Have you ever watched a bike race and wondered what cycling gloves are for? They might make biking a more intimidating activity since you don’t know why do you need to purchase them or don’t know anything about them. We’re here to rescue you from being an outcast in the world of cycling. Keep reading to learn all about those excellent leather gloves that actually have tons of benefits in your cycling journey.
Do Cycling Gloves Make a Difference?
To put it shortly, yes. Wearing cycling gloves is a matter of preference; however, it is highly recommended even by pro cyclists that you wear them. Excessive friction between your palms and the handlebars will inevitably cause blisters, which will not only be painful but also prevent you from grabbing your bike for a ride until they’re healed. Cycling gloves are there to prevent that from happening by offering not only protection from injuries but an even more comfortable bike ride.
Why Wear Cycling Gloves?
Wearing cycling gloves is a matter of protection and comfort. Although it might not seem as crucial as, say, wearing a helmet, cycling gloves actually have a lot of benefits and protective factors that will surely encourage you to wear them.
Cycling gloves protect the hands from cuts, blisters, and road vibrations, as well as provide a better grip on the handlebars. They also absorb sweat, making it easier to hold the handlebars and prevent slippage. Additionally, in the event of a crash, gloves can help reduce the severity of injuries to the hands.
1. Preventing injuries in the case of crashing
Cycling gloves are considered safety gear, so they do provide a lot of protection in case of a crash. If an accident is about to occur, it is a human instinct to try to break your fall to prevent injuries. And since your feet are on the pedals, you might land your hands first on the ground. Cycling gloves soften the blow and definitely protect your hands from all sorts of scratches and further damage.
2. Adding comfort to your hands
Whether you choose full-finger gloves or half-finger ones, no doubt that your palms will thank you for it after you’ve spent all day cycling. The padding in the cycling gloves prevents nerve damage and makes your hands feel more comfortable, especially if you’ve been cycling for hours. For the gloves to do their part in making your hands comfortable and safe, you need to do yours. So pick gloves that are not too tight or too loose to prevent discomfort, injuries, or violating a store’s return policy.
3. Providing a better grip
Cycling is an intense sport, which means you will be sweating quite much during it. If your hands are exposed, and gloveless on the handlebars, it can cause you problems when you start to sweat and your hands are slippery. Since cycling gloves are made from synthetic materials such as leather and polyester, they provide a better grip on the handlebars and prevent any moisture from ruining your bike ride.
4. Bringing warmth to your hands
Cycling gloves are not just there to prevent injuries, they’re also there to keep your hands cozy. Biking gloves, especially if they’re dry, keep your hands very warm when you’re riding your bike in the rain or chilly winter weather. All the more reason to stop making excuses during cold weather and going for a bike ride, you have your cycling gloves to keep you warm.
It is unlikely that you will need any more reasons to be convinced that you need cycling gloves, but here’s another one, you will look super cool wearing them! Not to mention that nothing makes a bike ride smoother than knowing you’re being safe and looking great doing it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wearing cycling gloves can be seen as both unnecessary and crucial, depending on the individual’s personal preference and experience. While some may argue that gloves are not essential for cycling, they offer numerous benefits such as protection, improved grip, sweat management, and reduced injury severity in case of a crash. Ultimately, the decision to wear gloves while cycling is a personal one, but it is clear that they provide a range of benefits that make them a worthwhile consideration for riders of all levels.
