Fox Racing Ranger Gel Mountain Biking Glove

The legs may do most of the moving, but ask any mountain biker and they’ll tell you: It’s a full-body sport. The feet, back and especially the hands can take their share of punishment on long rides, and that’s why a good set of mountain biking gloves is essential once you start hitting the trail.

These gloves can come in many different designs and are made from a variety of materials. To find the right pair, you have to ask yourself not just what kind of riding you plan to do, but where and when you plan on doing it. Primarily, biking gloves should do two main things: Keep your grip from slipping on the handlebars, and protect the hands from abrasion (either through chafing on the bars or through contact with the ground in case of a spill). Needless to say, they should be comfortable, and some gloves can’t do that in all types of weather.

In the summer, fingerless gloves are a popular choice. If you’re doing shorter rides in less challenging terrain, the bare fingers can keep your hands from getting sweaty and you’re much less likely to need the extra protection.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that full-fingered gloves won’t work in warm weather. You just may have to spend a little more on breatheable material that will keep moisture from building up inside the gloves. Polyurethane or polyester gloves do a good job of keeping the sweat away, and leather can also be very breatheable while providing ample protection for palms.

If you’re riding in the winter months, you’ll definitely want full gloves with a bit more insulation. Fleece can be good for very cold weather, but synthetic materials like Primaloft can keep hands plenty warm if things don’t get below freezing.

Most gloves are made of more than one material, so you might find mesh or spandex enhanced with leather on the palm, rubber accents for additional grip, or reflective strips on the back of the hand for visibility. Gel inserts are one popular feature in modern biking gloves, and they can go a long way to preventing blisters for marathon riders. Just be sure that the gel isn’t so thick that it interferes with your preferred hand position.

A good fit is essential with any glove, but it can be a lifesaver on the trail. Longer biking gloves should have hook-and-loop (Velcro-like) straps or some other fastener to keep them snug. If you’re choosing thick winter gloves, make sure you can still close your fist fully — you’ll want plenty of flexibility no matter what the weather is like.

Some other good perks to look out for are finger loops that let you take the gloves off quickly (and without turning them inside out). If you’re getting full-fingered gloves, touchscreen-friendly pads on the fingertips can eliminate the need to take them off at all. And don’t overlook the material on the outer part of the palm: On long rides, a microfiber or fleece pad to wipe away sweat can be a lifesaver.

It won’t take too many outings before you start to wonder, “How do I wash these gloves?” The answer, as with most athletic gear, is “very carefully.” Always follow the washing instructions that come with your gloves. When in doubt, use cold water and allow to air dry. If your gloves come with Velcro-style straps, take special care not to throw them in the wash unsecured. They can wreak havoc on more sensitive fabrics in the laundry and come out less effective to boot.