Altura Shield Waterproof gloves are ideal for training, touring, commuting and cross country mountain biking thanks to hardy weatherproof construction, comprehensive detailing and competitive pricing. However, gel padding designed to protect the Ulnar nerve area induced precisely the tingling it was supposed to alleviate - for me anyway.

The shell is made from a clever multi layer polyester/nylon/polyurethane mix, striking an excellent balance between performance and cost. Moisture management (for internally generated moisture)isn't comparable with more expensive fabrics such as Gore Tex so Altura have addressed this using an anti bacterial lining, which keeps things hygienic between machine washes.

Previous incarnations of the Shield were criticised for a lack of reflectives but this has been addressed for 2011. Flipping them over reveals three-layer synthetic Amara palms, extensive silicone detailing and the obligatory Ulnar padding. Typically Altura, the sizin is quite generous so try before you buy or go a size smaller than usual but the rubberised Velcro cuffs complete the snug fit and lock the elements firmly outside. Fully submerged, riding through solid downpours and unforgiving winds my hands have remained completely dry and temperate.

Their heavy tog weight can leave the controls feeling a little remote, necessitating removal for roadside tune-ups but the material soon moulds to the hands without compressing uncomfortably. Insulation from road and trail shock is generally superb and the silicone detailing certainly inspires confidence in the wet -even white knuckle rides through slippery singletrack couldn't induce slippage.

My only gripe is the ubiquitous gel padding, which didn't compress or mould to my hand so well as some brands, resulting in an uncomfortable tingling sensation around the main thumb pad after two hours continuous riding.

Verdict

Versatile winter gloves but gel padding not the most comfortable