BTwin Warm Gloves 5

Sport superstore chain Decathlon – B'Twin is a Decathlon brand – has a big range of cycling gloves, available in store or on lineThe number at the end of the gloves name is effectively a warmth rating: higher numbers mean more warmth. The 'Warm Gloves 5' are cold weather gloves, but they're not quite as full-on-winter as, for example, the 7s that road.cc tested recently.

At the time of writing the 5s, advertised as mountain biking gloves but equally suitable for road riding unless you hate gel padded palms, are advertised on line for £12.99. But check on line as stocks are bound to vary as the seasons change.

There are several other options available around this price, from full-on waterproof neoprene to more summery. The 5s are windproof and shower resistant, but not waterproof. They're tough and comfortable enough to earn their price tag quickly and they come in more sizes than many glove ranges: S, M, L, XL and XXL. I usually take a large size in gloves and my large size samples were a perfect fit. Decathlon also have women-specific models.

I've worn these almost every day over several weeks of road and mountain bike riding and they've been through the 40 degree wash about a dozen times. They still look and feel almost as good as new. I say almost because one length of stitching is starting to wear and unravel in the transition area between the thumb and first finger, an area that gets abuse on the lever hoods. The gel inserts on the palms are still doing their job, although they're more useful off road than on, and the faux-armour tabs on the back of the fingers are still sitting proud.

For the price, especially if you can get them at £12.99, these are great. They may be a little bit too mountain bike-reinforced for the tastes of some road riders, but the reinforcements never feel cumbersome, and the initially snug finger fit is relieved by articulated knuckle seams. The wrists are long enough to tuck into a top, the towelling snot-wipe area on the back of the thumb is welcome and there are reflective strips on the sides.

What we have here, then, are Warm and comfy gloves that are good for anything above zero temperatures, and are very good value. Check on line before buying, as there are many similar options, and prices will vary as seasons change. In short, great gloves for the price.

Verdict

Warm padded gloves at an excellent price from the Euro sports superstore.