Gloves
Used MTB gloves range from paper-thin XC race gloves to armoured DH gauntlets, and the best pairs disappear on your hands — good bar feel, secure grip in the wet, and protection where you need it. The decisions that matter are palm material (Clarino synthetic leather vs silicone prints), finger dexterity, and padding for trail and enduro against maximum feel for DH and gravity. For UK riding, at least one pair of waterproof winter gloves is essential.
Which gloves suit my riding?
Trail gloves are the all-rounders — single-layer construction, minimal padding, silicone grip on fingers and palm. DH and freeride gloves add knuckle protection (TPR or D3O) and reinforced palms for crash resistance, pairing with the rest of your armour and pads. XC race gloves are the lightest, often just a mesh back with a thin Clarino palm. Winter gloves are a different category entirely: insulated, windproof and sometimes lobster-claw designs for warmth.
Clarino palms or silicone print?
Clarino synthetic leather is the industry standard for palms — durable, grippy when wet, and it moulds to your hand over time. Some brands (100% iTrack, Fox Ranger) use silicone print patterns instead, which grip well but wear faster. Thin single-layer palms give better bar feel for brake and shift control, while padded palms (gel or foam) reduce vibration on rough terrain but deaden feedback — a personal preference trade-off.
How should gloves fit?
Glove fit is critical: too loose and they bunch under your grip, causing blisters; too tight and they restrict blood flow and dexterity. Measure your hand circumference around the knuckles, as most brands publish size charts in cm — Fox and Troy Lee run slightly small, 100% runs true, Endura runs slightly large. Pre-curved fingers improve comfort and reduce fatigue on long rides. Try them on grips if possible before committing.
Which features actually matter?
Touchscreen-compatible fingertips, usually thumb and index, let you use your phone without removing gloves — check this actually works, as cheap conductive thread loses sensitivity quickly. A terry cloth wipe panel on the thumb helps clear sweat and mud from your face. Pull-on tabs or hook-and-loop wrist closures are preference, and some riders find velcro catches on jersey sleeves. Perforated mesh backs breathe better in summer.
What do I need for a UK winter?
UK winters demand proper winter gloves from roughly November to March. Look for windproof membranes (Gore Windstopper or similar), thermal lining, and long cuffs that seal over jacket sleeves. Waterproof gloves exist but trade breathability — your hands sweat inside, so many riders prefer wind-resistant gloves with a DWR coating and accept occasional wet hands. Lobster-claw (split-finger) designs like the Endura BaaBaa keep fingers warmer than full-finger gloves by sharing body heat.
What should I check on used gloves?
Inspect the palm for worn-through patches — once the Clarino is gone, grip disappears. Check the stitching at the finger seams, which is where most gloves fail first, and bear in mind velcro closures clog with fibres over time and lose grip. Padding flattens with use, so check gel inserts have not fully compressed. For winter gloves, verify the waterproof membrane is not delaminated — fill them with water and check for leaks if the seller allows it. Used pairs are listed alongside the rest of the MTB kit.