Choosing the right bike gloves
While wearing a glove may not always be considered a priority on a bike, we at FIVE see every day that it contributes to increased riding pleasure and performance, while helping to reduce rider fatigue. Just as it's better to wear a helmet, it's better to wear one than to ride barehanded.
We believe that every type of bike and every type of cyclist deserves a glove that's specifically adapted to them. That doesn't mean we can't offer versatile products for a wide range of cycling activities.
Our ambition is to offer you the widest possible choice. But a choice that's always relevant, allowing you to determine the ideal glove for... YOU!
To choose the right bike glove for YOU, there are several factors to consider.
1/ The type of bike used
If there are fundamental differences between bikes, it's for good reason. A road bike doesn't have the same characteristics as a gravel bike , a downhill bike or an urban Electrically Assisted bike (EAB).
The same applies to FIVE's bike gloves. Every feature is tailored to the intended use and the conditions in which the product will be used.
So it's essential to analyze your needs according to the type of bike you use and your preferences. That's why our collection is divided into several categories, each adapted to a specific type of bike or weather conditions.
Three examples:
When you're riding a road bike , and some people still don't think it's worth wearing gloves, you can spend long hours pedaling.
And while it's nice to be at one with your bike and the road, it's also nice to be able to reduce the feeling of fatigue in your hands (and the rest of your body). A short bike glove (or mitten) offers the sensation of wearing nothing, while providing undeniable comfort when leaning on the handlebars and brake housings, thanks to its gel pads. It also limits perspiration on the handlebars and contributes to better trajectory control.
These are all virtually imperceptible benefits that can make all the difference over the duration of an outing.
When riding a mountain bike in the great outdoors, you may want to avoid the more or less minor inconveniences caused by contact with branches or brambles.
But also, to reduce friction between hands and grips (which can lead to blisters), allowing a comfortable grip and optimum grip on the handlebars, which is essential in wet conditions as well as in hot, sweaty weather.
When riding an urban bike , you may need comfort, practicality or safety features, such as the ability to manipulate a touch screen (smartphone or GPS) without having to remove your glove, or reflective elements to make it easier for drivers to see you at night.
2/ The season in which the bike glove will be used
bike can be ridden for practical reasons or for passion. One thing's for sure: it's a great way to get around and push yourself, all year round and in all seasons.
That's why we offer a wide choice of gloves developed specifically to cope with the elements (heat, rain, wind, cold).
No glove can claim to be comfortable and totally effective all year round. That's why we recommend several pairs of FIVE bike gloves, each adapted to the riding conditions you'll encounter throughout the seasons.
For bike in good weather: standard bike gloves
Our standard gloves are designed for comfort and efficiency in dry weather and at comfortable ambient temperatures (neither too hot nor too cold).
For bike in adverse weather conditions
If it's pleasant to venture out on a bike in fine weather, it can be a different story when the weather turns for the worse. Unless you're properly equipped!
With bike equipment and gloves adapted to outdoor conditions, whether autumn or winter, bad weather will have little impact on your riding pleasure.
While some cyclists may be content with a pair of ski gloves, obviously unsuited to winter bike , FIVE has much better to offer.
Convinced of the progress we can make in terms of comfort and performance with our bike gloves specifically designed to cope with the elements (humidity, rain, wind, cold, including extreme cold), we have developed what is undoubtedly one of the widest and richest ranges of bike gloves to cope with difficult weather conditions, with fall and winter bike gloves adapted to road bike and mountain bike .
For bike in very cold weather: battery-heated bike gloves
For those who face more extreme cold conditions or want to ride more serenely in winter, we offer battery-heated bike gloves.
These gloves have all the features of classic winter bike gloves (waterproof membrane and thermal insulation), with the addition of an electrical resistance heating system integrated into the upper part of the hand, down to the fingertips and the inside of the last phalanx. Power is supplied by a battery built into each glove, or by a remote battery integrated into the jersey or jacket (from 2 to 6 hours' autonomy).
You can distinguish them by the prefix HG (for HEATED GLOVES) at the beginning of their name.
3/ Long gloves (with fingers) or short gloves (without fingers - or mittens)
While most road cyclists opt for short, fingerless gloves (or mittens), some, like mountain bikers, may prefer long, finger-covering gloves.
The former have the advantage of keeping the fingers bare, which can be handy for feeling levers or grasping any object without hindrance, and pleasant in hot weather as the air circulates better. They are sometimes a little more complicated to remove, so we fit them with pull tabs to make removal easier.
The latter, by covering the entire hand, offer better protection against minor risks in the event of contact with an external element. They also feature silicone inserts for better grip on levers. They are easy to put on and take off.
4/ Gel comfort pads in the palm or not
Depending on whether you're looking for the finest feel for the handlebars without the slightest filter, or whether you want to reduce fatigue and the vibrations or jolts associated with road or trail contours, you'll opt for bike gloves without the slightest reinforcement in the palm, or for gloves with gel comfort pads. The choice depends on whether you want pure performance or comfort.
5/ Elastic cuff or velcro closure
Some cyclists like to be able to adjust the tightness of their bike glove to the millimeter, using a Velcro fastening system. Others, on the other hand, prefer a cuff (short or long) with an elastic band and no adjustment pad, to fit naturally around the wrist. It's a question of preference and a feature to check when making your choice.
6/ Your budget
Once you've considered all the aspects that should guide your choice (see above), there remains one essential point: the budget you wish to devote to your pair(s) of bike gloves.
If, however, budget is the starting point of your search, don't hesitate to compare the products that seem accessible to you, to make sure they perfectly match your needs (by referring to the points mentioned above).
And if not, don't hesitate to choose a slightly more expensive model of bike glove if it's better suited to your needs. It's often worth going upmarket. An extra ten euros or so can sometimes give you access to a higher category and a higher level of features. This small financial effort at the time of purchase can pay off in the long run, by providing you with greater comfort or more performance.
There are pairs of bike gloves at every price. Even in the FIVE collection. These differences can be explained by the very nature of the elements that make up the glove. Whether in terms of comfort, materials or practicality.
You can be sure of one thing: for the same price as the competition, a FIVE glove often offers more. In component quality, comfort, convenience, performance and design!