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review
Gloves - full finger
Altura Thermastretch glovesAltura Thermastretch Gloves

Altura Thermastretch gloves

8
by John Whittington
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Feb 11, 2014

6
£24.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Novel neoprene gloves that should work well for wet spring rides
Weight: 
103g
Contact: 
www.zyro.co.uk
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Altura's Thermostretch gloves take a simplified approach to winter hand protection. Made from a single material - neoprene - and with no layering, are they a worthy addition to your wardrobe?

Made solely of neoprene, the gloves stretch to provide a tight fit around the hands. Along with a high grip matrix of dots along the underside, they provide a unique level of control compared to standard winter gloves, which can be a bit cumbersome. I found I had more dexterity moving around the bars than with other gloves that provide this amount of warmth.

In terms of warmth, the neoprene does a surprisingly good job down to most temperatures you'll get in a UK winter - only below 7°C did my hands start to get cold. One concern I had was that wind resistance wouldn't be up to much but after a few rides I can say that it is not a problem. Another benefit of the neoprene is that like a wet suit, if it starts to rain and they get wet, they still provide a good deal of warmth.

The design is fairly simple, made from a few panels of neoprene stitched with outer seams and a matrix grip design on the palms. Altura, known for their reflective gear have added a reflective pattern and branding to the finger - a welcome addition to aid visibility to other road users. There is no velcro cuff but it isn't needed, as the stretch fit seals around the wrist well.

Verdict

I enjoyed using the Thermostretch gloves from Altura on faster rides and short commutes, where the tight fit and improved control works well. While the insulation is good, they wouldn't cut it on cold, longer rides. The £23 you'll typically pay for them is fair and I think they'll really come into their own on wet spring rides.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Altura Thermastretch Gloves

Size tested: Black, Medium

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

'High stretch neoprene glove provides fantastic insulation and a great fit.'

I wouldn't go as far as to say the insulation is 'fantastic' but it is certainly good for the dexterity that remains.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

- High stretch closed cell neoprene

- Reinforced printed palm

- Reflective trim

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Simple and neat.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

Solid build quality.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

The neoprene provides an element of cushioning on the bars and stretch fit feels great on hands.

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Kept my hands warm to around 7 degrees. I'd use them for fast paced rides and short commutes. Anything longer, colder and slower, I'd once something more layered.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Tidy fit and level of control.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I couldn't layer them with a liner glove when it did get colder - there isn't room.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 25  Height: 184cm  Weight: 68kg

I usually ride: Giant TCR Advanced 1  My best bike is: Giant TCR Advanced 1

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Semi pro

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, club rides, mtb,

 

Altura Thermastretch gloves
Altura

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6 comments

Avatar
thebongolian | 10 years ago
0 likes

As others have said very similar to Castelli Diluvios which are great. A few tips though:

- turn these inside out and the end of a ride so they dry properly otherwise they get stinky

- if you stop for a prolonged period take them off, keep them right way out and put them as close to your core as you can (e.g. down the front of your jersey next to your baselayer). Thjat way your body heat keeps the water that's built up in them warm and your fingers don't freeze when you put them back on.

Avatar
themartincox | 10 years ago
0 likes

might want to talc your hands before putting them in tho....

Avatar
manox432 | 10 years ago
0 likes

Where these look good is the amount of reflective trim/ print on the back. Great for getting noticed when making those right turns.
Knowing altura gear, it'll last well too.

Avatar
Flying Scot | 10 years ago
0 likes

You can easily get lomo wetsuit gloves which are very similar for half this amount, in varying thicknesses.

Just if you want to try the concept.

Avatar
Nick T | 10 years ago
0 likes

Diluvios can be found for 29 squids easily, and they look very similar to these. I get a lot of use from mine, wear them all through winter - when your body's warm, your hands are warm. Stop and wait for a puncture repair in the cold and they cool rapidly though.

Where these look better is that cuff, Diluvios are a raw edge and after two winters the fabric lining the neoprene is shot. Hopefully that cuff can prevent that happening.

Where these don't look better is the lack of white scorpion logo to match the rest of your castelli kit.

Avatar
notfastenough | 10 years ago
0 likes

So would I be better off paying £35 for the Castelli Diluvio?

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