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Revolution Essential Insulated Gloves

7
£17.61

VERDICT:

7
10
Great value, well designed winter gloves – waterproofing would make them better still
Weight: 
200g
Contact: 
www.edinburghbicycle.com

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Revolution Essential insulated Gloves make excellent mid winter do all riding companions thanks to windproof, breathable backs. Low density, extremely tactile padding locks wind chill firmly outside while stretch knuckles and side finger panels allow nimble fingers for operating light switches, toggling computer functions and performing those roadside repairs/tune-ups. However, I would sooner pay a little more for the convenience of waterproofing.

Closely resembling Endura’s Strike gloves, the large were spot on, helped in no small part by the huge Velcro cuffs. Ulnar nerve padding is now expected, although my experience suggests its effectiveness varies from brand to brand and chevron type knobbles positioned on the heels of the palm might look peculiar, they seem more effective than most gel padding over longer periods bit grip remains better on embossed, matt rather than traditional glossy bar tape. Attacked by thorns and bramble along narrow bridleways, the backs remain in good condition and the palms should survive the odd mixed terrain tumble with little ill effect.

Some winter gloves can make otherwise very slick, precision controls feel remote but articulated knuckles keep things positive. Build quality too is on a par with brands twice the price thanks to consistent double stitching throughout the palm and points most vulnerable to abrasion. Subtle, yet extensive Scotchlite detailing around the back extends to the forefinger and accentuates hand signals, particularly on unlit roads and integrated nylon tabs means they won’t get separated in the drawer. Resilient in the face of a wet November, they eventually saturated subjected to two hours continual rainfall and the same happens almost immediately when partially submerged, taking several hours to dry at room temperature.

Verdict

Great value, well designed winter gloves but waterproofing would make them better still.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Edinburgh Essential Insulated Gloves

Size tested: Large

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?

The Essential insulated gloves are precisely that, keenly priced and very warm winter gloves, great for commuting and winter training/club runs. However, while hardy enough,their ability to absorb water means they're not the best choice for wet weather mountain biking or cyclo cross.

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

Micro Pu palm with double stitching and ulnar nerve padding, polyester mesh back, velcro cuffs,articulated knuckles and scotchlite reflectives.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

200g pair (Large as tested)

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

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

The Essentials do most things very well, offering warmth and dexterity and a high standard of comfort thanks to sensible padding. Articulated knuckles make for nimble fingers when tackling roasdside repairs and operating computer/lighting switches. Scotchlite detailing is among the best I've seen, really emphasising hand signals Material seems surprisingly hardy too but will absorb and retain moisture in heavy downpours. However, the curious looking ulnar nerve padding is more effective than most, delivering day long protection from numbness.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Fit, detailing and value for money.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I'd pay a little more for waterproofing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? In the main, yes.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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1 comments

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Ged Holmyard | 14 years ago
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I agree, these are superb winter gloves.

Moreover, Edinburgh Bike Co-op don't claim they are waterproof, so I would not mark them down on that basis.

Especially when they still keep out the rain for 2 hours, making them perfect for most real-world winter rides. (I admit here that I'm a softy whose winter rides are rarely longer than 2 hours.)

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