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  • 10 Best Cycling Gloves for Summer UK 2024 1
  • 10 Best Cycling Gloves for Summer UK 2024 2
  • 10 Best Cycling Gloves for Summer UK 2024 3
  • 10 Best Cycling Gloves for Summer UK 2024 4
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10 Best Cycling Gloves for Summer UK 2024

Wearing gloves whilst cycling in cold weather is a no-brainer in the UK, that is, if you want to keep your fingers! But when summer comes around, cycling gloves (referred to as cycling mitts when not in their full-fingered form) are still a valuable addition to your kit, providing a stable grip, padding for blisters and pressure reduction, and extra protection should you end up on the gravel.

To make sure you get the right cycling gloves for your summer rides, we’ve hashed out the reviews and discovered the key features to look for whether you’re a road commuter, weekend rider or mountain biker. Our countdown of the best mitts on the market from Amazon and eBay should also come in handy, with Giro, Castelli and Endura all making an appearance. So, let’s clip in and get going!
Last updated 22/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Cycling Gloves for Summer in the UK – Buying Guide

We’ve found that the best cycling mitts for summer have good ventilation, are easy to pull on and off, and don’t look half bad either. Other features as well as the materials they’re made from are more dependent on preference and where you ride, all of which we’ll get down to below.
1

Choose Between Real Leather, Suede or Synthetic Alternatives in Warmer Weather

The underside of the glove comes into contact with the handlebar grips, so it needs to be hard wearing, non-slip and comfortable during humid summer rides. Typically this half of the glove is either leather, suede, or a synthetic alternative such as polyurethane, sometimes known as PU or PU leather. So, which is better? 

Leather Is Long-Lasting but Heavier

Leather Is Long-Lasting but Heavier
Leather is considered the most durable but is a little heavier so you should look for sufficient ventilation features on the underside and throughout the glove if you go for this option. However, both leather and suede are less likely to bunch due to the thickness, so can be more comfortable.

Synthetic Leather Is the Lighter Option

Synthetic Leather Is the Lighter Option
Synthetic leather is thinner, lighter and more breathable, and can be cheaply made unless you choose a quality brand and product. You can also occasionally find mitts constructed from bike jersey-style synthetic material, which would be better for those who don’t spend too long in the saddle, or rather, on the handlebars.

Synthetic Gloves Are Washing Machine Friendly

Synthetic Gloves Are Washing Machine Friendly
Unlike suede or leather, PU or synthetic gloves can often be thrown in the washing machine, which can be very handy indeed if you’re wearing them regularly and want to keep the inevitable whiffs and stains at bay.
2

Mountain or Trail Bikers Can Find Full-Fingered Summer Gloves, But They’re Less Breathable

Mountain or Trail Bikers Can Find Full-Fingered Summer Gloves, But They’re Less Breathable
There are some full-fingered gloves out there designed for use in warmer-weather conditions, made with lightweight materials and the appropriate ventilation. They’re predominantly aimed toward mountain bikers, XC and trail riders, as they protect the entire hand – so if this is you, they’re worth considering.


Evidently these full-fingered gloves will be stuffier than half-fingered mitts, but they can be useful for between-season cycling or the spontaneous rainy or windy summer days that we often experience in the UK!

3

Look for Good Ventilation Features, Such as Mesh Panels or Entire Mesh Uppers

Look for Good Ventilation Features, Such as Mesh Panels or Entire Mesh Uppers
On the whole, you’ll want to look for as much ventilation as you can get for summer gloves, especially if you choose to go for full-fingered gloves. There should certainly be mesh on the upper part of the glove in some form, but if you want as lightweight a mitt as possible, perhaps for a shorter daily commute, you may want to go for a fully mesh upper.


Otherwise, you can also look out for mesh ventilated fingers and palms. They’ll further help to circulate air through the glove, which will reduce the perspiration and heat build up that usually ends in discomfort and blisters on longer rides.

4

Some Gloves Have Sweat Wipes to Mop Your Brow Whilst on the Road

Some Gloves Have Sweat Wipes to Mop Your Brow Whilst on the Road
Cycling in summer is hot work, and even for the less sweaty among us, a dripping brow can mean stinging eyes, and an annoying distraction that can lead to a swerve or even a fall. Choosing mitts with a pad of material known as a sweat wipe (that can also double up as a nose wipe) is the solution, the likes of which will be positioned on the thumb, upper, or both.


Sweat wipes can be made from microfibre, terrycloth, or suede, which are all proficient at doing the job, but microfibre is the most absorbent and moisture-wicking of the three so is our preference.

5

Decide if Padding is a Priority, Such as for Extended Rides

Decide if Padding is a Priority, Such as for Extended Rides
Next, decide how important padding is to you, and the level of padding you would like. Some summer cycling gloves offer light padding or even no padding at all, which would be suitable for swifter commutes; where the main requirement is a simple glove that keeps sweaty hands from slipping around the bars.


Higher levels of padding will be more comfortable for extended rides or those who are prone to joint aches, as well as providing a thicker barrier against cuts and scrapes. Gel pads are very comfortable and considered the best of the best, but will usually be on the more expensive side, and will add more weight.

6

Road Cyclists Can Increase Visibility in the Dark With Reflective Gloves

Road Cyclists Can Increase Visibility in the Dark With Reflective Gloves
We all know how crucial road visibility is as a cyclist, especially when biking at night. As an extra safety measure, you could make the decision to select mitts with the addition of reflective panels, logos or stripes. Whilst you may already have reflective gear in the rest of your cycling kit, it can’t hurt to add some more!
7

Finger Tabs Can Make Quick Removal Much Easier

Finger Tabs Can Make Quick Removal Much Easier


In warm and sticky climates, our hands swell and perspire, making the removal of gloves a bit of an ordeal to say the least. Add to that the fact that short-fingered mitts don’t have fingertips to tug on, and you’ll see why some cycling gloves feature finger tabs or loops for quick removal.


There may also be times when you really need to get your gloves on or off quickly, so look for these features to make bike life on the road altogether less stressful.

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Top 10 Best Cycling Gloves for Summer in the UK

Now you have the information to choose the right gloves for your summer biking needs, it’s time to get into the product recommendations. We have included some full-fingered options for the adrenaline junkies, as well as a selection of practical, stylish mitts for every budget.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Castelli

Arenberg Gel 2 Cycling Gloves

Castelli  Arenberg Gel 2 Cycling Gloves 1

£29.84

Mid

Light and Impact Absorbing for Road Riders

2

Giro

Zero CS Cycling Gloves

Giro Zero CS Cycling Gloves 1

£29.95

Mid

Barely-There Pro Level Mitts

3

Giro

Monaco II Gel Cycling Gloves

Giro  Monaco II Gel Cycling Gloves 1

£36.93

High Mid

High Performance, Tough Leather Gloves

4

Endura

Hummvee Plus Cycling Mitt Glove

Endura Hummvee Plus Cycling Mitt Glove 1

£34.68

High Mid

Athlete-Approved Hot Weather Mitts

5

Pearl Izumi

Ride Women's Pro Gel Vent Gloves

Pearl Izumi  Ride Women's Pro Gel Vent Gloves 1

£22.41

Mid

Combines Gel Padding With Full Ventilation

6

Luroon

Cycling Gloves

Luroon  Cycling Gloves 1

£13.99

Low Mid

Gloves That Will Stretch and Bend to Suit You

7

Rolson

Fingerless Cycle Gloves

Rolson Fingerless Cycle Gloves 1

£7.99

Low

A Budget-Friendly Option With All The Essentials

8

FREETOO

Full Finger Gel Padded Cycling Gloves

FREETOO Full Finger Gel Padded Cycling Gloves 1

£27.39

Mid

Lightweight Yet Fully-Covered Gloves

9

Van Rysel

Road Cycling Gloves 500

Van Rysel Road Cycling Gloves 500 1

£7.99

Low

Cheap and Cheerful Gloves for the Summer

10

Giro

DND MTB Cycling Gloves

Giro DND MTB Cycling Gloves 1

£37.50

High Mid

Breathable and Protective Summer Mountain Biking Gloves

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Castelli Arenberg Gel 2 Cycling Gloves

Arenberg Gel 2 Cycling Gloves 1
Source:ebay.co.uk
Reference price
£29.84
Mid
Reference price
£29.84
Mid

Light and Impact Absorbing for Road Riders

As smart looking as you’d expect from an Italian brand, Castelli’s latest Arenburg’s are also brilliantly engineered too. Plenty of breathable micro-mesh, shock absorbing gel padding and sturdy silicone grip feature, as well as a finger tab and Velcro adjustments.

They’d be a great pick for road cyclists and cyclocross racers alike, and are definitely worth the price tag for serious pedal heads as they’re so well constructed they’ll stick with you ride after ride.
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No.2

GiroZero CS Cycling Gloves

Zero CS Cycling Gloves 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£29.95
Mid
Reference price
£29.95
Mid

Barely-There Pro Level Mitts

These sleek mitts have reinforcements rather than padding, allowing for a firm grip with maximum bar feel. An ideal minimal and breathable glove for hot commutes, racing and weekend jaunts, they’re also easy to slip on and off with no straps, and the close fit means no distracting creases.

The specialist fabric is moisture-wicking, and there’s an additional microfibre wipe, plus you can throw them in the wash when they need freshening up.
No.3

Giro Monaco II Gel Cycling Gloves

Monaco II Gel Cycling Gloves 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£36.93
High Mid
Reference price
£36.93
High Mid

High Performance, Tough Leather Gloves

Giro’s updated Monaco’s are their most high performing glove yet, made with tough and durable sheep’s leather (that can be machine washed too!) that keeps up with your mileage.

They’re double stitched in all the right areas for proper reinforcement, and have 3mm Technogel padding to protect and support. All in all, a modest-looking but thoroughly hard-wearing glove with all the latest features you need to keep your ride easy breezy.
No.4

EnduraHummvee Plus Cycling Mitt Glove

Hummvee Plus Cycling Mitt Glove 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£34.68
High Mid
Reference price
£34.68
High Mid

Athlete-Approved Hot Weather Mitts

This sporty pair by professional cyclist supplier Endura are one of the most breathable mitts on our list thanks to their fully ventilated web mesh between the fingers for comfort during even the longest and hottest uphill climbs.

There’s also a “monster” (translation: very large) terry sweat wipe across the thumb and upper, and a pull tab on the wrist as well as several on the fingers.
No.5

Pearl Izumi Ride Women's Pro Gel Vent Gloves

Ride Women's Pro Gel Vent Gloves 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£22.41
Mid
Reference price
£22.41
Mid

Combines Gel Padding With Full Ventilation

Though most gloves can be worn regardless of gender, if you have more petite hands you may want to go for a women’s pair such as these, that can be adjusted further with the wide Velcro tab.

They’re very well padded with fully ventilated gel inserts for the perfect balance of comfort and breathability, and a microfibre sweat wipe is positioned on the thumb. The reflective sections on the upper will get you noticed, too.
No.6

Luroon Cycling Gloves

Cycling Gloves 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£13.99
Low Mid

Gloves That Will Stretch and Bend to Suit You

The high elasticity of these gloves makes them incredibly comfortable. They will stretch to work with your movements so much that you'll forget you're even wearing them. The anti-slip suede will help to lock your hands in place so you can feel fully in control of the handlebars, no matter what sort of terrain you decide to explore next. 


Whilst there are a number of vents and quite a bit of mesh, the synthetic leather and thick palm pad might mean your hands get rather warm at times, especially in the summer heat, something to consider if you cycle in hot conditions. 

No.7

RolsonFingerless Cycle Gloves

Fingerless Cycle Gloves 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£7.99
Low
Reference price
£7.99
Low

A Budget-Friendly Option With All The Essentials

Another more affordable option on this list, these gloves are great for the occasional cyclist that doesn't want to spend a fortune. They have all the essentials you could want from summer gloves: they have good ventilation, they're lightweight and they have fingers tabs to make getting them off easier. 


Although these gloves do have some level of cushioning on the palms, their lightweight nature means that it is not much. You need to make sure that, if using these gloves at night, you have other reflective items of clothing on you as these don't include any reflective material

No.8

FREETOOFull Finger Gel Padded Cycling Gloves

Full Finger Gel Padded Cycling Gloves 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£27.39
Mid
Reference price
£27.39
Mid

Lightweight Yet Fully-Covered Gloves

These lightweight and flexible full-fingered gloves are made with synthetic leather and spandex, and would be great for summer evening rides due to the extra reflective panels and trim.

They’re enhanced with shock absorbing palm padding so would again be an excellent choice for hot weather trail riders or mountain bikers, as well as being both very affordable and very well made.
No.9

Van RyselRoad Cycling Gloves 500

Reference price
£7.99
Low
Reference price
£7.99
Low

Cheap and Cheerful Gloves for the Summer

For fair-weather cyclists that pursue the sport more casually, look no further than these summer-friendly gloves. They are incredibly good value, come in a choice of bright colours and have breathable palms and backs. 


These gloves are a more basic option and their affordable price means that they don't have the advanced technology that some of the others on this list do. They also don't have a huge amount of padding on the palms, which some riders might find uncomfortable. 

No.10

GiroDND MTB Cycling Gloves

DND MTB Cycling Gloves 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£37.50
High Mid
Reference price
£37.50
High Mid

Breathable and Protective Summer Mountain Biking Gloves

Giro’s DND range combines the safety you need when thrashing through the hot wilderness with moisture-wicking four way stretch, breathable mesh, EVA padding, and ventilated synthetic AX suede palms.

There’s also touchscreen fingertip pads, a microfibre wipe and a simple pull on design with no fastenings to struggle with. They will probably be too hot for cyclists without the need for protection, but are one of the most breathable full-fingered types out there.

Make Sure You're Ready to Keep Cycling All Year

Make Sure You're Ready to Keep Cycling All Year

Cycling during the summer means encountering different conditions to those you might experience at other times of the year. If you want to continue your cycling adventures into the colder months, take a look at some of our recommendations that will keep you warm and safe. 

Summary

Investing in a pair of cycling mitts can really make a difference to your ride, ensuring your hands feel comfortable, ventilated and supported, and giving you back the grip you lose in sweaty situations. So, make sure you get a pair with the right features for however you plan to spend your time in the saddle this summer.


Author: Natasha Dziubajlo

Top 5 Cycling Gloves for Summer

No. 1: Castelli Arenberg Gel 2 Cycling Gloves

No. 2: GiroZero CS Cycling Gloves

No. 3: Giro Monaco II Gel Cycling Gloves

No. 4: EnduraHummvee Plus Cycling Mitt Glove

No. 5: Pearl Izumi Ride Women's Pro Gel Vent Gloves

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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