5 Reasons Why You Should Always Wear Your Cycling Gloves

Ritahtinina - Dec 2020

As a cyclist, you should always consider the idea of going out to ride a bicycle with gloves since these simple accessories become the perfect weapon to reduce the tingling or numbness of the hands and also protect them from possible injuries in the event of a fall or accident.

Although many cyclists think that gloves are not essential, these elements are as important as the helmet that protects the head or the shoes that improve the transfer of power to the pedals. Gloves give you more comfort and control when cycling.
Despite cycling gloves being fundamental, many cyclists that we see on the roads around cycle with their bare hands without protection. This is a very risky decision that could even generate complications or damage to the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve helps in the movement of the arm, wrist, and hand.

The bicycle gloves are more than just an accessory. Gloves now offer various functions that make their use more practical and comfortable. Below are 5 main reasons why you should always wear your cycling gloves 

1) They give you extra cushioning

The bicycle suspension systems are capable of reducing the impacts that we find on the roads.

The prototypes of gloves come equipped with inserts of gel or other padded materials in the palm.

They have the ability to improve the sensation before impacts and absorb the vibrations received by the front wheel of the bicycle when it collides with an obstacle or passes through areas of great technical complexity.

This gives relief to the hands and wrists since it reduces the tension generated in this area of the body. After cycling helmets and cycling glasses, cycling gloves are the third on the list of the essential piece of cycling equipment. 

2) They protect you against injuries when you fall.

The first reaction that a cyclist usually has when they suffer a fall or an accident is to open the hands' palms to put them against the ground.
If he or she is not protected, it is most likely that all the skin in the palms' area may suffer deep wounds and scrapes.

In addition to this, cyclists who are used to riding in areas with a large presence of branches or trees could suffer scratches on the knuckles. That is why it is best to wear protected hands to prevent the skin from being exposed to vegetation.

Gloves when cycling can also protect your hands from external weather conditions. Wet, frozen hands are not only uncomfortable but can also reduce your ability to react and thus result in less safety on the bike. 

3) Improve handlebar grip.

Sweaty palms or a wet handlebar can cause slipping of the hands when we are not wearing gloves. Many cyclists use the gloves because the materials they incorporate in the palms and even in the area of the fingers improve the grip of the steering and the contact with the brake and shift levers.

It would be best if you chose a prototype that comes equipped with breathable tights that have the ability to disperse heat and favor quick drying or materials that are capable of keeping your hands warm in very cold climates.

In this way, you can stay dry on any terrain and enjoy better control of your bike. Special cycling gloves ensure that there is still enough grip on the handlebars despite the sweat and that the hands are still well ventilated.

In addition to improving the grip, using gloves when cycling can be used as a style/lifestyle. Often cyclists use gloves that match the color of the bikes, the color of the helmets or jersey. A cyclist will feel nice if he or she looks cool. 

4) They promote comfort on long trips

Some riders who don't wear gloves argue that many prototypes come equipped with very fat and thick pads that make them lose feeling and touch. And they are right because those models with so hard or fat padded reinforcements can cause many discomforts and even pain.

However, the market has evolved, and leading manufacturers in the industry have breathable and stretchy prototypes designed with imperceptible seams and strategically placed pads, which are tasked with promoting hand movement and making the fit feel much more natural.

These features are perfect for very long bike rides where the hands remain attached to the handlebars for several hours. Gloves can also protect the cyclist against UV radiation and thus prevent sunburn on the hands. Sunburn on your hands can be painful. 

5) Avoid numbness and nerve problems.

When riding downhill, receiving vibrations, or assuming a very inclined posture on the bicycle, it is normal for the wrists to support the rider's body's weight. This load creates tension in the hands and can cause severe pain or even tingling sensations and numbness at the end of a journey.

Experts warn that the cyclist's force when squeezing the handlebar grips and the tension generated in the hands and wrists when the bike passes through very unstable terrain mainly affects the hands' outer area, precisely where there is the presence of the nerve ulnar nerve.

The ulnar nerve is part of the three most important nerves in the arm since it is the one that helps the movement of the wrist and hand.
When a cyclist holds the handlebars for a long time without any type of protection, it is possible that overload is generated in the hands and, therefore, prolonged pressure on the nerve.

This causes symptoms such as pain or numbness. A tingling sensation, weakness on the arm, and even an injury may also be felt.
Ideally, you should use cycling gloves that help reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve. This is achieved through padded materials strategically placed over the palms and knuckle areas. 

The importance of choosing suitable gloves. Cycling gloves protect your hands from weather exposure, from possible accidents, and from the fatigue that the support of all the weight on them can suppose. It is important to know that there are different types of gloves for different types of cycling.

Each of them can prevent the problems associated with each type of sport on wheels. When it comes to cycling gloves, women and men differ not only in glove size but also in the hand's anatomy. As a result, it makes perfect sense to use gloves for cycling that are specific to a particular gender. What types of cycling gloves are there in the market?

The cycling gloves for the summer.

In summer, many cyclists use short finger gloves. With short finger gloves, the upper part of the finger is open. This type of gloves is made of thin, breathable fabrics.

Light, thin long finger gloves are now also available for use in summer. These are very absorbent to be able to wipe away sweat better. In addition, these special summer gloves ensure adequate ventilation of the hands while cycling. The long gloves feel like a second, thin skin. 

The cycling gloves for the winter.

There is nothing worse in winter than having frozen fingers or toes. As a result of freezing fingers, you can lose the feeling of the handlebars in your hands.

Moreover, a lot of tact is required during winter, especially when performing dangerous braking maneuvers while cycling. Only suitable winter gloves can help against cold fingers when cycling in winter. Gloves keep you warm for temperatures around 0 degrees.
Suitable cycling gloves for winter are:

1. Windproof
2. Waterproof
3. Isolated
4. Not too much padded on the palm.

How do cycling gloves have to fit?

Ideally, cycling gloves fit like a second skin, and they shouldn't constrict the hand. So, there must be enough freedom of movement on the handlebars.

When you want to determine the correct size of cycling gloves, the hand's circumference must be measured.

Glove sizes are not standardized; however, the hand circumference should always be compared with the size chart of the respective manufacturer.

In conclusion,

In addition to having a bicycle, you must also give the importance it deserves to the rest of the equipment's, such as gloves and the helmet. This equipment's are equally important for a cyclist.

When it comes to cycling, it is very important to be well equipped. This will significantly help prevent possible problems arising from this sport's performance or from the inclement weather that you may encounter while cycling.

Ultimately, there are special gloves for every type of cycling, which are adapted to the purpose, as well as the gloves for every imaginable weather and temperature situation. It is essential to equip yourself with a complete range of cycling gloves.

It is recommended to purchase the thin long-finger cycling gloves for the summer and thick gloves for the winter so that you are well equipped and adequately protected for most weather situations.

You should always take care of your hand's health and avoid discomfort by using suitable cycling gloves. They will surely give you very good comfort and control while cycling. 

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BeaverRo has the Cycling Gloves you need at prices you'll love! 

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