable gloves tend to have a solid, seamless palm and minimal overlap of fabrics or seams on the fingertips.


At the top of the comfort scale are the TLD Air and the 100% Cognito D30, two very different types of gloves that are equally enjoyable to wear on long rides. Thanks to flexible, lightweight fabric, minimal flat seams, and plenty of ventilation, the Air glove is barely noticeable. Alternatively, the Cognito D30 might be the most comfortable protective glove we've ever worn, thanks to flexible knuckle padding, a soft Clarino palm, and an abrasion-resistant back that is still quite flexible.

Longer velcro cuff, perforated palm, and silicone grips make the...
Longer velcro cuff, perforated palm, and silicone grips make the 100% Cognito D30 more comfortable for longer rides.
Silicone palm and finger grips with a pull tab to help with donning...
Silicone palm and finger grips with a pull tab to help with donning the TLD Air.
Gloves employ different materials on the palms, which can greatly affect their flexibility and grip.

Fox Racing designed the warm-weather Ranger and cold-weather Ranger Fire with thoughtful seam placements to improve overall comfort. The minimalist Giro DND and Handup Summer Lite feature synthetic leather palms and a stretchy mesh backing that closely conforms to your hand. Unlike the Dakine Cross-X, which is similar to the DND and Summer Lite but with a Clarino palm, the Dakine Covert features a more unique construction. The Convert combines a four-way-stretch back with a one-piece Ax Suede Uno synthetic palm, which wraps over the fingers to the first knuckle for a seamless fingertip.

The seams on the finger tips are noticable.
The seams on the finger tips are noticable.
The palm material transitions over the fingers to the first knuckle...
The palm material transitions over the fingers to the first knuckle eliminating annoying seams that cause pressure.
Some gloves bring the fabric together at the finger, while other brands avoid this altogether.

Features


While most gloves generally look pretty similar, there are a number of features that differentiate the functionality of various models. We examined and tested each glove's useful features, including the nose-wipe chammy, touchscreen compatibility, silicone fingertips, padding, ventilation, and moisture-wicking capability. Through extended field testing, we could verify not only that the feature existed but whether or not it actually worked. In the process, we discovered that not all of a brand's claimed features are created equal and offer the same experience.


Our lineup includes many feature-packed gloves, with nearly all of them including touchscreen compatibility, mesh ventilation, a nose wipe, and some sort of silicone grip on the palm or fingers. The 100% Cognito D30 sets itself apart with molded knuckle guards for increased impact protection.

mountain bike gloves - touch screen compatibility on gloves like the dakine covert is not...
Touch screen compatibility on gloves like the Dakine Covert is not only very useful, but its becoming the norm.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

The Fox Ranger and Ranger Fire feature a stretchy, polyester backing for increased flexibility, while the Ranger Fire is also specially designed for cold weather rides with a brushed fleece interior. Gloves like the TLD Air and Giro DND incorporate a ventilated mesh, while the POC Essential DH features a lycra palm and backing for improved comfort in warmer climates.

mountain bike gloves - a sturdy pull tab works well for donning the tightly cuffed fox...
A sturdy pull tab works well for donning the tightly cuffed Fox Ranger Fire.
Credit: Travis Reddinger

Protection


Any glove you choose will offer improved protection compared to bare skin, but some offer more impact and blister protection than others. Some gloves are meant to be as lightweight as possible, while others offer additional padding to hopefully avoid ride-ending injuries. Gloves that offer specific protection may be sought after for certain types of riding – like downhill racing – but most riders want some level of protection for their hands.


The 100% Cognito D30 offers the most impact protection by far. With D30 knuckle pads, abrasion-resistant fabric on the back, a longer cuff, and blister protection on the thumb webbing, this glove is a cut above the rest for trail protection. The POC Essential DH uses EVA foam padding on the outer knuckles for increased protection, but they don't quite compare to the moldable knuckle guards of the Cognito D30.

mountain bike gloves - the burly knuckle protection of the 100% cognito d30 for when rocks...
The burly knuckle protection of the 100% Cognito D30 for when rocks and trees attack.
Credit: Travis Reddinger

The Specialized Trail Thermal and Fox Ranger Fire offer a different kind of protection against cold, wind, and moisture. The TLD Air, Dakine Covert, and Cross-X all add material to the knuckles and back of the hand for improved abrasion resistance, but ultimately, these are still lightweight gloves.

mountain bike gloves - the polyurethane on the 4/5 fingers and wrist add protection to the...
The polyurethane on the 4/5 fingers and wrist add protection to the otherwise lightweight Dakine Covert.
Credit: Travis Reddinger

Durability


Mountain biking takes a toll on the rider and their equipment, and gloves see a lot of abuse. Constant pressure on the grips and sweat absorption are among the regular factors that can limit the normal lifespan of a glove. Now factor in hitting trees, brush, twigs, thorns, burrs, and the occasional slide in the dirt, and you are asking this piece of clothing to endure a lot during a regular ride. We examined the quality of each glove's stitching, craftsmanship, potential weak points, and materials used to determine how much punishment they could endure. We took notes on the trail and compared the wear and tear of the gloves after our extended testing period. Knowing that nothing lasts forever, especially depending on how much abuse you dish out, durability only accounts for a small fraction of a glove's overall score.


Thicker gloves like the Fox Ranger, Hestra Long Sr., or 100% Cognito D30 are built to withstand abuse on the trails. If you'd rather wear a lightweight glove, opt for ones with quality craftsmanship and materials, like the TLD Air or Dakine Covert. Even ultralight gloves like the Handup Summer Lite or 100% Celium that combine flexible, thin fabric with flat seams and synthetic leather palms are surprisingly durable for their weight. At the other end of the spectrum, the heavyweight Fox Ranger Fire and Specialized Trail Thermal offer high-quality materials and stitching that should last through the seasons, especially if they don't see the same regular use as an all-weather glove.

mountain bike gloves - all riders can appreciate the durability and protection of gloves...
All riders can appreciate the durability and protection of gloves, because more time on a bike is time well spent.
Credit: Travis Reddinger

Conclusion


We put these gloves through rigorous testing – with many hours in the saddle through a variety of trail conditions – to help narrow down the overwhelming number of options on the market. We hope our experience will help you easily decide on the right pair of gloves so that you can get out and ride!

Zach Wick, Jeremy Benson, Travis Reddinger